Help a girl with SS build

[dirtgurl]

I have made the decision to convert my Jamis Dragon into a SS. I have only the frame and will be building it up from scratch. I will be having an EBB installed by Vulture. I have decided to go this route after lots of thought. I am trying to achieve a very clean build and want to run disc's. So EBB is the logical solution instead of getting a dedicated SS frame. I have a couple questions...Does it matter what type of cranks I will use with the EBB? Do I need to use a certain type of BB to fit inside the EBB shell? How is chain tensioning achieved with the EBB? Lastly, will I have any trouble with rear wheel removal on a SS setup? Anything else I should be thinking about? A chain tensioner is out. I don't want anything hanging from my hanger. I almost forgot, what kind of care and maintenance is involved with an EBB?

Hope someone can help me out.

[gohanbwoy]

An EBB needs a specific type of bottom bracket shell, its not standard... i have recently aquired an ecentric rear hub from white industries, it works great and looks really nice too. go to www.whiteind.com and check it out. if you have any other questions email me at gohanbowy@yahoo.com
kevin :)

[jfoley]

normal bottom bracket and cranks will work...

there is an insert (that should be provided when you get the bike back from vulture) that rotates inside the oversized EBB shell. the bottom bracket then installs into the insert. the bottom bracket is off-center in the insert, so as the insert is rotated you get 1/2-1" of change in chain length, which is how you adjust chain tension. once you've got good tension, the insert is locked in place, how the insert is held in position is the difference between the various styles of EBB (pinch bolt, set screw, bushnell, etc..)

no chain tensioner required.

I have made the decision to convert my Jamis Dragon into a SS. I have only the frame and will be building it up from scratch. I will be having an EBB installed by Vulture. I have decided to go this route after lots of thought. I am trying to achieve a very clean build and want to run disc's. So EBB is the logical solution instead of getting a dedicated SS frame. I have a couple questions...Does it matter what type of cranks I will use with the EBB? Do I need to use a certain type of BB to fit inside the EBB shell? How is chain tensioning achieved with the EBB? Lastly, will I have any trouble with rear wheel removal on a SS setup? Anything else I should be thinking about? A chain tensioner is out. I don't want anything hanging from my hanger. I almost forgot, what kind of care and maintenance is involved with an EBB?

Hope someone can help me out.

[jfoley]

more EBB info in the MTBR singlespeed FAQ... http://www.mtbr.com/faq/ssfaq.shtml#ssEbbDefined

Lastly, will I have any trouble with rear wheel removal on a SS setup?

no problems w/this with an EBB & vertical dropouts... no tensioner or rear der. to get the wheel past, but you might have to carry a 15mm wrench or a large allen wrench, most singlespeed hubs don't have a quick release (although a quick release will work fine with this setup)

[dirtgurl]

One more ?..do I need a SS specific hub to go with the EBB or can I use an xt? I'm not doing a freewheel. I will use a cassette. Anything else I should keep in mind?

[jfoley]

a normal hub with a quick release will work fine... you can use your exisiting cassette or for a cleaner singlespeed look get a single cog and spacers...

One more ?..do I need a SS specific hub to go with the EBB or can I use an xt? I'm not doing a freewheel. I will use a cassette. Anything else I should keep in mind?

[jed]

You may find after a while that you'll want a proper SS rear hub. This allows you to build a rear wheel with zero dish, making for a stronger wheel. The disadvantage is if you are a compulsive gear changer; it is hard to switch freewheels, whereas it is easy to switch cogs with a freehub, but it seems like the only SS-specific freehubs are really expensive, e.g., Chris King. I have been riding Phil Wood hubs for a few years, though, so I admit my knowledge of SS freehubs is probably dated.

[Dirt]

Since I seem to enjoy repeating what everyone else says and somehow it comes out looking like I'm adding content, I'll post up here. :)

What Jed said: There are plenty of good single speed hubs out there that are reasonably priced. Use your XT to find the gearing that you like at most places. By going to a dedicated SS hub, you not only get more strength, but you also have the option of running a lighter wheel and getting similar strength to a geared freehub setup. It is easier to make it up the big hills if you're hauling less weight.

Joe Foley got it right on the ease of wheel removal and use of a QR. You can still use a QR with a lot of SS hubs when you get there.

