Single Speed Recommendations - Page 2

uber · #16 05-31-2020, 02:09 PM

Many single speeds started out in life as track bikes. Track bikes have track geometry and the absence of brakes which makes their use on the road more dangerous. A single speed cyclocross frame would have front and rear breaks. Road or ‘cross tires could work too.

pbarry · #17 05-31-2020, 02:52 PM

If you find an all-road or gravel frame with vertical dropouts, an eccentric BB would be a workaround. Phil Wool makes one but they are speedy. Here's another, think I've seen them for $100 retail.
https://www.firstcomponents.com/bott...ets/eccentric/

charliedid · #18 05-31-2020, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr B

Initially built on something of a budget, my steel single-speed started off looking like this:

It probably weighed about 23lbs, with a carbon/alu fork and a VeloMine Formula/H+Son wheelset.

These days it's blessed with lighter wheels, brakes and cranks, but a heavier fork and a steel front rack.
I just weighed it and it's 22.5lbs.
Mash SF list the rack weight at 1.7lbs, so the bike is about 20.8lbs without it.

That is a cool rig, did you do the paint/coat yourself?

Mr B · #19 05-31-2020, 04:44 PM

No, it's a powder-coating applied by Arcane Moto in Brooklyn.
The finish is called 'Desert-Aged Brass', it looks rough but feels smooth. Very similar texture to the 'crinkle/wrinkle' finishes used on older engine cam covers and ancillaries.
Scratches appear grey/black, so they don't stand out. The fork was done a year after the frame, and it matches perfectly.

After I tired of the metallic-white factory paint job, I rattled-canned it olive green with Krylon. Did the GT-inspired graphics in paint too. The finish didn't last though, paints & clearcoats from a spray can are just so soft.
I refinished it 3 times (it cost me about $10 each time) before finally getting it powder-coated.
A fun chapter of its life though.

ColonelJLloyd · #20 05-31-2020, 07:16 PM

Awesome. I love seeing bikes that have seen various incarnations with the same owner. Really says something about the bike and the owner.

stephenmarklay · #21 05-31-2020, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtbadge

Pretty easy to build up a Big Block or Nature Boy under 20lbs if your wheels aren't complete boat anchors.

Funny, I was looking at the current nature boy. That would be a super fun build for sure.

stephenmarklay · #22 05-31-2020, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbarry

If you find an all-road or gravel frame with vertical dropouts, an eccentric BB would be a workaround. Phil Wool makes one but they are speedy. Here's another, think I've seen them for $100 retail.
https://www.firstcomponents.com/bott...ets/eccentric/

For sure. I will keep my eyes open for something along these lines. Thank you.

stephenmarklay · #23 05-31-2020, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr B

No, it's a powder-coating applied by Arcane Moto in Brooklyn.
The finish is called 'Desert-Aged Brass', it looks rough but feels smooth. Very similar texture to the 'crinkle/wrinkle' finishes used on older engine cam covers and ancillaries.
Scratches appear grey/black, so they don't stand out. The fork was done a year after the frame, and it matches perfectly.

After I tired of the metallic-white factory paint job, I rattled-canned it olive green with Krylon. Did the GT-inspired graphics in paint too. The finish didn't last though, paints & clearcoats from a spray can are just so soft.
I refinished it 3 times (it cost me about $10 each time) before finally getting it powder-coated.
A fun chapter of its life though.

That looks perfect. Nice work.

stephenmarklay · #24 05-31-2020, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr B

OP wants to run 35c tyres, so the Big Block is out.
A used rim-brake Nature Boy is a good shout but modern stuff like external BB is essential to keeping weight down. Carbon fork would do it too.

All-City now offer the Super Professional in flat-bar single-speed. No weight given, but it's a lovely frameset.

You are right that is lovely. I will spend some time looking at this one. Great find.

stephenmarklay · #25 05-31-2020, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr B

Initially built on something of a budget, my steel single-speed started off looking like this:

It probably weighed about 23lbs, with a carbon/alu fork and a VeloMine Formula/H+Son wheelset.

These days it's blessed with lighter wheels, brakes and cranks, but a heavier fork and a steel front rack.
I just weighed it and it's 22.5lbs.
Mash SF list the rack weight at 1.7lbs, so the bike is about 20.8lbs without it.

What wheels are those on the new build?

Mr B · #26 05-31-2020, 08:01 PM

Paul Components High Flange track hubs laced to Mavic Open Pros.

stephenmarklay · #27 05-31-2020, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ColonelJLloyd

CAADX with an ENO hub? 35mm tires and 20lbs culls a lot of candidates. For me, I want road geo for many miles so a bike with track or traditional CX geometry is not ideal.

I have a couple bikes in SS mode. My ~1950 "Jack Taylor" is what I used to pull my son on the trail-a-bike and tool around with my daughter flipped to fixed. It's a lot of fun, but the front end handling really quick; not the bike I'd grab for a century even if it were geared. A 35mm juuuuust fits in the back.

My other is an '81 Schwinn Voyageur. It fits me great, but it's regular 4130 and the whole frame is chromed so no lightweight. It might fit 35s, but it'd be tight. It wears 32mm GravelKings.

A friend of mine received a custom Bob Jackson Vigorelli with mid reach brakes last month so it fits 35mm tires. Pretty quick turnaround and favorable exchange rate. Not sure what it weighs with the steel fork.

Untitled by ColonelJLloyd, on Flickr

Very cool!