SS MTB

[rajflyboy]

is single speed mountain biking still popular?  I put a suspension fork on a SS Nashbar a year ago and I have been enjoying the bike a ton.  I still ride geared bike too.   I rarely ever see an SS bike on the trail.  I have seen one or two at the White Water Center in Charlotte.

A question for you folks.  I took a rigid SS and put the suspension fork on it.  I read that a few people used and liked this fork on the Nashbar.  I love the bike even though the geometry now is not ideal.   I don’t notice this even on climbs.   What problems are associated with this changed geometry?   Some say climbing is affected.  What are your thoughts.

Suntour Raidon is the fork on this bike.

 

Thanks

[Dr Sweets]

@rajflyboy: ” I love the bike even though the geometry now is not ideal.”

Ideal for what? Mountain bike geometry has evolved immensely since that frame was designed. Not to mention so have forks and suspension in general. If the bike works for you, that is all that matters.

Speaking of screwy geometry, I rode single speed mountain bikes years ago, beginning around ’98. The only people that rode them then were trouble makers with a good sense of humor and irreverence. Being one of those types, I did not give a rat’s tuchus what anyone thought (still don’t) and ran my B.A.S.S. (a rigid non suspension corrected frame) with 130mm travel Marzocchi Z1. A “freeride” hard tail before there was such a term. It was highly amusing to me to have the least gears and the most suspension simultaneously on group rides. That bike kicked ass. I have long been a fan of  “over-forking” bikes since.

Sadly, nowadays, the only people I see on single speeds are Stravassholes with a chip on their shoulders getting their lycra in a bunch if they blow a KOM opportunity.

[Robert Dobbs]

I had a single speed MTB yearrrrrs ago (below)….been there….done that….absolutely no need to go back. 😉

(Though it was pretty sweet for jumping creeks.)

[rajflyboy]

I like the Stingray.    Oh Yes!    I enjoy single speed.  I enjoy the simplicity and it has certainly made me a better rider and made me be able to ride with a taller gear in uncomfortable situations.  I’m not looking to be a hero or the fastest dude out there.   Not at all.

 

The bike is several inches taller in the front than it was with the rigid fork.    Some people said that would make for harder climbing.   That may or may not be true.    I still have the rigid fork and may use that or may buy a carbon niner fork eventually.       I was just looking for any thoughts on the bike being taller in the front.    I honestly thought it would be a bigger issue than what it has turned out to be.   On the plus side this bike now eats up bumps for dinner!!  (Over-Forking)  thats a great statement and I do agree with you after over forking this Nashbar 29 er!

 

Thanks for all the reply’s !

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