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Post by 32by18 on May 18, 2006 21:08:57 GMT 8
we'll know when you hit the rough stuff you can also install a chain-retention device for the front ring, that might help... [/quote] that's what i observed 1st before installing the whole SS components. it still plays and feels the same as my previous setup, which has an RD.[/quote]
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Post by 32by18 on May 18, 2006 21:14:42 GMT 8
best to get into single-speeding gradually, since SSing involves a different riding style. there comes a point in spinning when you've reached "optimal velocity"- meaning you can't speed up anymore. best to alternate spinning and coasting, alternately. SS will improve your skills as you are forced to look for the smoothest lines around the trail - to conserve momentum. You'll learn to carry more speed into turns by using less of your brakes. It will also make you a stronger rider...but since you haven't noticed a difference yet, maybe you're one hell of a rider na guys, i have a dumb question. is there such a thing as "over pedalling"? is it bad? will it hurt my knees or anything? coz if i need to speed up, i simply pedal like crazy. is this bad for my health? TIA. also, will riding an SS improve my skills riding a geared XC bike? in what aspect? thanks. i can hardly feel any difference kasi eh. been riding an SS for just a couple of weeks. just wondering what'll happen.
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Post by mountguitars on May 19, 2006 16:40:56 GMT 8
best to get into single-speeding gradually, since SSing involves a different riding style. there comes a point in spinning when you've reached "optimal velocity"- meaning you can't speed up anymore. best to alternate spinning and coasting, alternately. SS will improve your skills as you are forced to look for the smoothest lines around the trail - to conserve momentum. You'll learn to carry more speed into turns by using less of your brakes. It will also make you a stronger rider...but since you haven't noticed a difference yet, maybe you're one hell of a rider na guys, i have a dumb question. is there such a thing as "over pedalling"? is it bad? will it hurt my knees or anything? coz if i need to speed up, i simply pedal like crazy. is this bad for my health? TIA. also, will riding an SS improve my skills riding a geared XC bike? in what aspect? thanks. i can hardly feel any difference kasi eh. been riding an SS for just a couple of weeks. just wondering what'll happen. not really a hell of a rider. maybe just dumb enough not to notice the difference, hehe ;D. yes, i do noticed being more conscious and staring more at the trail, in detail. looking for the best line so as not to lose speed which is so precious on an SS. what amazed me though is that i rarely shift (on a geared bike) when the trail gets steep. i just stand up and push them pedals. really does help if you forgot to shift at the right time and also, a good training if you rarely stand on a bike, like i do. thanks for replying 32by18. hope to improve more on my SS.
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Post by 32by18 on May 19, 2006 21:08:17 GMT 8
no prob. there's no way that SS can be detrimental to the rest of your riding - that is, until you've decided to get rid of your geared/FS rig hehe.
hold on, that sounds painfully familiar
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Post by Alphabolt on May 20, 2006 0:29:08 GMT 8
I m lovin the SS talk , folks Hmmmm...set up an SS kaya so I have the bikeright to be here in your threads I have a slipped disc between L4 and L5....can any docs here comment on the benefits or cons of using SS for a "biking wounded" dude like me ?..wont hold you liable or ano man for the advices ...sorry for the OT, jon and agu
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Post by 32by18 on May 20, 2006 1:05:53 GMT 8
hey arnel anyone's and everyone's welcome to hang out here - it's not an exclusive space hmmm...I'm no doctor (by the way, did you visit my brad?), but did you ride a hardtail after your injury? I guess that would be a good gauge as to the impact of SSing on your back. Then again, I find myself getting off the saddle more often (not just for climbs) when coasting, and of course during the rough stuff and downhill runs - helps relieve pressure on my butt and back...and a good way to kinda stretch the legs. you're welcome to try my bike next time we see each other on the trail - if i remember right, you did give it a whirl when we rode up to silang, right?
