Hey guys,

This is my first post, new to the forum. I'm sure you'll let me know if this is in the wrong place. Anyway I have a question for you all. I've been doing some research on single speed mountain bikes and was wondering if you guys would be able to outline any of the better bikes out there for single speeds? I'm looking for a cheaper bike. Hopefully under $1000 that still has front suspension. Maybe even dual suspension if that's possible within the price range.

I'm a noob to this whole thing so I'm not really aware what all is out there or and good resources for single speeds.

I did find some nashbar that were on amazon

Thanks for any help,
Evan

You'll probably be going hardtail. First, quality full suspensions generally cost more than $1000, and there aren't a ton of single speed full suspension bikes out there because you generally have to play with chain tensioners so the chain doesn't go slack when the rear suspension is working. You might be able to buy a Giant Yukon FX and do a conversion, but by the time you have the bike and stuff to singlespeed it, you're over $1000. There should be plenty of hardtail singlespeeds at your pricepoint though. Any in particular you're looking at?

First time you get passed on a climb by,,,, Everybody else your gonna wish you had some gears Look here: https://forums.mtbr.com/singlespeed/

SS isn't attractive to a lot of people, just the numbers of riders alone will tell you that. But if you are compelled by "whatever" it is that makes SS seem like fun, go ahead and give it a try.

"Whatever" can be as simple as reliving the old childhood days on bikes without gears, it can be less maintenance, less tech, or a desire to do it the hard way. Having a good time on a bike is reason enough.

1000 dollar bikes with decent front suspension are going to be used or built with stuff you already have if you want a good wheelset. You could get a Redline monocog flight or Nashbar SS and then buy a sus. fork or buy something like a Kona Unit with a rigid fork brand new for 1000 bucks. MTBR does have more of a dedicated mtb SS forum to read through.

Getting passed on a climb by someone on a geared bike is a small concern, they usually take a smaller gear, then sit and spin up that hill, whereas SSers have to stand and mash right on up. Singlespeeders get beat on the flats after they spin out the limit of their chosen gear or on big descents on rigid or hardtail bikes, but not so much on climbs.

Surly Karate Monkey is a rad Ss mtb. Fully rigid, though and a little bit north of 1000. Maybe check out On-one bikes. I love my monocog. Inexpensive, it will leave you with a little money leftover to purchase a good, rehabbed susp. fork.

Go Rigid