SS conversion question

smittylube · October 4th, 2011, 3:50 PM

Hi guys,
I recently moved to the santa cruz area and am SUPER close to unreal single track..
I find many of folks riding SS and it all of sudden totally makes sense to me and my 91 wicked.
I have a white hub with an 8 speed. Do I just get an adapter that replaces my cassette?
Or is it best to get a SS hub? I have the older narrow spacing so a road hub would work if I need to.

And I am going to put my bio on and take off Judy.... Should be pretty light then. (And fun!)

mainlyfats · October 4th, 2011, 5:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smittylube

Hi guys,
I recently moved to the santa cruz area and am SUPER close to unreal single track..
I find many of folks riding SS and it all of sudden totally makes sense to me and my 91 wicked.
I have a white hub with an 8 speed. Do I just get an adapter that replaces my cassette?
Or is it best to get a SS hub? I have the older narrow spacing so a road hub would work if I need to.

And I am going to put my bio on and take off Judy.... Should be pretty light then. (And fun!)

I've become a big fan of the surly set-up that replaces a cassette with spacers - something I used to build out of old cassettes for people when I worked in a shop and the cassettes were held together with bolts. It's great to be able to switch out gears easily and less costly than buying an assortment of quality freewheels.

You'll still need a singulator or similar device with this. I have a street bike with a two speed 38-48, 16T cog set up and a Paul Melvin that works beautifully.

chainline · October 4th, 2011, 8:52 PM

Or you could build a white industries eno eccentric rear hub. And they work great.

smittylube · October 5th, 2011, 11:10 AM

oooh I like the eno idea- thanks.

smittylube · October 5th, 2011, 11:29 AM

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._#ReviewHeader

I think I'll try this kit and see how it goes. I figure my 36/30 gives me 1.2 and if I use my buzz saw 24 and the 20 it comes with I get 1.2 ratio. I hope it will hold up.

Also I may be able to get good chain tension if I can get the proper length hopefully and not use the tensioner. Experiment time.

Swapped the forks. waiting on the kit before I render it 1 speed

seattledl · October 9th, 2011, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smittylube

oooh I like the eno idea- thanks.

I ended up going Eno - found a used wheel on ebay... works really well. Great winter bike, even here in Seattle (hence the front disk).

rthomer · October 9th, 2011, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seattledl

I ended up going Eno - found a used wheel on ebay... works really well. Great winter bike, even here in Seattle (hence the front disk).

Nice bike! Cool set up.

theredchili · October 10th, 2011, 7:01 AM

I recently built up mt "88 Wicked as single speed,Used a Surly 34T upfront and a 16T rear, with a 4jeri tensioner. For the hub I used simple spacers, it works a treat

Full build thread can be found over on Retrobikes :

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/vie...189769#1189769

smittylube · October 11th, 2011, 2:54 PM

Thanks guys- I love the simplicity of it all.

A buddy has a front 34 for me we think. I figure try it and see- if not I can always go back.

I have though about maybe just a 1 up front and keep the 8 in back? but I wonder if the chain will stay on in front without a guide of some sort.

Been trying middle ring in front and 4th in rear just to test if I can hang SS style on my local trails.. I can do most all of it.

rmp · October 11th, 2011, 4:58 PM

smittylube · October 12th, 2011, 3:21 PM

I think I want to go 32 front- is that a special ring or can I just grab one at any LBS?

Currently have a 36 middle ring so I do think that would be a bit too steep for my local climbs. I have 20/18/16 to choose from in back.

chainline · October 12th, 2011, 4:17 PM

what are you running for a crank.And what is the bcd ?

smittylube · October 13th, 2011, 1:01 PM

BCD?

This is what I am taking off

chainline · October 13th, 2011, 1:35 PM

BCD= BOLT CENTER DIAMETER.Ok it looks like you are running 110 i think the lowest chainring you will be able to find for that may be a 34 tooth so. with that you would want to run a 19-22 tooth that would give you the best combo for all applications !

smittylube · October 13th, 2011, 1:41 PM

Ok thanks. I'm going to try that 36 with the 20 to start. Maybe I can find a 22 and be done. However I think I still should find a SS ring- 34 would proble be better than 36 I'm guessing.. But armed with the 110 number I know what to look for- BTW do you carry what I need at your shop (I am assuming you are at a bike shop?)
If so Pm me w your phone and I'll ring you up.

smittylube · October 16th, 2011, 6:30 PM

WOW it rides so killer in my new trails. it was a bit tough on some of the climbs, spins and wont let me really blast on the road downhill, but what a fantastic riding bike. the wicked is exactly that in the single track. I had some reservations on the steps and drop offs going full rigid v my squishy Santa cruz but it handles them almost as well. it handles the tight twisty back and forth like true champion. And my back wheel and chain did not fall off the entire ride!

