Virgin SS RR - short and sweet!

Zilla

Ok on an earlier post I mentioned I built this. I ended up
with a 34t(f) and 18t(r) combo.

http://home.bellsouth.net/p/pwp-foutsc

I went to my favorite "beginner" trails since it was after
all my first time on an SS, and the first ride for the SS
above. (Actually it's my first ride on a hardtail too, with
bar ends at that.)

I was able to do one loop on the whole trail system in
around 45 mins, which normally takes me 30-35 mins. on my
FS. I was in a way test riding the bike and myself so I
purposely went slow. I had to be off the seat a lot more,
WAY more, say 90%, on this bike. I had learn to absorb the
bumps with my arms and legs. On descents that I normally
bomb on, I was hitting the brakes. On climbs that I normally
just sit on, I had to stand up, and push AND pull (advantage
of clipless pedals). I liked having the bar ends for this
reason. I missed one climb since I was "thinking" rather
than just reacting the first time. The next time I came
across it was no problem. I was (surprisingly) able to clear
a couple of logs, and log triangles too. The 34t/18t combo
seems to work well with me too since I'm able to spin on
flats and descents and climb on hills (albeit small hills on
this trail system).

I only took a short ride since I didn't want to push the
bike and myself too much. More so, I have now have to it for
the next ride. I may have to move the rear cog on spacer in
for better chain alignment for example. Also, I have to cable-
tie my front brake housing further down on the fork since it
was rubbing the knobbies on my tire and it was driving me
crazy. I'm NOT more tired than any other ride though; my
legs and knees are fine.

So far I like the bike. I feel like it keeps me honest with
my abilities. I was surprised that I was able to do some
moves on it (clear logs) but was NOT surprised that I wasn't
able to clear one of the climbs.

BTW, why NOT have a triple front (except for weight of
course)? The big ring acts as a bash guard, and the granny
ring acts as a "fall to" ring. In one ocassion, the (7-spd
chain) came of the middle ring and went on the granny gear.
Otherwise it would just have been on the frame.

--
- Zilla Cary, NC (Remove XSPAM)

Gman

On Sun, 27 Jun 2004 19:48:03 -0400, Zilla <zilla62XSPAM@bellsouth.net> wrote:
>
> BTW, why NOT have a triple front (except for weight of
> course)? The big ring acts as a bash guard, and the granny
> ring acts as a "fall to" ring. In one ocassion, the (7-spd
> chain) came of the middle ring and went on the granny
> gear. Otherwise it would just have been on the frame.
>

Way to get after it!

There's really no prob leaving the triple on there...except
for looks.

G

Mattb

Zilla wrote:
> Ok on an earlier post I mentioned I built this. I ended up
> with a 34t(f) and 18t(r) combo.
>
> http://home.bellsouth.net/p/pwp-foutsc
>
> I went to my favorite "beginner" trails since it was after
> all my first time on an SS, and the first ride for the SS
> above. (Actually it's my first ride on a hardtail too,
> with bar ends at that.)
>
> I was able to do one loop on the whole trail system
> in around 45 mins, which normally takes me 30-35
> mins. on my FS.

Uh, oh. In no time you'll be doing it in 25 Minutes and
then it will be too late. You'll be hooked. Don't say I
didn't warn you.

Matt

Benjamin Weiner

Zilla <zilla62XSPAM@bellsouth.net> wrote:

> ... I missed one climb since I was "thinking" rather than
> just reacting the first time. The next time I came across
> it was no problem. ...

Yes, you sometimes have to be mentally ready for them
rather than reaching for the shifter. This gets more
natural quickly.

> BTW, why NOT have a triple front (except for weight of
> course)? The big ring acts as a bash guard, and the granny
> ring acts as a "fall to" ring. In one ocassion, the (7-spd
> chain) came of the middle ring and went on the granny
> gear. Otherwise it would just have been on the frame.

Leaving it on is fine - the extra weight isn't that much
unless the big ring is steel. Personally I like the
minimalist aspect of a singlespeed with as few extras as
necessary. If you use non-Hyperglide chainring and cog, the
chain will stay on a little better. (Expensive boutique
items aren't necessary - inexpensive rings
w/o ramps and cut teeth also work.) If it's a recurring
problem a chain watcher like the 'N Gear Jump Stop
will help.

If you aren't careful I'll put up a picture of the Homeliest
Singlespeed Ever ...

Sittingduck

Zilla wrote:

> BTW, why NOT have a triple front (except for weight of
> course)? The big ring acts as a bash guard, and the granny
> ring acts as a "fall to" ring. In one ocassion, the (7-spd
> chain) came of the middle ring and went on the granny
> gear. Otherwise it would just have been on the frame.
>

Once you set it up properly and ditch that derailleur, you
wont have any problems with the chain coming off. I'm
running one of these on my bike:
http://www.rennendesigngroup.com/rollen_info.html If you
don't really need the beefyness of that, and don't mind some
very minor chainslap, you can get a singleator type
tensioner for about $20. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.d-
ll?ViewItem&category=42329&item=3684934468

--
6/27/2004
7:11 PM [GMT-8]

Bomba

Zilla wrote:

> BTW, why NOT have a triple front (except for weight of
> course)? The big ring acts as a bash guard,

But normally, the ring is covered with a chain anyway, so
you even if you do clank it, you're not going to kill teeth.

> the granny ring acts as a "fall to" ring. In one
> ocassion, the (7-spd chain) came of the middle ring and
> went on the granny gear. Otherwise it would just have
> been on the frame.

