How to Convert A Hardtail Into a Singlespeed

[@devinbyrnes8058]

I inadvertently discovered single speed. After using your consultation service, you actually steered me towards a full suspension bike. I quickly discovered I did not like taking it around town or for errands. My LBS said if I want an errand bike that can do a little trials / MTB practice on the side, to look at a BMX cruiser bike. I bought a Fairdale Taj. Man I love single speeding all around my little town so much. On weekends with the family in tow it makes simple crusher dust and green trails exciting again. I highly recommend it for those uses. I didn’t get it until I rode it. That is a really accurate statement.

[@glenlyman2882]

I was attracted to single speeding after having multiple derailleur issues on three bikes (and only one problem was due to a crash). The clean look and practicality really spoke to me. I now have more SS bikes than I need, including fully rigid, hardtail, and belt driven. SS is not all that I ride, but I long for it when I don't get a SS ride in my rotation every week or two. SSing has made me a better rider, for sure. I read trail better, look ahead more, I know how to use and maintain momentum now, I stay off of the brakes, I can make it over techie terrain with technique rather than just speed or gearing down...and of course my fitness level is amplified. The feel of being in the right zone for the gear is hard to explain, but it is a real feeling, climbing an uphill or cruising a flatter section of trail. It's cool, and it's fun. When I get back on a geared bike (which feels like luxury and increases my gratitude level for modern shifting) these skills also transfer....less brakes, better use and enjoyment of the trail, and I have no problem getting up out of the saddle rather than simply gearing down....because on a SS, standing up is gearing down. Thanks for covering this content!

[@davidperry7266]

I built my Ragley Marley specifically as a single speed. It is indescribably fun, and has helped me to be a better rider.

[@hardtailparty]

I'll bet that bike is a hoot

[@davidperry7266]

@@hardtailparty It really is. I think I'm always going to have one bike for gears, and one for single speed from now on.

[@Azoth5876]

Which tensioner did you go with?

[@jamedarr]

I've been riding SS for a decade now. About 6 years ago I started using an oval chainring by Absolute Black, yep with a Single Speed. I immediately noticed a difference, my IT Band issues all but disappeared, and it's been far less stressful on my knees. Tensioning is easy, just rotate the chairing into it's tallest position when adjusting.

[@hardtailparty]

I love my absolute black ovals, but i feel like mine have too much slack in the low spot for singlespeeding. But i know lots of people use them with great success.

[@JustSnowglow]

@@hardtailparty I believe Wolftooth oval rings are slightly rounder than AB (like 10% oval vs 12%). I'm considering getting one for my upcoming SS setup. Too bad they don't come in purple lol

[@oklahotb3217]

I use an oval on my SS as well. I also use a chain tensioner so obviously I don't have a chain tension issue 😀 Going from round to oval was a game changer for me.

[@jamedarr]

I don't know, maybe I'm tightening mine too much. I don't think I leave as much slack as you recommended in the video Steve. Haven't tried the Wolftooth Oval yet.

[@christophercolville9070]

I use Absolute Black on my ss with sliding dropouts and love it. Just have to be a little more on top of re-tensioning the cain as it stretches.

[@hardmtnbiker]

I have 2 SS MTB’s 1 is a custom Seven Sola SLX built up rigid with an ENVE fork and the second is an Esker Japhy built up with 34Fox 120mm fork and Transfer post. I absolutely love riding SS MTB’s and it’s an addiction I have had for many years. My first SS was a Niner Sir9 and I have had a couple of those. I had a Titus Eleven frame that I built as a SS that has been converted to a commuter bike that I ride in the Philippines. I really appreciate SS and it definitely gives you a true appreciation for frame Geo and design plus an appreciation for frame material and the ride qualities that they have. Same with all Hardtail’s but I think you notice it more with a SS because of the immediate feedback you get that isn’t filtered with a longer chain and derailer. My next SS is going to be a Gate belt drive commuter bike. I think it will be a perfect clunker style or more upright beach cruiser design. Still in the planning stages.

