Virgin SS RR - short and sweet!

Zilla said:

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

Zilla said:

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

Zilla said:

... 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.

Quoted message said:

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 ...

Zilla said:

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.

Quoted message said:

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?

bomba said:

Zilla said:

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?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

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)

"Zilla" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

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.

Quoted message said:

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.

Quoted message said:

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

Quoted message said:

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

"Zilla" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

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

Dan VO2lker says:

Quoted message said:

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

Dan Volker said:

"Zilla" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

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)

Dan Volker said:

"Zilla" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

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

Hehehehe,
Dan you are one committed masochist. I really thought you'd had your fill
of the single-speed wars. I gotta respect your perseverance if nothing
else.

Tom