marqueemoon

My main concern with the San Jose was the tire clearance - especially the fork. It doesn't look too roomy in there. I want a bike I can hit trails on but also set up as a fixed commuter. Then I stumbled on this:



Pretty sharp for $500, no? As far as the stock parts go, it seems like only the stock post and saddle would need to be ditched immediately.

According to Sheldon a 12 tooth cog would give me 71.4 gear inches with 700x28 tires (I would get a second fixed wheelset for the street), but that's an 8 tooth difference from the stock 20t freewheel! I'd like to be able to switch out wheelsets without messing with the chain, but maybe 32x20 will be too spinny for the dirt anyway and I'll end up switching to a freewheel with fewer teeth, resulting in a smaller differential.* I also wonder with 175 cranks and a big drop in tire size if pedal strike would be an issue.

Apparently this bike is not out until March, so I'll have to wait to hit the shop with my tape measure

*Is there a rule of thumb for how much space per tooth you get in track ends?

xthugmurderx

in most track ends you can go about 2 teeth pretty easily. some can do four. depends how loose you like your chain/how long the dropouts are/how little you care about the clearance aesthetic. 2 is pretty much the rule of thumb, but now that i think about it. it should be more.

-jason

Aeroplane

About 1/4 inch per tooth gained or lost in total is the rule of thumb I use.

The monocog 29'er: these things are going to sell out so fast. Redline just made available their 9-2-5 and are almost sold out in the first two weeks. Be ready with your credit card quick-draw.

tig rider

That is a nice ride for $500...I have been thinking along similar lines...commuter with dirt capabilities. Disc brakes might be necessary if you are switching wheel sizes between off road adventures and commuting.

One more thing...Of course the terrain and the motor will decide....but I think you are right that a 32x20 might be a little spinny on the dirt.