Spookykinkajou

I tried to like gears, I really did. My current geared frame will probably not work with an ENO hub otherwise I would use it. The clearance on the brake bridge is just too tight even with 23c tires.

So, I'm looking at what options are available.

I ride far. Ideally this will be as light weight as possible while being comfortable for the long haul. I'm not a total weight weenie but when hauling a single speed up hills for 2 or 3 hundred miles straight it's nice to have minimal weight.

Besides custom, what should brands should I look at?

Gunnar Street Dog is the only one thus far that I think could possibly work.

filtersweep

If you want SS, why not use a tensioner on any of the billion road bike framesets out there?

deadforkinglast

Raleigh One-Way! Classy single speed with cantilever brakes. My friend has one, and I like it a lot.

dutret

I assume he wants something nicer than 4130 hence ruling out the one way etc.

The older filmores had nicer tubing if I recall.
A conversion of a higher mid-end 80s frame.
Simply converting a newer bike other than yours with an eno

Spookykinkajou

Definitely looking towards the nicer end. 853, ox platinum, etc. If I wanted 4130 I would not be posting and just order a Surly. I had a Cross Check and it's a great bike, but not good for what I want to do. It's too heavy, flexible in bb area, and slow feeling climbing.

I really wish my current Titus Modena (carbon fiber mostly) would work. I may try anyways and just line the rear up so the wheel is not moving up any towards the bridge. I just don't know how difficult this would be to do..

I don't like tensioners because, imo, that defeats the purpose of the single speed by losing efficiency.

dutret

lol

roadfix

Older Litespeed frames have horizontal dropouts and you can build them up into nice ss/fixed rides.

Spookykinkajou

why laughing out loud? I've ridden both and it's a very noticeable difference in ride quality. yes, it's a simple and cheap solution, but it's nowhere near the same ride quality as one without the tensioner.

Sometimes it skips. It's not as quiet. It looks pretty lame. It's also another part to worry about working all the time.

mr_macgee

'06 Lemond Filmore with True Temper OX Platinum tubing.

dutret

If it was that noticable that you need to spend a bit more or find a better mechanic. I was laughing at the hilarious absurdity of a tensioner "defeating the efficiency of single speed". A person on a single speed is substantially less efficient unless they are always moving the same speed. Any energy loss in the drivetrain due to a tensioner is infinitesimal compared to all of the other forces on the rider.

Spookykinkajou

Ah, I didn't even think about that side of the game I completely agree, thus the reason I ventured in to gears a few months ago. perhaps I don't know how to ride a geared bike properly, but I'm not that much faster on most rides. If it were a flat ride, then yes, I'd be significantly faster, but most of my rides are, for example, 100 miles with 9,000ft of climbing. Yeah, on a single speed I'd suffer a bit more, but I find it more enjoyable - never having to think about shifting and enjoying the ride - so that outweighs the panting up some of the hills.

bbattle

Why do think a bike made of 853 or Ox Plat would be more comfortable? You could always go custom but IMHO, you won't be able to tell the difference between a frame that weighs 4 pounds and one that weighs three pounds, except in your wallet.

Dude, if you are doing 100 mile rides with 9,000 ft. of climbing on a singlespeed, you don't need our advice on anything.

Spookykinkajou

I'm fishing for frames. I guess I hoped people out there would know some obscure frames that I'm unaware of.

Generally speaking, frames made out of 853 and similar tend to ride better. They are more 'springy' and are almost always lighter. 4 pounds vs 3 pounds though, you are right, i would not notice a difference.

roadfix

I've ridden my Surly Steamroller and my Litespeed conversion on century and double century rides. They both perform well and I don't prefer one over the other.

bbattle

Rodriguez Singleshot. Ox plat steel.


Waterford F-33 True Temper S3 tubing


Ahearne fixed commuter -custom bike, whatever steel you want; Reynolds 953

Soil_Sampler

https://www.co-motion.com/single_bikes/streaker_fe.html

Spookykinkajou

Now this is a very interesting frame to consider. Thanks, I've seen these as touring bikes but did not know they did the SS variety. Couplers would be very nice..

camy

ENO hub?
I'm debating looking for an old Klein frame and going this route.

sfcrossrider

https://www.steelmancycles.com/

He builds some of the best, hype-free frames in the world. If he can't meet your need, maybe cycling isn't for you.

powerband

I say that Waterford (especially the fixed-geared F22) makes one of the best-looking frames on the market. If I had the money today, this is the frame I would purchase and ride for the rest of my life.

Cyclist0383

Mercian Super Vigorelli. You can get custom geometry for the same price if stock doesn't suit you. Comes in 853.
https://www.merciancycles.com/frame_vigorelli.asp

MIN 

My Fillmore '06 is road geometry with ox platinum tubing, Wisconsin made. I am currently using a taller salsa fork and 34mm cross tires on it - so that gives you an idea on clearance.

Aeroplane

Jamis Sputnik is the answer that should have been thrown in a loooong long time ago... I think the Soma Delancey is pretty nice too.

*new*guy

wow... this one... i want this one.

https://www.steelmancycles.com/Ron%27sSSC.html

shants

With the ENO hub, you can always rotate it so the effective axle is farther from the brake bridge rather than closer. You should be fine. Very worst case is that you have to use both the ENO hub and a half-link. Keep your current frame.