Ss Frame Vs Converted Hardtail

[SDstumpy]

What are the advantages/disadvantages to a SS specific frame vs a converted Hardtail. I am looking to build a 29er SS with a 80mm fork. It is almost cheaper to convert a geared hardtail (ie stumpjumper 29er) than to buy a rigid 29er SS and put on a fork. Plus I would always have all the gears if I ever wanted to ride it geared.

Any info would be appreciated. I've never owned a ss or 29er but I think I'd like it.

[Chewyeti]

EBB or Horizontal or Sliding dropouts make them better singlespeed frames. Without an eccentric bottom bracket on vertical dropout frame, you cannot tension the chain without a singulator or the like.

An EBB allows you to move the BB farther or closer to the wheel chainging chain tension.

Horizontal dropouts let you tighten the wheel after the chain is tight.. pull it back to tighten it up.

sliders have a track in which they slide horizontally, allowing you to tension it like ahoriz dropout.

[PacMan]

It is cheaper to convert an existing HT--since you aren't dropping $$ on a new frame. However, I like the SS specific frame a lot more. When you have a standard HT with verticle drop-outs and no EBB, you have to run a chain tensioner.

I converted a standard HT and HATED the tensioner. I thought it added a lot of drag. I bought a HT frame that had horizontal drop-outs which means no tensioner and I LOVE it.

Just one jerk's opinion.

[Pho'dUp]

Originally Posted by SDstumpy

What are the advantages/disadvantages to a SS specific frame vs a converted Hardtail. I am looking to build a 29er SS with a 80mm fork. It is almost cheaper to convert a geared hardtail (ie stumpjumper 29er) than to buy a rigid 29er SS and put on a fork. Plus I would always have all the gears if I ever wanted to ride it geared.

Any info would be appreciated. I've never owned a ss or 29er but I think I'd like it.

You don't have to convert a Stumpjumper 29er HT. It has sliding dropouts already.

[tkblazer]

you could also build a rear wheel with an White industries ENO hub and run it on any frame with vertical dropouts

[ryandood]

Originally Posted by PacMan

It is cheaper to convert an existing HT--since you aren't dropping $$ on a new frame. However, I like the SS specific frame a lot more. When you have a standard HT with verticle drop-outs and no EBB, you have to run a chain tensioner.

I converted a standard HT and HATED the tensioner. I thought it added a lot of drag. I bought a HT frame that had horizontal drop-outs which means no tensioner and I LOVE it.

Just one jerk's opinion.

freaking jerk...

[springrubber]

Or get real real lucky and find the magic gear (thanks Neil) which is a 32:18 on my 07 rockhopper size small. The chain started out real tight but has since stretched a bit and still has good tension and have had no problems so far with a good 15-20 rides on it.

This only makes sense if you already own a decent
hardtail, which in my case I already did.

[el_d00der1n0]

or a half-link right?

[Solo]

Originally Posted by PacMan

I converted a standard HT and HATED the tensioner. I thought it added a lot of drag.

I have heard this before, do you think it had more drag than running through 2 jockey wheels?

[PacMan]

It felt like it did. Whether or not it actually did I don't know. I have OCD about certain things, so this was a huge issue. Plus, it sounded pretty loud and that was annoying too.

[el_d00der1n0]

it seems like you wouldn't get the full ss experience, but between perfect gearing and half links, i think you could pull it off without the tensioner.

[station]

check your PMs.