Newbie Q pertaining to SS MTB's

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Hello All.

I have been doing a lot of reading and have some questions. I was hoping there was going to be a 'sticky', but there wasn't.

#1 What are the different routes to change a geared MTB into an SS?

#2 I am fairly large 6'1" 210-220 and do some track riding. That said, what would be good everyday gear for a torque monster? I typically ride a 49x16 or 49x15-17 on my road SS/Fixie (Langster) and can tackle almost every climb.

#3 I will be getting a Fetish frame soon. I don't think I will get the Fixation for the fact that I may occasionally pull a baby cart behind me and don't think it would work out well with horizontal drops. Should I spend the extra $$ and get a D&S instead of the Discipline? I may go rigid, but if I do decide on front suspension, what would be recommended based on my weight? I would like a lock-out feature.

#4 Again due to my extra mass, I'd like a few wheel ideas.

Thanks for your help. I can't wait to get back on a mountain bike....

--Meek

Hello All.

I have been doing a lot of reading and have some questions. I was hoping there was going to be a 'sticky', but there wasn't.

#1 What are the different routes to change a geared MTB into an SS?

#2 I am fairly large 6'1" 210-220 and do some track riding. That said, what would be good everyday gear for a torque monster? I typically ride a 49x16 or 49x15-17 on my road SS/Fixie (Langster) and can tackle almost every climb.

#3 I will be getting a Fetish frame soon. I don't think I will get the Fixation for the fact that I may occasionally pull a baby cart behind me and don't think it would work out well with horizontal drops. Should I spend the extra $$ and get a D&S instead of the Discipline? I may go rigid, but if I do decide on front suspension, what would be recommended based on my weight? I would like a lock-out feature.

#4 Again due to my extra mass, I'd like a few wheel ideas.

Thanks for your help. I can't wait to get back on a mountain bike....

--Meek

Hi Meek, I'll have a go at the first of your questions.

1. Cheapest SS conversion is just remove the parts not needed, ie. Shifters & cables, Front derailleur, Granny & large chainrings (you may need shorter chainring bolts but they are cheap at your LBS).
Use the read derailleur as a chain tensioner, Pick a rear cog & replace other with spacers (old cassettes can be stripped for spacers).

Otherwise you need another way to tension the chain, ENO hub etc.

See also the SS forum on MTBR.com (http://forums.mtbr.com/forumdisplay.php?f=46)