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Post by Alphabolt on May 20, 2006 11:55:33 GMT 8
hey arnel anyone's and everyone's welcome to hang out here - it's not an exclusive space hmmm...I'm no doctor (by the way, did you visit my brad?), but did you ride a hardtail after your injury? I guess that would be a good gauge as to the impact of SSing on your back. Then again, I find myself getting off the saddle more often (not just for climbs) when coasting, and of course during the rough stuff and downhill runs - helps relieve pressure on my butt and back...and a good way to kinda stretch the legs. you're welcome to try my bike next time we see each other on the trail - if i remember right, you did give it a whirl when we rode up to silang, right? whirl the titanium unicorn I did Yeah I remember it to be a sweet sweet ride...thank again Agu I have some spare parts here and a decent frame which I think would do the trick... I read the "Jones" website and found that SS frames need to have a slightly longer top tube and shorter chainstays for more pedal power / torque I checked my GT Avalanche 2.0 frame [found one orig and mint] ...its 17 small but the top tube 's 22 and the chainstays are pretty short vs my other bike. I guess that will have to do I tried to ambush visit your brad but he was not around the hospital then... I consulted one neurosurgeon...he said "the body will scream for a break when its too much ... you ll know when to stop" ..It s not rocket science it seems when it comes to the nerves around the spine. Pain = stop NOW...help me out here pls....what and where can I get the most inexpensive yet decent SS parts pls ?...or pls link me to the thread that spells these out ...I have the ff alrdy: frame, kinesis rigid fork, hbar,stem,seatpost and saddle. Im building up a nifty 8speed weight weenie bike so the budget is ..inexistent
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Post by Alphabolt on May 20, 2006 12:04:51 GMT 8
hey arnel anyone's and everyone's welcome to hang out here - it's not an exclusive space hmmm...I'm no doctor (by the way, did you visit my brad?), but did you ride a hardtail after your injury? I guess that would be a good gauge as to the impact of SSing on your back. Then again, I find myself getting off the saddle more often (not just for climbs) when coasting, and of course during the rough stuff and downhill runs - helps relieve pressure on my butt and back...and a good way to kinda stretch the legs. you're welcome to try my bike next time we see each other on the trail - if i remember right, you did give it a whirl when we rode up to silang, right? whirl the titanium unicorn I did Yeah I remember it to be a sweet sweet ride...thank again Agu I have some spare parts here and a decent frame which I think would do the trick... I read the "Jones" website and found that SS frames need to have a slightly longer top tube and shorter chainstays for more pedal power / torque I checked my GT Avalanche 2.0 frame [found one orig and mint] ...its 17 small but the top tube 's 22 and the chainstays are pretty short vs my other bike. I guess that will have to do I tried to ambush visit your brad but he was not around the hospital then... I consulted one neurosurgeon...he said "the body will scream for a break when its too much ... you ll know when to stop" ..It s not rocket science it seems when it comes to the nerves around the spine. Pain = stop I have the ff alrdy: frame, kinesis rigid fork, hbar,stem,seatpost and saddle. Im building up a nifty 8speed weight weenie bike so the budget is ..inexistent
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Post by wcoastbo on May 21, 2006 5:38:10 GMT 8
NOW...help me out here pls....what and where can I get the most inexpensive yet decent SS parts pls ?...or pls link me to the thread that spells these out ...I have the ff alrdy: frame, kinesis rigid fork, hbar,stem,seatpost and saddle. that's the beauty of a converted SS. you don't need to buy much to give it a try. all you need to do is remove unneeded geared parts. use your current rear derailleur as a tensioner, buy spacers (PVC pipe works) for the rear hub and short chainring bolts (or modify some washers). you might have to buy some brake levers if yours are integrated with shifters. if you decide you like SS, then go out and build up your blingsspeed.
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Post by mountguitars on May 25, 2006 21:12:54 GMT 8
best to get into single-speeding gradually, since SSing involves a different riding style. there comes a point in spinning when you've reached "optimal velocity"- meaning you can't speed up anymore. best to alternate spinning and coasting, alternately. SS will improve your skills as you are forced to look for the smoothest lines around the trail - to conserve momentum. You'll learn to carry more speed into turns by using less of your brakes. It will also make you a stronger rider...but since you haven't noticed a difference yet, maybe you're one hell of a rider na guys, i have a dumb question. is there such a thing as "over pedalling"? is it bad? will it hurt my knees or anything? coz if i need to speed up, i simply pedal like crazy. is this bad for my health? TIA. also, will riding an SS improve my skills riding a geared XC bike? in what aspect? thanks. i can hardly feel any difference kasi eh. been riding an SS for just a couple of weeks. just wondering what'll happen. this is what i was missing, coasting. ;D. now i know. and now i'm a better single speeder. funny how something fundamental can be overlooked. on a geared bike kasi, i dont stop pedalling becoz there's a certain gear for every pedal stroke that's why dont stop pedalling. and when i used my SS, i didn't change any habits. ;D. ibang iba talaga. hehe. ;D (or maybe i'm just really dumb ;D) thanks for the replies, SS gurus. now im a more, better, new and improved rider, hehe. ;D
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Post by cobym on May 26, 2006 12:39:43 GMT 8
Hello guys. I'm currently building my SS project. This sub-board is a godsend. The posts here have been really really helpful.
