Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted

Ok, following on from Dangle's unsubtle hint thumbup1.gif that we should give recommendations based on personal experience, here goes:

 

 

 

LOL

 

That was not really the intent.

I just feel that way too often people want to force their owns dreams on others.

  • Replies 71
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Top Posters In This Topic

Posted

Is it worth considering over a chain drive? Does it solve the chain stretch issue?

 

A few issues.

 

You need a split frame for starters.

It's not that cheap to just swap out sprockets for different types of terrain.

The belt does not stretch like a chain but still needs to be checked for tautness from time to time.

They are good in mud, but sticks and grass are not your dearest friend.

I find it also does not feel as positive as a chain (but maybe that's just me)

 

Belt drive with internal hub, now that's a great system thumbup1.gif

Posted

A few issues.

 

You need a split frame for starters.

It's not that cheap to just swap out sprockets for different types of terrain.

The belt does not stretch like a chain but still needs to be checked for tautness from time to time.

They are good in mud, but sticks and grass are not your dearest friend.

I find it also does not feel as positive as a chain (but maybe that's just me)

 

Belt drive with internal hub, now that's a great system thumbup1.gif

Thanks for that! Just as I thought I was ready, you confuse me!

 

This looks like the business

http://www.spokeworks.co.za/uploads/4/9/0/7/4907010/3693995.jpg?366The Double/Double is a unique drive train system the we offer. The system is comprised of a double chain ring machined from one piece of aluminum, mated with an ENO crank and a DOS ENO freewheel. The configuration for a 26" wheel bike is offered with a 38/35 big ring mated with a 16/19 freewheel. The 29er configuration mates a 31/34 ring with a 16/19 freewheel. The system works by either running the chain in the outer tooth positions or, alternatively, in the inner tooth positions front to back. The gear ratios are significantly changed when switching from one combination to another, however, the chain length does not need to be altered to accommodate the two differing ratios. Running the ring in the outer position tends to be more suitable for on-road style riding, whereas, riding in the inner ring position lends itself more to off-road riding.

Posted

Thanks for that! Just as I thought I was ready, you confuse me!

 

This looks like the business

http://www.spokeworks.co.za/uploads/4/9/0/7/4907010/3693995.jpg?366The Double/Double is a unique drive train system the we offer. The system is comprised of a double chain ring machined from one piece of aluminum, mated with an ENO crank and a DOS ENO freewheel. The configuration for a 26" wheel bike is offered with a 38/35 big ring mated with a 16/19 freewheel. The 29er configuration mates a 31/34 ring with a 16/19 freewheel. The system works by either running the chain in the outer tooth positions or, alternatively, in the inner tooth positions front to back. The gear ratios are significantly changed when switching from one combination to another, however, the chain length does not need to be altered to accommodate the two differing ratios. Running the ring in the outer position tends to be more suitable for on-road style riding, whereas, riding in the inner ring position lends itself more to off-road riding.

Saw that exact setup on the black sheep Ti bike with the fatty tyres at the SSWC. Looked very interesting.

Posted

Ok, following on from Dangle's unsubtle hint :thumbup: that we should give recommendations based on personal experience, here goes:

 

I've been riding the Kona Unit since the beginning of the year after lusting after a steel SS specific frame with sliding dropouts. I had a whole list of wants when I was shopping for the frame:

 

Steel

SS specific

Sliding dropouts

Short chainstays

Affordable

thin tubing

clearance for a biggish tyre

 

To be honest, my first choice was the Ritchey. Unfortunately, at the time, I would have waited around 6 months to obtain a frame, as all the frames in the first shipment were taken. However, after riding the Kona for around 9 months now, I'm glad I made the choice I did. It feels a lot like the XTC I was riding previously with regard to handling. Its (relatively) light, compared to a GT Peace, it softens the trail without feeling dead. Its affordable, around R5500 including the Kona P2 rigid fork. The sliding dropout system is great, I've changed ratios quite a bit looking for the right gear and its been really easy. The only complaint I have is that the paint on the sliders is cracking off, but other than that, a great bike. I am running an Ikon 2.2 on the back and there is easily clearance to go bigger.

 

I have ridden it back to back with a Peace 29r and the Peace feels a little dead on some of the hits. Not sure if this is due to the weight difference or the difference in tubing material.

 

my 2c

True the GT is not a weight weenie bike. She is built for old school diesel engines not rice burning race snakes. Haha.

Posted

So my shortlist is:

 

1. Yeti Big Top (Apart from good reviews it is a brand I have a long history with)

2. Niner Sir 9 (I like the brand and the reviews I have read are encouraging. Haven't looked ata availability yet)

3. Ritchey P29 (The colour scheme is a major stumbling block for me. I wouldnt discount it but it just doesnt fire me up. A plainer colour scheme would probably have me putting it at the top)

 

Others, Cotic, Swift, Momsen

 

Dangle, I hope you're not right about putting gears on this thing.

Posted

What about a Surly Karate Monkey? Only problem is that you'd have to import it yourself.

 

Nice. I have a feeling it will be steep.

 

Also looked at a Ventana El Comandante but was above my max price.

Posted

Thanks for that! Just as I thought I was ready, you confuse me!

 

This looks like the business

http://www.spokeworks.co.za/uploads/4/9/0/7/4907010/3693995.jpg?366The Double/Double is a unique drive train system the we offer. The system is comprised of a double chain ring machined from one piece of aluminum, mated with an ENO crank and a DOS ENO freewheel. The configuration for a 26" wheel bike is offered with a 38/35 big ring mated with a 16/19 freewheel. The 29er configuration mates a 31/34 ring with a 16/19 freewheel. The system works by either running the chain in the outer tooth positions or, alternatively, in the inner tooth positions front to back. The gear ratios are significantly changed when switching from one combination to another, however, the chain length does not need to be altered to accommodate the two differing ratios. Running the ring in the outer position tends to be more suitable for on-road style riding, whereas, riding in the inner ring position lends itself more to off-road riding.

 

Dinglespeed!!!!

 

I had my own set up similar to this a while back, choice of 36-16 or a 34-18.

 

Worked fairly well, and was able to use the same chain with no need for adjustment

Posted

So I have got my hands on a stock standard ten year old Giant Iguana.

 

You can do lots with that ... see attached pic of my first SS build

post-5403-0-23682500-1350631847_thumb.jpg

post-5403-0-57701200-1350631850_thumb.jpg

Posted

I think SS is all about just getting a bike converting with some pimping and get on it and ride with a big smile on your face hassle free. Converted an old 1999 gary fisher paragon V-brake and loving it. Already thinking about building a 29inch next year. The first thought was must be alu or metal at least cause I want a full custom paint job.......... Got to love pimping a SS bike.

Posted

Nice. I have a feeling it will be steep.

 

Also looked at a Ventana El Comandante but was above my max price.

 

Sent you a PM

Posted

As for frame types, do SS chains have a specific tension requirement? Would imagine the tension will be quite high and could this be a problem with a dual suspension frame where the wheel and stays move a few inches up and down possibly affecting the chain tension?

Posted

As for frame types, do SS chains have a specific tension requirement? Would imagine the tension will be quite high and could this be a problem with a dual suspension frame where the wheel and stays move a few inches up and down possibly affecting the chain tension?

 

For most dual-sus frames, if you want to run a singlespeed,you'll need a sprung or "dynamic" tensioner. Some good ones are made by Fire Eye (Spur and Spur II) and by YESS. Google is your friend

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
Settings My Forum Content My Followed Content Forum Settings Ad Messages My Ads My Favourites My Saved Alerts My Pay Deals Help Logout