[ChrisRobin]

I don't know if I'm in the right forum for this but I was wondering what kind of setups you guys have in terms of gearing.

I want to rebuild my hardtail (Trek Bruiser 16.5") for all-round riding (DJ, FR, tooling around...but not DH!). I know I'm going to use a rear derailleur but I'm not sure about the front; wether I should scrap the whole front derailleur idea and just keep it to a single ring with chain guide. If I do any climbing at all, I'll make sure I have a large cog in back.

What do you use?

 

[mtnbikeair]

I am running a 32 tooth chainring up front, and a 12-30 sram cassette in the back. Its been the perfect gearing for me, but what kind of terrain are you riding on?

 

[ChrisRobin]

I'm not on any terrain right now...I'll be moving out to BC soon and I wanted to an all-round hardtail.

I figure as long as I can climb a bit (32 in front and 32 in back), I'll be fine with a single chainring.

 

[ZEDMAN]

i run a 36t with a 23-12 cassette and that works for me great but all around it can be a pain

 

[ChrisRobin]

i run a 36t with a 23-12 cassette and that works for me great but all around it can be a pain

So I figure 32 in front and 32 maximum in back should be fine...

Thanks guys.

 

[ZEDMAN]

yeah that would be fine

 

[Mudpuppy]

I'm running 38/16 with 24's. But that's a little steep for the trails around here.

 

[rpk1988]

how about a single speed.....

 

[ChrisRobin]

I was actually thinking about that!!...single speed. Super lo-tech and I would run a single rear brake...maybe even a rigid fork! But I still need the bike to be as versatile as possible I need gears.

For discs I was thinking of using mechanical...leave all the hydraulic stuff on my big bike.

 

[mtnbikeair]

I think single speeds are becoming overplayed. They are very cool but its starting to become a trend. And we all know you dont want to be THAT guy who gets stuck in a trend.

 

[rpk1988]

What single speeds have been around for a while. Its just easier for street and DJ when you dont have gears that jumble around and ruin your day...if something works good, its not ganna get played out.

 

[bballboy388]

I think single speeds are becoming overplayed. They are very cool but its starting to become a trend. And we all know you dont want to be THAT guy who gets stuck in a trend.

yea but by not doing it ur also joining the trend of not following the trends just cause its a trend so either way ur screwed.

 

[m88tow]

how about a single speed.....

Exactly, just jump on and ride. Don't have too worry about bent and broken hangers and bashed der.

 

[Enginerd A2]

You might as well try it as a singlespeed for a while. You can set it up for next to nothing, and if it doesn't work out, put the gears on. I built up a PX Compo this past spring as a singlespeed because I didn't quite have the loot for the X-9 drivetrain I wanted at the time. January, and it's still a singlespeed. It's set up with a Shimano DX cog, some cassette spacers, and a Surly singulator. No pricey SS-specific parts = no sweat swapping gears back on it. I've run both 32:16 and 32:18, and I feel like I can climb fairly well on it, but I don't live in any real mountains.

 

[Enginerd A2]

soul cycles had some singulator copies for dirt cheap, or you can use an old rear deraileur, or something like this:
http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/11167-075_KORCR8-3-Parts-53-Chains/Chain-Guides/Kore-Chain-Reactor.htm
to tension your chain. I've had pretty good luck with my singulator, but mostly after I added the DX cog, which has a much taller tooth profile than a ramped cog scavenged from a cassette. blah blah blah stop me anytime.

 

[Enginerd A2]

Oh, also, I've heard you can use sections of pvc pipe as cassette spacers, sort of like a Gusset 1'er setup. I personally think the 1'er is a waste of money, but some kind of chain tensioner ala surly or DMR Tension seeker, is not a waste of money, if you have vertical dropouts. Man, slow night, 8 inches of snow and 8 degrees F. I looovvve cheap and simple bike stuff.

 

[bballboy388]

file:///c:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Greg/My%20Documents/My%20Pictures/BrokeAssBike.JPG
nicest gearing system ever!!!

 

[ChrisRobin]

Yeah that link doesn't work.

A little while ago I entertained myself by setting up my half-built hardtail with single speed (16t in back, 32t in front). By chance, the chainstay length gave me the perfect chain tension. Looked cool, so silly derailleurs and gears.

I just wish I had an extra $1000 for a Rolhoff hub...then I'd be set!