[@hardmtnbiker]

@@NoBrakes23 yes the older Sir9 frames are the best. Sure the Geo is outdated but the new frames are still on the conservative side of hardtail Geo. I just don’t want any bikes with press fit bottom brackets. Especially a SS that gets rode hard

[@ShadLife]

Also, to help save your knees, get used to standing a lot more. Especially while climbing. There is an amount of pressure I feel and then I stand up automatically. If you stay seated and try to push the gear really hard you can potentially harm your knees. Chain tensioners are not all that great, especially the ones with springs. They allow the chain to bounce around, just like a derailleur does. But if you must use one, it's a great way to go. Ideally, you want sliding dropouts or horizontal dropouts like a BMX bike has.

[@mackturtle82]

I recently realized that most people sit down while pedaling because they have gears that allow for that sort of thing. I've been riding SS so long that I don't even think about sitting while riding up any sort of grade. I don't think about it at all, i just sit or stand out of habit now depending on what the terrain requires. switching back to gears would be a hard transition, but might be good for my legs to use certain muscles that I have not used in a long time for seated climbing.

[@wvjeepguy8178]

I live in a very mountainous and hilly area with steep grades and never feel the need to come out of my seat to pedal. What gearing are you using?

[@ShadLife]

@@wvjeepguy8178 I run 2 to 1 on a 27.5 + bike.

[@manchesterexplorer8519]

A stand as much as possible as bumps are horrible for the spine @@mackturtle82

[@jiml2563]

At 57 still enjoy SSing on my 2021 Surly Karate Monkey, my knees do get cranky early spring at times so I will switch to platform pedals until I get more riding time in when that happens. Enjoy your video's and your wife's, now you should both make a SS ride video together on the trails in Sedona.

[@mikesherman4814]

Nice video. I have been singlespeeding for 12 years. Instead of a chain tensioner I use an eccentric bottom bracket. Currently I am riding an S-Works stump jumper hardtail (2014) carbon frame. I like the eccentric bottom bracket over the tensioner because it is cleaner and the tensioner adds a few watts to the chain line by putting an extra bend or two in the chain. Also Industry Nine makes a single speed specific hub which I really like. Hope your knees are doing well.

[@matticus6339]

Hey Steve, hope your doing well. Just in case you did not know, there is a company called First Components. They make different EBBs that will fit frames with standard hub shells. Check them out. I have a 2021 Marin San Quentin 3 that I converted to SS. My BB shell was 73mm and threads are BC1.37x24T so I used the First Components P237SA and works perfect for getting the chain tension correct without a tensioner. For anyone wondering they are out of Tawain but shipped my EBB to North Carolina quick, I ordered it on a Monday and it was on my front porch a few days later on a Thursday.

[@jonathangolden3495]

Love single speeds. I built one during the pandemic and it's actually my only bike right now. 32x19 is perfect for East TN.

[@jg2wheels]

Hey, another local! I'm running 32x20 cause I'm so out of shape! 😂

[@edensgardenshed9622]

Hey i am in Maryville. Is that good gearing for steep climbs like the three at I.C. King park Knoxville? Or new VeeHollow trails Townsend? Thinking about trying this on my Chameleon.

[@jonathangolden3495]

@@jg2wheels lol I probably should be running 32x20, but I'm determined to make this work.

[@LoganJohnston190]

As a microspline hub owner, thank you so much for putting Boone Technologies on the radar. I have been looking for a MS SS kit for so long and didnt want to buy a new hydra driver body. You're the man.

[@byrrenyates3015]

Re. Knee issues. I have ridden singlespeed exclusively since 2006 till this past Oct. IMHO many of those knee problems could be caused by muscular imbalance of quad dominance vs. posterior chain, which ends up pulling knee off track over time. I have made it a point to include prehab/rehab exercises that focus on hip and glute strength (on advise of coaches, PT, sports med, etc.) couple days a week. Exercises including deadlifts, KB swings, single leg hip bridge, Turkish GU, Lateral squats, crab walks. Likewise standing and pedaling in a way that emphasizes hip extension over mashing down with quads. I am 57, have zero knee issues and singlespeed 3-4 days a week, and now ride a geared bike 1-2 days a week… But I will likely convert the geared bike to be an easier gear ratio singlespeed for my rest /lazy days or when have to do monster climbs. I ride primarily NorCal (Auburn) and Boise trails.

[@jameslostlen]

Same! For the past 5 years I ride 4 days a week, single speed up steep washy sand and technical rock in the high desert of California. 32/19 on a trek stache. On the days off from riding I lift and roll rocks while making rock walls. Zero knee issues in that time, even when I rode 6 days a week.

