I couldn't find any good threads on here about single speed mountain bikes. I've been ridding a fixed gear in town and for commuting for about six years now and I was thinking about buying a single speed mtb as there is a lot of wide relatively smooth and very hilly area around where I live that I think would be fun to ride with a single speed. So i was hopping to get a single speed mtb thread going. post your single speed mtb/experiences/advice.

well here is the bike im looking at getting i think he is asking way to much we will see what i end up paying for it 1SPD 29er Ridged

That's a pretty nice bike just to be putzing around town on.

You could just get any older rigid 26er and throw on one of those chain tensioner conversion things.

No offense to the fixed gear folks but, I can't imagine getting the most use out of a mtn bike with only one cog in the rear. I do see why people get fixed gear though: easy to maintain, quiet, simplicity, more in tune with the bike, etc.

I just can't fathom being happy with something I can't shift on the hilly, technical dirt trails. I'd be walking the bike more. Now, on paved roads, I can see myself on a fixed roadie.

Random info: Surly's first production bike was a fixed gear mtn bike, the 1x1.

sorry if I wasn't clear enough. I am looking at a bike to get back into some trail riding

That looks like a pretty nice bike, have you seen it in person? Mountain bikes get beat up, so what kind of shape is it in and does it fit you? What's that old saying...something is worth what you are willing to pay pay for it.

As you've already noticed, this place is geared to roadgoing SS/FG and outside of a few, not much real mountain biking knowledge here. But Bikeforums does have a mtn bike subforum if you look for it - bound to be some singlespeeders there who might be able to help you.

Have you not found MTBR? They have a very active SS forum there.

Not to split hairs...but Surly 1x1 is actually more of a singlespeed that can, of course, be set-up fixed. Had one, excellent bike, occasionally rode it fixed on MTB trails, which is a great way to to sharpen one's skills and make going slow both challenging and a lotta fun!

SS MTB?

My fleet back in 2006: 2006 Karate Monkey, 2001 Instigator (my 1st SS MTB), 1988 Ventoux


The Monkey on Monarch Crest trail in 2007...dinglespeed at the time.


My 2010 GF Rig at same sign a few yrs later


Warrantied 2011 Rig (I broke 2010 after 6 months) at 13,215' w/Pettingel Peak in background w/PBR Me! rolling by on his El Mariachi SS.


2009 Monkey - my winter-conditions MTB


My 2012 Kona Honzo posing @ 13,215'


Halfway down a 4,000' descent, which was preceded by a 4,000' ascent.....lots of walking that day.


DH SS? Why not!



Lots of folks ride SS MTB around here, Rocky Mts., which does mean some hike-a-biking, but that's a part of MTBing.
That SOMA looks to be a good deal for a starter MTB....go for it!

As they say,"HTFU!"

Damn this thread makes me want a SS mtb, nice pics and rides all

I am going to see it in person tomorrow. Thanks for telling me about mtbr ss forum I am lurking there now
Thanks for the replies and nice rides!

I've been looking at those SS 27.5" bikes at BD. Rigid fork and disk brakes would make an awesome winter commuter.

This 26+ bike for $299 is interesting: Save up to 60% off new Fat Bikes and Mountain Bikes - MTB - Gravity Deadeye

Basically the same rolling diameter as a 27.5er but with a bit more cushion; plus 50mm rims make it pretty versatile.

I ended up buying the b-side I posted the ad for and I rode from 0 to 700 ft elevation twice today. It kicked my ass. I love the way it handles the wheel base is super long and it worked out really well on the fast down hills. I will post some pics of the bike tomorrow.

Holy crap that's cheap.

I don't get many chances to ride it anymore, but this lugged steel Trek 950 conversion has been a GREAT SS mtb on the trails in this part of South Carolina. It's all nice twisty single-track over hills just long enough to make you work for it while still manageable on SS. There was quite the cult of SS trail riding in this area a few years ago, and for all I know they're still going strong ...

One of favorite biking memories is tearing up singletrack on my BMX race bike when I was like 13. Soooooo fun.

Remember it just like it was yesterday eh? Oh hang on ...

Product: Nashbar Bee's Knees Single-Speed 650B/27.5" Mountain Bike