for now, all I need is a fork, pedals and a saddle and my Singlespeeder is complete!
Any fork suggestions? I'm on the really cheap budget here. I was thinking of getting a rigid fork, but I was skeptical of the durability of the rigid forks locally available. Anyone tried those local rigid forks? Or should I forget rigid and go with a low end suspension fork (Suntour, RST, etc). Forks from the big 4 (Fox, Marz, Manitou, and RS) are all out of budget?
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Post by king on May 26, 2006 14:41:00 GMT 8
go rigid. you can get a Kinesis fork for around P1-1.5k i think
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Post by 32by18 on May 26, 2006 14:57:23 GMT 8
Go rigid, those Kinesis forks as King said are bombproof. Used one before. Only problem is since they are alloy, you will have to compensate by putting in the biggest front tire you can find - I used a 2.24 WTB Motoraptor. Run it at a lower pressure for a bit more cush. While low-end forks may be tempting, bear in mind that their internals aren't as evolved as high end forks (SPV, Terralogic, etc. etc), and they may end up being pogo sticks. Front-end bob is no-good when you are grunting up a hill. You can try rigid first, then save up or wait for a good deal on a decent fork with platform valving or lock-out. Build that bike up so we'll see you on June 11! Any fork suggestions? I'm on the really cheap budget here. I was thinking of getting a rigid fork, but I was skeptical of the durability of the rigid forks locally available. Anyone tried those local rigid forks? Or should I forget rigid and go with a low end suspension fork (Suntour, RST, etc). Forks from the big 4 (Fox, Marz, Manitou, and RS) are all out of budget?
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Post by cobym on May 26, 2006 18:46:16 GMT 8
Alright. Kinesis it is, just to get the darn thing rolling. Then when I have bonus I can go with an R7 or a Reba. : ).
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Post by OnebyOne on May 27, 2006 14:33:10 GMT 8
Normally I prefer a lower front end on my XC bike with 80mm fork, no spacer, and a flat bar on an inverted (-5 degree) stem...that way, I can climb comfortably seated for a longer period of time...
Even on my FR bike I prefer a lower front end as well as it gives me better control at speed. I can bunnyhop higher and better weight distribution during speed cornering...not to mention that you can tuck in lower for those fast DH section...
On the other hand, For a continous climbs (over 30 mins) on my singlespeed-I feel a slight lower back pain due to front-bending position(medyo nakayuko) while climbing standing all the time...
After several experiments on my setup, I found out that raising my front end with 20mm spacer, a +5 degree stem and a riser bar gives me like a walking stance (almost upright position) while pedaling up the hill...
this way, I can climb longer with my upper body more relax (no side to side crunching) and my feet pedaling like I was just climbing a stair....
Just sharing my Singlespeeding comfort...It makes me enjoy the ride more...Oh yes, I like climbing with rigid singlespeed...it's more fun than my geary Blur actually... ;D
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Post by 32by18 on May 27, 2006 20:09:12 GMT 8
yep, a wide riser bar is a good way to gain comfort and leverage, especially in standing climbs. It also opens up your chest for breathing
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Post by cobym on Jun 1, 2006 14:24:52 GMT 8
Hello to everyone again. I just finished my SS rig. I will post her on the bike shots section soon. So far, Ive just used her for urban commuting. The low gearing is really "bitin" on long flat roads. But I'm loving the simplicity. I think I'll get disc brakes soon though. I'm so used to hydro discs that I find myself always braking late... almost too late for vee brakes. I'll try to get into shape for the June 11 SS ride in Sta Rosa.
