Singlespeeding it over winter

[Dave Barter]

I am building up my old Chameleon ready for the dreadful weather and am going to SS it. I've got just about everything lying around the garage but though I'd treat myself to a single crankset up front. Can anyone recommend anything? Also in the old days I did this using a BMX chain, has it all moved on now and can you use thinner chains/sprockets? I'll be using a rear wheel with a standard Shimano 9 speed hub and spacers.

[firedfromthecircus]

Middleburn Uno is my choice, though WI Eno is pretty lush too.

[FLV]

The chain depends on what chainring and cog you buy.

Something like a surly or similar cog will be 3/32 width so you can use 8 speed chains. I use a kmc 610. They're a tenner and last ok for me.

Cranks. Middle urn, e13, white etc
New sram 1x stuff

I still use shimano 2x10 chainsets with a single ring mounted on the inside of the 104 pcd mounts.

[danielgroves]

I'm just using a standard XT triple crankset on mine, with the SS ring mounted on the outside so I don't have the looks the tab indents. Rear spaced accordingly.

[Ian]

Middleburn here on all my bikes.

Singlespeeds are not just for winter though

[danielgroves]

Singlespeeds are not just for winter though

Couldn't agree more. Currently only own a SS.

[Charliecres]

Middleburn and WI look very nice but you can't beat Shimano for price and function.

I also think the latest Deore double is a thing of beauty.

[Dave Barter]

I was tempted by the Middleburns as I used to own a Duo, but the crankset is a lot pricer than I remember.

[sean_iow]

I use a KMC INOX stainless chain, from On One, and also a stainless On One chainring. This allows me to hose the bike off after a ride, just put it away and don't have to worry about corrosion. When I next go to ride it I oil the chain if required

[mountainbaker]

I just use a really old Shimano LX crankset with a hope ring on the inside. I'm running a 1/8" chain, just cos it was cheap.

[paramart]

middleburn square taper lasted alot longer than hollowtech type bb, £6 1/8" chain,

[Charliecres]

I have history with Middleburn square tapers. Yes, they look and work great and last forever ... as long as you don't want to remove them. I've ended up sawing, grinding, drilling and swearing at least three crank arms off after the extractor threads stripped. I'm happy to believe I'm a numpty and a better man would have had no problem. But I'm not a better man, so I'll stick with nice, easy Shimano external BBs from now on.

[Ian]

Never had an issue removing RS7/8's. I did invest in a reasonable quality crank puller, and seeing as I'm only a 150lb weakling, I probably can't put them on that hard in the first place.

Now that Middleburn have their X-Type crank out, the square taper one looks good value and will last ages and be cheap to maintain with UN54's and 1-1/8" chains :)

[SRS]

Middleburn RS-7 Uno is more expensive than Shimano XT, but certanly not outrageous:

http://rjcx-treme.co.uk/acatalog/copy_o ... Taper.html

[psling]

Charlie, I guess you're talking about the self-extracting bolts? I had similar issues in the past so stopped using them and now use a crank puller (as Ian) on my square taper Middleburns, much more reliable. In answer to your question Dave, I too have been a sq taper Middleburn man for more years than I care to remember (but you're right, they are quite pricey these days - as indeed everything seems to be!).

[Zippy]

1/8" chain + associated sprockets ftw!

[Charliecres]

I've destroyed Middleburns with a wide variety of self-extracting bolts, crank pullers and even, in desperation, some agricultural chuck removal wedges that were recommended as a sure-fire last-ditch solution on MTBR or somewhere. I've accepted that I'm cursed and I've moved on.

[Dave Barter]

Thanks for the RJS link srs, crankset now ordered