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Singlespeed & Fixed Gear "I still feel that variable gears are only for people over forty-five. Isn't it better to triumph by the strength of your muscles than by the artifice of a derailer? We are getting soft...As for me, give me a fixed gear!"-- Henri Desgrange (31 January 1865 - 16 August 1940)

Best options for Trail & City set-up

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Old 08-02-16, 09:08 AM
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Best options for Trail & City set-up

I have a Karate Monkey (33/17 or 16) with fat Big Apples on it. I have found that I like riding it in the city, just as much as I do on trails. The gearing is too tall for the woods (though I'm cool with walking) and I spin out in the city.

3-speed internal seemed like a good option but I was told that they are generally not great/durable for trail riding, expensive to repair, and not Clyde friendly (6'3" 280lbs).

My LBS said that he would go with a double free wheel (White Inds) and a front derailleur, but he wasn't sure how well it would work. Of course I could go with that set-up up sans the derailleur and simply switch it manually but I feel like that could get old.

Anyone have experience with the freewheel dingle w/ derailleur? Or another set up?

Thanks
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Old 08-02-16, 11:30 AM
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If you're going to put variable gears on your bike, two is just half-assing it IMO. Dingle and change it manually when you need to, or full multi-speed cassette and RD.
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Old 08-02-16, 07:46 PM
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There is a phrase going about the internets in the google boxes called HTFU. Get yourself a fixed gear 58-13, a big ole' 'Merica flag, a case of Bud Light and HTFU! 3 speeds are for Brits, you want raw brutal power of bigger and beerier is better...U-S-A, U-S-A and as always U-S-A!!!!!!!

On the serious just go with either a manually operated dingle cog or freewheel as Seau suggested or maybe consider a Rolhoff Hub? Or if you can figure out someone has an old Campagnolo Cambio Corse system that would be dope as all get out. Maybe you could figure out a bodgey version and make it even more awesome.
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Old 08-02-16, 08:59 PM
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Originally Posted by seau grateau
If you're going to put variable gears on your bike, two is just half-assing it IMO. Dingle and change it manually when you need to, or full multi-speed cassette and RD.
I understand this logic...but I wanted to maintain at least some of the simplicity I love about the Monkey in the fist place. Fully geared rigid is not as appealing for some reason...
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Old 08-02-16, 09:06 PM
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Originally Posted by veganbikes
There is a phrase going about the internets in the google boxes called HTFU. Get yourself a fixed gear 58-13, a big ole' 'Merica flag, a case of Bud Light and HTFU! 3 speeds are for Brits, you want raw brutal power of bigger and beerier is better...U-S-A, U-S-A and as always U-S-A!!!!!!!

On the serious just go with either a manually operated dingle cog or freewheel as Seau suggested or maybe consider a Rolhoff Hub? Or if you can figure out someone has an old Campagnolo Cambio Corse system that would be dope as all get out. Maybe you could figure out a bodgey version and make it even more awesome.

I get it. I actually thought I should just get myself into good enough shape to work with 33/17 on both terrains.

Would changing a dingle free be a PITA? What about the slack as well? Though the White Inds 16/18 is not a big gap at all.
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Old 08-02-16, 09:08 PM
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Originally Posted by TourDeHood
I get it. I actually thought I should just get myself into good enough shape to work with 33/17 on both terrains.

Would changing a dingle free be a PITA? What about the slack as well? Though the White Inds 16/18 is not a big gap at all.
If I am not mistaken the Karate Monkey has track ends? or something horizontal so it shouldn't be a big thang.
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Old 08-02-16, 09:12 PM
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If you have a derailleur on the bike, 2 gears isn't really any more simple than 10.
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Old 08-03-16, 07:29 AM
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Originally Posted by seau grateau
If you have a derailleur on the bike, 2 gears isn't really any more simple than 10.
+1. I love singlespeed mountain biking, but if you've gotta ride to the trail or around town, you're better off just converting to geared. You should be able to find a Deore cassette, derailleur, and shifter for under a hundo, which is a really great value.
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Old 08-03-16, 03:10 PM
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Oh C'mon. Just get a second bike. We all know you're already thinking about it
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Old 08-03-16, 10:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Wspsux
Oh C'mon. Just get a second bike. We all know you're already thinking about it
Ha! yeah, but for what? I love the Monkey so much that I might just make it the permanant city bike and forget about a dedicated trail bike for now...or just use my cross bike on trails again.
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Old 08-04-16, 10:47 AM
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Ah, a rare bird indeed. Thinks of reasons he DOESNT need a bike as opposed to reasons he DOES.
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