Why single speed?

[IDB1]

Surely once you add more gears it stops being single speed?? Regardless of how many cogs there are?

And now it looks like I'm building another single-speed for the kids.....

For myself, I've just won a VooDoo on evilbay so it's game on...

 

[MikeD]

Easier, faster, more reliable - what is there not to like?

Fair enough. I quite like to have a reason to use a chain tool occasionally

And +1 for the half-link chain hating. Useless things...

 

[yo-eddy]

Has any one built a single gear bike that uses a multi-speed internal hub like the Shimano Alfine? :?

As said, no singlespeed anymore, but for me Rohloff is the best of both worlds, just spend a weekend in the Ardennen (Belgium) with lots of mud but never any problems

here in clean conditions

 

[Easy_Rider]

whatever suits m8
but if you mean for a magic ratio then yes

What is this magic ratio you speak of??

Getting the combination of sprocket / chainring sizes just right so you don't need a chain tensioner on a conventional non SS (horizontal drop-out) frame. It helps a little of the frame has a slanted drop-out like my Saracen.
(and no half links)

 

[IDB1]

LOVING the spotty bike!!

So.. for gear ratios.. I'm not 'getting it'.. do folk do a bit of trial and error with budget bits until finding their optimum and investing in the 'keeper'??

If plans come to fruition, I want my Voodoo to use some high(ish) end components so only really want to buy once, if you get me..

 

[MikeD]

Start with 2:1, so 32/16, 34/17, 36/18, whatever you've got lying around. Then, yes, it's trial and error. If you ride in pretty flat places or you're STRONG LIKE A BULL then you could go up a bit. If it's hilly or you're feeble, go down a bit. I use 34/18 for various tedious chain-length/tyre clearance related reasons ;-)

This is all for off-road, of course. On the road your legs'll spin clear off your hips with that kind of gear

 

[Easy_Rider]

LOVING the spotty bike!!

So.. for gear ratios.. I'm not 'getting it'.. do folk do a bit of trial and error with budget bits until finding their optimum and investing in the 'keeper'??

If plans come to fruition, I want my Voodoo to use some high(ish) end components so only really want to buy once, if you get me..

If you want to hit the "Magic Ratio" then yo might be limited on this.

What you can do is go out on your geared bike, find a gear you are comfortable in for most terrains / obstacles. Then find out what ratio that is. Usually 2:1 (front ring being twice the size of rear) is a good starting point. I've had to go to 38Tx17T which is 2.24:1, way too much for proper offroading, but nice for fire roads and light trails and road.

 

[yo-eddy]

Don't get the magic ratio thing, my bikes have an eccentric bracket or sliding drop-outs wich in case of the unevitable stretching chain will allow me to get the chain tensioned again. Imho if you want to go SS (or internal geared hub) you have to be dedicated, so go for a frame with either EBB or sliding/horizontal drop-outs. In either case you can enjoy a totally silent bike with no slapping chain

 

[Easy_Rider]

Don't get the magic ratio thing, my bikes have an eccentric bracket or sliding drop-outs wich in case of the unevitable stretching chain will allow me to get the chain tensioned again. Imho if you want to go SS (or internal geared hub) you have to be dedicated, so go for a frame with either EBB or sliding/horizontal drop-outs. In either case you can enjoy a totally silent bike with no slapping chain

Chains don't stretch, they wear at the pin, so if the chain starts to go slack then it's time to replace it anyway. EBB aren't the answer IMO, but I agree horizontal drop-out frame is the best solution, but if you already have a frame that you want to convert to SS then going for the magic ratio is fun and looks good.

 

[dyna-ti]

They are simpler to maintain and you get to push them uphill

You need a beanie with ear flaps to entitle you to ride one