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Post by 32by18 on Jun 1, 2006 20:30:33 GMT 8
Hi CobyM
You can keep the V's for now - the more you ride SS, the more conscious you will be of conserving momentum. I sometimes find myself using the brake less (if at all) for some familiar sections of trail. Best to brake ahead of a turn, so you carry more speed thru the corner (of course, this is a case to case basis)
Spin and coast, spin and coast if you're on a long flat stretch (or downhill)...
See you on the 11th!
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Post by g.b.b on Jun 2, 2006 0:21:00 GMT 8
Hello to everyone again. I just finished my SS rig. I will post her on the bike shots section soon. So far, Ive just used her for urban commuting. The low gearing is really "bitin" on long flat roads. But I'm loving the simplicity. I think I'll get disc brakes soon though. I'm so used to hydro discs that I find myself always braking late... almost too late for vee brakes. I'll try to get into shape for the June 11 SS ride in Sta Rosa. i think we've met in powerbikes just today. almost evening. statue? im the one using da bomb SS.
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Post by cobym on Jun 2, 2006 8:03:15 GMT 8
GBB,
Yup. That was me. And I recognized your bike also. Is that still for sale? Why are you selling it? Its a very nice setup.
32 by 18,
Thanks for the advice. I will keep the vees. Another first ride observation: I'm amazed at how "connected" you feel to the trail (or in my case, the road). And then you hit a hole. OWWWW! the rigid Al fork is really what it is - rigid. I just put my thudbuster on for more comfort at the back. Oh, yeah.. I need to hairspray and wire my grips since they keep slipping.
BTW, what pressure do you run on your front tire?
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Post by king on Jun 2, 2006 8:52:19 GMT 8
cobym, just saw your set up in the bike gallery. you can try putting the 2.1 tire up front for a little extra cushioning. you can probably run it at around 30-35psi.
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Post by 32by18 on Jun 2, 2006 13:13:10 GMT 8
Hi Cobym A 2.1 or 2.2 tire should work fine - run it at around 30 - 32psi as the King has said. Keep looking for the smoothest line when on SS - especially when it's rigid.
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Post by cobym on Jun 2, 2006 13:16:32 GMT 8
cobym, just saw your set up in the bike gallery. you can try putting the 2.1 tire up front for a little extra cushioning. you can probably run it at around 30-35psi. Thanks king. will try the pressure. The specialized 2.0 is actually a wee bit bigger and wider than the 2.1 Geax. That's why its up front.
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Post by king on Jun 2, 2006 15:26:34 GMT 8
ah yes, i forgot about specialized's weird tire sizing.
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Post by mountguitars on Jun 2, 2006 15:41:33 GMT 8
i noticed that you guys recommend fatter tires for SS setup. is this becoz of having a rigid fork? so i guess if i have a suspension fork, its ok to have thinner tires. is it in any way related to speed or anything about having a SS rig? sorry for the dumb question, hehe.
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Post by king on Jun 2, 2006 15:53:56 GMT 8
it's mostly for the rigid fork.
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Post by 32by18 on Jun 2, 2006 19:46:08 GMT 8
yup. as king said, to compensate for the rigid front end. in a way, it also improves traction going uphill, at the expense of more rolling resistance:)
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Post by mountguitars on Jun 2, 2006 20:47:52 GMT 8
question though, what would be better to use, rigid or suspension fork for trail riding on a SS? i noticed most of you use or would recommend rigids. why? is this the culture? am i missing something? or is it just plain simplicity?
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Post by 32by18 on Jun 2, 2006 22:03:32 GMT 8
it has more to do with personal preference simplicity of course (that's kinda the point of going SS) no-bob when climbing (unless you have a nice fork with lockout or sophisticated damping) lighter weight (that always helps!) cheaper (self explanatory) rigid or suspended, it's up to you
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Post by jibber on Jun 3, 2006 18:05:19 GMT 8
it has more to do with personal preference simplicity of course (that's kinda the point of going SS) no-bob when climbing (unless you have a nice fork with lockout or sophisticated damping) lighter weight (that always helps!) cheaper (self explanatory) rigid or suspended, it's up to you I prefer a rigid fork but my frame geometry won't allow it...bottom bracket drops too low
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