[@GrahamvandeRuit]

I converted to singlespeed when I was breaking too many derailleurs and hangers as a wreckless teen on a jump bike, and dropping chains because derailleurs didn't have clutches yet and I couldn't get a proper chain guide. Then when I built up a cross country bike I went singlespeed with that too because it was cheaper so I could get it rolling much sooner. It was only when I got my first full suspension bike more than a decade later that I ran gears again. But my two hardtails and road bike are still singlespeed. I love it. My newest hardtail is a Mercer Lanky Lemur, handbuilt in Cape Town from steel. Being on a tight budget and not wanting to complicate the frame I opted for regular dropouts and ran a couple of different tensioners, but they have both had some issues. Then Rapidé in South Africa started offering an eccentric bottom bracket for 24 mm crank spindles in a regular BSA threaded shell (called the EccenTrick, but I think it's made by First Components, so might be available under different brands elsewhere in the world). I had some minor issues with the setup and first month of use, but hopefully it's all sorted now. It's too early for a long-term review, but if it keeps going like it is now then I think I won't regret my dropout choice. The hanger isn't an integral part of the dropout, so I've removed that too for a beautifully clean rear end.

[@patrickwashburn4501]

Nice video. My son, a bicycle mechanic, built a “2x2” single-speed Karate Monkey for me about 13 years ago. He used a White Industries single speed hub (not the eccentric one), a White Industries two-gear freewheel, and two chainrings. I can change the gearing slightly when necessary. The frame has horizontal dropouts so no need for a chain tensioner.

[@nicsells690]

Rode a Gunnar Ruffian SS for almost 10 years. Love it. Now you've got me thinking about running my Canfield N9 SS!

[@LordHolley]

I bought a hard tail a couple of years ago with the intentions of making it a single speed. When I was building it I chickened out. More recently I quit being a wuss and did the single speed thing. I love it! Is way more fun than I expected.

[@manchesterexplorer8519]

I own a 1992 KONA Hei Hei which has a Ti frame . I recently took all the gears off to convert to a SS urban adult BMX and this bike rocks !!

[@JohnM-p5r]

I finally did it I converted my old mid-2000s Fuji mountain bike into a single speed I didn't think I was going to get on with it I love the thing it reminds me of my BMX days

[@chriskimber7179]

I LOVED riding singlespeed, I kept my only MTB as SS for about 4 years before realizing that I was avoiding certain (great) trails because of certain climbs -I could do them, but was gutted for the rest of the ride. Now I'm shopping for a new HT, I think I might return my old steel bike to SS so I have the option

[@ericpmoss]

If I had the money I would try the hubs from Classified. They are two speed and very efficient. Supposedly they can handle 1000W input.

[@robertadamson7196]

Great video. I have converted an old 1996 Klein to SS using Paul Components Melvin. Works a treat. I have also had my Klein running 3 chainrings with SS up rear. The Melvin has worked great and never dropped a chain. With my 3x1 I was using JIS square taper White Industries cranks with 40/30/20 Middleburn chainrings. Used this setup for a number of years with no issues. When the going gets tough 20 16/17 is a breeze and when I want to cruise along 40 16/17 is amazing. Drop Paul a message and have a go. The Melvin works on any application.

[@MilkDot]

I just turned my RSD middle child to single speed and it’s awesome! Currently running 32 x 18 but I have a 17 tooth cog on the way. I don’t think I will be going back to gears at my local trails.

[@acetylcholine3]

I love conversion videos like this. Also, single speeding is amazing! It's like rediscovering cycling as a kid again!

[@faiminifan4127]

My SS story started with a problematic 3X9 cheap drivetrain... Removed my FD before 1X setup was popular... Then realised I only used 2-3 gears... Took the shifter off and fell in love with SS... Still rocking it at 41... 😝

[@danwebber9494]

If your knees are good, keep doing it, SS at 52!

[@ngaran2108]

when my RD broke I became an SS convert by accident now I loving it, and quite lucky that i did not need any tensioner, 16t by 32 works perfect.. I am a bike commuter and may route is the same all the time for 2 years now so it suits me just fine, and save a couple of money from maintaining RDs, chains and cogs..

