Surly 1x1
 

Since I broke my frame last month and Specialized cant warranty it (in between production runs - it may take several months), and I have very little money budgeted for bikes until tax return time when I get my XtC ds1 (I cant wait!), I'm stuck without a bike.

On the other hand, I'm left with a pile of components and just about $300, so this may be karmas way of telling me to simplyfy and make that ss I've been wanting. Surly's 1x1 frame and fork is within my price range... Hmmmmm.

Anyone here own a Surly? Anyone here a ss junkie?

You called?

I've been riding a 1x1 for 8 months and love it. Much better than the converted SS I was riding. The bike just handles great. It's really amazing what you get for the money. The fork is a bit heavy (2.4# I believe), but it's still lighter than a suspension fork. Nimble when hammered through singletrack, climbs great.

If you LBS doesn't have any, check www.webcyclery.com, they have them for $359. Oh, and tell 'em I sent you.

If you have any specific questions, ask away.

any idea what the frame spacing is between the rear dropouts?

Have you had any luck converting mtb cassette hubs to ss use, or will I be better off (or simply stuck using) a flip-flop hub or converted bmx hub?


what about gear ratios? I'd like to keep using my XT square-taper cranks if I can.

Frame spacing is standard MTB (135mm I believe).

I've used an MTB cassette conversion before, but it was with a frame w/ verticle dropouts. For the Surly I would recommend a bolt on hub (or get a bolt on axle for the cassette hub). You can use a cassette w/ quick release, but it might slip under load. I have heard of many people successfully using the QR w/ horizontal drops, they say to use a Shimano QR and close it TIGHT. If you have the wheel already, try it and see.

2:1 gear ration is pretty much the standard. It can be hard at first, but it makes you stronger. Experiment w/ parts you have on hand. It all depends on your fitness level and the terrain you ride. Your XT cranks should be fine.

Thanks!

I was planning on replacing the rear axel with a solid one and getting some actual track nuts to use on it.

Any idea where I can get spacers and a single cog that will fit a 7 speed cassette?

An even better question I guess would be where can I get ss stuff??

If you have an old 7 speed cassette, take it apart and use one of the cogs, plus the spacers. You'll have to scrounge up a few more spacers to complete it.

You can get SS parts at www.webcyclery.com

For an axle and other strange small parts like spacers and cogs, go to
www.thethirdhand.com

Thanks again.

Btw, I just checked out singlespeedoutlaw.com~ very nice!

I too am a singlespeed fool. I ride the Bianchi BaSS and I'm loving it. The Surly seems like a nice frame. I haven't gotten to ride one yet but I've seen a few and they look well made. I don't think you can go wrong with the 1x1

You might also want to consider the Redline Monocog. Here's some info on it.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/singlespeed.html
Jensonusa.com has the complete bike for $349 and the frame and fork for $149. The frame uses a bmx rear hub (110mm)

I've also purchased from Webcyclery and highly recommend them. Many times your local shop is just not hip to the SS thing and won't have what you need. Then it's time to give Kevin and MeanTodd at Webcyclery a call.

Good luck

hey, I just found a new Redline Monocog on Ebay. It's a 19" and if you buy it now for $315 the seller will ship for free. Sounds like a good deal so I thought I pass it along. http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI...tem=1187661000

just a quick note on using QR on singlespeed horizontal dropouts.. i have had the wheel slip under load no matter how tight i had it clamped, but a LBS suggested that I use a star washer/crown washer between the frame and the QR contact teeth and so far it has worked like a charm, without any problems under heavy climbing, heavy sprinting, rocks, bumps, even a jump at a bmx 'course' during which i fell hard.

More Kudos for the Surly. I had a first generation frame, back when they were called a Rat Ride. (rat race...rat ride..get it?) It was a great bike. I sold it in anticiaption of getting a Karate Monkey, and man do I miss it.



http://webspace4me.net/%7Eanthony/singletranny2.jpg

is that how you tension the chain? is it effective? i might copy that trick on my bike with vertical drops (wont cop out the money for a singulator)

I just finished building up my new surley 1x1.
Had to wait a while to order a black one as all they had in stock was white.
Your right about that fork - beefy ! but I will keep it since it matches the frame.
Using surley 1x1 hubs laced to Sun Rhyno Lite rims.
Gearing is 34T front with either 16T or 14T rear ( one on either side of hub )
Too much snow right now so I havent tested it yet.

Cheers.

If you have a Shimano hub,late 97, you can actually replace the cassette with the shimano dx assembly, "instant single speed conversion. We do it all the time in the shop, which freaks alot of people out. Need some more information, feel free to call or drop us a line.


www.phkbicycles.com

Pete