Newbie Q pertaining to SS MTB's

Meek One said:

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