Project Stumpjumper Single Speed

[spikeyplanet]

I'm building up a little project single speeder - I haven't been out on my bike[s] in years and thought it would be a good way to get back into it.

The donor bike is a '96 Specialized Stumpjumper A1 FS [matt black for those interested, owned from new]. Originally run on Rockshox Quadra 21r's [which I still have at my folks house somewhere, must dig them out...] which brings me to my first question.

I'm going to be running rigid forks on it. My choices have been narrowed down to 42.5cm or 44.5cm , carbon or aluminium. 42.5cm fork is suitable for bike with 0-80mm travel forks, the 44.5 for 100mm travel forks. I'm pretty sure that the 42.5's will be the 'correct' fork, but interested to hear your thoughts on running a longer fork. It was running on Judy 100s set with loads of sag.
Carbon Vs Aluminium - I'm thinking carbon might soften the buzz off the trail slightly? but on a budget - might plump for the alu ones [and they match the frame]

Other bits I'm cosidereing - Mavic crossride wheels and maybe a carbon seat post, xt v brake levers.

I'll post some pics when I get chance.

[mikee boy]

Sound like an interesting project. I'd go for the forks that look the best, regardless of cost.

What gearing are you planning? I've always struggled with the concept of a single-speed MTB because I never stay in the same gear for more than about a minute.

[mk1fan]

Go for the 425mm a-c height forks.

Carbon does have a real dampening effect and is - imo - worth it on a rigid. I run carbon bars and seatost on my Inbred commuter and it gave a significant improvement in comfort on the terrible London streets.

No substitute for suspension though so don't think it will be.

Edited by mk1fan on Friday 5th June 14:23

[spikeyplanet]

mikee boy said:

What gearing are you planning? I've always struggled with the concept of a single-speed MTB because I never stay in the same gear for more than about a minute.

32/16 seems a pretty common ratio in the single speed world, so I'm going to start there and see.



edited to add quote.

Edited by spikeyplanet on Friday 5th June 11:38

[Matt H]

Go carbon - anything that will help.

My hands are still sore after doing Llandegla blacks on a rigid single speed (forks are Kona project 2's).

[pdV6]

I run 100mm-corrected Project2's on my commuting bike, simply because nobody had stock of 80mm-corrected ones when I needed them.

Looks a bit weird, so for that reason if no other, I'd go for the 42.5 ones if you can get them.

[spikeyplanet]

Nice one, thanks for the replies chaps!
Carbon forks looks like the way to go then - which means that the carbon seatpost is a must!!

[JPJ]

Don't worry about the carbon seatpost, you'll be stood up most of the time, particularly as you get to grips with the art of mono-cogging. :-)