SS build is done!

[mtnbikerdude87]

As you guys know I had a Trek 3700 that I was converting to a SS. Well I got my last part in today (the derailleur hanger) and now my bike is complete. Ended up going with a 33:18 gear ratio and I have only taken it around school. Rides so quietly and smooth. I have been trying to reach for the shifter, especially when im on the flats. Such a different feeling.

Specs are:
Trek 3700 Frame 4.7lbs
Truvativ Firex SS crank 33t
Sram PC-58
Shimano MX30 freewheel 18t
Manitou Fork (borrowed for now...)
Avid SD-7 brakes
Avid SD-5 levers
Wrench force hubs with sun CR-17 rims
FSA stem
Surly Singleator (probably upgrade to Rennen Rollenlager)
Eggbeaters
Schwalbe RR

Never knew how fast you can build up a SS. Now I gotta take it out to some trails!

Some pics of the finished build. (Rooms a lil messy..)


Weee!

[LBmtb]

Nice! Did you install the stuff itself? What's the weight? Cost on parts?

Hmm

[mtnbikerdude87]

Originally Posted by LBmtb

Nice! Did you install the stuff itself? What's the weight? Cost on parts?

Hmm

Yup installed all the parts. Not sure what the weight came out to. I need to pick up my digi scale at home. Im guessing about 27.5 lbs.

[genusmtbkr5]

Nicely done! I have those pics of my Giant XTC SS on your "Joining the Dark side" thread. If your wondering about the chain routing, I installed the other spring that came with the tensioner to enable the chain to be routed over the tensioner. I asked the Path Bike Shop which method is best and squeezing the chain together rather than apart allows for better chain wrap (make sense?). I still have plenty of clearence from the chain stay. No need for the lizard skin anymore. Anyway, just thought I'd pass that along.

[andy aka rut]

Nice build! Should be lots-o-fun!

Great call about the tensioner Gene! The more teeth you can use, the better off you are!

[mtnbikerdude87]

Originally Posted by genusmtbkr5

Nicely done! I have those pics of my Giant XTC SS on your "Joining the Dark side" thread. If your wondering about the chain routing, I installed the other spring that came with the tensioner to enable the chain to be routed over the tensioner. I asked the Path Bike Shop which method is best and squeezing the chain together rather than apart allows for better chain wrap (make sense?). I still have plenty of clearence from the chain stay. No need for the lizard skin anymore. Anyway, just thought I'd pass that along.

yeah I saw youre SS giant. Very nice looking bike. I think ill try putting the tensioner underneath.

[Wrecker]

Woohoo! Now we're all ready for Super SS Sunday! Just need to put together the rest of the infof--like when/where

[mtnbikerdude87]

Alright well I switched the springs on the tensioner the other way and it just doesnt keep chain tensioned. It was doing the same thing when I had it on that other position too. I adjust the spring tension on the singleator but every time I hit a bump, the tensioner just drops down (or up). Any ideas on how to fix this and why it isnt staying put. I think I might get the Rennen if I cant fix this.

Cant wait to take it out for a ride!

EDIT: I realized that I need a 18mm wrench for it to work properly and not using a leatherman....

[Pho'dUp]

Yeah you need a 17 or 18mm cone wrench (I forget) aswell as a allen wrench to tension that Singulator. You have to load the spring up quite a bit with the cone wrench and then tighten it down with the allen wrench on the mounting bolt. Becareful though, maybe the new ones are different, but the old Singulator springs were pretty delicate and you can break them pretty easy.

Good luck and nice build.

[Shu]

Ok I may be ignorant but why does a SS need a tensioner???

Pros and Cons please

[genusmtbkr5]

Ya, I preloaded it using an allen and a wrench. I also removed the spur gear just so it wasn't in the way, Once I got the proper tension, I put it back on. You'll get it working.

[mtnbikerdude87]

Great! Thanks! The bike works perfectly now. I might head out for an early morning ride at el moro.

Originally Posted by Shu

Ok I may be ignorant but why does a SS need a tensioner???

Pros and Cons please

If you run a bike with vertical dropouts, like mine, then you will most likely need a tensioner (there are some cases where you wont need a tensioner on vertical dropouts, but thats rare). Bikes with horizontal dropouts dont need tensioner because you can adjust the rear wheel forwards and backwards to keep the chain tensioned. A tensioned chain will stay on the bike than a loose chain.

[genusmtbkr5]

[quote=mtnbikerdude87;58125]Great! Thanks! The bike works perfectly now. I might head out for an early morning ride at el moro.


Great! See you on the trails!

[mtnbikerdude87]

Originally Posted by genusmtbkr5

Great! See you on the trails!

So are you riding tomorrow to? I should be out there by 8 am.

[genusmtbkr5]

I will probably ride at Aliso, I just bought a Rocky Mountain Elevation on ebay and need to try it out, but I have to work at 4pm until 8am the next morning, so the ride will be short and easy. Probably about 8am at Aliso.

[Shu]

Originally Posted by mtnbikerdude87

If you run a bike with vertical dropouts, like mine, then you will most likely need a tensioner (there are some cases where you wont need a tensioner on vertical dropouts, but thats rare). Bikes with horizontal dropouts dont need tensioner because you can adjust the rear wheel forwards and backwards to keep the chain tensioned. A tensioned chain will stay on the bike than a loose chain.

Makes sense now

[Winger]

Mtnbikerdude - What was the total cost of parts?

I have an old Trek 4900 that could be a prime SS candidate.

[FoShizzle]

looks great! I am about to build a new ss up, also not a ss-specific frame. great job!

[mtnbikerdude87]

Originally Posted by Winger

Mtnbikerdude - What was the total cost of parts?

I have an old Trek 4900 that could be a prime SS candidate.

total cost was around 250. A lot of hand-me-down parts went into the bike.

[FyrFytrRyn]

looks really good. im building one too.