anything

[bdee]

Sorry, I just couldn't handle seing the last post be a classified ad in this section. ::)

If you have anything to add to my above statement feel free. If you want to talk about SS bikes, or 29ers, or SS 29ers etc. please do so.

[ArmOnFire]

I'll bite

I need to sell my geared fully to buy a 29er, which will most likely be SS.

Considering: Surly KM, On One, GF Rig, list goes on and on

How is the KM treating you BDEE?

I rode a 29er at Pedros and felt that the larger tire ate up the bumps and strengthened my feelings to go with a hardtail.
What I am wondering is if the rigid fork on a 29er has the same effect?
(The 29er I tested had a Reba, darn nice fork by the way)

We need to hook up for a ride some morning, I'll try to give you as much warning as possible.

Next topic: SS CX bikes, anyboby got one? The IRO Rob Roy looks cool.
I wish the Van Dessel Country Road Bob still had the curvey tubes.

-dan

[bdee]

The KM rules. I rode the homegrown I just built today, that was the first 26" mtb ride in a long while (other than the snow ride/struggle a week and a half ago). It felt real weird on the Schwinn at first. The KM is great with just the rigid fork, and it really does roll over stuff better. Once it gets up to speed it flies. The only downside I can find is that it's harder to get it going from a standstill, especially if you pause on a climb. But then again, that's never an easy situation anyway so I can't really complain.

SS 'cross bikes look cool but short of racing/townie I just can't go for one. I can't see myself pushing a 39x16 or bigger gear up some loose rock fireroad or on hilly singletrack. I'm a wuss, I know ;D SS 'cross in a race would be great - less to gunk up and if geared right could be super fast.

[AA]

I'll bite

I need to sell my geared fully to buy a 29er, which will most likely be SS.

Considering: Surly KM, On One, GF Rig, list goes on and on

How is the KM treating you BDEE?

I rode a 29er at Pedros and felt that the larger tire ate up the bumps and strengthened my feelings to go with a hardtail.
What I am wondering is if the rigid fork on a 29er has the same effect?
(The 29er I tested had a Reba, darn nice fork by the way)

We need to hook up for a ride some morning, I'll try to give you as much warning as possible.

Next topic: SS CX bikes, anyboby got one? The IRO Rob Roy looks cool.
I wish the Van Dessel Country Road Bob still had the curvey tubes.

-dan


Dan,

I have an XL Karate Monkey, it rides really nice. I may consider selling it to buy a SS specific 29er. I personally dont love the KM dropout, it does everything pretty well but none of them great.

As far as the 29er being harder to get up to speed, I havent noticed that at all. The other think that gets mentioned is that 29ers are hard to negotiate switchbacks on. I dissagree, I have ridden lots of tight switchbacks on the 29er and it handled them all perfect. FWIW the wheelbase on an XL KM is shorter than an XL Cake

[C.P.]

Sorry, I just couldn't handle seing the last post be a classified ad in this section. ::)

If you have anything to add to my above statement feel free. If you want to talk about SS bikes, or 29ers, or SS 29ers etc. please do so.

I'll bite on your 1st statement. Have any of you noticed that DREWALPINE hasn't contributed one post that is anything other then something he's got too sell. Kinda odd, and it's getting old if you know what I mean. I see the same pattern over on DR too...

Anyways...I'm saving my pennies for a 29er. I haven't even started looking, but, rather, spend a whole lotta time looking at the MTBR 29er threads...I especially like this Jeff Jones build thread (http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=140117)
It wont be anytime soon that I'll spend the kinda dough he wants., but it sure is fun to dream.

[ArmOnFire]

Sorry, I just couldn't handle seing the last post be a classified ad in this section. ::)

If you have anything to add to my above statement feel free. If you want to talk about SS bikes, or 29ers, or SS 29ers etc. please do so.

I'll bite on your 1st statement. Have any of you noticed that DREWALPINE hasn't contributed one post that is anything other then something he's got too sell. Kinda odd, and it's getting old if you know what I mean. I see the same pattern over on DR too...

Anyways...I'm saving my pennies for a 29er. I haven't even started looking, but, rather, spend a whole lotta time looking at the MTBR 29er threads...I especially like this Jeff Jones build thread (http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=140117)
It wont be anytime soon that I'll spend the kinda dough he wants., but it sure is fun to dream.


Yes I noticed.

I knew it was a matter of time before the "And so it begins-Auqaholic" thread from empty beer made it over here. That was a daily check to see if there were any updates for a while. JJ=Nice stuff, long wait, and expensive: where do I sign up?!
Did anyone see the pics of what that guy does on that rigid bike?

EDIT: Deleted pic of bike because radair's computer screen is too small!

[C.P.]

On-One Inbred (26" version) w/ sliding dropouts for 269! (http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/FR500A02-On-One+Inbred+Sliding+Do+Frame+05.aspx)

http://www.on-one.co.uk/images/pagemaster/IMG_1020_2.JPG

[gnurider1080]

On-One Inbred (26" version) w/ sliding dropouts for 269! (http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/FR500A02-On-One+Inbred+Sliding+Do+Frame+05.aspx)

http://www.on-one.co.uk/images/pagemaster/IMG_1020_2.JPG

oh that is so tempting. i really want to get a xc singlespeed built up again, but still no paycheck from the winter job yet.

[AA]

I really like that on-one design, for $269 thay wont last long.

Web cyclery has the 29" version for $400 (no fork) I like the dropout better than the Karate Monkey

[radair]

What do you guys think of a 29" front wheel and 26" rear? I saw one reviewed (Dirt Rag, I think?) and it looked like a great compromise for vertically challenged people like me.

Obviously there's the whole issue with two tube sizes, etc., but it seems like maybe the best of both worlds?