When you finally settle on a gearing, you can invest in a good White Industries freewheel if you use a threaded SS hub. They give the kind of endurance and peace of mind that Shimano and ACS freewheels can only dream of. They're strong and durable for the long haul.

You'll love SSing on a dragon. I've ridden two of them over the years. While I was just doing short test rides on acquaintences bikes, they truly handle nicely and respond well to climbing out of the saddle.

Enjoy!

Pete

[drevil]

An EBB needs a specific type of bottom bracket shell, its not standard... i have recently aquired an ecentric rear hub from white industries, it works great and looks really nice too. go to www.whiteind.com and check it out. if you have any other questions email me at gohanbowy@yahoo.com
kevin :)

You won't need an eccentric hub if you have an EBB.

[themonkeyman]

Here's a decent SS hub that will work for discs, as you mentioned.
This one (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=85&subcategory=1107&sku=12033&brand=)
It doesn't cost too much, either.

Outt curiousity, how much does it cost to have an EBB retro-fitted to a standard frame? And who is doing yours?--Thanks

Hope I helped--Graham

[hophead]

Here is a wealth of info on singlespeeds and singlespeed conversion:
Sheldon Brown (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/singlespeed.html)

Good luck.

[dirtgurl]

Here's a decent SS hub that will work for discs, as you mentioned.
This one (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=85&subcategory=1107&sku=12033&brand=)
It doesn't cost too much, either.

Outt curiousity, how much does it cost to have an EBB retro-fitted to a standard frame? And who is doing yours?--Thanks

Hope I helped--Graham

Vulture cycles in Bend will do it for $150. They do really nice work. I believe Sycip will do it as well. If I could afford a custom Sycip that is the way I would go. I have never seen such beautiful workmanship/fabrication. Absolutely flawless welds.

[drevil]

Here's a decent SS hub that will work for discs, as you mentioned.
This one (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=85&subcategory=1107&sku=12033&brand=)
It doesn't cost too much, either.

Outt curiousity, how much does it cost to have an EBB retro-fitted to a standard frame? And who is doing yours?--Thanks

Hope I helped--Graham

I use that hub, and I've had a few problems with it.

She said Vulture (http://www.vulturecycles.com) and they charge $150. Gene Spicer (http://spicercycles.com) offers this service as well.

[cloughja]

She said Vulture (http://www.vulturecycles.com) and they charge $150. Gene Spicer (http://spicercycles.com) offers this service as well.

If you want to go with a more local builder, I think Steve Stickel, in Harrisonburg, VA might be able to do an EBB conversion as well. I don't think he has a website but do a search for "ByStickel" on MTBR and you'll see his stuff. He also posts there under the name D.F.L. If I were going custom tomorrow, he'd be at the top of my list.

[markie]

Rather than spend $150 mutilating a frame, (Do you then need to pay to get it re-painted, or is it all in the price?) Why not just buy something like this:

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product.aspx?i=FR606A01

Alternatively you could try finding a magic gear whre the sprocket and chainring combination allow perfect chain tensioning without a tensioner.

[kipig]

Brand new C-dale 6 bolt disc hub with free-hub body laced to 32h Mavic rim. 17T and 18T cogs included. All black. Bonus is that the rim is also rim-brake compatible.

I'll have it at the MORE par-tay unless claimed earlier.

Brian
bpooch@verizon.net

[jfoley]

might be interested in this if you've still got it this weekend...

Brand new C-dale 6 bolt disc hub with free-hub body laced to 32h Mavic rim. 17T and 18T cogs included. All black. Bonus is that the rim is also rim-brake compatible.

I'll have it at the MORE par-tay unless claimed earlier.

Brian
bpooch@verizon.net

[dmofot]

Don't forget, White Industries also just came out with an eccentric rear disc hub. Keeps your frame the same in case you ever want to sell it and I've found the White Industries stuff to stay pretty high in value if you ever want to sell it. I keep my non-discc White Industries eccentric hub just in case somebody wants to try ss or if I need a quick conversion.

I'm all for the EBB, I use one. But it seems to me that the $150 conversion, whatever paint will cost, shipping back and forth, and the possibility that the geometry of the frame will change - you might want to consider other options. Not the advice you want to hear I'm sure. It just seems to me, that frame better be your most favorite frame in order to have it converted rather than choose other options.

Will this be your first time on a ss or have you already been sucked in?

DT