[Jake From State Farm]

Currently collecting components for a '22 Kona Honzo ST single speeder.
rear hub is a XT micro spline, cranks are Race Face Aeffect R 165mm
strength is important, i'll weigh approx. 225#
i understand cogs for microspline havent surfaced yet...when they do, id like to install 2 cogs if thats possible? or would that ruin a good chainline? will the aluminum freehub body be an issue?
as for chain and chainring, what should i be looking for?

last bike i built dates back to 2010, on-one 456 geared....to say the least im overwhelmed with new standards ect.....so many options.

thanks

 

[BrianU]

Currently collecting components for a '22 Kona Honzo ST single speeder.
rear hub is a XT micro spline, cranks are Race Face Aeffect R 165mm
strength is important, i'll weigh approx. 225#
i understand cogs for microspline havent surfaced yet...when they do, id like to install 2 cogs if thats possible? or would that ruin a good chainline? will the aluminum freehub body be an issue?
as for chain and chainring, what should i be looking for?

last bike i built dates back to 2010, on-one 456 geared....to say the least im overwhelmed with new standards ect.....so many options.

thanks

There is a microspline SS cog available, but it will cost you.

https://booneti.com/products/single-speed-double-step-sprocket?variant=39412352450750

I would not hold my breath on waiting for other cog manufacturers any time soon. Pretty much anyone that makes a SS hub, still use the HG standard and many companies still offer it as an option for their geared freehubs

As far as running two cogs on the back. Without running a derailleur, a straight chainline is important. You will need to run two chainrings up front. Search "dinglespeed" and it will turn up something.

The aluminum freehub will not be an issue as long as you stick to a cog with a widebase. Fortunately Surly cogs are still readily available, relatively inexpensive, steel and last a long time.

As far as chainrings, anything will work and I know RF even makes a steel version for your cranks. Many SS riders just run an 8-speed chain, myself included. Relatively inexpensive, still easy to find and work fine. I have had good luck with the silver KMC X8 chains. For someone your size, maybe check this out...

KMC Chain - Official US Store

Bicycle Chains designed for road, mountain, cyclocross, gravel and more. Compatible with Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo components. Less noise. Built for strength and speed.

www.kmcchain.us

It used to be called the Z610HX, but they changed the name. It is a stout dedicated SS chain. You can also search this subject, lots of opinions on chains.

 

[Redlands R&C]

I can also highly recommend the Boone Ti cog. There is a video I made on YouTube on how I mounted it up, pretty easy to do. I have a link for the Boone cogs in my signature as well.

 

[Jake From State Farm]

Thanks for the help!
hopefully before spring ill have more options for microspline, figure out what gearing works best then treat myself to those beautiful Boone bits.

As far as chainrings, anything will work and I know RF even makes a steel version for your cranks. Many SS riders just run an 8-speed chain, myself included. Relatively inexpensive, still easy to find and work fine. I have had good luck with the silver KMC X8 chains. For someone your size, maybe check this out...

i would have never thought 12 speed rings are compatible with 8 speed chains

 

[BrianU]

Thanks for the help!
hopefully before spring ill have more options for microspline, figure out what gearing works best then treat myself to those beautiful Boone bits.



i would have never thought 12 speed rings are compatible with 8 speed chains

Since shifting or retention is not an issue, it is not a problem.

 

[eri]

Id forget the microspline thing and Just get a cheap bolt on ss wheel. Stop overthinking and start punishing yourself.

 

[Joe Nation]

Probably cheaper to buy a replacement HG hub body and Surly cog than a Boone microspline one, just sayin'.

 

[ghood]

Stop overthinking and start punishing yourself.

The SS way.

 

[CCSS]

The Boone stuff is some sexy bling. If it’s worth it to you, go for it.

As for two cogs out back, it can work. I ride with a guy who does it on techy trails here in Austin. That said, the two cogs need to be of relatively similar size - particularly if you run an oval ring (which you should).

I’d suggest that as much as you think you want two speeds, you really don’t. Pick the gear that will let you clean all the toughest climbs and enjoy the spins on the flats.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[BansheeRune]

CCSS makes good points.

Something to think about is a couple options in terms of gear ratios. Start out with a mild ratio and as you gain strength and endurance, go taller at that point.
Resist going too tall of gear so you don't begin with difficulty in learning the ropes of singlespeed. Get the miles in, gain strength, learn the methods of terrain changes, etc. as you progress. The real fun is gaining the experience to clean a trail without running out of steam on a punchy climb.

Keep in mind, all that is learned with a one speed automatic can be used with gears to make it more efficient and clean a section that has been getting you down.
It gets in your blood eventually!

Jake, don't be overwhelmed, relish the upcoming adventure! There is experimentation that nobody on this planet can get you off the hook from since this is on you to get sorted. Adventure awaits! Build it, play with it, dial it in the way you want to enjoy it, most of all, have a great time with it!

 

[Rod]

Jake,

I'll be the third person to suggestion dropping the microspline wheel and buying a HG hub body. Here's why, as others have said you need to experiment with gear ratios. My gearing depends on the trail I'll be riding (elevation mostly), how difficult the terrain is, and the group I'm riding with. Oh yeah, if I go to a race I run a completely different gear than I train on. I even run 3-4 different gears throughout the year. I have an all day gear, somewhat hard gear, and an all out gear.

 

[*OneSpeed*]

4th

In addition to the other good points that have been made, the XT rear hub has had some failures. Not sure if that's been fixed or not but SS will test the integrity of any rear hub and if there's a weak point, you'll find it.

 

[frdfandc]

The SS way.

I was just talking to a cycling buddy of mine and I pretty much said the same thing. I'm building up a SS to go beat myself up on the trails. And I'm going to have a smile while doing it.

 

[Jake From State Farm]

All good points....learning lots!!

Sounds like the HG freehub is the way to go for my purpose.
just aswell i havent built my wheels yet, spokes arrive tomorrow....
are there other hubs that i should avoid for single speed?
was looking forward to that new xt, high engagement....for the price was the tits!!
not all tits are good though...

thanks again for the help i appreciate

 

[Rod]

All good points....learning lots!!

Sounds like the HG freehub is the way to go for my purpose.
just aswell i havent built my wheels yet, spokes arrive tomorrow....
are there other hubs that i should avoid for single speed?
was looking forward to that new xt, high engagement....for the price was the tits!!
not all tits are good though...

thanks again for the help i appreciate

If you're building your wheels then definitely avoid microspline. I'll let others chime in regarding hubs. I'm a small guy that doesn't destroy this part.

 

[frdfandc]

When I start off again on the SS, I'll start with a 32/20 gearing. Then after a few months, I'll eventually move the rear to a 19. I use an 18 at one of my local trails that is flat and rooty with paved sections of trail.