[@mrsmith326]

There’s a hack you can do for a tensioner…take an old derailleur and cut the lower jockey wheel off of the cage. You can set the limit screws to center the chain and keep it in line as well as tension the chain. Used to do that back in the ‘90s when I was a bike messenger. It’s not as light obviously but it works in a pinch 👍🏻

[@maxxh5914]

Phil, Have you found this to be reliable when mountain biking? Especially when you are putting the power down such as when standing on a climb?

[@mrsmith326]

@@maxxh5914 I only knew of people that did it for city riding, never tried it myself and never saw it applied to MTB situation. Basically a make shift chain tensioner kit. Try at you own risk 🤣🤷🏻‍♂️. Seems valid though

[@shaunroach7829]

Not sure how I missed this one, great video Steve!! Love the explanation and demonstration with the sliding drop outs!! Got my RSD Mayor in June and love it being single speed!! I’m running a 34:18 ⚙️ and it’s fantastic for gravel riding, rail trail and single track!! 1 ⚙️ for the win!!!

[@ABFPV584]

I run 3 singlespeed bikes. One with alternator dropouts, another with eccentric bottom bracket, and on my gravel bike I'm using a Paul Melvin tensioner. Thay all work great. I haven't tried it yet but I plan on running the gravel bike as a dingle speed for bikepacking trips since the jockey wheels in the Melvin have some play.

[@tomhawk733]

Can't wait to get my Maniak and run it single speed 😀

[@johnfriedl7126]

I went back and forth with gears and SS on my MTBs lots of times. Recently I converted my commuter bike to SS and set it up so I can get up the steepest hill on my way without going all out and still reach 30km/h rather comfortably. It's super nice unless there is wind, then it sucks :) when there's no wind I am just as fast and it's just as exhausting as with gears. It's just like you said, those who tried it know and those who don't miss out.

[@ssmtb]

I always wanted to give SS a try, but over here (Israel), the only options were either a Unit/Honzo, both weren't really what I was looking for. Anyhow I ended up buying the Big Al, saw a couple of people on FB that run theirs SS. So I gave it a go, and I ditched the gears the moment it arrived. I have found that ISCG mounted tensioner works a lot better than a derailleur type, for the exact reasons Steve mentioned. Another big plus with an ISCG mount is it's less vulnerable, and doesn't mind if you bend your derailleur hanger 🙂 (plus it looks better)

[@rhysrhysrhys]

I've always liked the idea and have multiple single speeds over the years for both mtbing and commuting. I found that when running SS there were too many compromises in my riding - skipping trails, not riding to the trails, picking other bikes if I didn't know what my day would entail. At one point I'd just purchase a Crave SL (regret selling!) and was overtaken by a little old lady on a step through on the way to the trails. A 1* drivetrain turned that bike into a single track weapon and could be used for gravel grinding and generally bicycling.

[@robertbrandt884]

I have been looking for a good guide for single speeding for my Kona Honzo. So glad you made a video for it!

[@dgriffinm]

I just got a new to me Single speed, it’s at action shop and they are putting new brakes on it, super excited

[@adolfow5668]

I assembled my singlespeed with a BMC two stroke Al frame and a 130mm fork. Sweet ride! Geo on those BMC frames is great and the headtube angle relaxed a little more with the fork.

[@maxxh5914]

Adolfo, what are you using for a chain tensioner?

[@jamessanderson7338]

Discovered SS'n a few months ago on a Canfield Nimble 9 - Fantastic fun. Great video - Thanks

[@chaotictattoo]

I am late to this video but i recently made my lynskey hardtail single speed because i used to own a single speed and it's tough on the trails climbing but wow when you are whipping around the trail its so much fun! when you have a hardtail that weighs right around 23 popunds you fell like its going to take off under you!

[@MaquinasDePalomitas]

I’ve missed your videos man, bumped into this one and immediately recognized the voice. I used to watch your chameleon video 24/7.

[@ognyc6522]

Got a Paul’s tensioner on my Stanton Sherpa gen 3 4130,waiting for them to get their sliding dropouts back in stock. Paul’s works fine

[@singletona082]

I rednecked a single speed out of a freewheel. got hte lockring off. took ALL of the gears off except for one. Put spacers in. Had to add another spacer in I'd made out of a bit of fence wire. So far, even though it's a very mild ride? so good.

[@Gyllbonus]

I'm hooked on single speed...now all 4 of my bikes are single speed. I switch it up depending on terrain...yet I do wish there would be a light wheight 3 speed thru axle option for internal hubs...that would be the game changer for me.

