I bought a HardRock hardtail five years ago. Not long after I had it, my son claimed it as his own. He recently got his drivers license, so of course he doesn't need the bike anymore and it defaulted back to me. I am thinking of using it as a gravel bike, switching out the suspension fork for a Surly 1x1 fixed and maybe even convert to SS.

My questions is, would I be better off purchasing a new SS MTB? Most SS's out there are 29-ers and at my short height I would look ridiculous on such a thing.

Ideas, anyone?

OK, how tall are you?

i am 5'10" and comfy on my 29er SS.

5' 2". I think my Kilo TT is 47cm. There might have been one size smaller when I bought mine.

You already own the bike and, presumably, it fits.
As long as the dropouts allow it, convert it.
Sounds like a fun project.

Yeaaaah, do it.

This is a 2011 model? I'm not fond of the recent vintage. Lots of steel and plastic components.

Do it.

I converted my 1992 Specialized Rockhopper Comp. Worked much better once I bought a rear wheel laced to an Eno Eccentric hub. The magic gear ratio gets old.

I run a 93 rockhopper converted to ss with a Surly Singulator. It is a hunk of junk, and awesome and fun. Would recommend.

Thanks for the replies. I do think I will move ahead with this project once I am finished upgrading the Kilo. Some questions, though:

1) I understand that I could still use my existing rear wheel provided I have the appropriate spacers?

2) And for a 26" wheel I should start with a 2:1 gear ratio?

Anything else I should know before I order parts? Thanks!

Go with Gear Clamps instead, way easier to deal with.

Unless your trails are open and flat, more or less, I would start with something less than 2:1. My trails are very technical and I am using 20:32.