Converting an old Ritchey to single-speed

"Morgan Fletcher" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I've got a mid-1980s Ritchey Ultra frame: tig-welded prestige tubing I think, unicrown fork,
u-brake posts under chainstay removed and cantilever posts added to the seat stay, and a bad
respray.

I want to make it into a single-speed mountain bike.

Should I go with the White Industries ENO (ONE) hub with the eccentric axle, or have a local
framebuilder (Ed Litton, Otis Guy, or?) convert it

to

Quoted message said:

rear horizontal drop-outs? If I'm gonna go single-speed I want a no-dish singlespeed rear hub. I'm
not into putting spacers on a freehub. (Interestingly, it's theoretically possible to build an
all-Ritchey single-speed: except for the hubs and spokes.)

The headset is 1", threaded. I can put a JP Morgen suspension stem on it, or hunt for a suspension
fork. Any of you know of a modern suspension fork that will fit a 1" threaded headset? Or I could
be a macho man and ride without suspension.

I doubt I'd convert it to disc brakes, will probably go with V brakes. Do have a set of ancient
Magura rim brakes in the garage, but they're not so great.

I'm a big guy, 6'2", 235lbs, frame is 20.5". I ride a lot. Never ridden a single-speed mtn bike
but I've been riding "normal" mtn bikes for 20

years,

Quoted message said:

also track, road.

Advice?

Morgan

If it were me and I could get the thing welded locally, I'd put some of those nice Paul dropouts on
it. You can order them direct from Paul (paulcomp.comfrmbk.htmlOpen ↗ - click on the dropout
pic). Those are what Independent Fabrications uses on their SS frames and they come highly
recommended.

Matt

Morgan Fletcher said:

Should I go with the White Industries ENO (ONE) hub with the eccentric axle, or have a local
framebuilder (Ed Litton, Otis Guy, or?) convert it to rear horizontal drop-outs? If I'm gonna go
single-speed I want a no-dish singlespeed rear hub. I'm not into putting spacers on a freehub.
(Interestingly, it's theoretically possible to build an all-Ritchey single-speed: except for the
hubs and spokes.)

Quoted message said:

The headset is 1", threaded. I can put a JP Morgen suspension stem on it, or hunt for a suspension
fork. Any of you know of a modern suspension fork that will fit a 1" threaded headset? Or I could
be a macho man and ride without suspension.

Quoted message said:

I'm a big guy, 6'2", 235lbs, frame is 20.5". I ride a lot. Never ridden a single-speed mtn bike
but I've been riding "normal" mtn bikes for 20 years, also track, road.

This is something you can do in stages. I would build it up as is and use a rear derailleur as a
chain tensioner, or buy a "real" tensioner. Play with this: peak.org~fixinOpen ↗ and maybe
you can find a gear combo that works without the tensioner. If you have an extra cassette rear
wheel, use spacers (I know you said you didn't want to, but it's a start). If you have an extra
freewheel rear, even better, redish to make it less-dished and use a singlespeed freewheel.

Then ride it around and see how you like it and what if anything should be changed. Go rigid for the
time being: 1" forks are too expensive and if it's old enough to have once had chainstay mounted
brakes, it probably isn't designed for a tall sus fork, so putting one on will slacken the head tube
angle quite a bit. I like the simplicity of no suspension anyway. A Softride stem can take some load
off your wrists, another thing that can be retrofitted.

It's cooler, or at least quieter, to make an SS without the tensioner; most of the Bay Area
framebuilders probably have experience replacing dropouts (I can think of some more names also:
Hunter, Rock Lobster, Sycip, Steelman, Soulcraft, etc). Being cheap, I converted a frame that
actually had road-style short horizontal dropouts, but it was luck finding one, an old Reflex, and
it isn't the lightest thing out there (but who cares).

Morgan Fletcher said:

I've got a mid-1980s Ritchey Ultra frame: tig-welded prestige tubing I think, unicrown fork,
u-brake posts under chainstay removed and cantilever posts added to the seat stay, and a bad
respray.

I want to make it into a single-speed mountain bike.