[@hardtailparty]

Same here. I keep waiting for someone to design that... With high engagement. One can dream.

[@jalbrecht55]

I set my bike up SS last august and haven’t changed back yet. You have to put down more force so it makes sense that your knees will feel it. I’m running the best “magic” ratio I can to get the chain tension close enough. It‘s technically too loose (a bit over 1” free play) but hasn’t fallen off yet. I tried a tensioner but I didn’t like it. Part of the charm is not having extra moving parts and gear drag. Philcentric BB is on my wishlist. First components would be ok also. $9 sram 830 chain seems like the way to go. You can’t even buy a quick link for that price.

[@phrides]

Hadn't watched this until now, as it came-out the day after I finished my SS build. It's a Sir 9 with EBB and 32x20, but it's still 29 pounds with that Rhythm 34 and RaceFace Aeffect everything. Might have to get some lighter wheels and tires to make it come alive, but it's great for Rule V training. More importantly, we need to see a video of you and friends F-ing around on trials bikes. The impossible climb series was interesting to a fellow glutton like me, but the success/failure equation makes for way more compelling video with trials.

[@jg2wheels]

Just so happens I brought my single speed today for an after work ride. The Absolute Black SS Cogs are super nice as well.

[@tmwei396]

I rode a single speed for years and I loved it. I'm toying with the idea of converting my hard tail to a single speed but I'll have to use a chain tensioner which I don't mind.

[@sheridaninstalls]

Hi Steve, No doubt a different issue.. I had problems with my knees using SPD, swapped to Crank Brothers egg Beaters with more float and not 1 issues since..50 and counting..

[@johnnykramolis7469]

Last time I was singlespeedig was when I was a kid on my bmx. I understand why people do love it. 👍

[@William.N]

What you describe when starting single speed reminds me of what I was dealing with when starting to use minimalist shoes. I hope you are able to do that shootout you described!

[@outlaweric]

I love ss bikes. I've always owned one, just fer messin around. Mine were always track bikes, with some serious gearing. I just recently got a 29er with 32:18 gearing and my knees were not impressed lol. I'm getting a 22 cog and I'm hoping that'll be the bees knees, no pun intended. I'm 59 and live in SW PA, and we got hills. And I got aches and pains! But I just have to have a ss. They're a different level of fun. Some people can't remember their childhood. Thanks for the video

[@hardtailparty]

@@outlaweric im running 30/20 and my knees are much happier

[@outlaweric]

@@hardtailparty where’d u get that 30 at?? Everything I see doesn’t go below 32 and I’d go to 30 if possible. I just want it for putzin around. I have other bikes for serious riding.

[@outlaweric]

@@hardtailparty never mind lol. I found some. It helps to know to look for such a thing! Thanks

[@nickgull699]

I run single speed on my hardtail mountain bike. I'm currently running 32t-16t works perfectly with the gusset bachelor chain tensioner.

[@matticus6339]

Not sure what bottom bracket shell you have but First Components may make a EBB you can use to get your tension without a tensioner. I am using there P237SA on my Marin San Quention 3 and works really nice.

[@nickgull699]

@matticus6339 I have got sram dub bottom bracket and sram sx cranks works absolutely perfect no issues at all

[@matticus6339]

@@nickgull699 Yeah I was meaning with an Eccentric BB from First Components(If they make one to fit your BB) then you could run without the tensioner.

[@SnootchieBootchies27]

There's always so much talk about singlespeeding wrecking your knees. I've had both ACLs reconstructed, and singlespeed gives me no knee issues. I do have to pay attention to keeping them warm when it gets cold out, and I don't *only* singlespeed. In the summer, one or two rides a week will be done on my singlespeed. It's also key to find the gear that works for you on the terrain you ride, and walk if you have too. Oh, and you're gonna spend most of your time climbing standing up.

[@petesmitt]

I've torn both ACL and PCL and love my single speed; I do use 165 cranks; my geared MTB has 170.

[@ryanconway7810]

Great vid! Love singlespeeds, I have 3. Speaking of sliding dropouts, would you consider reviewing a Kona Unit? Very versatile frame!

[@hardtailparty]

I've tried to get one for a while but no luck

[@Whitewater11]

Very timely, Just pulled the trigger on a GG Pedalhead with the convertible drop outs, going to have to figure this swap out soon.

