Mountain Biking - Converting SS to 1x9

So I'm about 100lbs overweight and for some reason thought it would be a good idea to buy a SS, Gary Fisher Rig to be exact last year. Bike fits great rides great, until today. Went for the first ride of the season. I am 45lbs heavier than I was last year, and I kept sinking due to the trail being soggy in certain spots, but holy hell I am destroyed. I had to stop every couple hundred yards or after a big hill. I knew you had to pedal your ass off on a SS, trust me, I was well aware. Maybe it isn't the best way to start out though. Any thoughts, suggestions on cheap ways to convert to 1x9 or even fully geared perhaps? Bike fits great and handles great, just need some gearing unfortunately. Guess I should've been in decent shape before jumping on the bandwagon. Can't say I didn't try though!:rolleyes:

one ride and we're throwing in the towel? At least give it a couple before we just give in!

As far as converting, things to buy: Shifter, RD, cassette, and cables. Easy!

Glad you saw the light. Imo there is no need for a single speed bike. having gears is like having your cake and eating it too. :D

Go ahead let the flaming begin. :p:D

Not too familiar with the Rig specs, but if it has vertical dropouts and a derailleur hanger then you should be able to change it to a 1x9 pretty easily. A cheaper solution you could try would be to either increase the size of the rear cog or switch to a smaller front chainring to something that is a little more manageable at this point. However, the increased climbing ability will come at the expense of the top end. i.e. you might find yourself spinning out more on the flats!

I already spin out due to being so big and picking up speed easily on flats (when I'm not sinking into the ground) and downhills. If I get the RD do I get a long, medium, or short cage? And what would be the cheapest wheel setup? I'm probably better off buying a whole new rear wheel instead of having the original relaced right?

Don't quote me on this, but you should be okay with a short cage derailleur if it's a 1x9 setup. It depends on the quoted tooth capacity of the rear derailleur, which for a Shimano short cage, should be well above the range of a typical 11-32 or 11-34 rear cassette.

It would probably be easier to buy a new wheel. You can always keep the single-speed rear wheel for whenever you're ready or want to go back to a single cog. Always gotta keep the options open.

http://hoodia-weightloss-products.com/images/hoodia-before-and-after-pic.jpg
Before & After SS-ing.

You mean before and after diet and exercising right? :)

more testimonials for SS.......
http://www.thecoolhunter.net/images/stories/alta.jpg
:lol:

you can trade me for my 1x9 (ive got the front shifter,rings, and fd in a box that comes with it)

why not go internally geared? if buying new, there isn't much difference in price. no derailleurs to adjust- ever. no flopping chain, no chain dropping issues. Id have done it but i had parts lying around.

you can get 8 or 9 gears (shimano alfine or sram i-9). never drop a chain! my dad has had his internally geared bike for over 2 years and even with a few wrecks (mostly his own fault or a slick road- no other parties involved) has never had to adjust the shifting. use a 1/8 inch chain and just clean and lube it every once in a while and it will last several years.

The best way to get out of this is going to be to sell the bike and buy a geared one.

You will get a bunch more replies telling you how to do this or that to a SS bike, but the fastest, easiest, cheapest route is to just start over.

It shouldn't be more than a 2 or 3 hundred dollar lesson.

-Z

^^ I theoretically would love this setup too. Sounds great, if a bit heavy in the back. This guy did it: http://www.muddymoles.org.uk/2008/12/alfine_review.html.

my dad's bike is a heavy cromoly commuter- tips the scales at 38 lbs with no suspension. by the time you add up the weight of a geared setup, its not THAT much heavier. yes, a hub is 1600g. but a cassette is 250+ grams for an XT (more for average), hubs are 250+ grams (deore is 450 grams!), rear D is another 250+. with just the standard stuff, you are looking at over 1000 grams on the rear wheel. add the front shifty bits, and then the shifters (another 250 grams+) and overall weight can be about even, assuming you are using mid level parts.

ignore this if you are going with high end parts- it IS lighter.