Decades have passed and I have owned countless bicycles. Road bikes and mountain bikes have come and gone - my preferred material is steel, however I have given aluminum and carbon a whirl from time to time.
I have come full circle and I am now back on a single speed.
Below is a list of how I chose to go about.
When I bought my last Hardtail frame, it was a bonus that it had sliding drop outs, double bonus they were compatible with Paragon Machine dropouts. I had the choice of single speed without a chain tensioner, but I also was able to convert to a 142x12 setup as well.
XT/XTR Setup 2x10.
The bike went through several changes. It started out as an X0/X9 build, but eventually ended up an XTR/XT build. SunRingle wheels and Thomson bits. A super fun do all bike.
To get an idea of what ratio is best for me, I rode my bike on several occasions in just one gear ratio on the current drive train. This gave me a general idea of what i was string enough to ride on my local trails.
I am a Clydesdale, so the opinion of some 120lb rider may not be valid. Then again, the opinion of another Clydesdale who has been doing this for years may have an opinion that just doesn't work for a noob. Also - consider terrain. I live in a hilly area and the race will be at a ski resort. The opinion of someone riding a single speed in flat areas may not benefit me either.
So I asked Koh... He has ridden the trails by my house and he is organizing SSWC2015. Who better to ask? Koh gave me a starting point. He suggested a 33x22 to a 33x24. Using a ratio Calculator - I determined a 38/26 combo on my bike would be pretty close so I could test out the ratio prior to any purchase.
When climbing, it will require some out of the saddle mashing.
When descending I will spin out.
When on smooth flats, I want a little more, but when things get technical, I am happy where it is.
33x22 is the decision.
So I asked Koh... He has ridden the trails by my house and he is organizing SSWC2015. Who better to ask? Koh gave me a starting point. He suggested a 33x22 to a 33x24. Using a ratio Calculator - I determined a 38/26 combo on my bike would be pretty close so I could test out the ratio prior to any purchase.
When climbing, it will require some out of the saddle mashing.
When descending I will spin out.
When on smooth flats, I want a little more, but when things get technical, I am happy where it is.
33x22 is the decision.
How do you pick what brand of Rings and spacers?
Online reviews?
I see "Greatest conversion kit" and "Cheap garbage" on the same product on many reviews of different brands. No brand went unscathed. So I asked on FB to see what some of the friends riding single speeds ride. Each had a different answer... so much like the reviews, nothing is definitive.
The Koh & Cjell both recommended Endless Bikes for the spacer kit. While on their site, I looked at the Chain Rings and Cogs. I also looked for reviews of their product and found an interesting article on Pinkbike.
I emailed Shanna and asked a few questions. Found out we actually know many of the same people. She not only was answering my questions, but also promoting the singlespeed community. In the end Shanna was helpful and I ordered the kit from her.
If you like supporting the little guy, Industry Nine machines her product (so based in i9's reputation you know it is quality) and She runs a one woman show out of Asheville NC and genuinely loves biking. It might be a bit more expensive than the Surly options... but you know where your money is going. 'Merica.
The Chain ring was a super tight fit on the XT crank. I had to torque it down using a criss cross torque to keep from warping anything. The chain ring shave off the very edges of the spider on the crank. <1mm I would guess.
The cog I read would be very tight and difficult to install. I had no issues. Just applied firm pressure and it went straight on. I also used EndlessBikeCo's fibonacci spacers. End result was a dead straight aligned chain line and no play in the drive train laterally. Very pleased.
After neglecting my Niner while riding the Soma, I decided to use the wheels off of my Niner on the Soma. So I swapped the wheels and also added a dropper post for the rougher areas near my house.
I see "Greatest conversion kit" and "Cheap garbage" on the same product on many reviews of different brands. No brand went unscathed. So I asked on FB to see what some of the friends riding single speeds ride. Each had a different answer... so much like the reviews, nothing is definitive.
The Koh & Cjell both recommended Endless Bikes for the spacer kit. While on their site, I looked at the Chain Rings and Cogs. I also looked for reviews of their product and found an interesting article on Pinkbike.
I emailed Shanna and asked a few questions. Found out we actually know many of the same people. She not only was answering my questions, but also promoting the singlespeed community. In the end Shanna was helpful and I ordered the kit from her.
If you like supporting the little guy, Industry Nine machines her product (so based in i9's reputation you know it is quality) and She runs a one woman show out of Asheville NC and genuinely loves biking. It might be a bit more expensive than the Surly options... but you know where your money is going. 'Merica.
The Chain ring was a super tight fit on the XT crank. I had to torque it down using a criss cross torque to keep from warping anything. The chain ring shave off the very edges of the spider on the crank. <1mm I would guess.
The cog I read would be very tight and difficult to install. I had no issues. Just applied firm pressure and it went straight on. I also used EndlessBikeCo's fibonacci spacers. End result was a dead straight aligned chain line and no play in the drive train laterally. Very pleased.
After neglecting my Niner while riding the Soma, I decided to use the wheels off of my Niner on the Soma. So I swapped the wheels and also added a dropper post for the rougher areas near my house.
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