I think ENO is in the future for me

chainline · October 16th, 2011, 7:28 PM

Cool. Yeah finding a compromise for gearing can be a chore but when you get stronger and can run a higher gear it will be all cake from there....

smittylube · October 16th, 2011, 8:15 PM

Yeah I can't get over how killer it is especially with my previous opinion of SS.
I used to love the simplistic look, but it seemed so stupid.
Boy was I wrong.

And my gearing is almost perfect. I'll try a 34 front when you get them and see.

chainline · October 16th, 2011, 8:36 PM

Yeah the 34 will make a big difference.

smittylube · October 19th, 2011, 10:47 AM

All I did was remove the large front ring- Now I'm thinking I should have moved my middle ring out to that position and redo the rear alignment- Is that the standard? That is how the ENO would line up I suppose?

Also anyone who has used this forte hub conversion- are you using any washer or adapter at the nut- On this one the nut lands on the little notches of the alum spacers and if you torque on it it starts to distort them.

chainline · October 19th, 2011, 1:10 PM

I have always run the chainring to the inside of the crank and had good alinement.you should be able to put the gear anywhere you want on the rear cassettee body for the best alinement with the eno hub it should put you right in the middle of the freehub.

smittylube · October 21st, 2011, 12:58 PM

I now have had quite a few rides with this setup and am loving it. So simple and clean looking. Next I want to try a 34/18 to see how/ if it feels different than the 36/20.
This bike rules in the tight twisty single track (like we all didn't know) I ride now, I even made it up some root 'steps'
I doubt I would have made on my squishy..
The only drawback is I do suffer more on the climb outs- but even that is getting better.

theredchili · October 21st, 2011, 3:32 PM

Ive just changed from 34:16 to 34:18, at first I thought it was a bit spinny, but on single track it rules, bit kinder on the knees too

chainline · October 21st, 2011, 4:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smittylube

I now have had quite a few rides with this setup and am loving it. So simple and clean looking. Next I want to try a 34/18 to see how/ if it feels different than the 36/20.
This bike rules in the tight twisty single track (like we all didn't know) I ride now, I even made it up some root 'steps'
I doubt I would have made on my squishy..
The only drawback is I do suffer more on the climb outs- but even that is getting better.

AHhhhhhhh you will pull the gear. it takes a little to get usedto it and momentum is your friend/ and a nice set of wide bars.....

October 11th, 2011, 4:58 PM	#10
rmp Member Join Date: July 28th, 2010 Location: Ann Arbor Mich USA Posts: 90	ENOs rock

October 21st, 2011, 3:32 PM	#23
theredchili Senior Member Join Date: May 18th, 2011 Location: FoD UK Posts: 215	Ive just changed from 34:16 to 34:18, at first I thought it was a bit spinny, but on single track it rules, bit kinder on the knees too __________________ www.fodmtbguides.com: Current Rides : 1991 Yo Eddy, Team Fat Chance :1991 Yo Eddy,Team Fat Chance SS :1989 Fat Chance:1991 Monster Fat Chance :1988 Wicked Fat Chance

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October 4th, 2011, 3:50 PM	#1
smittylube Senior Member Join Date: March 26th, 2009 Location: Santa Cruz CA. Posts: 215	SS conversion question Hi guys, I recently moved to the santa cruz area and am SUPER close to unreal single track.. I find many of folks riding SS and it all of sudden totally makes sense to me and my 91 wicked. I have a white hub with an 8 speed. Do I just get an adapter that replaces my cassette? Or is it best to get a SS hub? I have the older narrow spacing so a road hub would work if I need to. And I am going to put my bio on and take off Judy.... Should be pretty light then. (And fun!)

October 4th, 2011, 8:52 PM	#3
chainline Senior Member Join Date: February 12th, 2010 Location: laconia Posts: 303	Or you could build a white industries eno eccentric rear hub. And they work great.

October 5th, 2011, 11:10 AM	#4
smittylube Senior Member Join Date: March 26th, 2009 Location: Santa Cruz CA. Posts: 215	oooh I like the eno idea- thanks.

