NSMB - 2020 - Hardtail Thread

Yes you lose a lot of the benefits of going SS using a tensioner. With smart choice of chainring and cog I haven't found tensioning the chain to cause chainstay length issues.

Been running an ENO eccentric hub on my commuter for years. No need for a tensioner, or frame that has sliders or room for an EBB.

Posted by: Vikb

Yes you lose a lot of the benefits of going SS using a tensioner. With smart choice of chainring and cog I haven't found tensioning the chain to cause chainstay length issues.

What exactly are the benefits of a single-speed mountain bike? Serious question. I sure don't see any down-side of having gears on my bike but I haven't tried going without them either.

Posted by: skooks

What exactly are the benefits of a single-speed mountain bike? Serious question. I sure don't see any down-side of having gears on my bike but I haven't tried going without them either.

1. lighter

2. simpler

3. more robust

4. weather proof

5. cheaper

I mostly ride geared bikes so I am not suggesting SS is better like it's the holy grail, but it's definitely different and some of the differences are benefits if you care about them. I have also done a bunch of touring on IGH bikes which is sort of the mash up of SS and gears. You get the simple chainline and it's harder to damage that drivetrain, but you lose the simpler/lighter/cheaper part of the equation in exchange for being able to change gears.

When I switched to SS on my Krampus I expected it to be a short-term thing for a laugh and then I'd put gears on that bike. Surprisingly it was a lot of fun and I have done some long 100K rides with a lot of climbing that I thought would be hard and they were enjoyable so I never did put gears on that bike and can't imagine doing so now. That's got me wanting to setup a trail bike SS and do some SS bike touring.

Posted by: Vikb

Posted by: skooks

What exactly are the benefits of a single-speed mountain bike? Serious question. I sure don't see any down-side of having gears on my bike but I haven't tried going without them either.

1. lighter

2. simpler

3. more robust

4. weather proof

5. cheaper

I mostly ride geared bikes so I am not suggesting SS is better like it's the holy grail, but it's definitely different and some of the differences are benefits if you care about them. I have also done a bunch of touring on IGH bikes which is sort of the mash up of SS and gears. You get the simple chainline and it's harder to damage that drivetrain, but you lose the simpler/lighter/cheaper part of the equation in exchange for being able to change gears.

When I switched to SS on my Krampus I expected it to be a short-term thing for a laugh and then I'd put gears on that bike. Surprisingly it was a lot of fun and I have done some long 100K rides with a lot of climbing that I thought would be hard and they were enjoyable so I never did put gears on that bike and can't imagine doing so now. That's got me wanting to setup a trail bike SS and do some SS bike touring.

Agree with above and would add that it forces you to ride differently. You have to be more engaged with the nuances of the trail. A hill is no longer a hill, it is a series of steeper sections with rest sections in between. Geared riders will think it is just one long hill all the same grade, but it's not. On ss, you power up the slightly steeper parts and recover when its less steep.  Same goes for flats and downhills. You pump everything you can as you don't have a gear hard enough to be able to pedal to keep speed. I am often amazed at how much people pedal. I can often keep up or even pass other riders just working the terrain. Definitely the best way to make you a better rider and make riding even more fun!

for all you guys with single speed set ups. i have a transition trans am 29er i can change the drop outs to track ends how do i do the disc brake ie (set up ) since my brake is on the frame

Posted by: halfton

for all you guys with single speed set ups. i have a transition trans am 29er i can change the drop outs to track ends how do i do the disc brake ie (set up ) since my brake is on the frame

I don't know if there is a solution for that. On my honzo, the brake mount slid with the dropout. 

Like this

Posted by: halfton

for all you guys with single speed set ups. i have a transition trans am 29er i can change the drop outs to track ends how do i do the disc brake ie (set up ) since my brake is on the frame

Photo from my Krampus. There is enough adjustment to get the brake in the right spot. I run my axle as far forward in the dropout as possible and I haven't bothered adjusting the brake mount when I make small adjustments to the chain tension. We'd have to see the frame/dropouts to give you really specific advice, but I'm sure Transition made sure it would all work. You could fire them an email.

BTW - I don't see any Transitional HTs for sale on their site. Can you still get the dropouts you are talking about or do you already have a set?

@Vikb That sparkly green! Man, the old Krampus has some serious style.

Posted by: gdharries

@Vikb That sparkly green! Man, the old Krampus has some serious style.

Thanks. It's probably the nicest finish on any MTB I've owned. Even after 8 years of regular use and abuse it's looking good...just with more character!

Posted by: Vikb

Posted by: skooks

What exactly are the benefits of a single-speed mountain bike? Serious question. I sure don't see any down-side of having gears on my bike but I haven't tried going without them either.

1. lighter

2. simpler

3. more robust

4. weather proof

5. cheaper

I mostly ride geared bikes so I am not suggesting SS is better like it's the holy grail, but it's definitely different and some of the differences are benefits if you care about them. I have also done a bunch of touring on IGH bikes which is sort of the mash up of SS and gears. You get the simple chainline and it's harder to damage that drivetrain, but you lose the simpler/lighter/cheaper part of the equation in exchange for being able to change gears.

When I switched to SS on my Krampus I expected it to be a short-term thing for a laugh and then I'd put gears on that bike. Surprisingly it was a lot of fun and I have done some long 100K rides with a lot of climbing that I thought would be hard and they were enjoyable so I never did put gears on that bike and can't imagine doing so now. That's got me wanting to setup a trail bike SS and do some SS bike touring.

Also SS is way more efficient.  You notice it when you get back on a geared bike.

Posted by: fartymarty

Also SS is way more efficient.  You notice it when you get back on a geared bike.

Good point. Being able to setup a perfect chainline is nice.

Posted by: Vikb

Posted by: fartymarty

Also SS is way more efficient.  You notice it when you get back on a geared bike.

Good point. Being able to setup a perfect chainline is nice.

True that. You realize how much energy you waste on an MTB when you ride a fully rigid ss. You climb things in a gear you never thought you could!

I'm starting to miss my SS MTB. I'm feeling one of my hardtails is about to get a transformation....

i already have a set and they still have them on the web site