SS dual sus

[J0KER]

Hey guys!

Anybody have any experience with single speed dual suspension bikes? I love the simplicity of a SS, but will it work on a dual suspension AM bike? Just asking because I want to know if I should buy the coil sprung tensioner!

[Danger Dassie]

Take a look at the GT i-Drive, unified swingarm.

[2-D]

Even the GT I-drive wont work, the bottom bracket (bb) and drop-out's need to stay exactly the same length away else the chain will be under stress. The only frames that do this have rear suspension links which form directly around the bb. The only other way to go single speed on a dual-sus is the spring loaded chain tensioner, I believe Fire-eye make one.

Edited December 18, 2012 by 2-D

[J0KER]

Thanx Sean, haha! I knew that! I wanna hear from people who've done it if its not to crap to ride and climb etc.

[2-D]

Oh cool Ask Werner, he's the only one I know whose ever run a dual sus single speed...

[J0KER]

Ah true..

[RodTi]

Might be a couple more who were forced to go single after mech failures on the long runs... Though their opinion of the joys of running SS then, might be a bit biased...

[the nerd]

http://www.mtbr.com/cat/bikes/singlespeed/kona/a/prd_365600_1533crx.aspx

 

Its an oldie, but a goodie!

 

This is their new offering,

 

http://www.konaworld.co/bike.cfm?content=bass

[MintSauce]

Did it a while ago for the African Continental SS champs in Jonkershoek. I don't think I actually used a tensioner. I think, if I remember correctly, I was going to use one of those with the coil spring but it was broken or something and with a half-link added we got what seemed like the correct length.

 

Anyway, I did it on a 5 inch trail bike, set down to the 4inch setting. Worked fine but probably cos the frame I used doesn't have much chain growth. It'll work fine with a tensioner but on longer travel bikes it won't be much fun as the suspension will just compress too much as you're heaving out the saddle and stomping on the pedals half the time

[J0KER]

Did it a while ago for the African Continental SS champs in Jonkershoek. I don't think I actually used a tensioner. I think, if I remember correctly, I was going to use one of those with the coil spring but it was broken or something and with a half-link added we got what seemed like the correct length.

 

Anyway, I did it on a 5 inch trail bike, set down to the 4inch setting. Worked fine but probably cos the frame I used doesn't have much chain growth. It'll work fine with a tensioner but on longer travel bikes it won't be much fun as the suspension will just compress too much as you're heaving out the saddle and stomping on the pedals half the time

 

That's exactly what I was wondering! I think its a 5/6 inch bike? I'm planning on running the suspension pretty stiff, so it shouldn't shoot through all the travel too much?

[2-D]

Did it a while ago for the African Continental SS champs in Jonkershoek. I don't think I actually used a tensioner. I think, if I remember correctly, I was going to use one of those with the coil spring but it was broken or something and with a half-link added we got what seemed like the correct length.

 

Anyway, I did it on a 5 inch trail bike, set down to the 4inch setting. Worked fine but probably cos the frame I used doesn't have much chain growth. It'll work fine with a tensioner but on longer travel bikes it won't be much fun as the suspension will just compress too much as you're heaving out the saddle and stomping on the pedals half the time

 

I'm not saying it cant work. The half link chain's v-design doesn't allow the chain to come off even when it is very slack, although then just be prepared for chain slap... its gonna be annoying.