kdoubleu84

I'm in the process of updating most of the components on my 2000 Gary Fisher Aquila. I want to convert to singlespeed because I use primarily for transportation to school (downtown) I just got:

Race Face Evolve cranks
Sun Ringle Magnesium Pedals
New Brakes and Levers
Saddle + Seatpost
Protaper Bar + Oury grips
and I am ordering a Tora 302 fork and a new Mavic wheelset.

so...I went my local bike shop today and the guy told me that my bike wasn't a 'good candidate' for singlespeed and it would be too expensive to convert it, so I should just buy a singlespeed frame. How is that true? I thought you just needed an adaptor and a chain tensioner + costs for labor.

Can someone help me out please and drop some knowledge? thanks..

Here is the bike:

Bianchigirll 

well I don't see why you couldn't if your just commuting with it. it isn't like you want to put a Record 11 group on a 77 huffy frame. however I, as a former mechanic/shop owner, wonder about your logic in ordering parts online? and not from the shop. then asking them to install them. if that is what your planning. he can likely get you all the goodies you want and if your a good customer he might give you a better deal then online shopping.

coffeecake

Perhaps he's just trying to save you from potential ridicule

Mr IGH

If you love the frame, then the money isn't wasted. I tend to agree with the LBS, you're spending a lot of money, you could have sold the GF and taken all the new component money and put it towards a dedicated SS bike. Why the Tora on a commuter? I'd go with a rigid.

craigcraigcraig

all you really need is a single speed kit like from jenson or any online website, it comes with cogs and spacers so you choose what to put back on your cassette body. Also comes with chain tensioner like a derailuer that doesn't move. The chain tensioner is all you really need but is better to get the kit so you can line up your chainring and cog. I bought this https://www.nashbar.com/bikes//Produc...2_175492_-1___ i think this is what you are looking for.

ed 

Give me the name and number of this bike shop so I can call them tomorrow.

kdoubleu84

haha ill get right on that.

so, after weighing my options I decided I am going to return the parts I bought, and sell my bike which would leave me with around $700 to spend on a used bike. What are some good mt bikes that could be easily made into a singlespeed and used for XC/urban riding?

I'm hopefully going to find something on craigslist. I've always ben a fan of the Santa Cruz Chameleon but the only one on craigslist was a size S. (I'm 6'2")

Thanks!

ed 

Could you expound on the word "Urban" for me?

kdoubleu84

stairs, small drops, jumps, riding through traffic, etc...

ed 

Well, the bike you posted is a little light for a big dude doing jumps, drops, and stairs.

Jamis Komodo 1 $675

kdoubleu84

The only problem with buying new is that I will still have to put money in because I want a singlespeed. Also, I'd rather let sometime else take the huge depreciation hit. Any other suggestions?

pacificaslim

Just buy a bike that is already a singlespeed... there are dozens, if not hundreds, of models to choose from on the market these days.

JakcBeNimble

I know you already said you were going to sell your bike, but this suggestion is super simple and will work just fine. Put some slick tires on there, stiffen your fork up and you're ready to go. This'll also let you do all the aggressive riding you do already as long as you're mainly riding on pavement.

kdoubleu84

what about this:

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...utcast29_x.htm

yeah its not a kona, santa cruz, jamis, etc. but for the $$ it seems pretty good and they have a 17" left. I could upgrade over time to better components...

Metzinger

I'm curious. What exactly seems good about it? The frame sizing? The color? The components? The warranty?
Or just the fact that it exists?

6'2" on a 17" is means a loooong seatpost. I see nothing on the Moto's spec that suggests value for money.
IMO you'd be better off on your existing bike with 3craig's SS kit.

Save the rest of your money now, and buy something good later.

Mr IGH

I'd get the new Motobecane SS outcast 29er. $500 shipped and you'll have some money left over for a rigid fork. I'm closer to 6-3 and I ride the 19". Great value, I just built up the older version with an Alfine for my buddy, $660 total cost, very nice bike.

ed 

Take another look at this bike and read below comment.


I'd say the frame size is perfect for the comment below:
I'm 6'1.5" and building a bike to ride "on the pavement" with a 14" frame. It's completely appropriate for aggressive Urban riding.

Mr IGH

29'er?

ed 

kdoubleu84

what about this for $400 - https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/1416181915.html

kenhill3

That's a hella deal. Go check it out.

toytech

pm sent

TRaffic Jammer

not too hard at all