An ideal candidate. My conversion was similar. Just kept it fully rigid, got horiz dropouts welded
on, and used a converter to go from 1" to 1-1/8" to add a good Azonic stem and riser. Scrapped the
U-brakes for good avids, got some great wheels built up, and it's simple and fun:

gallery.consumerreview.comGrayLady002.jpgOpen ↗

Have fun. Paladin

Quoted message said:

Should I go with the White Industries ENO (ONE) hub with the eccentric axle, or have a local
framebuilder (Ed Litton, Otis Guy, or?) convert it to rear horizontal drop-outs? If I'm gonna go
single-speed I want a no-dish singlespeed rear hub. I'm not into putting spacers on a freehub.
(Interestingly, it's theoretically possible to build an all-Ritchey single-speed: except for the
hubs and spokes.)

The headset is 1", threaded. I can put a JP Morgen suspension stem on it, or hunt for a suspension
fork. Any of you know of a modern suspension fork that will fit a 1" threaded headset? Or I could
be a macho man and ride without suspension.

I doubt I'd convert it to disc brakes, will probably go with V brakes. Do have a set of ancient
Magura rim brakes in the garage, but they're not so great.

I'm a big guy, 6'2", 235lbs, frame is 20.5". I ride a lot. Never ridden a single-speed mtn bike
but I've been riding "normal" mtn bikes for 20 years, also track, road.

Advice?

Morgan

No votes in favor of the ENO eccentric hub?

Morgan

"Morgan Fletcher" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

No votes in favor of the ENO eccentric hub?

Morgan

If you were converting an aluminum frame I'd say go for it since it's harder (way harder and
generally not recommended) to replace the dropouts on most alu frames. I was considering it for my
old M4 hardtail but decided on a different route (Surly). I believe someone here (Bloodcow?) got one
a while back and liked it. I just think it's an expensive solution and is relatively new and
therefore relatively untested. It's also a flip-flop hub with a fixed gear on one side. I would
never use that on a mountain bike, so I'd be buying stuff I'd never use. I don't like to do that.

In the end I wanted to get something I knew would work well, Horizontal dropouts do just that and
have for years.

Let us know which way you go. I'd be interested in hearing about how the ENO performs if you do go
that route.

Matt

Morgan Fletcher said:

Should I go with the White Industries ENO (ONE) hub with the eccentric axle, or have a local
framebuilder (Ed Litton, Otis Guy, or?) convert it to rear horizontal drop-outs? If I'm gonna go
single-speed I want a no-dish singlespeed rear hub. I'm not into putting spacers on a freehub.
(Interestingly, it's theoretically possible to build an all-Ritchey single-speed: except for the
hubs and spokes.)

The headset is 1", threaded. I can put a JP Morgen suspension stem on it, or hunt for a suspension
fork. Any of you know of a modern suspension fork that will fit a 1" threaded headset? Or I could
be a macho man and ride without suspension.

IMO, if you've got an old beater that you are converting, the cost of welding new drops,
painting, the White Industries Hub, pieces/parts or whatever starts to get pretty close to just
buying a new SS.

Plus with the new SS you get modern geometry that'll run fine rigid or with a fork.

So IF I were stuck on the oldie-but-goodie bike, I wouldn't be too worried about spacing out a
dished hub and/or running a rigid fork. As in: geocities.comSSOpen ↗

...but it sounds like when all is said and done you are willing to put down enough cash for:
geocities.comSurlyOpen ↗

Regardless, you will love it, just ask Wheeler. (8^)

Gman out

Morgan Fletcher <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

I've got a mid-1980s Ritchey Ultra frame: tig-welded prestige tubing I think, unicrown fork,
u-brake posts under chainstay removed and cantilever posts added to the seat stay, and a bad
respray.

I want to make it into a single-speed mountain bike.

Should I go with the White Industries ENO (ONE) hub with the eccentric axle, or have a local
framebuilder (Ed Litton, Otis Guy, or?) convert it to rear horizontal drop-outs? If I'm gonna go
single-speed I want a no-dish singlespeed rear hub. I'm not into putting spacers on a freehub.
(Interestingly, it's theoretically possible to build an all-Ritchey single-speed: except for the
hubs and spokes.)

The headset is 1", threaded. I can put a JP Morgen suspension stem on it, or hunt for a suspension
fork. Any of you know of a modern suspension fork that will fit a 1" threaded headset? Or I could
be a macho man and ride without suspension.