Because, unlike your bike, SS bikes tend to not have any
chain slack. The chances of the chain bouncing off to the
inside are minimal, to say the least. And besides, you still
have to get off and put the chain back on anyway, so what
difference does it make?

Zilla

bomba <myarse247@hotmail.com> wrote:
> Zilla wrote:
>
>> BTW, why NOT have a triple front (except for weight of
>> course)? The big ring acts as a bash guard,
>
> But normally, the ring is covered with a chain anyway,
> so you even if you do clank it, you're not going to
> kill teeth.

Yes this makes sense. But doesn't this kill the chain?

>
>> the granny ring acts as a "fall to" ring. In one
>> ocassion, the (7-spd chain) came of the middle ring and
>> went on the granny gear. Otherwise it would just have
>> been on the frame.
>
> Because, unlike your bike, SS bikes tend to not have any
> chain slack. The chances of the chain bouncing off to the
> inside are minimal, to say the least. And besides, you
> still have to get off and put the chain back on anyway, so
> what difference does it make?

Ok..

--
- Zilla Cary, NC (Remove XSPAM)

Paladin

"Zilla" <zilla62XSPAM@bellsouth.net> wrote in message news:<6WIDc.1080$1D2.441@bignews5.bellsouth.net>...
> Ok on an earlier post I mentioned I built this. I ended up
> with a 34t(f) and 18t(r) combo.
>
> http://home.bellsouth.net/p/pwp-foutsc
>
> I went to my favorite "beginner" trails since it was after
> all my first time on an SS, and the first ride for the SS
> above. (Actually it's my first ride on a hardtail too,
> with bar ends at that.)

Good place to cut your teeth.
>
> I was able to do one loop on the whole trail system in
> around 45 mins, which normally takes me 30-35 mins. on my
> FS. I was in a way test riding the bike and myself so I
> purposely went slow. I had to be off the seat a lot more,
> WAY more, say 90%, on this bike. I had learn to absorb the
> bumps with my arms and legs. On descents that I normally
> bomb on, I was hitting the brakes. On climbs that I
> normally just sit on, I had to stand up, and push AND pull
> (advantage of clipless pedals). I liked having the bar
> ends for this reason. I missed one climb since I was
> "thinking" rather than just reacting the first time. The
> next time I came across it was no problem. I was
> (surprisingly) able to clear a couple of logs, and log
> triangles too. The 34t/18t combo seems to work well with
> me too since I'm able to spin on flats and descents and
> climb on hills (albeit small hills on this trail system).
>
No kidding. Sure engages far more of the rider, and lots
more standing, reefing with your arms, screaming, spitting
and hollering to get up hills on a SS.

> I only took a short ride since I didn't want to push the
> bike and myself too much. More so, I have now have to it
> for the next ride. I may have to move the rear cog on
> spacer in for better chain alignment for example. Also, I
> have to cable-tie my front brake housing further down on
> the fork since it was rubbing the knobbies on my tire and
> it was driving me crazy. I'm NOT more tired than any other
> ride though; my legs and knees are fine.
>
> So far I like the bike. I feel like it keeps me honest
> with my abilities.

Interesting comment. SS sure tests your skill and ability to
work the trail, to squeeze every ounce out of yourself and
the terrain.

I was surprised that I was able to
> do some moves on it (clear logs) but was NOT surprised
> that I wasn't able to clear one of the climbs.
>
> BTW, why NOT have a triple front (except for weight of
> course)? The big ring acts as a bash guard, and the granny
> ring acts as a "fall to" ring. In one ocassion, the (7-spd
> chain) came of the middle ring and went on the granny
> gear. Otherwise it would just have been on the frame.

I have 2 on my SS. Big one is a ground down bash guard, and
middle once carries the chain. No little one. And gonna
scrap the bash guard in about a week. The "why not" answer
is the beauty and simplicity of "no shifting options", you
just ride and don't have to think about it.

paladin

Dan Volker

"Zilla" <zilla62XSPAM@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
news:6WIDc.1080$1D2.441@bignews5.bellsouth.net...
> Ok on an earlier post I mentioned I built this. I ended up
> with a 34t(f) and 18t(r) combo.
>
Wow, what a great idea! Have you thought about pulling the
engine out of your car, to simplify all the thought that
must go into turning it on, shifting, accelerating, and
other confusions that take away from the pure enjoyment of
driving a car ? ;-)

Dan V

Stephen Baker

Dan VO2lker says:

>Wow, what a great idea! Have you thought about pulling the
>engine out of your car, to simplify all the thought that
>must go into turning it on, shifting, accelerating, and
>other confusions that take away from the pure enjoyment of
>driving a car ? ;-)
>

I knew optimism was the wrong choice... ;-P

Steve

Zilla

Dan Volker <dvolker@bellsouth.net> wrote:
> "Zilla" <zilla62XSPAM@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
> news:6WIDc.1080$1D2.441@bignews5.bellsouth.net...
>> Ok on an earlier post I mentioned I built this. I ended
>> up with a 34t(f) and 18t(r) combo.
>>
> Wow, what a great idea! Have you thought about pulling the
> engine out of your car, to simplify all the thought that
> must go into turning it on, shifting, accelerating, and
> other confusions that take away from the pure enjoyment of
> driving a car ? ;-)
>
> Dan V

No but I learned to drive just on 2nd gear on an old car! I
guess that's single-speeding?

--
- Zilla Cary, NC (Remove XSPAM)