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Advice - Spot Frames

Started by Ride-A-Lot · · Last activity · 77 posts · 2,848 views

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Mountain Bikes
Published
13 October 2005
Last activity
19 October 2005
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Ride-A-Lot
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  1. As I mentioned previously, I am looking at a new singlespeed. At first
    I was going to go full custom, but after looking at the price tags that
    will not be possible. So now I am looking at the stock frames from some
    of the smaller builders. I would like to keep the frame under $1100.
    It is a SS hardtail for god's sake. My only other requirement is
    vertical dropouts (I have my reasons regardless of it not being true SS
    devotion). The Spot has the requirements I want. Anyone ride one? Any
    other suggestions?

    --
    o-o-o-o Ride-A-Lot o-o-o-o
    www.schnauzers.ws

  2. "Ride-A-Lot" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:

    As I mentioned previously, I am looking at a new singlespeed. At first I
    was going to go full custom, but after looking at the price tags that will
    not be possible. So now I am looking at the stock frames from some of the
    smaller builders. I would like to keep the frame under $1100. It is a SS
    hardtail for god's sake. My only other requirement is vertical dropouts
    (I have my reasons regardless of it not being true SS devotion). The Spot
    has the requirements I want. Anyone ride one? Any other suggestions?

    --
    o-o-o-o Ride-A-Lot o-o-o-o
    www.schnauzers.ws

    Sorry I can not comment on the Spot.

    I have been on Surly 1x1, Bianchi and Redline bikes before I bought my Kona
    Unit last year.

    I have a 24lbs Kona Unit ($425 for the frame) and although it is a great
    frame it does not compare with my 22lbs One-9 Niner ($750 for the frame) .
    Again I suggest that you not buy a 26 inch wheeled SS bike until to ride a
    29er. If you were in So-cal I would let you demo my Niner.

    I have not been on my Unit for a while and have it for sale on MTBR.

  3. Dean A. Stepper said:

    "Ride-A-Lot" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:

    As I mentioned previously, I am looking at a new singlespeed. At first I
    was going to go full custom, but after looking at the price tags that will
    not be possible. So now I am looking at the stock frames from some of the
    smaller builders. I would like to keep the frame under $1100. It is a SS
    hardtail for god's sake. My only other requirement is vertical dropouts
    (I have my reasons regardless of it not being true SS devotion). The Spot
    has the requirements I want. Anyone ride one? Any other suggestions?

    --
    o-o-o-o Ride-A-Lot o-o-o-o
    www.schnauzers.ws

    Sorry I can not comment on the Spot.

    I have been on Surly 1x1, Bianchi and Redline bikes before I bought my Kona
    Unit last year.

    I have a 24lbs Kona Unit ($425 for the frame) and although it is a great
    frame it does not compare with my 22lbs One-9 Niner ($750 for the frame) .
    Again I suggest that you not buy a 26 inch wheeled SS bike until to ride a
    29er. If you were in So-cal I would let you demo my Niner.

    I have not been on my Unit for a while and have it for sale on MTBR.

    Dean, how tall are you. I am short. 5'5" on a good day. I tried out
    my friend's GF rig which was the smallest size they had available.
    Adding three inches to the tire increases the height of that bike. The
    can't drop the seat tube or you'd be riding in between the wheels.
    While they can fix the standover, it doesn't distract from the fact that
    when I am sitting on the seat, it's like being on a skyscrapper or
    better yet a road bike. I don't crash on the road as often as I do on
    the dirt. Falling from that height is too dangerous for the trails.

    I will call Niner bikes and talk to them. Hopefully they will be honest.

    --
    o-o-o-o Ride-A-Lot o-o-o-o
    www.schnauzers.ws

  4. "Ride-A-Lot" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:

    As I mentioned previously, I am looking at a new singlespeed. At first
    I was going to go full custom, but after looking at the price tags that
    will not be possible. So now I am looking at the stock frames from some
    of the smaller builders. I would like to keep the frame under $1100.
    It is a SS hardtail for god's sake. My only other requirement is
    vertical dropouts (I have my reasons regardless of it not being true SS
    devotion). The Spot has the requirements I want. Anyone ride one? Any
    other suggestions?

    I can't comment first hand as I've never ridden a spot that was my size but
    quite a few of my friends ride spots and love them. A good friend of mine
    is the Australian importer so maybe I'm a bit biased.