I doubt I'd convert it to disc brakes, will probably go with V brakes. Do have a set of ancient
Magura rim brakes in the garage, but they're not so great.

I'm a big guy, 6'2", 235lbs, frame is 20.5". I ride a lot. Never ridden a single-speed mtn bike
but I've been riding "normal" mtn bikes for 20 years, also track, road.

Advice?

Morgan

Mid 80's? And it doesn't have a horizontal dropout with enough room? /s

Morgan Fletcher <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

No votes in favor of the ENO eccentric hub?

Morgan

ENO is a bandage, horizontals are a fix. Of course if you believe in free will, then do as you want.

Oh come on, get Otis to braze it up ... he does beautiful work ... and he has a great
christmas party.

R "Sorry 'bout the mailbox Otis."

supabonbon said:

Quoted message said:

I've got a mid-1980s Ritchey Ultra frame: tig-welded prestige tubing I think, unicrown fork,
u-brake posts under chainstay removed and cantilever posts added to the seat stay, and a bad
respray.

Quoted message said:

Mid 80's? And it doesn't have a horizontal dropout with enough room?

Under chainstay brakes were around 1987-88. Then a big rock fell on bike designers and brought them
to their senses, or something like that. Anyway, I have two beaters, including a Bridgestone, with
under chainstay brakes and both have vertical dropouts. It is rare to find an mtb with both "modern"
angles (ie Bridgestone-inspired 71/73, as opposed to 68deg head angles and long chainstays) and
horizontal dropouts. IME, anyway.

Morgan Fletcher <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Advice?

Horizontal fork ends.

JD

[email hidden] (JD) wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Morgan Fletcher <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Advice?

Horizontal fork ends.

JD

Is there any other kind?

R Sort of like the Rio Grande River.

Benjamin Weiner <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<3fd18bd6$1@darkstar>...

Quoted message said:

supabonbon said:

Quoted message said:

I've got a mid-1980s Ritchey Ultra frame: tig-welded prestige tubing I think, unicrown fork,
u-brake posts under chainstay removed and cantilever posts added to the seat stay, and a bad
respray.

Quoted message said:

Mid 80's? And it doesn't have a horizontal dropout with enough room?

Under chainstay brakes were around 1987-88. Then a big rock fell on bike designers and brought
them to their senses, or something like that. Anyway, I have two beaters, including a Bridgestone,
with under chainstay brakes and both have vertical dropouts. It is rare to find an mtb with both
"modern" angles (ie Bridgestone-inspired 71/73, as opposed to 68deg head angles and long
chainstays) and horizontal dropouts. IME, anyway.

Did Ritchey have the U-Brake? I don't remember it on any bikes other than GT's. Regardless, I don't
remember seeing many bikes with vertical dropouts until around 1988+, when aluminum frames started
showing up en masse. /s

"MattB" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

"Morgan Fletcher" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I've got a mid-1980s Ritchey Ultra frame: tig-welded prestige tubing I think, unicrown fork,
u-brake posts under chainstay removed and cantilever posts added to the seat stay, and a bad
respray.

I want to make it into a single-speed mountain bike.

Should I go with the White Industries ENO (ONE) hub with the eccentric axle, or have a local
framebuilder (Ed Litton, Otis Guy, or?) convert it

to

Quoted message said:

rear horizontal drop-outs? If I'm gonna go single-speed I want a no-dish singlespeed rear hub.
I'm not into putting spacers on a freehub. (Interestingly, it's theoretically possible to build
an all-Ritchey single-speed: except for the hubs and spokes.)

The headset is 1", threaded. I can put a JP Morgen suspension stem on it, or hunt for a
suspension fork. Any of you know of a modern suspension fork that will fit a 1" threaded
headset? Or I could be a macho man and ride without suspension.

I doubt I'd convert it to disc brakes, will probably go with V brakes. Do have a set of ancient
Magura rim brakes in the garage, but they're not so great.

I'm a big guy, 6'2", 235lbs, frame is 20.5". I ride a lot. Never ridden a single-speed mtn bike
but I've been riding "normal" mtn bikes for 20

years,

Quoted message said:

also track, road.