[@pondacres]

I came here for chain tensioner ideas, and you delivered...thx! I'm probably a heretic in this comment section lol, I have an e-bike! I'm looking to ditch the 7 gears, convert it to single gear.

[@hardtailparty]

@@pondacres interesting idea. I imagine a hub drive ebike would work better as a single speed than a mid drive. I know my mid drive ebikes definitely prefer certain gears. I think something like a nexus hub would be awesome with a mid drive

[@pondacres]

@@hardtailparty Yessir, hub drive on the Lectric XP, their latest one. The 7-gear set is wholly redundant on this thing, especially how I ride it with throttle assist (I disable the pedal assist). I want to get rid of anything that clanks, slaps, wiggles, whatever...just a solid bike with nothing rattling on it as I ride around like a hooligan lol.

[@benitezjosem30]

I love SS. I ride a Salsa El Mariachi steel here in Fl. Make rediscover how to ride and look best lines on the trail.

[@mauriciomontero2039]

I was out riding once, and my derailer hanger snapped. So I had to turn my full suspension bike into a single speed by locking out the rear shock and shortening the chain. It worked OK and definitely made me remember the old days of being on a BMX bike, I have a soul cycle Dillinger hard that I am planning on converting to single speed. It does not have rear adjustable dropouts, but it does have an eccentric bottom bracket, which is pretty unique that will act as my chain tensioner. I may need some help with information on converting this bike to singles speed. Thanks for your video

[@ZanielGa_]

I'm amazed you've managed to get a Wolftooth Steel cog. They have been out of stock for a long time here.

[@royrauch2830]

Really liking your Maniac! A while back I turned my 2014 trek Stache into A Ss because my friend had an Ss. My 2014 Stache I call my bastard Stache. It been set up a few different ways. Anyways I didn't want to put a whole of money into it so I use my 10 speed derailer as a chain tensioner and a 15 tooth cog from the 10 spd. Cassette with a 10sod chsin. It worked pretty good. But I did have a single speed chain tensioner I bought a while back And recently installed it and boy what a difference it made as far as dynamics. It feels like I'm getting a little more power to the rear wheel due to lack of chain Length and one less jockey wheel. Frequently riding my Ss has made a difference in power/strength when I'm riding my gear bike's.

[@outsider1733]

Yeah, a friend introduced me to SSing about 5 years ago. I'm ruined now - I can only buy a HT if it has sliding dropouts! I started on a Salsa El Mariachi, then Specialized Fuse, now Kona Honzo ST. SS is definitely an addiction...

[@danielhartwig3150]

Thank you Steve - very helpful and inspiring video. Btw, your Maniak looks absolutely beautiful.

[@ssmtb]

Perfect video! I highly recommend giving the Catalyst Pedals a try, the elongated platform has been amazing for my Single Speed, for me it greatly improved foot fatigue/hot spots, some people also say it helps reduce knee pain. Definitely has become one of my favourite component choices Ps. The Binary Maniak looks even sicker as SS

[@hardtailparty]

I've tried the catalyst pedals. I know a lot of people love them. They were a bit too big for me. I prefer to be clipless most of the time when I'm SS anyway

[@Jason-bl2vb]

@@hardtailparty clipless on a singlespeed=knee pain

[@hardtailparty]

@@Jason-bl2vb not for everyone. I get knee pain with flats too.

[@Jason-bl2vb]

Weak glutes are weak glutes, hence knee pain on either pedaling platform. Clipless is quad dominant making it harder to engage glutes. Hope you are pain free soon and singlespeeding again. Super fun.

[@ADVtheMISSIONARY]

I converted my Octane Prone 27.5 to SS 32/20, i was using a halflink chain on the last SS but i just put a regular 8spd on this time.

[@Shane-zl9ry]

The Shimano Alfine is a nice tensioner because it works on a full suspension bike. My single speed is a Bianchi G.U.S.S. 26er.

[@froj019]

Really good video, going to swap out my 8 speed to single next week and I hope it works as you shown :)

[@chrisandrews5881]

Been single speeding for the last 20 years on my Bmx, think I’ll stick to gears for the big bike. Great video tho👍

[@hardtailparty]

You'll have to give it a try sometime

[@oklahotb3217]

I use 9 spd chains on my single speeds since I had low mileage ones laying around. Works just fine for me as well. I've use the Paul's Components Melvin but I've also used the Surly chain tensioner and that was very well made too

[@jonathangreiner]

Building the Passila Juntu up SS with a Boone TI cog. The Boone cog itself is a work of art. Also putting a SID on it, looking forward to your impressions on it (and those Gulo wheels)!