October 5th, 2011, 11:29 AM	#5
smittylube Senior Member Join Date: March 26th, 2009 Location: Santa Cruz CA. Posts: 215	http://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._#ReviewHeader I think I'll try this kit and see how it goes. I figure my 36/30 gives me 1.2 and if I use my buzz saw 24 and the 20 it comes with I get 1.2 ratio. I hope it will hold up. Also I may be able to get good chain tension if I can get the proper length hopefully and not use the tensioner. Experiment time. Swapped the forks. waiting on the kit before I render it 1 speed

October 11th, 2011, 2:54 PM	#9
smittylube Senior Member Join Date: March 26th, 2009 Location: Santa Cruz CA. Posts: 215	Thanks guys- I love the simplicity of it all. A buddy has a front 34 for me we think. I figure try it and see- if not I can always go back. I have though about maybe just a 1 up front and keep the 8 in back? but I wonder if the chain will stay on in front without a guide of some sort. Been trying middle ring in front and 4th in rear just to test if I can hang SS style on my local trails.. I can do most all of it.

October 12th, 2011, 3:21 PM	#11
smittylube Senior Member Join Date: March 26th, 2009 Location: Santa Cruz CA. Posts: 215	I think I want to go 32 front- is that a special ring or can I just grab one at any LBS? Currently have a 36 middle ring so I do think that would be a bit too steep for my local climbs. I have 20/18/16 to choose from in back.

October 12th, 2011, 4:17 PM	#12
chainline Senior Member Join Date: February 12th, 2010 Location: laconia Posts: 303	what are you running for a crank.And what is the bcd ?

October 13th, 2011, 1:35 PM	#14
chainline Senior Member Join Date: February 12th, 2010 Location: laconia Posts: 303	BCD= BOLT CENTER DIAMETER.Ok it looks like you are running 110 i think the lowest chainring you will be able to find for that may be a 34 tooth so. with that you would want to run a 19-22 tooth that would give you the best combo for all applications !

October 13th, 2011, 1:41 PM	#15
smittylube Senior Member Join Date: March 26th, 2009 Location: Santa Cruz CA. Posts: 215	Ok thanks. I'm going to try that 36 with the 20 to start. Maybe I can find a 22 and be done. However I think I still should find a SS ring- 34 would proble be better than 36 I'm guessing.. But armed with the 110 number I know what to look for- BTW do you carry what I need at your shop (I am assuming you are at a bike shop?) If so Pm me w your phone and I'll ring you up.

October 16th, 2011, 6:30 PM	#16
smittylube Senior Member Join Date: March 26th, 2009 Location: Santa Cruz CA. Posts: 215	WOW it rides so killer in my new trails. it was a bit tough on some of the climbs, spins and wont let me really blast on the road downhill, but what a fantastic riding bike. the wicked is exactly that in the single track. I had some reservations on the steps and drop offs going full rigid v my squishy Santa cruz but it handles them almost as well. it handles the tight twisty back and forth like true champion. And my back wheel and chain did not fall off the entire ride! I think ENO is in the future for me

October 16th, 2011, 7:28 PM	#17
chainline Senior Member Join Date: February 12th, 2010 Location: laconia Posts: 303	Cool. Yeah finding a compromise for gearing can be a chore but when you get stronger and can run a higher gear it will be all cake from there....

October 16th, 2011, 8:15 PM	#18
smittylube Senior Member Join Date: March 26th, 2009 Location: Santa Cruz CA. Posts: 215	Yeah I can't get over how killer it is especially with my previous opinion of SS. I used to love the simplistic look, but it seemed so stupid. Boy was I wrong. And my gearing is almost perfect. I'll try a 34 front when you get them and see.

October 16th, 2011, 8:36 PM	#19
chainline Senior Member Join Date: February 12th, 2010 Location: laconia Posts: 303	Yeah the 34 will make a big difference.

October 19th, 2011, 10:47 AM	#20
smittylube Senior Member Join Date: March 26th, 2009 Location: Santa Cruz CA. Posts: 215	All I did was remove the large front ring- Now I'm thinking I should have moved my middle ring out to that position and redo the rear alignment- Is that the standard? That is how the ENO would line up I suppose? Also anyone who has used this forte hub conversion- are you using any washer or adapter at the nut- On this one the nut lands on the little notches of the alum spacers and if you torque on it it starts to distort them.

October 19th, 2011, 1:10 PM	#21
chainline Senior Member Join Date: February 12th, 2010 Location: laconia Posts: 303	I have always run the chainring to the inside of the crank and had good alinement.you should be able to put the gear anywhere you want on the rear cassettee body for the best alinement with the eno hub it should put you right in the middle of the freehub.

October 21st, 2011, 12:58 PM	#22
smittylube Senior Member Join Date: March 26th, 2009 Location: Santa Cruz CA. Posts: 215	I now have had quite a few rides with this setup and am loving it. So simple and clean looking. Next I want to try a 34/18 to see how/ if it feels different than the 36/20. This bike rules in the tight twisty single track (like we all didn't know) I ride now, I even made it up some root 'steps' I doubt I would have made on my squishy.. The only drawback is I do suffer more on the climb outs- but even that is getting better.

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