Single Speed

Comment

Comment by Brad Carvey on May 28, 2010 at 9:12am

I raced in Portland last year before Natz in Bend. There were tons of people racing and a good crowd of spectators. Large SS field. Even in Portland it's a fringe sport.
In late 70s, I raced cross in Northern California and didn't even know there was a National Championship. The sport has grown very fast and may continue to grow. I think it has the potential to be a really popular sport. But, until Fox or ESPN decides to cover it, it will remain fringe. I can't see anyway that SS will become non fringe.

Comment by L Peters on May 28, 2010 at 6:52am

Most builders of note are happy to design and build a SS cross frame, at least those that I've researched and spoken with. I recently ended up with a stock frame, due to cost. My previous frame/fork was intended as a SS commuter, but worked for cross (853 hand built steel, canti posts, 120mm rear, not custom). However, I find I really prefer the newer cross-specific stock frame.

Whatever you're looking for, do be sure you agree with the builder's philosophy. Some prefer stability, some focus on quick handling, high or low BB, etc. Lots of variations in thought out there.

Cross isn't that fringe. Used to be, but as a sport, is growing like mad. SS cross is less popular, but this depends on where you are. Here in central Ohio, I've been racing SS cross for 8+ yrs and have seen it come and go with some folks. But out west (Portland, etc.), I hear that there are crazy big fields of SSers. I know I started doing it as an inexpensive way to get into cross and have just stuck with it. However, it's run what you brung. Not really about the bike, but what you do with it.

Comment by Booksy on May 28, 2010 at 6:25am

I figure if a bike's got rack mounts (for commuting) then it'll have a life after racing. Kinda like a greyhound. Vanilla Cycles makes the Speedvagen in a SingleSpeed.

When I describe SSCX, I refer to it as a cult within a cult within a cult, meaning we're about as fringe as you can get. There's a lot of us out there, that's strange that the framemaker laughed at you, you'd think he'd want to sell frames.

Comment by Brad Carvey on May 28, 2010 at 5:59am

CX is still fringe. CX single speed is fringe to CX'ers. Althought, it is getting more popular with CX'ers. The field at Natz last year was too large for a single race.

Comment by Mike Wahlin on May 28, 2010 at 5:52am

Frame makers don't care about SingleSpeed CX. Agree or disagree? If you do find a frame made for SingleSpeed CX, chances are the advertisement will state, 'This frame is perfect for commuting..'. I casually asked one frame builder about a SingleSpeed CX model and he literally chuckled... Is SingleSpeed CX that fringe or should our community be taken seriously?

Comment by Brad Carvey on May 17, 2010 at 12:38pm

I would stick with a cross frame. Single speed bikes for "Alley Cat" races and commuting are very popular, but they would not be great for cross. You can add front and rear brakes, but the have very little clearance and the geometry would probably not be great for cross type courses. If you already have a cross bike, convert it to a single and buy yourself a new geared cross bike :}

Comment by Mike Wahlin on May 17, 2010 at 12:30pm

Hmm, the website does state: This frame is perfect for the road and track...The rear brake bridge is drilled for a brake. But you are right, probably more of a hassle than it is worth. Any suggestions on quality 'budget frames' for a home build?

Comment by FallDownGoBoom on May 17, 2010 at 12:24pm

Uh, if you don't like rear brakes, stable handling, tires wider than 25mm, and "normal" 130mm spaced rear hubs, that will be great choice. Otherwise, you may want to consider a cyclocross frame for a cyclocross bike, but that's just me. Call me a purist - ha.

Comment by Mike Wahlin on May 17, 2010 at 11:59am

http://www.leaderbikestore.com/pd-727tr-aluminum-track-frame.cfm Can a track frame make a good singlespeed CX bike built up from scratch?

Comment by Pirate Race Productions on October 19, 2009 at 5:09pm

thanks a ton everybody

Andrew Stackhouse
Founder, Pirate Race Productions
Lone Star Cyclocross Festival, MLK Weekend, Austin, Texas
High Country Cyclocross Series, Thursday Nights, Under the Lights, Boone, NC
Founders of the world famous Dirt Derby

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