SS'ers: Do you really need a SS specific frame?

[foofighter]

Not that I'm doing anything like that anytime soon, call it preplanning. But do you absolutely need to have a SS frame to have a single speed bike? Because i was thinking one can pick up a relatively inexpensive hardtail (new/used) and just convert.

Thoughts?

[klutter]

A dedicated SS frame is definitely not necessary. A $20 conversion kit (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=5132) is all you'd really need to get going.

I suppose the main reason why you'd go for a SS frame is to have options like a horizontal dropout, eccentric bottom bracket or sliding dropout.

[foofighter]

eccentric BB: benefits?

sorry for the noobish question.s

[genusmtbkr5]

Originally Posted by foofighter

eccentric BB: benefits?

sorry for the noobish question.s

Eliminates the need for a tensioner if the chain links aren't right.

[foofighter]

ahhh icic; btw gene i remember looking at your SS and i was like that's hot CAMO!!!

[Code Blue]

Originally Posted by foofighter

Not that I'm doing anything like that anytime soon, call it preplanning. But do you absolutely need to have a SS frame to have a single speed bike? Because i was thinking one can pick up a relatively inexpensive hardtail (new/used) and just convert.

Thoughts?

yes you can use any frame (as posted). However IMO I would not ride a SS with standard 9 speed stuff. Too light weight. You need a good SS chain ring, Chain and cog. Alot of torque going on

I would suggest trying to get bored (if you can) with that new Ells before trying a SS.

[foofighter]

oh for sure Doug...i still enjoy the ells hell i'm just getting back into the groove of riding making little milestones i set for myself almost every ride. just preplanning you know

[Code Blue]

Originally Posted by foofighter

oh for sure Doug...i still enjoy the ells hell i'm just getting back into the groove of riding making little milestones i set for myself almost every ride. just preplanning you know

As soon as I am done building a bike I am thinking of another bike.

I am 180 degrees from you. Preplanning a FS geared bike. Ran into some old riding buds and we are planing a trip to Utah in the Fall

[foofighter]

sweet! My buddy is going to go this October as well.

it would be nice to have a simple bike and a nice squishy bike in the stable

[Code Blue]

Originally Posted by foofighter

sweet! My buddy is going to go this October as well.

it would be nice to have a simple bike and a nice squishy bike in the stable

I love my SS and still think I would ride it 90% of the time. Check the tire pressure....oil the chain once a week.....all good

However having a $4K-$5K "back up bike" still does not make sense to me

[uno-speedo]

Buy my 29" ss frame! Comes with an ebb. Can be converted to geared if needed.

[foofighter]

Originally Posted by 29wheels

I love my SS and still think I would ride it 90% of the time. Check the tire pressure....oil the chain once a week.....all good

However having a $4K-$5K "back up bike" still does not make sense to me

but you know you will doug...i can tell...you will not be able to resist the urge and you will have a squishy

Originally Posted by uno-speedo

Buy my 29" ss frame! Comes with an ebb. Can be converted to geared if needed.

how large is the frame? 29" or it's a 29'er?

[uno-speedo]

Originally Posted by foofighter

how large is the frame? 29" or it's a 29'er?

its a 29" er as opposed to a 26" er ............size medium in real terms.

see the str link here

[PacMan]

I started with a standard HT frame and used the Performance conversion kit. It works, but the drag off the chain tensioner BLOWS!!!!!

I got a frame with horizontal drop-outs as soon as I could.

So, not necessary, but definitley nicer.

[Neccros]

Check the new 08 Santa Cruz Chameleon.... now they have a eccentric BB and can be run as a XC geared bike, a SS, a DJ'er, etc...

Jack of all trades!!

[Break n Bones]

Originally Posted by foofighter

i was thinking one can pick up a relatively inexpensive hardtail (new/used) and just convert.

Thoughts?

That is what Im working on right now , Just bought a cheap new hardtail ( 05 gt ) on ebay and doing the spacer kit /single cog , If it dosent work out Ill try the 1x9 set up but I didnt see why it wouldnt , Thanks for letting me know it is possable

[foofighter]

Originally Posted by mechmann

1x9 fo life!!!

how do you like your 1x9? i'm sure it's helpful in some situations where you can grab a different gear.

[FoShizzle]

Eccentric BBs suck asss IMHO.....i will never do it again (have had 3). I MUCH prefer sliders and MUCH prefer my ENO Eccentric rear hub....that thing is killer. i know Kam digs it too. It is way easier than either sliders or EBB to adjust if need be. So....you dont need a SS-specific frame as others have noted and in my opinion, the eccentric rear hub (especially if running v-brakes out back) is a better mechanism than an EBB anyway and while more expensive than a tensioner, is well worth it (can get a Mavic rim with ENO ecc rear hub for $210 pretty easily). Only downside is that if you dont like White Industries, there are no other folks making this type of hub. And to the freehwheel haters in SoCal, whatever, I prefer freewheels anyway over cassette hubs, especially if an ENO freewheel. And no, they are NOT hard to remove...except maybe for retards, so long as you have the acs freewheel remover which takes all but a minute at the most.

my 2 cents....

[Code Blue]

Originally Posted by FoShizzle

Eccentric BBs suck asss IMHO.....i will never do it again (have had 3). I MUCH prefer sliders and MUCH prefer my ENO Eccentric rear hub....that thing is killer. i know Kam digs it too. It is way easier than either sliders or EBB to adjust if need be. So....you dont need a SS-specific frame as others have noted and in my opinion, the eccentric rear hub (especially if running v-brakes out back) is a better mechanism than an EBB anyway and while more expensive than a tensioner, is well worth it (can get a Mavic rim with ENO ecc rear hub for $210 pretty easily). Only downside is that if you dont like White Industries, there are no other folks making this type of hub. And to the freehwheel haters in SoCal, whatever, I prefer freewheels anyway over cassette hubs, especially if an ENO freewheel. And no, they are NOT hard to remove...except maybe for retards, so long as you have the acs freewheel remover which takes all but a minute at the most.

my 2 cents....

I am in no mood for the freewheel / freehub debate

[foofighter]

Originally Posted by 29wheels

I am in no mood for the freewheel / freehub debate

c'mon doug...let's hear it.