First single speed. Ok where do I start?
 

Well I guess I know where I started but where should I go from here? I just bought an old steel KHS Montana Comp MTB frame that I intend on building into a single speed. My thoughts are to strip and repaint the frame and possibly have the cable stops for the derailuers removed.

So where do you begin a single speed build? Got a recomendation for middle of the line parts to spec? Don't want to spend a ton of cash but don't want a POS either.

Thanks

you need to think about chain tension. you can either run an old rear derailleur, a surly singulator or similar chain tensioner, have trackends (rear facing horizontal drops) welded or brazed on, or get a white industries eno hub. you can't get good chain tension with vertical drops. if it's going to be fixed your only options are the eno hub or new trackends.

will this bike be rigid? maybe some avid single digit 7 brakes?

edit: oh yeah, you should think about gear ratios too. 2:1 is a good starting point for a ss mtb, but most folks around here run 32:18 for single speed ratios, but there are some steep trails around here... stupid mountains... oh wait... i like them.

Thanks for the reply. Yea I am going full rigid and was going to look into having horizontal drop-outs installed but I am not sure how economical that will be (Hey I only paid $40 shipped for this frame :D ).

Bontrager's site has a good write up about how to make your self a single speed.

http://www.bontrager.com/keith/rants.asp?id=8

They even tell you how to run a granny gear, if you want to.