[@tomhawk733]

Nice! That's how I'm building my Maniak up in "Dr Jekyll" mode (Mr Hyde would be with a 150mm Lyrik and heavy Enduro wheels/tires)

[@ShadLife]

I would run 32 x 20 in Colorado and here in Minnesota, I run a 32:16, both on a 275 plus setup on my Surly Lowside. 32 x 16 in Colorado would be brutal!!!

[@158158cow]

I bought a 2012 TransAM last year. It was already SS (30/20 gearing) and has been a fun challenge. I live in PNW and there are some climbing sections I simply have to walk (I ride flats, so no biggie). I’ve contemplated throwing my spare Shimano 10-speed on it, but feel like I’d be cheating on the bike if I did haha. Perhaps I’ll make a DJ setup for it with more aggressive gearing and swap to fast-rolling tires…

[@tomhawk733]

So Monday I bashed my derailleur and it was shifting badly so I went "single speed" in a 34 (oval)/21 configuration and I just wasn't feeling it. I was getting worried as I'm planning on using the Maniak both geared and SS... Then today I rode my buddy's Nimble9 SS 34/22 and it was a blast, so much fun and I was smashing climbs that I was pushing up on Monday... Something magical about "real" single speed - don't write it off if you've just tried it on a geared bike: it is not the same at all!

[@hardtailparty]

100% agree. I don't know why it's so different, but not shifting isn't the same as a SS setup. Glad you were able to try both.

[@Insert_name_below]

I made my £300 carrera vengeance singlespeed, best decision ever😂 I can throw it around and the only noise I hear is the cheap fork bottoming out, no more chainslap

[@mattlittle1866]

I converted a Stache 9.6 to SS a few months back and have been loving it. In fact I raced it a few times in the local XC races. Would love a recommendation on solid rear hub. I am running line pro 40 carbon wheels with a bontreager 108 hub. There is play developing in the hub even after a recent rebuild. The bike will be SS until it's retired, so I'd would be open to SS specific hub.

[@christophercolville9070]

Boone is making ti single speed cogs for micro-spline.

[@hardtailparty]

Indeed

[@jrod291]

what a great video! you converted me!

[@JustSnowglow]

This is a very timely video for me 👀

[@RideYearRound]

Despite some of the limitations, I'm all for HG too. XD/Microspline would be preferred If I planned to ONLY run 11 (sram) or 12 speed , but where's the fun in that... Also, I didn't realize you had a tool in your hand when you said "now we just remove the derailleur" and it for sure looked like you just grabbed the whole derailleur and started twisting haha.

[@chickensendies]

I've been searching for a cheaper option of a bike with an adjustable rear to make it SS..... I have found a few but stock is bleh HAHAHAHA Great video as usual! 😁😁😁

[@ondrejmanych5688]

If you rode bmx as a kid (or adult), you know that singlespeed has something to it. Just pedalling when you need to or coasting when you dont. No rush. yeah

[@wadecaldwell7210]

I understand buying through your Amazon store helps you. I don’t see spacer kits cogs and a few other things I need to convert my son‘s bike to a single speed. If you give me direction I’ll buy them through Amazon store to support you, cheers..

[@brianm6608]

Instead of a chain tensioner what about an eccentric bottom bracket?

[@hardtailparty]

That's an option too, though it'll change bb height a bit.

[@ssmtb]

EBBs have their limits, they look a lot better than a tensioner, but they don't have a lot of adjustment. This means you may be limited depending on what gear ratios suits your terrain, and your chainstay length suits them close enough so the EBB can be adjusted accordingly. Plus their not cheap

[@Penfold__]

Super useful thank you

[@jadoningalls1205]

As a healthy young person, I was surprised that singlespeeding my old chameleon gave me knee problems last summer. I probably jumped into it a little aggressively, trying to grind out everything I usually climb with 32x18 gearing on a 29er. I will try it again though!

[@martinfieder726]

Just had been cycling a lot on single speed, 20 years ago, just regret it ruined my knees. Would stop it, we are not built for single speed.

