In need of Singlespeed MTB help

[supavan]

Okay, so here's the long and short of it. In a monent of utter madness I have entered the 2012 Singlespeed MTB world championships. Someone has to come last to make the winner's achievement seem more awesome right?

 

The thing is I don't have a single speed MTB.

 

Now I know I could use my regular multispeed bike and they'll just duct-tape all the gear related stuff into submission, but there is a place for duct-tape and it is not on the sensitve parts of my bike. Or any sensitive parts for that matter. Trust me.

 

So I would like to build a budget/bargain/cheap-ass singlespeed mtb. It can't be costly since I really don't want to lose half my posessions in a divorce.

 

I know there are a lot of sites on the interwebs that show you how to do a conversion but they are mostly written by people living in first world countries where things are easier and more affordable to get a hold of.

 

So. Please point me in the right direction if you know of said direction.

 

Thank you kindly.

[Thug]

Buy a normal cheapass mtb off The Hub

 

Remove both FD & RD and shifters

 

Remove excess (small & large blade) chainrings off crank

 

Remove rear cassette

 

Buy a SS kit off the interweb or your lbs

 

Fit SS kit

 

Start riding your SS

[Hairy]

Link on Chain Tensioners

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/111857-chain-tension/page__fromsearch__1

 

Link to all SS related issues/discussions on the Hub

https://www.bikehub.co.za/f/41-fixie-singlespeed/

 

Just leave your crank as it is and get a tensioner on your current bike (assuming it is a HT), take off the rear der with cassette and set her up as a SS.

[Agteros]

Okay, so here's the long and short of it. In a monent of utter madness I have entered the 2012 Singlespeed MTB world championships. Someone has to come last to make the winner's achievement seem more awesome right?

 

The thing is I don't have a single speed MTB.

 

Now I know I could use my regular multispeed bike and they'll just duct-tape all the gear related stuff into submission, but there is a place for duct-tape and it is not on the sensitve parts of my bike. Or any sensitive parts for that matter. Trust me.

 

So I would like to build a budget/bargain/cheap-ass singlespeed mtb. It can't be costly since I really don't want to lose half my posessions in a divorce.

 

I know there are a lot of sites on the interwebs that show you how to do a conversion but they are mostly written by people living in first world countries where things are easier and more affordable to get a hold of.

 

So. Please point me in the right direction if you know of said direction.

 

Thank you kindly.

 

Congratulations on your fourth place!

[supavan]

Thanks guys.

 

I'll check out those links tomorrow.

 

What's the deal if I want to convert my dual sus? I'm not looking to win, just to have a blast so it makes sense to me to just convert my current bike (Mongoose Kanaan Elite 2010)

[the nerd]

Thanks guys.

 

I'll check out those links tomorrow.

 

What's the deal if I want to convert my dual sus? I'm not looking to win, just to have a blast so it makes sense to me to just convert my current bike (Mongoose Kanaan Elite 2010)

 

Converting Dual Suss to SS gets costly cos many people say using just a sprung tensioner works but it doesnt really. You will need a specific tensioner like this one http://www.sicklines.com/reviews/yess-pro-vertical-full-suspension/

 

Easiest, just get a Hardtail, SS Kit and away you go.

[PhilipV]

Dude, cheapest conversion (and best for FS) is to remove shifters and cables. Get longer limit screws (mica) and screw them in to limit the derailleur onto you choice of gear on your cassette. Belt and braces would be to put the ens of the cable into the barrel adjuster, and then tighten the shortened cable in place. Then you can fine tune where your deraileur rests with the tension adjustment, and lock it in place with the longer limit screws. Easy.

[Hairy]

Dude, cheapest conversion (and best for FS) is to remove shifters and cables. Get longer limit screws (mica) and screw them in to limit the derailleur onto you choice of gear on your cassette. Belt and braces would be to put the ens of the cable into the barrel adjuster, and then tighten the shortened cable in place. Then you can fine tune where your deraileur rests with the tension adjustment, and lock it in place with the longer limit screws. Easy.

 

Agree 100% for a cheep and quick fix

 

But then it will not have the same silent ride with a smooth feel and power transfer that you will only get with a dedicated SS HT frame.

[supavan]

Again, thanks for the info.

 

Hairy, I hear you on the feel of the ride, but I'm not aiming to go hardcore just yet.

 

I've had a look at the chain tensioner suggested by The Nerd. Looks the ticket. They have an updated model which I enquired about. Canadian company so we'll see if they are willing to ship...

[Hairy]

Well good luck and enjoy