henningvr Posted September 28, 2015 Share Hi guys, New to the whole SS thing - well, I haven't started yet - doing my research at the moment. Long story short: I live in Waterval Boven, close to Tranquilitas MTB trails. We have lots of nice district road riding here, as well as the awesome trails at Tranquilitas of course.What would be the best gearing to start out with? There are some tough hills to climb around here. I'm going SS from a 3x9 (34T) setup. Any advice would be much appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
droo Posted September 28, 2015 Share 32/18 works pretty well for me - there's some pretty steep stuff on Table Mountain and with a decent level of fitness I can deal with most of it. Depends on a lot of things though - tyre choice, strength and out-of-saddle technique are 3 big ones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arendoog Posted September 28, 2015 Share 34x19 gets me over all but the steepest Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deanbean Posted September 28, 2015 Share ....say some hardcore? okes. With a 34 front, I'd start with 21 rear. Break up an old cassette, and use the gears to get where you think you'll manage. I'm using 36x21, also in mountainous terrain, but have been riding ss for years. It takes time to get used to only having one gear This advise is for 29er. For 26 or 27, go smaller. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenReaper Posted September 28, 2015 Share I run a 32×16 on my 26er and manage most climbs,only the steeper stuff makes me feel like I want to cough up blood.If I were to do more climbing(or get older) I would rather go for a 32×18 ratio.I have to emphasize that this is on a 26er,will only be building a 29er single speed next year and experiment with the ratios on the big wheels then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the nerd Posted September 28, 2015 Share Start with a 32 / 18 It is the best all around gear, if you find it too hard go 19 - too easy go 17... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pieter1 Posted September 28, 2015 Share Did tranquilitas on a 32/18 had to walk here and there but most was doable. We were dumb enough to ride all the way down the mountain to some farm gate, the walk/ride back up was mad but could ride it half the time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henningvr Posted September 28, 2015 Share Thanks for the replies chaps, much appreciated. Any specific chain ring and tensioner recommendations? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaper Posted September 29, 2015 Share Thanks for the replies chaps, much appreciated. Any specific chain ring and tensioner recommendations? http://www.rapide.co.za/product-category/single-speed/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eddy Posted September 29, 2015 Share Before you strip your 9x , have a few rides in one gear only and see what works for you. I would then go a bit harder as you will find you can manage if you have no choice... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henningvr Posted July 27, 2016 Share OK, it took quite a bit longer than planned, but today was the day. I've had it with gears (flame suit on). I rode SS for a good 20 km today, with a geared (1x9) bike, so what the hell. In my QFR (Quest For Reliability) I have decided to finally take the plunge. Busy ordering the SS stuff right now. Here's the steed which is to be freed from gears: Starting with 32 x 18 and will see how it goes. I'll post a few pics when the conversion is complete. I'd love a "real" SS frame, but with the laaitie going to university I will have to wait a bit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monark Posted July 27, 2016 Share Henning that is a gorgeous bike. I love the attention to detail. Rapide makes a great tensioner and their rear cogs have a wide base so they don't mess up your freewheel body. I am on 32-18 and find that it suits my riding style. SS takes getting used to and some patience. Rapide also sell a great SS chain. Post pics of your conversion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monark Posted July 27, 2016 Share oh and post in the SS mtb thread once she is a SS.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pieter1 Posted July 27, 2016 Share OK, it took quite a bit longer than planned, but today was the day. I've had it with gears (flame suit on). I rode SS for a good 20 km today, with a geared (1x9) bike, so what the hell. In my QFR (Quest For Reliability) I have decided to finally take the plunge. Busy ordering the SS stuff right now. Here's the steed which is to be freed from gears: new_fork_momsen_small.jpg Starting with 32 x 18 and will see how it goes. I'll post a few pics when the conversion is complete. I'd love a "real" SS frame, but with the laaitie going to university I will have to wait a bit.Nice!! I started ss'ing with the same frame! Looks good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henningvr Posted July 27, 2016 Share Hey Monarch, Thanks! Yea, I am busy talking to Wayne at Rapidé at the moment, getting all the stuff ready etc. Gonna drive out to his place once he has the spacers (this coming weekend most likely) and do the conversion post haste. Basically all Rapidé: - 32T Rapidé SingleMinded® NW Ultralight Ring- 18T Rapidé SingleMinded® Singlespeed Cog- Spacers - YBN MK747N Single Speed Chain- Rapide Single Chainring Bolt Set of 4 (the red anodized ones)- Rapidé Tension-R Single Speed Chain Tensioner I'll post pics once this is done and ready to roll. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henningvr Posted July 27, 2016 Share This is brilliant http://www.icebike.org/single-speed-mountain-bike/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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