Single speed travel bike with 20” wheel?

[mass_biker]

Thought I saw a link (or photo) here of someone who had done this with their Bike Friday (or similar). In the process of overhauling my BF Pocket Rocket and realized that the simplest travel bike would be a single speed version of one I already have!

The plan would be to replace the rear wheel with an ENO hub (or use a Surly singleator or something) to make it even easier for build up/break down. And then take off the derailleurs/cables currently in place.

Any first hand experience or views on this?

Thanks
MB

[cp43]

I have a Pocket Llama, not a Pocket Rocket, but the folding mechanism looks the same.

I don't think an ENO hub will work easily with the fold. I think that the effective chain stay length changes as you fold the rear end of the bike. Either it will get longer, and you won't be able to fold, or it will get shorter, and the chain will go slack and fall off as you fold.

A Paul Melvin might work though:
https://www.paulcomp.com/shop/compon...ain-tensioner/
Not as clean as an ENO hub, but will tolerate the change in effective chainstay length.

A single speed travel bike does sound appealing. Simplicity is nice when traveling.

Chris

[mass_biker]

Good point on the effective chain length and the link to the Paul doo-hickey.

I will have to go and double-check my Pocket Rocket. I recall that the rear lower triangle was fixed (?) with the hinge above the bottom bracket which meant the rear chainstay length was fixed as well?

But as you mentioned, ease of packing/use etc. would be undeniable. Of course there is always eTap!

MB