Single speed projects

[Beesrib]

Some help from the SS gurus please.

 

As can be seen I am starting a SS mtb build. 

Still need to decide on a crank. 

Wondering if a 180mm crank will  help with the extra leverage or should I stay with the 175mm crank as on  my other bicycles?

Would the extra 5mm really give a perceivable advantage or would it be "all in my mind" 

hi man congrats on the frame and enjoy the build.  just on the crank, try and avoid something with a 120bcd spider .  it makes swopping and finding rings difficult.

 

enjoy

[Monark]

My custom Momsen SS is still for sale...

[Oracle BoB]

My single speed Just need to add handle bar tape

Edited May 6, 2015 by Oracle BoB

[J∆kk∆ls]

My new SS project almost complete. Just need to order new cog and spacer kit.

Are you joining us for the Wilde Gravel Travel 60km SS?

[Lone_Ranger]

Are you joining us for the Wilde Gravel Travel 60km SS?

Unfortunately I'm doing a running event with my wife on the same day. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it

 

OK, those hills scare the bejesus out of me

[IH8MUD]

I don't like asking opinions on every little thing. 

But having choices is sometimes a bitch.  So here goes. 

 

Regarding my SS build,  Suspension fork or rigid carbon fork?

 

I am afraid that in my enthusiasm of bike building  I have forgotten how "shaky" a rigid fork is and that my romanticism of the whole build is getting the  better of me. 

 

Some considerations:

For Suspension.

I do ride some rocky single track en jeep track.

 

For Rigid.

I intend on fitting nice 2.35-2.4 volume tires

I do have a carbon handle bar going on the build

My other bike  have 130mm FS already.

A Niner fork is just looks  "Da Bomb"  I like it!! 

 

Guys riding rigid forks, is it just your play bike or do you ride everything from single track or dirt road gravel grinding with it?

What limitations do I have to except and live with.  

 

Shoot with your opinions please. 

[RocknRolla]

I don't like asking opinions on every little thing. 

But having choices is sometimes a bitch.  So here goes. 

 

Regarding my SS build,  Suspension fork or rigid carbon fork?

 

I am afraid that in my enthusiasm of bike building  I have forgotten how "shaky" a rigid fork is and that my romanticism of the whole build is getting the  better of me. 

 

Some considerations:

For Suspension.

I do ride some rocky single track en jeep track.

 

For Rigid.

I intend on fitting nice 2.35-2.4 volume tires

I do have a carbon handle bar going on the build

My other bike  have 130mm FS already.

A Niner fork is just looks  "Da Bomb"  I like it!! 

 

Guys riding rigid forks, is it just your play bike or do you ride everything from single track or dirt road gravel grinding with it?

What limitations do I have to except and live with.  

 

Shoot with your opinions please. 

 

I have a carbon Rigid fork on my bike. I also run WTB 2.3 tyres, depending on the terrain at lower pressure.

My FS bike has been handed over to my teenager as it was in the garage gathering dust, with components pilfered from it for my wife's bike etc.

 

Initially the carbon fork took a lot of getting used to. I had two incidents where my one hand was jolted off the handlebar, luckily without any consequence (other than looking like a chop that cant go around a tricky corner.) My riding style has subsequently adjusted accordingly, and I am quite comforable over braking bumps etc at high speed.

 

The set-up on my bike is quite relaxed, not attacking like an XCO bike, with relatively wide riser handlebars. This reduces the possibility of an OTB experience significantly.

 

The main thing with a rigid fork is the way you ride, you cant just bomb down a track and expect the bike to just roll over obstacles like a bike with shock absorbtion does. You hve ti pick your line, and be quite active with steering, helping the front over stuff by a certain degree (pumping the trail). This is made easy by the lightness of the ridgid.

The steering is very accurate, cornering is precise, and mistakes hurt, specially mud, or not enough momentum uphills with minor steps or obstacles.

 

Body positioning downhill is very important as once again, there is no suspension to aid you when your line is not precise and the front stops against an obstacle.

 

The terrain where I ride in JHB is always rocky. I personally prefer the more technical stuff and admittedly there is a black section of Avianto that I no longer do since I got the rigid bike (mainly because I dont feel like walking the steep uphill afterwards)

My plan is however to give it a try in the next couple of months. Oom Piet downhill at Van Gaalens also is painfull, but normally when I hit that, I am on my last match

 

I can keep up downhill (rocky loose, technical) with most riders, the lack of suspension is no issue here.

 

Weighing my bike, and it being a steel frame with entry level components and it coming in at 10kgs (which works out to about R1k/KG) makes the rigid worth it.

 

But if you dont like push-ups... dont get one....

Edited May 7, 2015 by RocknRolla

[IH8MUD]

@ RocknRolla

 

Thanks!!    

That is some insight!

 

There was a long time ago . . . . before suspension when I did do everything Stellenbosch, Jonkerhoek and Potch  had on a rigid 26er.  But then I got slapgat with FS. 

 

Seems the main thing is to  take it slowly and to get use the rigid again. 

Edited May 7, 2015 by IH8MUD

[J∆kk∆ls]

Unfortunately I'm doing a running event with my wife on the same day. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it

 

OK, those hills scare the bejesus out of me

Yeah I've only been riding SS for 3weeks now, so I'm nipping 

[RocknRolla]

Yup, take it slowly, and work up from there.

 

I initially practiced getting the front in the air by placing obstables (logs) of various sizes in the grassy parkinglot of Rietvlei when I just got the bike. THis way falling over does not hurt too mutch.

[Wyatt Earp]

I have been riding a rigid SS for the past 7 years.

Put on a suspension fork .

[IH8MUD]

I have been riding a rigid SS for the past 7 years.

Put on a suspension fork .

Wyatt.

Why so? 

[Ryanpmb]

Try the rigid fork.

 

If you don't like it, you won't struggle to sell a Niner fork.

[divernick]

OK so I have decided that I probably won't sell the Inbred, but I might sell the frame so that I can add to my growing Cotic family.

 

Anyone want a large, white On-One Inbred SS 29er frame? Make me an offer.

 

 

[Ryanpmb]

OK so I have decided that I probably won't sell the Inbred, but I might sell the frame so that I can add to my growing Cotic family.

 

Anyone want a large, white On-One Inbred SS 29er frame? Make me an offer.

 

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[Chris De Jongh]

My single speed...