Single speed help

[marky mark]

Going to build a not so retro single speed, based around a frame that i have just bought from Victor.

Question 1

what is the best tensioner to use, i will be using disc wheels , DMR?
SURLY OTHER??

question 2.

What is the best gearing 16/32? 17/34?
terrain maybe hilly in places.

cheers
mark

 

[haggis]

NC-17

I'm using a Stinger NC-17. Expensive but there's plenty of adjustability on it. got it from Chain Reaction. am new to it myself so dont have a clue what ratio is best. i think its a case of trial and error. i'm running 16/34 i think but i like to stomp on the pedals a bit

 

[P20]

I use 32:16, which seems most common for offroad. I've got the DMR singulator, which unless its changed, i wouldn't recommend. Try the On-One site for SS stuff. Also try sheldon browns site, there might be a 'magic ratio' which allows you to run without a tensioner

 

[marky mark]

any links for the sites?

cheers
mark

 

[Yo Crashy]

Ive had 2 DMR Tension Seekers. The first exploded as I took it out of the packaging, and the spring broke on the second one that I was given.

Had a Surly tensioner on a couple of singlespeeds for years with no worries.

32:16 is a nice off road gear but can get a bit spinny, 34:16 is spot on I find.

Check out www.charliethebikemonger.com for singlespeed info.

 

[Max P]

See the recent topic (few days ago) on SS ratios - depends on your terrain and your legs.

 

[cchris2lou]

Surly is great .

 

[BikePimp]

Surly is nice and works well. Word on the street is that the Paul Melvin unit works the best....but cost 2x as much ($82 USD)....which is not too bad.

Or you can get a WTB Eno Disc Eccentric rear hub and do away with a chain tensioner.

 

[P20]

http://www.on-one-shop.co.uk/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Singlespeed_199.html

 

[guybe]

so you can buy special hub for single speed then? are these expensive or it's cheaper to use a standard hub with single speed package on it?