maidenfan

Well, not new, but recently converted Surly Ogre to a commuter. Deore cranks (36 x 15 gearing), 36 spoke xt hubs w/velocity chukker rims. Rides great.

ThermionicScott 

Looks good! I saw the 36/15 gearing and thought, "hmm, that's a little low." Then I realized this was a 29er.

maidenfan

Yeah, I did quite a bit of riding in "single speed mode" with the other bikes before choosing this ratio. It allows me to ride in the 15-16 mph range comfortably and spin like a mother in the 20-22 mph range. Climbing very steep hills is a ***** though (but getting stronger is sorta the point, right?)

ThermionicScott 

Yep, spinning and getting stronger do a body good.

BobH.

Hi there maidenfan,

That is a nice ride you have. I also ride a single speed (Haro 1.1 Reserve) I'm forcing myself to learn to spin rather than mash, so I'm running a much lower ratio. For me the disc brakes are such a plus. I try to do a trackstand at every stop sign ( fell over last month), found out that I still blled red.

BobH.

CliftonGK1

Looks nice. From the pic, the chain looks a bit on the slack side. Maybe just me since I'm not easy on my equipment (and I can't imagine you're "babying" that ride) but I'm always leery about dropping a chain off a curb or hopping a pothole, so I keep the tension a bit on the snug side. Plus I run a chain-minder up front as added security against hopping the chain off up front.

maidenfan

Yeah, it was tighter out of the shop. The mech left the quick release on, but I'm skeptical on its reliability. That is what the chain looked like after a short 11 mile ride (tighter when I began). This is my first single speed and I'm curious how you all keep everything straight. The mech suggested the spacing on the calipers to disc (which makes sense). Will the quick release be enough? I'm 240ish and ride pretty hard. Is there a better set up to keep everything tight and running true?

ThermionicScott 

The QR should be enough for a SS (not fixed-gear) setup -- just make sure it's tight. You should start to feel resistance from the lever when it's halfway closed.

CJ C

looks good

but

woud look better with a brown leather brooks and brown leather saddlebags

maidenfan

I put 40 miles on it today and the chain seems close to what it was. I think I'm going to pick up one of Surly's tuggnut's just so I can forget about it.

maidenfan

Got the fenders on and also picked up a tuggnut (not on in the photo) to help keep the chain tight. The thing works so well I think I'm gonna pick one up for the other side to help get the rotor/caliper spacing just right.

john4789

This thing is ******.

I ride a fixed-gear for commuting w/ 700x32 deep profile wheels. Holds up great but is still fast. I am going to build something similar to your ride for this upcoming winter that will hold up even better in the conditions.

I've got an old Trek Mountain Track Mtb bike that has semi-vertical dropouts so an OK conversion to SS. Hopefully I can make it as nice as your ride.

1FatBikeRider

Sweet ride!

maidenfan

I'm thinking about raising the stem a bit and throwing on a set of Salsa cowbell handlebars for the drop position. I already have the tektro brake levers and bar so it wouldn't cost anything but a new set of wraps. A single speed "monster cross" commuter.

maidenfan

Added a Salsa Woodchipper bar and turned the bike into a monster cross single speed commuter. I test rode the bar on a titanium salsa fargo (freaking sweet bike) and had to have them. The drops flare out real nice (46cm bar) and match up to my shoulders like butter - comfy and fast.

maidenfan

On a side note - I wrapped the bars with Lizard Skins DSP 2.5mm bar tape. Very expensive (for tape) at $32, but wow, by far, the sweetest feeling tape out there that I've tried so far.