BodiesOfLight

QUESTION =-)

I'm seriously considering getting a Redline Monocog (although I would love to have a On-One Inbred or Bianchi MUSS--but the price is a bit steep). Alright, so, I don't think the 16t freewheel will be the best setup for me, I'd like something faster to go over roots, small rocks, soft dirt, maybe climbing a bit, etc. SO, would putting a 20t or 22t freewheel work? I do know of the double freewheel but the biggest that goes up to it 17-19 I believe, I don't if that would be fast enough. Hm.

Right now I have a Raleigh M20 (rigid fork) and I use like two speeds ever on that thing (a pretty fast speed for going over stuff and climbing and a slower speed for flatter areas--all trails) so that's why I really want to get a SS MTB.

never

So you want to run a 32x20/22 instead of a 32x16? I think that'd be a useless gear unless you are riding up hills all of the time. You'd be spinning pretty fast and wouldn't be able to maintain much speed in most situations.

You can always get the bike and ride it then decide if you think you need a lower gear. Or just ride your current bike on a trail in your 32x16 gear and see how it goes. It will be a little tougher at first but you will get used to it and may want a larger chainring or a smaller cog out back.

PoorBehavior

Get a couple of those $9 dollar freewheels and try different sizes out then drop the cash for a WI when you know what you want.

BodiesOfLight

Reading some reviews on mtbr.com for the monocog, I see that people who wanted a better climb are using a 32/18 setup, I probably try that.

BodiesOfLight

Could I just put a 7-speed cassette on it? The new Monocogs have 135mm spacing in the back so I would think I could.

Also, I've heard that disc brakes on the back of a SS can be a bad thing. Is this true? I see a lot SS with disc brakes, too.

C Law

No. While its great that they changed the rear spacing to standard MTB spacing, you are still using a single speed cassette rear hub, according to the redline site. Meaning , you will only have room for one cog and not a 7 speed cluster. You could probably get 2 or maybe three cogs on at once but it is really designed for one. Just get some cheap cogs and try them out. Keep in mind that if the bike comes stock with 16, any change greater than 2 teeth will probably result in having to get a new chain or adding new links to your existing chain.

The only detriment to disc brakes on a single speed is that it removes the ability to run a 'flip flop' style rear hub, if you were so inclined. Other than that, you could have some wheel removal issues with traditional 'track sytle' rear dropouts, but it is really only a minor annoyance.



If you are a tall lad also, check out the monocog 29er.

SpiderMike

In regards to the original question on gearing... What do you mean by faster gearing? The directsion you were going sounds like your going more granny geared. 32X20 (assuming your keeping the front chainwheel) will make you spin a lot more. Great for climbs, bad for flat outs. But with all that is Single Speed, its is all to the individuals preferences.

And for disc brakes on SS setups. To remove the rear wheel off my 1x1, I have to remove the rear caliper first. I think that if I were to run bigger brakes, I wouldn't have this issue.

bhc

I have disc up front, so easy to change things around in back. Mine came with 16 tooth, and have been able to put up to a 20 tooth in back without adding links. 20 tooth is nice for elevation gain, or short steep climbs, but spins out way too fast if you have any flats. Also with a 20 tooth if you don't add links, you won't get as large a tire in back. my .02

ponchotempest

Keep the 32x16. After a couple weeks of riding, you'll be strong enough to climb with it.