Single Speed for Racing?
 

Next year I want to try my hand at mountain bike racing. What I wanted to do was buy a single speed over the winter and use it to race next year, I was inspired by Jericho/WTB team in the 24hrs of Adrenaline race. The reason I'm considering this is because I'm a big strong boy:) and I tend to leave my bike in one gear all the time anyway when trail riding. I would use my geared bike for racing but it would take at least a $1000 just to get it in half decent shape for racing, its basically the bike shop equivlent of a Walmart bike, really not worth the money it would take. Plus it is really heavy, worse then my free-ride hardtail for weight, which is fine for trail riding but it wouldn't be competative for a race. So I was wondering if I stood a chance of being competative in beginners or sport class on a single speed.

It really depends on your training and how strong of a rider you are. Also, it depends on the course. If the course is flat and everyone is running their big chain ring, they'll probably go faster than you. But if it's rocky, technical, singletrak you'll probably have the advantage on an SS and even go faster due to the momentum and no choice of small (baby) chainring on climbs.

Just my $.02

Peace

If it was a flast course could you just not put on a larger rear cog? Seems like a simple solution carry a few cogs with you for different conditions. If the course varies alot this would not help you would have to make a compromise.

Yes I was thinking of buying a couple of cogs for racing. Does anyone know of a good single speed bike that would be suitable for racing, I don't need disc brakes or a suspension fork, just want something nice and light.

Check this company out ;

SURLY

Good frames. I like the "Karate Monkey" because it has a 1 1/8" head tube if you ever do want to get a suspension fork.

:beer:

I have a Surly dealer in town, they don't sell complete bikes though do they? I want to spend about $1200 Can. and want a complete bike.

Won't be $1200, but Seven Cycles sells a singlespeed... :)

Joe

Dude,

I built my Surly 1x1 for like 800 US after finding some deals and shopping the internet. It rocks, and now its my only XC Bike. Screw gears for XC!