SS'ing a SJ?

[andino]

I've seen someone do it on an Epic? but on a Stumpjumper FSR? anyone know a kit? i found one from performance but i don't know how great it'll be.
Thanks,
Andy

[1x1clyde]

Don't shift

[andino]

lol but that's boring and it's extra weight . I'm a bit of a weight weenie :P

also do you need new cranks or can you modify the XT crankset for a single chain ring?

[b-rad!]

I think your best bet would be something like the Pauls Melvin chain tensioner. It has enough pull to use a double ring setup, so a full sus. would be no problem. Keep in mind that chain growth will be the big issue. Too much and you will either pop chains(most likely) or possibly damage the sus. linkages.

Yes, you can keep your XT cranks. You will just substitute the chainrings for a SS (non-ramped) ring in the middle ring position.

PAUL MELVIN CHAINTENSIONER at JensonUSA.com

[andino]

the kit i found has a tensioner. It's only 20 bucks so i'm just gonna get it and try it out lol

[Burner]

running a FS frame as a SS is tricky, especially with a stumpjumper design. the chain tension will fluctuate with the suspension movement. so you would probably need a spring loaded tensioner (something w/ 2 pulleys), or a derailleur to keep the chain on.

Most people running FS/SS are the style where the whole chainstay/BB area is one piece, and the linkages are above, that way the distance between the BB and the rear dropout remains constant throughout the suspension travel. (think GT i-drive or the maverick style)

yes you can use XT cranks for a single ring

[Pho'dUp]

Try using BMX singlespeed chain ring bolts ($5) and your old ramped chainring first. If your happy with the gear ratio it gives you and the chain line is good you could probably get away with not buying a new chainring.

[Keith B]

The path of the suspension on a stumpy should mean there is very little change in chain tension. And the bonus is you dont get such a beating on the downhills - Hmmmm I wonder if I should convert mine........LOL!

[Nagaredama]

There is a hair under 8mm of chain growth. You'll need to account for that somehow.

[andino]

alright...thanks everyone! i'm gonna go get some parts to do the conversion to see if i like it

[dstepper]

Any hill over 8% and I am out of the saddle on my singlespeed. Having owned both singlespeed hardtails and fully rigid singlespeeds, I much prefer the fully rigid. I would not welcome the loss of climbing power due to either the front or rear suspension...or even worse both. Yes I know you can lock the fork out and yes bikes can be pedal bob free but at the cost of more weight. The lighter you get that bike the more fun it will be to ride.

Dean

[andino]

I'm saving up for another bike which will be single speed but i wanted to try it out on this bike before i get everything for the new bike. The shop didn't have the kit in stock i'm just gonna wait a bit to decide

[Flat Broke]

Just put the single speed kit on the rear (cog and spacers) then use your existing derailleur as a tensioner. You'll probably need longer travel limit screws so that you can lock the deraileur inline with your rear cog, but it should definitely work with regard to negating chain growth, and it's cheap!

Chris

[b-rad!]

Originally Posted by Pho'dUp

Try using BMX singlespeed chain ring bolts ($5) and your old ramped chainring first. If your happy with the gear ratio it gives you and the chain line is good you could probably get away with not buying a new chainring.

In this case, it may be better to run a pure SS ring though. because of the chain growth, he needs a tensioner to keep a bit 'o extra chain. I'd be afraid of the chain getting thrown on a rocky section, or even off the curb.