Single Speed Help!!!!
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 138
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Single Speed Help!!!!
hi- i'm making the switch to go single speed. i was wondering what people thought about bikes on the market. everyone says how great bianchis are, but when i look at their bikes, i'm not really impressed. i'm a clydesdale, who cannot stand compact geometry (i have a cannondale now, and i hate riding it). anyway, i know Salsa makes good stuff, but i don't have megabucks. also, i was wondering if anyone knew anything about fetish bikes? i see their singlespeed on ebay for a great price, but i was wondering if anyone out there ever actually rode one? thanks for your help!
#2
Taking "s" outta "Fast"
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Zoo York City
Posts: 1,989
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If cash is an issue, just convert your current bike. I think the bianchis are a pretty solid bike for the money, especially if you don't like the angles of your c-dale.
Surly makes a 1x1 frame (hint hint, look at the sig) and the frames are reasonably priced.
Surly makes a 1x1 frame (hint hint, look at the sig) and the frames are reasonably priced.
#3
Too Much Crazy
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: NY
Posts: 3,660
Bikes: Eriksen 29er, Gunnar Roadie, Niner RLT, Niner RIP 9
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 116 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts
I would go with a redline monocog if cost is an issue (it sounds like it is since you said salsa is expensive).
Good basic steel frameset, low level components. Check out 29'' inch wheeled bikes if you are a big clyde.
the fetish bikes are aluminum frames. Not that there is anything wrong with it, it's just that if you plan on going rigid as well, it can be a bit more harsh as compared with steel*
*I have never ridden a fetish frame
Good basic steel frameset, low level components. Check out 29'' inch wheeled bikes if you are a big clyde.
the fetish bikes are aluminum frames. Not that there is anything wrong with it, it's just that if you plan on going rigid as well, it can be a bit more harsh as compared with steel*
*I have never ridden a fetish frame
Last edited by C Law; 02-22-07 at 06:59 AM.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Iowa
Posts: 349
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
On the cheap I would convert the bike you currently have. Just add a surly singleator.
Full bikes to check out: Haro Mary, Raleigh XXIX, Redline Monocog, KHS Solo One, Surly 1x1 or Karate Monkey and too many more to name.
Another option would be to buy a Specialized Hardrock or something similar and put a single speed kit on that. It would be about as cheap as an off the shelf SS and you would have the option down the road to convert it back if you decide SS'ing is not for you.
Full bikes to check out: Haro Mary, Raleigh XXIX, Redline Monocog, KHS Solo One, Surly 1x1 or Karate Monkey and too many more to name.
Another option would be to buy a Specialized Hardrock or something similar and put a single speed kit on that. It would be about as cheap as an off the shelf SS and you would have the option down the road to convert it back if you decide SS'ing is not for you.
#5
work or ride? hmm
Join Date: May 2006
Location: wisconsin
Posts: 89
Bikes: bianchi lewis, specialized p2, marin singlespeed, jamis dakar, bianchi axis, haro blammo bmx, schwinn unicycle, fetish discipline, stripped trek road frame ss w/no brakes
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
bianchi's are nice, i like mine, all my friends like theirs, we ride the aluminum ones
the surly 1x1's are nice looking, steel, would prolly be better for your size, haven't riden one though
redline monocogs are a good bang for the buck, a buddy has one, you might want to get a fork for the front if you don't want sore arms.
salsa makes some good stuff
check out gunnar, soulcraft, on one
damn im just repeating what everyone else said.
the surly 1x1's are nice looking, steel, would prolly be better for your size, haven't riden one though
redline monocogs are a good bang for the buck, a buddy has one, you might want to get a fork for the front if you don't want sore arms.
salsa makes some good stuff
check out gunnar, soulcraft, on one
damn im just repeating what everyone else said.
#7
Moar cowbell
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: The 509
Posts: 12,481
Bikes: Bike list is not a resume. Nobody cares.
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 29 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
5 Posts
If cost is really an issue, pick a gear you like and zip-tie your shifters immobile.
__________________
RST Suspension | Canfield Bikes | 7iDP Protection | Maxxis | Renthal | Hayes | VonZipper Optics | GoPro
Originally Posted by Mark Twain
"Don't argue with stupid people; they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience."
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 69
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by dminor
If cost is really an issue, pick a gear you like and zip-tie your shifters immobile.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 57
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Gear2SS Conversion kit - $20
Bolts to hold single chain ring on crank - $10
Surely Singleator - $40
*Prices May Vary*
I'm lucky enough to be able to do a Geared to SS conversion with just the kit, as I already have a singlering crank. I just want something to ride around town and not worry about. Just for fun.
Bolts to hold single chain ring on crank - $10
Surely Singleator - $40
*Prices May Vary*
I'm lucky enough to be able to do a Geared to SS conversion with just the kit, as I already have a singlering crank. I just want something to ride around town and not worry about. Just for fun.
#10
The Rabbi
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,125
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 16 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
I don't understand how anyone can "hate" compact geometry--you position on the bike is relatively the same as on a traditional bike. They just slope the top tube. Have something against standover room?
#11
hateful little monkey
Join Date: May 2003
Location: oakland, ca
Posts: 5,274
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by seely
I don't understand how anyone can "hate" compact geometry--you position on the bike is relatively the same as on a traditional bike. They just slope the top tube. Have something against standover room?
#12
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 138
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
actually, on the cannondale i have, they took the seat tube and put it at a more vertical angle than a traditional bike. this gives you a really sketchy feeling of being topheavy, plus it cramps your body close together. i absolutely love sloping top tubes, especially on a mountain bike, but c'dale apparently feels that riders should constantly feel uncomfortable and that they are going to endo during their entire ride.
i guess i am looking more to see what other single speed riders are riding out there besides bianchis. thanks for all of the input, i look forward to more!
i guess i am looking more to see what other single speed riders are riding out there besides bianchis. thanks for all of the input, i look forward to more!
#13
Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 49
Bikes: Santa Cruz Chameleon/Giant XTC
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have a Karate Monkey that I ride 95 percent of the time singlespeed. You can run gears if you decide you don't like single. I got an extra geared wheel and rear derailleur.
#14
DNPAIMFB
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Cowtown, AB
Posts: 4,655
Bikes: Titus El Guapo, Misfit diSSent, Cervelo Soloist Carbon, Wabi Lightning, et al.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Convert your current bike. To ensure you can't shift, cut your rear derailleur cable to about 3" in length, and feed it through the barrel adjuster. Push your rear derailleur over until it is on the desired cog, then tighten the cable in the clamp as usual. You'll be able to use the barrel adjuster to fine-tune the derailleur on the chosen cog, and converting to multi-speed is as easy as threading a new cable. Shazam!
p.s.: This doesn't work on the front derailleur, so just take it off entirely.
p.s.: This doesn't work on the front derailleur, so just take it off entirely.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 331
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by pinkrobe
Convert your current bike. To ensure you can't shift, cut your rear derailleur cable to about 3" in length, and feed it through the barrel adjuster. Push your rear derailleur over until it is on the desired cog, then tighten the cable in the clamp as usual. You'll be able to use the barrel adjuster to fine-tune the derailleur on the chosen cog, and converting to multi-speed is as easy as threading a new cable. Shazam!
p.s.: This doesn't work on the front derailleur, so just take it off entirely.
p.s.: This doesn't work on the front derailleur, so just take it off entirely.
Works like a charm, but you don't shed big weight like you would with a full conversion (or dedicated ss). This is truly one of the most breathtaking aspects of ss to me. I just converted my old Trek 7000 and it feels so nice and light! Now I may even go with a rigid fork...