And so it begins...

[Quo Fan]

I have decided to re-build my SS using a different frame. I got a Zion 853 from MMcG with a Ringle headset, so I'm building it around that frame.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/pygar909/Single%20Speed/IMGP0401.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/pygar909/Single%20Speed/IMGP0400.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/pygar909/Single%20Speed/IMGP0403.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/pygar909/Single%20Speed/IMGP0405.jpg

I'm putting disc brakes on this one, using Magura Louise brakes I had lying around.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/pygar909/Single%20Speed/IMGP0404.jpg

A Manitou Black Elite that came from my Cake is going on the front. 120mm of travel.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/pygar909/Single%20Speed/IMGP0402.jpg

Nashbar SS Disc hub for the rear, and a Formula disc hub for the front.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/pygar909/Single%20Speed/IMGP0406.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/pygar909/Single%20Speed/IMGP0408.jpg

The stem pictured is only to hold the fork on, the stem I'm going to use is coming from my old SS. I haven't decided if I'm going to buy new cranks, or use the old ones.

I've ordered black Alex D-17 rims to lace to the hubs. I wanted red pimpin' rims to go with the red pimpin' headset, but I couldn't find a matching set. The front hub is 32 hole, and the rear is 36 hole.

I'll keep posting as I build.

[BikeGeek]

Cool!
A word of advice, get rid of that crappy Nashbar cog and get yourself a thicker one like those from Endless, or Surly. Those thin cogs cut into the hub in no time.

[Quo Fan]

I ordered a different cog also. It came with a 16, and I prefer an 18.

[MMcG]

Paul - I've got a shorter stem for you too - the one from my Craftworks would work better than that long one on there now. Or I also have a matte black Weyless stem that is 80mm - let me know if you want them.

That Slamma Jamma looks hot on that black frame!!!

[Quo Fan]

Mark,
I'm going to try it with the stem from my Marin first, and then I'll see if I need a different stem. Like I said, that stem is only to hold the fork on until I complete the build.

[MMcG]

Okay - sounds like a plan.

Mark

[Rip]

It's going to looks nice.

[ATOMICFIREBALL]

Man it's lookin killer so far. Can't go wrong with a black chromoly frame!

[Quo Fan]

So, Brown shows up at my door today and brings me "toys". I got my old SS disassembled, and swapped some parts over.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/pygar909/Single%20Speed/IMGP0422.jpg

New adapter for the fork disc mount.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/pygar909/Single%20Speed/IMGP0423.jpg

Front end shots.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/pygar909/Single%20Speed/IMGP0424.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/pygar909/Single%20Speed/IMGP0425.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/pygar909/Single%20Speed/IMGP0426.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/pygar909/Single%20Speed/IMGP0428.jpg

I'm going to use a Singulator for chain tension.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/pygar909/Single%20Speed/IMGP0429.jpg


Since I changed the rear caliper, I have to bleed the brakes, but since they haven't been used in years, I was going to bleed them anyway.

The adapter says that I have to use an 180mm rotor on the front, but I'm going to play with the installation and see what I can get away with. Will keep you posted.

New rims and spokes should be arriving soon.

[MMcG]

I have a spare 8" rotor but it is a Hayes.

You might be able to find a gear ratio to eliminate that singleator - I was running 34:20 sans singleator and it was okay. 34:21 might have been even that much better, but you can experiment and see what might work.

Lookin good!!

[DiRt DeViL]

Try something like 32:18 with a half link.

[Quo Fan]

Brown showed up again yesterday with the parts for the wheels. I got the front one built tonight, sorry, no pics yet. I might get the rear one built by the end of the weekend. Will post pics then.

I tried to install the Shimano BB that I had, but I couldn't get the left cup to seat, so I'm going to order a crank and BB from Wheel World for $100.

[MMcG]

What's the latest on the Zion? Any new photos?

[Quo Fan]

Both wheels are built and tired, but I haven't taken any pics yet. Maybe tonight after my "high impact" workout.

[MMcG]

what rims did you use for the wheels?

[Quo Fan]

I got matching Alex D-17 rims in 32 and 36 hole configurations. I built my first 36 hole wheel, pretty much the same as a 32, just more spokes. Got them all trued and tensioned, just need some bolts and I can mount the rotors. The cranks are on their way, and I should have them by the end of the week.

[Quo Fan]

So far:
Looks kinda funny without pedals.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/pygar909/Single%20Speed/IMGP0454.jpg

The rims.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/pygar909/Single%20Speed/IMGP0456.jpg

The rubber.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/pygar909/Single%20Speed/IMGP0457.jpg

[MMcG]

Looking good. you need some red odi locks, and a red bottlecage. ;)

[Quo Fan]

Mark, you got some red Odi's to swap? Those grips are what I had on the Marin, and the cage too. Cages are pretty cheap, maybe I'll look into getting a red one.

[johnnyru]

Nice, nothin' like the feel of a steel frame.

[Quo Fan]

Yeah, that's why I spec'ed a steel frame for the SS.

[MMcG]

Mark, you got some red Odi's to swap? Those grips are what I had on the Marin, and the cage too. Cages are pretty cheap, maybe I'll look into getting a red one.

Nope I don't, but wish I did. MBC has them on her grips and they are pretty pimptastic.

[Quo Fan]

The USPS lettercarrier drops by my place, and leaves me a package. In it are some stylin' new cranks and a BB.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/pygar909/Single%20Speed/IMGP0459.jpg

The frame with the BB installed.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/pygar909/Single%20Speed/IMGP0460.jpg

And the crank arms and chain. I have the chain installed with out a tensioner, and it is a little loose, but I will test ride it before I put a tensioner on it.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/pygar909/Single%20Speed/IMGP0461.jpg

Got the brakes bled, and now I'm just waiting for the rotor bolts to arrive at the LBS on Friday so I can ride this baby.

