"Real" vs. homemade SS
 

I want a singlespeed really bad, a steel ss, but for some reason I've got it in my head if I make one that needs a tensioner I'll never really be satisfied. Like, after a couple months I'll want a "real" ss with track ends or something so bad it will drive me nuts. I keep dreaming about riding around on a ss and it never has a singulator.

Is that stupid or has that happened to you? Is the experience on a "real" ss any different or better than a home built one?

I know it's an essentially dumb question, but this is how I figure stuff out- by asking dumb questions. I've got a chance to buy a cool Bianchi lugged frame mountain bike but I'm wondering if I'd be better off just saving up for a monocog.

Are you looking for a mountain frame or a road frame? There is often a lot of used stuff out there. I'd say the feeling of making something yourself, in either case, is better than the feeling of riding a new bike. Knowing that you made something yourself (as long as it is safe) is probably going to give you more gratification than buying one.

Mountain bike, but with some slicks for commuting.

Yeah, if I had a steel frame already it'd be a no-brainer, the problem is $$- I don't know where to spend my small amounts of dough. I figure whatever I come up with tha't gonna be it, I won't be able to afford to switch to something different for a long while.

I have always had a different mind set. I loved the look of the home built ones with tensioners. I am getting a monocog and I am sure I will love it but for some reason I love a tensioner on a bike. Good luck.

I think there's more than one answer.

A good conversion bike will be a good rider.

But a new bike will feed your ego.

There's nothing wrong w/ getting what you want, as long as you don't hurt anyone along the way. In fact, I think it is essential to be good to yourself.

Just as it is good to learn to do without, to be frugal.

Yes. Part of it is I haven't bought a new bike since 1987 - a Miyata Trailrunner that I wish I still had because it had a nice lugged steel frame and Suntour which I now miss. It'd be nice to smell that new bike smell. I should probably check out that Bianchi.

You could just try to get a perfect gear combination.

Man, why can't you find MTB frames with horizontal dropouts?

Check with a local framebuilder about putting track dropouts on a mtn. bike with vertical dropouts. You can easily find an old steel mtn. bike frame with vertical dropouts without spending much.

Damn the snobs! There's no better feeling than knowing that you built the thing! Any hipster gives you grieve about riding a "conversion" can go pound sand.

I'm being a bit picky about the sort of frame I'll buy. I've seen a few overpriced lower-end steel bikes with horizontal dropouts and u-brakes, but I'm not interested in trying to make a mediocre old frame off a Fuji Cadenza my new ride, you know? I'm checking every day though.

Don't overlook the White Industries hub for vertical dropouts. It's pricey, but will greatly increase the number of frames you have to choose from.

Oh yeah! the White Eno hub! that and half links should take care of all your chain tension issues with a vert drop out!

2 reasons: Flats are way more common on MTBs (mad freeriding, etc.), so quick releases are a necessity.

Most people mash a LOT offroad. Combine ridiculous torque with a QR and you get your wheel popping out of the dropout. Hence, vertical drops.

Aren't there snobs who would give you grief about buying one as well though?