Singlespeed for "new" DH bike build?

[Duane_Bosch]

So what says the knowers of things? Just your opinions maybe?

 

I've got a 26er dh bike that I'm resurrecting. And I'm thinking about doing it as a SS. I'm already going to be binning the chainguide and front chainring for a NW and I'm nowhere near a fast guy or anything resembling a racer for that matter.

 

I've got a trail bike for pedaling uphill.

 

Thoughts?

[Kalahari Vegmot]

Why not? I'm no DH expert; but the bike is about you. It don't matter what others think or say...

[the nerd]

Do it... 

[Duane_Bosch]

The donor bike

[Letum911]

Nice idea. I have no knowledge of DH riding, so the I cannot comment on the function.

 

Regarding the SS part specific: Make sure that your chain is long enough for the suspension travel, also that you have sufficient chain tension to prevent the chain from bouncing off. N/W in the front and a wide base sprocket in the back will serve you well.

[Hairy]

You are going for a SS build ... no reason for it to make sense, just do it and take lots of pics please.

[shaper]

Will be interested to see how you overcome chain tension/slack on the rear suspension

 

Something for inspiration http://lenzsport.com/mountain-bikes/milkmoney-ss/

 

http://forums.mtbr.com/singlespeed/full-suspension-conversion-single-speed-753290.html

[Odinson]

SS DH/FR bikes are apparently quite common among parkrats in the States and Canada. 

 

There is a German company that creates a SS RD-style tensioner for DH bikes, but I can't recall the brand. 

 

If I were you and had an uplift for days on the big rig, I'd definitely consider it. 

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Yo D,

 

You'll still need to run some sort of chain tensioning device (like this) to allow for the chain growth that the mak will have when cycling through its suspension travel. Here's the entire kit from Rapide. https://www.rapide.co.za/product/rapide-tension-r-single-speed-kit/

 

Your existing RD or another old RD that's locked into the right position (either through limit screws or by a piece of gear cable secured in the right way) will also work. 

 

If you don't have something like that, then the chain will snap and the suspension won't work properly as it'll be restricted by the chain. 

[droo]

Mr Control also have a few sprung tensioners on the market in SA.

 

Do it. It's not like you're short of bikes.

[Duane_Bosch]

Yo D,

 

You'll still need to run some sort of chain tensioning device (like this) to allow for the chain growth that the mak will have when cycling through its suspension travel. Here's the entire kit from Rapide. https://www.rapide.co.za/product/rapide-tension-r-single-speed-kit/

 

Your existing RD or another old RD that's locked into the right position (either through limit screws or by a piece of gear cable secured in the right way) will also work. 

 

If you don't have something like that, then the chain will snap and the suspension won't work properly as it'll be restricted by the chain. 

@ Anyone. Does a DW link bike have massive chain growth? The bike I'm building up is DW link.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

If you use your derailleur for it, then you can essentially use your existing gear cable, and just ensure that the lug at the end is up against this stopper highlighted in yellow. Then get the cable clamped in the right place so that it's running on the right chainline for your cog. 

 

 

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

@ Anyone. Does a DW link bike have massive chain growth? The bike I'm building up is DW link.

the Turner?

[Duane_Bosch]

If you use your derailleur for it, then you can essentially use your existing gear cable, and just ensure that the lug at the end is up against this stopper highlighted in yellow. Then get the cable clamped in the right place so that it's running on the right chainline for your cog. 

No don't want to do that. Cables must fall.

 

#neat.

[Duane_Bosch]

the Turner?

Aye. It's time to pull it off the wall and bring it out of retirement. Gonna sell my GT. It's a much better bike but it doesn't make my blood flow.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

From MTBR - Weaknesses:    chain growth. based on my measurement I'm seeing approx 35mm of growth at full compression.

 

So - yes, you'd need some sort of sprung tensioner and the chain would explode if you tried to run it like a hipster-SS.