[MMcG]

Rotor bolts are holding you up - I coulda sent you some!

What gear ratio do you have on it?

If you want to test something different - I have a 19T endless kickass cog sitting around unused.

[TreeSaw]

Nice :thumb: I like my Zion...solid frame. Is it the EBB version?

[MMcG]

Nice :thumb: I like my Zion...solid frame. Is it the EBB version?

nope - that's my old frame that I "paid forward" to Quofan

[Quo Fan]

I'm picking up the bolts from the LBS tomorrow, and dropping off my Manicrap rear shok for a rebuild.

[MMcG]

what LBS Quo???

[Quo Fan]

Cheshire Cycle & Repair. They are around the corner from my office.

I'm running 32:18 for gearing. I know that works for me, what I'll be testing is if the chain needs a tensioner to keep from falling off when I hammer the pedals.

[reflux]

Good god that bike is hawt!

My SS will be steel, just like yours. I'm still in need of a disc brakeset, riser bar, tensioner, cog and spacers, and maybe a chain. I hope mine looks half as good as yours QF; thanks for the extra motivation to get mine built.

[Quo Fan]

If I had been really geeky, I would have built the wheels with black spokes with red nipples. Actually, I just thought about that. That is what I should have done. Made all the silver parts red. I still can fix that, but should I?

[MMcG]

Quo - how is that shop? I've heard good things about it. What brands do they carry bike-wise? Haro? Norco? What else?

Also, maybe an even chainring and odd cog combo might provide that tight chainline you'll need. I had 34:20 and the chain was a teeny bit loose, but it didn't drop without the tensioner. Maybe something like 32:19 would be a bit tighter for you allowing for no tensioner??

[Quo Fan]

Heading out for lunch in a couple of minutes, will report on the shop.

[mdc]

Surly Singlulators can be very fussy to set up correctly. If their not tight enough you'll get skipping, to tight and you can bend the spring causing more skippage. I just ordered a Rennen (SP?) tensioner for my new build, which I have heard works very well. Have you looked into a half link chain? I've seen a few people run them and they have had good luck...

[Quo Fan]

Cheshire Cycle carries Norco, Haro, Scott and Masi. Really small place. I'm having him rebuild my Manicrap shock for my cake.

I'll look into the half link chains. Maybe just a small section of half links for adjusting purposes.

[MMcG]

Good customer service Quo??

[Quo Fan]

Dillon seems like a cool dude. They have a group ride every Thursday night that I might join. He said the ride is a no-drop ride.

He remembered me when I walked into the shop. So far, he has been good to me, and seems to be honest with his dealings.

[Quo Fan]

So I got home yesterday, and installed the discs on the wheels, come to find out that the rear had no fluid in it. Re bleed and everything is hunkey-dorey. Will probably ride it around tomorrow. Pics later.

[MMcG]

Quo - pics now! ;)

That should be a good LBS to frequent.

Quick question - is your chainring SS specific or is it ramped?

[Quo Fan]

PORN
Front, 175mm Shimano rotor
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/pygar909/Single%20Speed/IMGP0465.jpg

Rear, 160mm Magura rotor
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/pygar909/Single%20Speed/IMGP0464.jpg

Completed bike ready to rock and roll.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/pygar909/Single%20Speed/IMGP0463.jpg


<edit>Ramped chainring. I didn't buy a SS specific ring. Maybe I will, but I doubt it. Ramped rings worked well in the past.

[MMcG]

Looks good!

32:18???

[Quo Fan]

Yep. 32:18 It's what I use.

[MMcG]

Yep. 32:18 It's what I use.

If you want to try 32:19 just for ****s and giggles, I've got that 19T endless cog you can try or have in exchange for help with finishing off my Inbred 29er and running housing and adjusting shifting on the Craftworks - interested?

Great looking ride Quo!

Did you take it out for a maiden voyage today? If so, how was it?

[Quo Fan]

Took it out yesterday, on the bike path because BigT wanted to ride outside, but wanted to not ride the road bikes. Found out the rear master cylinder leaks, so I have to replace it. Other than that, was great. On the last turn before home, the rear sprocket came off because I didn't tighten down the lock ring. Will fix that before the next ride.

[reflux]

If you want to try 32:19 just for ****s and giggles, I've got that 19T endless cog...
I might be interested if you're looking to sell. Will send you a pm later this week if so.

[Quo Fan]

Well, I missed buying a Magura lever on ebay, so I picked up a set of Hayes Sole disc brakes, OEM model.

[loco-gringo]

I'm interested too. I wish I knew you needed new cranks, Quo. I pulled those off of my Monocog. I will send you the 32 tooth SS ring I have if you can get Mark to send me the 19 tooth cog. :D

Seriously, the ring is yours if you want it.

[MMcG]

I'm interested too. I wish I knew you needed new cranks, Quo. I pulled those off of my Monocog. I will send you the 32 tooth SS ring I have if you can get Mark to send me the 19 tooth cog. :D

Seriously, the ring is yours if you want it.

John,

If you want the 19T cog - it is yours - PM me with your email address.

Mark

[loco-gringo]

Yo Quo, Mark is sending me the cog. PM your zip, as Mark provided the rest of your addy and the 32 tooth non-ramped ring will be on it's way.

[MMcG]

Taken care of - check your PMs John.