Pieter1 Posted November 7, 2012 Posted November 7, 2012 Hi. I'm getting miff with gears jumping, not shifiting etc. I need some help on possibly getting started with single speed. Can I use my current xt crank and just take some rings off? What do I do with the back wheel? Will I regret it? I'm not totally fit and not totally unfit, I ride the spruit often and try to include all the climbs I can find and mostly the trails around jhb and pta. Can I maney take one for a spin on the spruit to get my feet wet? Am I over thinking this? Thanks guys.
ibruegge Posted November 7, 2012 Posted November 7, 2012 maybe get you bike serviced and buy a shimano manual - amazing how easy it is to set up gears (and cycle up a hill when you actually have them...)
Wet Ears Posted November 7, 2012 Posted November 7, 2012 I love gears - think I would hate cycling if I had to do it on a SS -based on my current fitness level that is.
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted November 7, 2012 Posted November 7, 2012 Okay - to your questions! Yes, you can use your existing crank. Just remove the rings you don't want, and hey presto! Can even put a bash guard in there in place of the big ring.  Regarding your back wheel, you need do nothing! There are SS conversion kits available, which basically have one sprocket and a whole bunch of spacers so that you can get the chain-line JUST right. You will probably need to get a chain tensioner to fit in the dropout, as a normal bike doesn't have the adjustable dropouts (horizontal dropouts) that let you adjust chain tension by moving the wheel further out.  You won't regret it! You don't need to throw away anything, and the old mantra "nothing ventured nothing gained" rings very true here. If you don't like it after a couple of months (it will take tim to acclimatize, but you will get stronger as well) you can just put your old bits back on. Hey presto!
DR ◣◢ Posted November 7, 2012 Posted November 7, 2012 Hi.I'm getting miff with gears jumping, not shifiting etc. I need some help on possibly getting started with single speed. Can I use my current xt crank and just take some rings off? What do I do with the back wheel? Will I regret it? I'm not totally fit and not totally unfit, I ride the spruit often and try to include all the climbs I can find and mostly the trails around jhb and pta. Can I maney take one for a spin on the spruit to get my feet wet? Am I over thinking this?Thanks guys. Let me know if you want to try a SS.
NINER_boy Posted November 7, 2012 Posted November 7, 2012 WARNING!!!! You might never fit back the other goodies, and maybe... eventually... Get a DEDICATED single-speed bike!!! PS, my dual sus 2x10 bike has not seen my rear in the last 4 1/2 months.In the garage with a sheet over it
rouxtjie Posted November 7, 2012 Posted November 7, 2012 Epic cycles centurion has everything you need 1 x tensioner1 x rear cog1 x spacer kit oh and you WON'T regret it..do it
HDW Posted November 7, 2012 Posted November 7, 2012 What price range should I look at when buying a SS? Nothing heavy, just a tad above entry level, just to get started and maybe get into it?
rouxtjie Posted November 7, 2012 Posted November 7, 2012 What price range should I look at when buying a SS? Nothing heavy, just a tad above entry level, just to get started and maybe get into it?no no no...dont buy a complete bike...half the fun is building it...so start with a frame and pimp the crap out of it then source parts or just use what is in your cycling trommel or what friends are willing to part with for a 6 pack. Flatdog7 and DR ◣◢ 2
rudi-h Posted November 7, 2012 Posted November 7, 2012 or go for a rohloff hub. i did that and needless to say i havent had any shifting issues for years. in terms of maintenance its basically a SS, just need to do a R175 oil change approx every 5000km.
HDW Posted November 7, 2012 Posted November 7, 2012 Rouxtjie, I think I agree. Never attempted to build up my own whip, but why not.  Don't think I want to go for a rigid, but I would like an old school alu or steel frame. Love the look of the old designs, thin tubes, etc. I think you just inspired my next "hobby"
HDW Posted November 7, 2012 Posted November 7, 2012 Can't wait for my first MTB race on a SS. Thanks for the inspiration!
Guest Posted November 7, 2012 Posted November 7, 2012 I'm also starting a similar project, need to project cost vs worth - but so far it seems like a done deal...
rouxtjie Posted November 7, 2012 Posted November 7, 2012 I'm also starting a similar project, need to project cost vs worth - but so far it seems like a done deal...Its cheap cheap cheap....another + for SS. What you shorting, the big ticket items are a fork, wheels and brakes. If you have them spare....then you golden
rouxtjie Posted November 7, 2012 Posted November 7, 2012 Rouxtjie, I think I agree. Never attempted to build up my own whip, but why not. Don't think I want to go for a rigid, but I would like an old school alu or steel frame. Love the look of the old designs, thin tubes, etc. I think you just inspired my next "hobby"Yes nou praat jy....something with character. Nice thin steel tubing has never been ugly. Seriously you can whack a SS together in about 2 hours if you have all the parts. Rigid is lekker but ja...rigid, no more no less, so if you come from a 120mm couch its quite an adjustment.
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