single speed experiance

[DW-1]

Hmmmmm what was I expecting? (what was I thinking?):eek:

The last time I rode a full rigid off-road was 1990.The last time I rode a singlespeed off-road was in the mid 80’s (Mongoose 24” cruiser).

But I’d never ridden a 29er. Not on-road… not off-road… not ever.

So I decide to take my new El-Mariachi LE for it’s first ever ride. Off-road. On the Oaks. For those not residing in Sydney, (Australia…) the Oaks is a point to point ride over 30klms. The first half is a nasty up and down grind on fireroad. The second half is blissfully downhill with some awesome singletrack at the end.

I figured that the Oaks would be a good choice as my (ahem) severe lack of fitness, means that I tend to walk most of the uphills anyway, so I figured... what is there to loose?

1st impressions?
This thing is FUN. (note the caps)

I don’t know if it was the 29” wheels, the full cro-mo frame/fork, the novelty of the singlespeed… or just the joy of a new bike… whatever it was, I had a blast!

The 29” wheels definitely roll through sand better than 26”. (I hate sand…)

I quickly ran out of gear(s). But the mad grin on my face more than made up for it. Yes, I walked the uphill stuff… but no more so than on my Ellsworth Moment. In fact, I might have ridden a little further in some cases.

2nd impressions?
This thing is light. No gears+ no suspension = light weight!

note: I passed people. On the downhill fireroad... (without gears) *grin*

My legs are sore. But I feel like I’m 15 again (instead of 41).

But through it all, I had fun. :D

And in the end… that’s what it’s all about!

Elvis.
(bring on next weekend!!!)

[McBain]

The 29” wheels definitely roll through sand better than 26”. (I hate sand…)Didn't you ride all the way up Cape York on a touring roadie? Didn't you die in the sand up there? Weren't you on a 700c wheeled bike (the old skool name for 29")? How does that work?:p

[DW-1]

Didn't you ride all the way up Cape York on a touring roadie? Didn't you die in the sand up there? Weren't you on a 700c wheeled bike (the old skool name for 29")? How does that work?:p
almost. but not quite. :confused:

I rode to the Cape on a 1988 Mongoose Iboc (International Bicycle Of Champions... for those that remember... thanks to Mr Tomac riding them then) Pro in 1995. But it had an Alsop frankenstem. So not exactly rigid. And it had 26" wheels. :p

And yes... I did die in the sand. (I hate sand) :D

Elvis.

[DaGonz]

1st impressions?
This thing is FUN. (note the caps)

...

2nd impressions?
This thing is light. No gears+ no suspension = light weight!


Did I mention sunday was my first run on dirt on the Zaskar of SSness.... my god I had a ball! she's so light without all that suspension and gears and stuff you can throw her around, and you don't have that constant rattling of the chain as you bounce over stuff. I swear I was hitting up more technical stuff harder than I would have on the epic...

I thought climbing would be hard, and it was, but most of the stuff I had to walk I some how doubt I would have been able to climb on the geared bike anyway...

Don't want to steal the moment from elvis, but this SS thing was such a fun bike to ride... don't think I'll be doing an enduro anytime soon on one though ;)

Cheers
Gonz

[alchemist]

Mr Cove, tjb, Elvis, DaGonz the SpoonBoy and many others...you're next McBain - you will be aSSimilated

[go to bed jessica]

I've even built one now, rigid, v-brakes, cheap cheap cheap! Lumley christened it at the sunday 12hr, he was pulling 27min laps on it!

Teaches you how to ride again for sure, you make a little error at speed and it feels like hell has been droped upon you from a great height:)

[tjb]

Did I mention sunday was my first run on dirt on the Zaskar of SSness.... my god I had a ball! she's so light without all that suspension and gears and stuff you can throw her around, and you don't have that constant rattling of the chain as you bounce over stuff. I swear I was hitting up more technical stuff harder than I would have on the epic...


Mr Gonz, can you tell us how you achieved chain tension for your Zaskar SS ?

Sorry for the thread hijack Elvis.

[alchemist]

Mr Cove, tjb, Elvis, DaGonz the SpoonBoy and many others...you're next McBain - you will be aSSimilated

How could I forget that the legendary Fat Hippy has also gone SS.

[alchemist]

Mr Gonz, can you tell us how you achieved chain tension for your Zaskar SS ?

Sorry for the thread hijack Elvis.

He's using a Surly Singulator

[tjb]

He's using a Surly Singulator

I went the tight a_s_s option and sourced an On-One Doofer. All 10 squid of it, plus a singlespeed conversion kit.

Now just need some brakes, and project is go.

[DaGonz]

He's using a Surly Singulator

Pushing down, not up mostly 'cause I could install it without needing an 18mm cone spanner.

Cheers
Gonz

[Turner_rider]

Someshots from the Hobart SS boys...

Vanders on the Crafty

http://www.hobartwheelers.com/images/photoalbum/54.jpg

Grundy's P7

http://www.hobartwheelers.com/images/photoalbum/99.jpg

SS steeds lined up at the Launie 12 hour earlier in the year

http://www.hobartwheelers.com/images/photoalbum/27.jpg

[McBain]

you will be aSSimilatedDonations to the SS project are welcome.

Actually, judging from the box of bits in the garage, all I need is a frame ...

[liamo]

Donations to the SS project are welcome.

Actually, judging from the box of bits in the garage, all I need is a frame ...Don't you have that Hardrock still hanging around?

Liam

[McBain]

Don't you have that Hardrock still hanging around?Turns out my brother has stolen it to build up a bike for my sister. No biggie, it doesn't have disc tabs at the back.

[Dave@]

Donations to the SS project are welcome.

Actually, judging from the box of bits in the garage, all I need is a frame ...

You have two spare chains?

[alchemist]

Two has been done. He's going to need at least three

[n plus one]

Err... is the twin chain drive ss I saw at the NZO 12hr pedal powered boat race:rolleyes: owned by someone on this forum then?

[McBain]

Err... is the twin chain drive ss I saw at the NZO 12hr pedal powered boat race:rolleyes: owned by someone on this forum then?That's him up there - Dave@