Advice?

Morgan

If it were me and I could get the thing welded locally, I'd put some of those nice Paul dropouts
on it. You can order them direct from Paul (paulcomp.comfrmbk.htmlOpen ↗ - click on the
dropout pic). Those are what Independent Fabrications uses on their SS frames and they come highly
recommended.

Matt

Surly's look good too. And you can get one with a derrailleur hanger in case you decide to switch
around. surlybikes.comparts Frameparts.htmlOpen ↗ /s

[email hidden] (Reco Diver) wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

[email hidden] (JD) wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Morgan Fletcher <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Advice?

Horizontal fork ends.

JD

Is there any other kind?

R Sort of like the Rio Grande River.

I'd hate to see him have those welded on vertically...

JD

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----

In article <[email hidden]>, supabonbon

Quoted message said:

Benjamin Weiner <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<3fd18bd6$1@darkstar>...

Quoted message said:

supabonbon said:

> I've got a mid-1980s Ritchey Ultra frame: tig-welded prestige tubing I think, unicrown fork,
> u-brake posts under chainstay removed and cantilever posts added to the seat stay, and a bad
> respray.

Quoted message said:

Mid 80's? And it doesn't have a horizontal dropout with enough room?

Under chainstay brakes were around 1987-88. Then a big rock fell on bike designers and brought
them to their senses, or something like that. Anyway, I have two beaters, including a
Bridgestone, with under chainstay brakes and both have vertical dropouts. It is rare to find an
mtb with both "modern" angles (ie Bridgestone-inspired 71/73, as opposed to 68deg head angles and
long chainstays) and horizontal dropouts. IME, anyway.

Did Ritchey have the U-Brake? I don't remember it on any bikes other than GT's. Regardless, I don't
remember seeing many bikes with vertical dropouts until around 1988+, when aluminum frames started
showing up en masse. /s

_ Gary Fisher's of that era had them. I have one semi-converted to SS in my garage. With the U-brake
you pretty much have to use a derailluer or Singulator.

_ Booker C. Bense

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Quoted message said:

supabonbon <[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Did Ritchey have the U-Brake? I don't remember it on any bikes other than GT's. Regardless, I
don't remember seeing many bikes with vertical dropouts until around 1988+, when aluminum frames
started showing up en masse.

I have had or worked on a Bridgestone, GT and Specialized Rockhopper with under-chainstay U-brakes
(am I cursed or something?) If you like this sort of ancient history, First Flight Bikes' MTB
history pages are a cool resource: firstflightbikes.comatb.htmOpen ↗

In fact, here's a 1987 Ritchey with U-brakes: firstflightbikes.com1987 Ritchey Ultra.htmOpen ↗
and a Stumpy: firstflightbikes.com88Stumpjumper.htmOpen ↗ and a Klein:
firstflightbikes.comMountainKlein.htmOpen ↗

Quoted message said:

_ Gary Fisher's of that era had them. I have one semi-converted to SS in my garage. With the
U-brake you pretty much have to use a derailluer or Singulator.

Good point, even with horizontal dropouts, the chain length adjustment will require you to readjust
the brake pads, ugh. Also, depending on your chain ring size, the lower chain run can hit the
U-brake, if there's no derailleur to pull the chain down.

Benjamin Weiner <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<3fd5267c$1@darkstar>...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

supabonbon <[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Did Ritchey have the U-Brake? I don't remember it on any bikes other than GT's. Regardless, I
don't remember seeing many bikes with vertical dropouts until around 1988+, when aluminum
frames started showing up en masse.

I have had or worked on a Bridgestone, GT and Specialized Rockhopper with under-chainstay U-brakes
(am I cursed or something?) If you like this sort of ancient history, First Flight Bikes' MTB
history pages are a cool resource: firstflightbikes.comatb.htmOpen ↗

In fact, here's a 1987 Ritchey with U-brakes:
firstflightbikes.com1987 Ritchey Ultra.htmOpen ↗ and a Stumpy:
firstflightbikes.com88Stumpjumper.htmOpen ↗ and a Klein:
firstflightbikes.comMountainKlein.htmOpen ↗

Ouch! Sweet as candy: firstflightbikes.comExcelsior.htmlOpen ↗ /s