AOF - horizontal scrolling sux, resize your pics! ;D

[ArmOnFire]

radair-I test rode a Carver 96er at Pedro's this year, right after riding a full 29er.
I liked it, but felt that one big advantage of the 29er rear wheel was it's ability to smooth out the trail in the back, if that makes any sense. I rode the same loop on both bikes and felt I noticed the bumps more on the 96er. The Carvers are a sweet deal, $399 for the EBB frame, so you could run it SS or with gears.

I should also note that I rode the same loop again (it was Pedro's, your supposed to ride alot right?) on my SS converted Trek 26", in the interest of comparison of all 3. I should have submitted an article to somone?
I definately noticed more bumps on the 26er.
That is what sold me on going to a 29er................... in 2006.

Here is a pic of the Carver (96er), hopefully it isn't too WIDE for your screen.

-dan ;D

[radair]

Hey, I figure with a 19" monitor I shouldn't have to scroll to find out whose post I'm reading. Don't get me started on some of the avatars on here.....

After checking the mtbr link, I think I want to fly to OR and ride a JJ 29er!

[AA]

Obviously there's the whole issue with two tube sizes, etc., but it seems like maybe the best of both worlds?



you can use a 26" tube in a 29er wheel so there is no need for 2 different tubes.

[ArmOnFire]

Hey, I figure with a 19" monitor I shouldn't have to scroll to find out whose post I'm reading. Don't get me started on some of the avatars on here.....

After checking the mtbr link, I think I want to fly to OR and ride a JJ 29er!


1-Just poking the bear! ;D


2-We should get a trip to OR, it look awesome

-dan

[vinnycactus]

bdee, i got a question for you. since you have some experience with the trails down here in NC and New England, how do you like riding ss up there as compared to down here? do you change gear ratios? reason i asked because when i come back up in spring fall i'll definately be taking my morewood, but still on the fence if I'm going to take my ss. currently here I run 34-18 everywhere i ride. when i come back home, i was only planning on taking the ss out to Leominster state forest, if you have any experience there. Thanks man.

That being said.......BIKE PORN. you guys have probably already seen this thing but i figured i'd post it here in the ss section. its my wifes xmas present.

limited edition pink surly 1x1 frame
manitou minute 2
dt swiss wheels laced to paul/real racing hubs/schwalbe rubber
avid mech discs w/xt levers
thompson post
thompson stem
protaper bars w/cane creek lockons
pink king headset
pink terry donna saddle
bontranger superlite race cranks/rf xc bb
shim m540 peds
rf bash
32-18 gearing

http://bustedspoke.com/Photos/bs6576.jpg

its going to be her xc race bike :o

[mcd]

First off, sweet bike! I tried desperately to find one for my wife when she offhandedly mentioned maybe getting back into biking, but no luck, i'm going to pick one up used hopefully this spring and get it powdercoated...although i hate to put my wife on those itty-bitty 26inch wheels..

Back on topic, i'm from nc, and live in hopkinton now, i ride my 29er 32-16 here(mostly nam, obviously not hucking, and yes in leo too), and just spent thanksgiving week riding 7 days in pisgah, i went 34-21 for the long climbs there. hope that helps.

[vinnycactus]

thanks mcd. if you're looking for something more boutique bike-like for your wife check out http://blacksheepcycles.com/. although he's down here in NC he could probably point you in the right direction or even hook you up with something. he's a real good guy, know's his stuff, and he's from the northeast. if you're ever in the charlotte area be sure to check out his shop.

as for the gearing i figured when i come up i'd probably drop the 34 to a 32 and keep the 18 in back since there will be more climbing up north. and i'm still relatively new to the whole ss thing. i'm used to pedalling a 6x6 35lb freeride bike with a pretty slack ha.

[gnurider1080]

as for the gearing i figured when i come up i'd probably drop the 34 to a 32 and keep the 18 in back since there will be more climbing up north. and i'm still relatively new to the whole ss thing. i'm used to pedalling a 6x6 35lb freeride bike with a pretty slack ha.
32x18 sounds good for around here. i found that 32x19 is the best ratio for me and many people run something that is about the same.

[bdee]

Vinny - 36x20 is what I run on my 26" bike, same ratio as 32x18. Works great for longer climbs and doesn't spin out too easily. The Surly is 34x18. Tires and rolling resistance make a big difference as far as spinning out goes. Big knobby wider tires are always going to roll slower. Sometimes you can use them to add resistance so you're not spinning like mad. When I rode my SS in NC I usually was running 32x17 or 32x18.

On the new bike front Redline's 29er looks pretty cool for around $450 - 500 complete (ss). I was trying to convince Providence Bicycle to get some while I was in there last night. They have the new Bianchi San Jose in stock. Pretty cool looking bike for $500 +, they are also getting the Redline 9.2.5 shortly. Anyone see the Jamis Exile SS? Nice looking frame (631) but weird build, and not cheap.

[ArmOnFire]

32x18 I thought was a little harsh an hour ago,
Through the slushy snow.
Once I was warmed up, I was right at home though.

When I first converted to SS, I went with 32x20, and liked it for climbs, but I was spinning out on the flats, and downhill.

I think 32x18 is perfect for this area.

-dan

[Quo Fan]

When I was deciding on gearing for my SS, I rode my geared bike in different gear ratios to see what worked for me. I ended up with 32X18. Climbs are a little harder, but I'm not over spinning on the downhills or the flats. I have found that that gearing is good for about 10 +/- 2 mph, a comfortable spin, not too fast, not too hard.

[vinnycactus]

my problem is down here i run out of gear fast with 32x18. i'll probably keep it on when i head back up north just for climbing purposes