    As for the vertical dropouts I'm curious as to your reasons. I find one of
    the best things about an SS is the taught chain. No slap, no drag and much
    lesser chance of it coming off.

    My SS has vertical dropouts but I went for an Eno. It works great and as it
    is a fixie I don't have to worry about adjusting brakes with chain tension.

  5. Duncan said:

    "Ride-A-Lot" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:

    As I mentioned previously, I am looking at a new singlespeed. At first
    I was going to go full custom, but after looking at the price tags that
    will not be possible. So now I am looking at the stock frames from some
    of the smaller builders. I would like to keep the frame under $1100.
    It is a SS hardtail for god's sake. My only other requirement is
    vertical dropouts (I have my reasons regardless of it not being true SS
    devotion). The Spot has the requirements I want. Anyone ride one? Any
    other suggestions?

    I can't comment first hand as I've never ridden a spot that was my size but
    quite a few of my friends ride spots and love them. A good friend of mine
    is the Australian importer so maybe I'm a bit biased.

    As for the vertical dropouts I'm curious as to your reasons. I find one of
    the best things about an SS is the taught chain. No slap, no drag and much
    lesser chance of it coming off.

    My SS has vertical dropouts but I went for an Eno. It works great and as it
    is a fixie I don't have to worry about adjusting brakes with chain tension.

    When I talk of no dropouts, I am also thinking about an ecentric bottom
    bracket (like I have on my crapandfail 1fg) or the drop-out tensioning
    thing-a-ma-bob (like on the SC Cameleon). The chain on my 1FG isn't
    loose at all.

    I like the verts because I can change a flat a lot quicker. The people
    I ride with are fast (well, faster than me) and the don't wait around
    much. So being able to get back on the bike faster doesn't leave me behind.

    --
    o-o-o-o Ride-A-Lot o-o-o-o
    www.schnauzers.ws

  6. "Ride-A-Lot" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > When I talk
    of no dropouts, I am also thinking about an ecentric bottom

    Quoted message said:

    bracket (like I have on my crapandfail 1fg) or the drop-out tensioning
    thing-a-ma-bob (like on the SC Cameleon). The chain on my 1FG isn't
    loose at all.

    Eccentric BBs sound like a good solution, I've never used one though.

    Quoted message said:

    I like the verts because I can change a flat a lot quicker. The people
    I ride with are fast (well, faster than me) and the don't wait around
    much. So being able to get back on the bike faster doesn't leave me


    behind.

    A lot of SSers I ride with use chain tugs, it takes a little longer but no
    big deal. Flats seem to be a fairly rare occurence with the people I ride
    with, might just be the terrain.
    I found I've had to do my Eno bolts up so tight to stop it slipping that a
    multi tool won't get it off. I've only ever had one flat on it and I had to
    patch it 'in situ'.

  7. "Ride-A-Lot" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:
    Dean A. Stepper said:

    "Ride-A-Lot" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:

    As I mentioned previously, I am looking at a new singlespeed. At first
    I was going to go full custom, but after looking at the price tags that
    will not be possible. So now I am looking at the stock frames from some
    of the smaller builders. I would like to keep the frame under $1100. It
    is a SS hardtail for god's sake. My only other requirement is vertical
    dropouts (I have my reasons regardless of it not being true SS
    devotion). The Spot has the requirements I want. Anyone ride one? Any
    other suggestions?

    --
    o-o-o-o Ride-A-Lot o-o-o-o
    www.schnauzers.ws

    Sorry I can not comment on the Spot.

    I have been on Surly 1x1, Bianchi and Redline bikes before I bought my
    Kona Unit last year.

    I have a 24lbs Kona Unit ($425 for the frame) and although it is a great
    frame it does not compare with my 22lbs One-9 Niner ($750 for the frame)
    . Again I suggest that you not buy a 26 inch wheeled SS bike until to
    ride a 29er. If you were in So-cal I would let you demo my Niner.

    I have not been on my Unit for a while and have it for sale on MTBR.

    Dean, how tall are you. I am short. 5'5" on a good day. I tried out my
    friend's GF rig which was the smallest size they had available. Adding
    three inches to the tire increases the height of that bike. The can't drop
    the seat tube or you'd be riding in between the wheels. While they can fix
    the standover, it doesn't distract from the fact that when I am sitting on
    the seat, it's like being on a skyscrapper or better yet a road bike. I
    don't crash on the road as often as I do on the dirt. Falling from that
    height is too dangerous for the trails.