[@SnootchieBootchies27]

I run a 32×20 on a 27.5 in the mountains. Any easier and it becomes too much spinning, any harder and I just won't make up too many hills.

[@ms.karihart2983]

I’m new at mountain biking and was curious if I could do a single speed conversion, marlin 5 . Mind you I’m wanting to jus cruise on it . I’ve purchased another marlin 8 for my commute to work Thank you

[@oliversch7271]

It’s funny I seen this video I just recently converted my trek older bicycle into a single speed it was very easy yeah it’s fun to ride I’m an older rider now so I don’t do trails anymore anyways and the bike is much more lighter what a trip just like being a young kid on the Schwinn stingray bicycles again

[@edgardacanay8460]

Would Hardtail Party consider reviewing a long, low, slack and steep all-mountain fat bike? Perhaps even more aggressive than the RSD Mayor or Pole Taiga.

[@hardtailparty]

Yes.

[@edgardacanay8460]

@@hardtailparty I got a custom titanium frame in the works. Essentially a Doctahawk with 26×4.8s and 511mm ATC.

[@MorryB]

All these mentions of knee problems are a bit concerning! In my case, I'm going to try and convert an early 2000's hardtail 26er that I've been recently using as a gravel/pathway bike over to SS to try out. This is mainly for local park trails which don't have a lot of long /tough climbs.

[@altemose_prime]

Thanks for info. What’s a good all around flatland gear ratio?

[@kesenex2883]

doing this due to having to replace derailers often best part is my bikes were between free and $20

[@hanneliediedericks3025]

Does this bike have full suspension or is it just the front because it shows full in detailed specs and front in pictures as well as spec overview

[@jurisx85]

I will try it. Someday...

[@anhkhoanguyen5371]

Yes I totally understand that feeling 😅😅 Once you try single speed , youll problaly never back to multispeed again 😉😉

[@LincolnWoodworks]

Great video! I'm actually in the process of converting back to a 1x12 drivetrain from single speed. My question is with the sliding drop out derailleur hanger com o on my bike as to will it be ok with where they were set for single speed? If it makes sense?

[@hardtailparty]

Most likely. It depends on your bike, but most bikes with sliding dropouts include a sliding derailleur hanger and brake mount. Just make sure your chain is the right length

[@crenzoni]

Hi there, I am using a chain guide as a tensioner (up on the front chainring) and it is producing a ton of noise. Noise is created as the chain links roll over the roller. Is there any way to silence this?

[@johnnyballgame463]

XD driver is also for Sram 11-speed

[@hardtailparty]

Correct

[@joshmanwaring3848]

I just bought a used bike, it was a 24 speed but someone removed the front derailleur and made it a 1x so I want to full send it and make it a single speed

[@Gracievision]

would you really need to remove the cassette? couldn't you just line the chain on to the ring/gear you prefer to ride with?

[@quinnharnett1311]

Any thoughts on different wheelsets for single speed? 27.5+ vs 29? I would assume less rolling resistance (skinnier 29" tire) helps with the harder ride, but I guess it could depend more on how the bike was designed.

[@hardtailparty]

I've singlespeeded with both. I have a video on wheel and tire size, and I feel like my findings still stand even when ss

[@chriskimber7179]

Group rides are, uh, awkward if you are the only one on SS You are punching climbs, are slow on flats/easy grades, and find yourself carrying momentum in places others are brakeing It will drive everyone around you nuts!

[@hardtailparty]

Yeah but group SS rides are awesome!

[@hardtailparty]

Learn more about tensioner options in Single Speed MTB's video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpnCkoasr796o5I&ab_channel=SingleSpeedMTB I'd love to learn more about what causes knee problems for some people when singlespeeding. Some research found that staying seated on climbs when you're in a hard gear is one of the worst things for your knees.

[@ch333pnis]

On hard climbs I stand and I change my grip to the ends of the bars. It allows me to activate my abs and really pull against the bike with my upper body as I push against the pedals with my lower body. It's a sneaky core workout and provides more power with less leg strain.

[@MrBig617]

Sliding dropouts should be a standard on all hardtails.

[@bensieber657]

I absolutely love single speed riding, but as I've gotten older it more and more difficult on my knees. The problem is that riding single speed requires time and effort on single speed in order to maintain single speed condition, and my knees just can't take it anymore. I miss it, but have had to let it go.