Can you convert a dirt jumper into a single speed and how?

[6packguywith5spot]

I bought this brand new Haro Zero ( size 15.5 ) dirt jumper and saw the horizontal dropouts and thought maybe I can have it as a single speed.

I just wanted to see anyone here has done it and if it isa good choice. If not, I will just sell the damn thing for what I paid for which is $75.

I would appriciate any help here.

Thanks

[tkblazer]

single speed chain ring and a cog and spacer kit for the rear wheel. maybe some a chain tug for the wheel if you are using a QR

[2wheel_lee]

Do you want it as a singlespeed dirt jumper or a singlespeed XC bike? Generally speaking, the DJ-specific geometry doesn't lend itself well to XC use. On the other hand, it could still make a fun trail bike as a singlespeed. Does this make sense?

As TK said, replace the cassette with a cog and spacer, and replace the front chainring (if it's currently a double or a triple),

[tkblazer]

to add to what lee said, the short seat tube and slack seat tube angle will make it kinda crappy to be able to climb with, but if you are not too tall it is possible. run a 410mm seat post and slam the seat forward and it would still be pretty fun to ride around

[2wheel_lee]

The seat height and angle isn't a concern so much (if you have a long seat post), but a DJer will typically have a short cockpit, which is great for riding aggressively but not so good for standing and climbing - which is something you'd do with a singlespeed DJer trying to be an XC bike.

[6packguywith5spot]

This was my exact question, geometry is the key question. When I saw it in the swapmeet, I looked at it breifly seeing the horizontal dropouts and thought this would be a good option. Then when I looked at the dirt jumpers already built, I see a difference in geometry.

Since I will be using it as a XC SS, I don't know if it is going to be a good choice as I already have a Zion built as a single speed.

Therefore I guess it was a wrong purchase, but $75 for a brand new frame shouldn't really be that bad.

Originally Posted by 2wheel_lee

Do you want it as a singlespeed dirt jumper or a singlespeed XC bike? Generally speaking, the DJ-specific geometry doesn't lend itself well to XC use. On the other hand, it could still make a fun trail bike as a singlespeed. Does this make sense?

As TK said, replace the cassette with a cog and spacer, and replace the front chainring (if it's currently a double or a triple),

This one is only availabe in 15.5 and I usually ride 19. So it will be a bad choice to build it and be unhappy later. I may just sell it later on.

Originally Posted by 2wheel_lee

The seat height and angle isn't a concern so much (if you have a long seat post), but a DJer will typically have a short cockpit, which is great for riding aggressively but not so good for standing and climbing - which is something you'd do with a singlespeed DJer trying to be an XC bike.

[2wheel_lee]

You can't really compare sizing by the seat tube height. DJers always have a short seat tube, but the effective top tube length is comparable with frames with much larger seat tubes. For example, a DJ frame that has a 15.5" seat tube may have the same top tube length and cockpit as a bike with an 18" seat tube. My Black Market Mob has a 22" actual top tube, but it has a 12" seat tube (yes, I can lower the seat onto the tire).

[tkblazer]

Originally Posted by 2wheel_lee

The seat height and angle isn't a concern so much (if you have a long seat post), but a DJer will typically have a short cockpit, which is great for riding aggressively but not so good for standing and climbing - which is something you'd do with a singlespeed DJer trying to be an XC bike.

the bike has a 15.5" st, 70* HA/SA with a 23.2" ETT, 16.4" CS

[Bomber]

Originally Posted by tkblazer

single speed chain ring and a cog and spacer kit for the rear wheel. maybe some a chain tug for the wheel if you are using a QR

Can you just remove the smallest and largest rings at leave the middle one?

[northshore]

Originally Posted by Bomber

Can you just remove the smallest and largest rings at leave the middle one?

You can but a SS front Chain Ring typically has longer teeth and can be a bit stronger.

[JamR]

DJ frames make good SS's. About a year ago I dumped my SS frame and switched over all the parts to a Kona Cowan DS Full Suspension frame specifically to have a more aggressive geometry for the DH and technical stuff.

I do lose a little bit on the climbs because of the pedal bob standing on a Full Suspension SS, but overall my rides are faster because of the improved performance on the descents.

My saving grace is that I have always preferred a small cockpit and have never had any issues climbing with it.

My current frame is a small size with a 70mm stem. Adequate on the climbs, but superior performance on the DH and the technicals.

I would say go for it.........you will just need to make a few minor adjustments to your riding style while climbing.

Hope this helps.

[foofighter]

Originally Posted by JamR

DJ frames make good SS's. About a year ago I dumped my SS frame and switched over all the parts to a Kona Cowan DS Full Suspension frame specifically to have a more aggressive geometry for the DH and technical stuff.

I do lose a little bit on the climbs because of the pedal bob standing on a Full Suspension SS, but overall my rides are faster because of the improved performance on the descents.

My saving grace is that I have always preferred a small cockpit and have never had any issues climbing with it.

My current frame is a small size with a 70mm stem. Adequate on the climbs, but superior performance on the DH and the technicals.

I would say go for it.........you will just need to make a few minor adjustments to your riding style while climbing.

Hope this helps.

and i can attest to this man's climbing abilities he makes quick work of a lot of climbs long ones shorts ones steep or not he does it all on the cowan...my buddy was so impressed by it he went out and bought one...he did scarafice in the weight department as it's pretty porky compared to his superlight