    I will call Niner bikes and talk to them. Hopefully they will be honest.

    --
    o-o-o-o Ride-A-Lot o-o-o-o
    www.schnauzers.ws

    I am 5'10", Medium 5-spot and Niner frames and a 18 inch Kona Frame. Riding
    between the wheels is a very comforting feeling. I feel much safer on my 29
    inch bike that my other bikes. I just seems that it would be much harder to
    endo. I roll drops and go down steep stuff on the seat on the Niner when I
    have to get my weight behind the seat on my other bikes.

  8. "Ride-A-Lot" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:
    Duncan said:

    "Ride-A-Lot" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:

    As I mentioned previously, I am looking at a new singlespeed. At first
    I was going to go full custom, but after looking at the price tags that
    will not be possible. So now I am looking at the stock frames from some
    of the smaller builders. I would like to keep the frame under $1100.
    It is a SS hardtail for god's sake. My only other requirement is
    vertical dropouts (I have my reasons regardless of it not being true SS
    devotion). The Spot has the requirements I want. Anyone ride one? Any
    other suggestions?

    I can't comment first hand as I've never ridden a spot that was my size
    but
    quite a few of my friends ride spots and love them. A good friend of
    mine
    is the Australian importer so maybe I'm a bit biased.

    As for the vertical dropouts I'm curious as to your reasons. I find one
    of
    the best things about an SS is the taught chain. No slap, no drag and
    much
    lesser chance of it coming off.

    My SS has vertical dropouts but I went for an Eno. It works great and as
    it
    is a fixie I don't have to worry about adjusting brakes with chain
    tension.

    When I talk of no dropouts, I am also thinking about an ecentric bottom
    bracket (like I have on my crapandfail 1fg) or the drop-out tensioning
    thing-a-ma-bob (like on the SC Cameleon). The chain on my 1FG isn't loose
    at all.

    I like the verts because I can change a flat a lot quicker. The people I
    ride with are fast (well, faster than me) and the don't wait around much.
    So being able to get back on the bike faster doesn't leave me behind.

    --
    o-o-o-o Ride-A-Lot o-o-o-o
    www.schnauzers.ws

    If you are in a hurry and don't mind the cost carry a Seal N Flate
    http://www.genuineinnovations.com/INmain.asp?Option=CatList&Category=bike&SubCategory=power

  9. Per Duncan:

    Quoted message said:

    I find one of
    the best things about an SS is the taught chain.

    You can also teach the chain via Rohloff adjustable dropouts or an eccentric BB.
    --
    PeteCresswell

  10. Ride-A-Lot said:

    As I mentioned previously, I am looking at a new singlespeed. At first
    I was going to go full custom, but after looking at the price tags that
    will not be possible. So now I am looking at the stock frames from some
    of the smaller builders. I would like to keep the frame under $1100.
    It is a SS hardtail for god's sake. My only other requirement is
    vertical dropouts (I have my reasons regardless of it not being true SS
    devotion). The Spot has the requirements I want. Anyone ride one? Any
    other suggestions?

    I saw Spot mentioned in this thread and can assure you that if they are
    still having them fabricated by the Mutant, they'll be very high
    quality. My brother is riding a Spot SS and has been for a few years
    with no complaints at all.

    JD

  11. Ride-A-Lot said:

    As I mentioned previously, I am looking at a new singlespeed. At first
    I was going to go full custom, but after looking at the price tags that
    will not be possible. So now I am looking at the stock frames from some
    of the smaller builders. I would like to keep the frame under $1100. It
    is a SS hardtail for god's sake. My only other requirement is vertical
    dropouts (I have my reasons regardless of it not being true SS
    devotion). The Spot has the requirements I want. Anyone ride one? Any
    other suggestions?

    Whatever you get, you should bring it for Hartman's riding next summer!
    Hartman Rocks rocks on the SS!

    Matt

  12. "Dean A. Stepper" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:T3m3f.1414$UF4.189@fed1read02...

    Quoted message said:


    "Ride-A-Lot" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:

    As I mentioned previously, I am looking at a new singlespeed. At first


    I

    Quoted message said:
    Quoted message said:

    was going to go full custom, but after looking at the price tags that


    will

    Quoted message said:
    Quoted message said:

    not be possible. So now I am looking at the stock frames from some of


    the

    Quoted message said:
    Quoted message said:

    smaller builders. I would like to keep the frame under $1100. It is a


    SS

    Quoted message said:
    Quoted message said:

    hardtail for god's sake. My only other requirement is vertical dropouts
    (I have my reasons regardless of it not being true SS devotion). The


    Spot

    Quoted message said:
    Quoted message said:

    has the requirements I want. Anyone ride one? Any other suggestions?

    --
    o-o-o-o Ride-A-Lot o-o-o-o
    www.schnauzers.ws

    Sorry I can not comment on the Spot.

    I have been on Surly 1x1, Bianchi and Redline bikes before I bought my


    Kona

    Quoted message said:

    Unit last year.

    I have a 24lbs Kona Unit ($425 for the frame) and although it is a great
    frame it does not compare with my 22lbs One-9 Niner ($750 for the frame) .
    Again I suggest that you not buy a 26 inch wheeled SS bike until to ride a
    29er. If you were in So-cal I would let you demo my Niner.

    Sorry, but Paladin probably doesn't stick to fireroads.

    Greg

  13. "Ride-A-Lot" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:


    I like the verts because I can change a flat a lot quicker. The people
    I ride with are fast (well, faster than me) and the don't wait around
    much. So being able to get back on the bike faster doesn't leave me


    behind.

    Quoted message said:

    You've got THE wrong riding partners.

    Greg

  14. MattB said:
    Ride-A-Lot said:

    As I mentioned previously, I am looking at a new singlespeed. At
    first I was going to go full custom, but after looking at the price
    tags that will not be possible. So now I am looking at the stock
    frames from some of the smaller builders. I would like to keep the
    frame under $1100. It is a SS hardtail for god's sake. My only other
    requirement is vertical dropouts (I have my reasons regardless of it
    not being true SS devotion). The Spot has the requirements I want.
    Anyone ride one? Any other suggestions?

    Whatever you get, you should bring it for Hartman's riding next summer!
    Hartman Rocks rocks on the SS!

    Matt

    I am probably bringing the existing 1FG to Arizona next month. If I can
    keep up with Gary on that, then I will bring the new SS to Colorado.

    Hear that GeeDub? Get that Redline in gear!

    --
    o-o-o-o Ride-A-Lot o-o-o-o
    www.schnauzers.ws

  15. Ride-A-Lot said:

    When I talk of no dropouts, I am also thinking about an ecentric bottom
    bracket (like I have on my crapandfail 1fg) or the drop-out tensioning
    thing-a-ma-bob (like on the SC Cameleon). The chain on my 1FG isn't
    loose at all.

    EBB's are falling out of favour - they tend to creak a lot. I've been
    doing a load of research in to this as I look to my next bike. There are a
    couple of other options open to you if you want to go SS with discs.

    1) Sliding drop-outs. On-One have recently ditched the EBB in favour of
    sliding drop-outs. Voodoo and Kona are other manufacturers. They're a nice
    solution but, personally, I'm not particularly keen on the aesthetics.

    2) Slotted mounts. Probably the nicest solution, but not so good for quick
    changes. Spot use this solution for their track-end bikes, as do Soma and
    Surly. It's the solution that I'm going to go for.

    If you need photos of frames with slotted mounts, let me know.

  16. bomba said:
    Ride-A-Lot said:

    When I talk of no dropouts, I am also thinking about an ecentric bottom
    bracket (like I have on my crapandfail 1fg) or the drop-out tensioning
    thing-a-ma-bob (like on the SC Cameleon). The chain on my 1FG isn't
    loose at all.

    EBB's are falling out of favour - they tend to creak a lot. I've been
    doing a load of research in to this as I look to my next bike. There are a
    couple of other options open to you if you want to go SS with discs.

    I routinely take out my EBB on the 1FG and regrease it. Yes, they do
    squeak if you do not maintain them, often. They can also seize up.

    Quoted message said:


    1) Sliding drop-outs. On-One have recently ditched the EBB in favour of
    sliding drop-outs. Voodoo and Kona are other manufacturers. They're a nice
    solution but, personally, I'm not particularly keen on the aesthetics.

    The Voodoo is OK, the Kona is bleh!

    Quoted message said:


    2) Slotted mounts. Probably the nicest solution, but not so good for quick
    changes. Spot use this solution for their track-end bikes, as do Soma and
    Surly. It's the solution that I'm going to go for.

    Send me a pic link. I'm curious.

    Quoted message said:


    If you need photos of frames with slotted mounts, let me know.

    --
    o-o-o-o Ride-A-Lot o-o-o-o
    www.schnauzers.ws

  17. <bomba
    2) Slotted mounts. Probably the nicest solution, but not so good for quick
    changes. Spot use this solution for their track-end bikes, as do Soma and
    Surly. It's the solution that I'm going to go for.

    If you need photos of frames with slotted mounts, let me know.>

    This is what is on the Bianchi we ride... Works well for me...
    I agree with GT... If you have buddies who can't wait a few minutes for you... Your riding with the wrong people.

    Jimbo(san)

  18. Ride-A-Lot said:
    MattB said:
    Ride-A-Lot said:

    As I mentioned previously, I am looking at a new singlespeed. At
    first I was going to go full custom, but after looking at the price
    tags that will not be possible. So now I am looking at the stock
    frames from some of the smaller builders. I would like to keep the
    frame under $1100. It is a SS hardtail for god's sake. My only other
    requirement is vertical dropouts (I have my reasons regardless of it
    not being true SS devotion). The Spot has the requirements I want.
    Anyone ride one? Any other suggestions?

    Whatever you get, you should bring it for Hartman's riding next summer!
    Hartman Rocks rocks on the SS!

    Matt

    I am probably bringing the existing 1FG to Arizona next month. If I can
    keep up with Gary on that, then I will bring the new SS to Colorado.

    Hear that GeeDub? Get that Redline in gear!

    Keep in mind an SS is not the ideal bike on most of the high rides IMO.
    Most high alpine stuff I do is on the Epic, but the 1x1 rules the high
    desert.

    Matt

  19. Ride-A-Lot said:
    MattB said:
    Ride-A-Lot said:

    As I mentioned previously, I am looking at a new singlespeed. At
    first I was going to go full custom, but after looking at the price
    tags that will not be possible. So now I am looking at the stock
    frames from some of the smaller builders. I would like to keep the
    frame under $1100. It is a SS hardtail for god's sake. My only other
    requirement is vertical dropouts (I have my reasons regardless of it
    not being true SS devotion). The Spot has the requirements I want.
    Anyone ride one? Any other suggestions?

    Whatever you get, you should bring it for Hartman's riding next summer!
    Hartman Rocks rocks on the SS!

    Matt

    I am probably bringing the existing 1FG to Arizona next month. If I can
    keep up with Gary on that, then I will bring the new SS to Colorado.

    Hear that GeeDub? Get that Redline in gear!

    I see a few SSs out on the trails here, but not many.
    Maybe it is because there are so many long climbs, maybe the local bike
    shops have drugged us to believing geared bikes are the only way to go,
    maybe Durango area riders are all low-skilled and in poor condition,
    perhaps a bit of all three.
    BUT, I have a work buddy who finished 5th (IIRC) in the VaporTrail 125
    on a fully rigid, 29" SS, and he always seemed human to me.
    And he is trying to talk me into getting one.

    --
    Craig Brossman, Durango Colorado

    Owner/Operator of the Pekingnese Ranch.

  20. MattB said:
    Ride-A-Lot said:
    MattB said:

    Ride-A-Lot wrote:

    > As I mentioned previously, I am looking at a new singlespeed. At
    > first I was going to go full custom, but after looking at the price
    > tags that will not be possible. So now I am looking at the stock
    > frames from some of the smaller builders. I would like to keep the
    > frame under $1100. It is a SS hardtail for god's sake. My only
    > other requirement is vertical dropouts (I have my reasons regardless
    > of it not being true SS devotion). The Spot has the requirements I
    > want. Anyone ride one? Any other suggestions?
    >
    >

    Whatever you get, you should bring it for Hartman's riding next summer!
    Hartman Rocks rocks on the SS!

    Matt

    I am probably bringing the existing 1FG to Arizona next month. If I
    can keep up with Gary on that, then I will bring the new SS to Colorado.

    Hear that GeeDub? Get that Redline in gear!

    Keep in mind an SS is not the ideal bike on most of the high rides IMO.
    Most high alpine stuff I do is on the Epic, but the 1x1 rules the high
    desert.

    Matt

    Why? I think I could do SS on Two Elk in Vail. Is it the technical
    that's the problem or the climbing? I could handle a 1 or 2 mile
    "normal" ascent on the SS. Slowly, but I think I could do it.

    --
    o-o-o-o Ride-A-Lot o-o-o-o
    www.schnauzers.ws

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