Why Single-speed Mountain Bikes are Crazy Fun - Build & Ride
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 28. 12. 2017
- Today, we take my tired old hardtail mountain bike and turn it into a unique and fun shredding machine! Step one, switch out the 140mm suspension fork for a 150mm, and then take off all the gears. Yep, this video is for all of you single speeders out there. I've been to the dark side before, and I ain't going back. This bike is staying as a single speed for skatepark, street riding, trail shredding, and hiking-'cause this thing can't climb worth a sh*t!!!
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Use this kit to convert your bike to single speed amzn.to/2BROVJg
For those of you asking, my gear ratio is 32/16. This is no good for climbing, but I need it for sprinting. With a single speed you need to choose and commit!
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Is it a dirt jumper? Err not exactly. A DJ would have 26â wheels, slightly different geometry, slotted dropouts, and a shorter, stiffer fork. To me, this is more versatile than a DJ-and with all the great parts!
Seth's Bike Hacks Seth âs Bike Hacks what is the rear cog size and front chainring size?
Seth's Bike Hacks I agree that it is so much better than a dirt jumper
Seth's Bike Hacks nice bike, but i think that the fat ripper is the same as the murder machin ,
It doesn't matter what it is you're gonna jump it anyway
You Seth, just made me buy a DMR Single Speed conversion kit... Cant wait to try it on my fatbike !!!
"You never need to worry about being in the right gear because you're never in the right gear"
that's the same with a BMX lol
Turbo Sam no they donât
I ride a Specialized Langster Road Single Speed, normally set up 48x16.
This way, your legs ARE the Deraileur...
@@Big2009Gee yes, i have watched this video maybe 10 times. why?
@@hellosunshine1090 42-18 here
Seth breaks handlebar thatâs more expensive than my bike: âbummerâ
Beats Gaming lol
how much are they and why not just run alloy? im running moto x bars they are about 4mm thick but only because i wanted the width not the strength
@@PrototypeBMX people use them because carbon fiber is much lighter. Theyâre usually at least $100, if you get one cheaper than that prepare for it to break instantly. Itâs not as strong as alloy but for those who want their bike as light as possible, carbon is the way to go.
@@apenguin84 i know its lighter but its also ridiculous only bikes that need carbon should be road bikes id rather risk getting a little tired than having a bar snap and go through my heart
@@PrototypeBMX I see your point. Iâm an alloy type of guy as well but I understand that some people just want a lighter bike as long as theyâre getting good quality carbon so it doesnât snap like a twig like you said.
You perfectly encapsulated the single speed mentality: "I don't care. It's fun."
The Murder Machine can legitimately murder you while going up hill.
đđđ
Thinking about the same thing
If you ride a single speed in the forest and no one is around to see it is it still cool?
Micah Looney Only if youre having fun. Otherwise whats the point?
Micah Looney ĐŸĐș
What do you mean. Single speeds are awesome, no rattling derailers or stuff and super light, more then anything it's cooler then those bikes
I dont really care if its cool. Im mature enough to not care what anyone thinks is cool.
Its super minimalist and little can go wrong. Perfect for sloppy conditions. It makes you a stronger, more skilled rider. Thats what I like.
Yeah, I do it all the time on my dirt jumper
âYou donât have to worry about being in the right gear, because your NEVER in the right gear!â As a person who uses two primary bikes, one being a single speed, itâs SO true!
Same. That's ehat I love about my ss ex-roadie, overcoming the wrong gear is so rewarding.
Also, having one gear that you use to take off and reach over 30mph is kinda badass, imo
MarchuxProductions just one of those things, like kick starting a motorcycle đ
SkillPro1226 And since youre never in âthe right gearâ, you train your muscles and learn better how to lay down power at all cadences.
I ride a fixed gear cyclocross bike on mtb trails. Ive discovered muscles in my legs I never knew I had!
Seth: Everyone said that I should make my bike an eleven speed, so I went ahead and made a one-speed.
Me: "casually riding down a hill"
Seth: "casually speeding down a mountain at literally 90 mph"
Seriously impressive speed and control.
Thatâs not literally you liar
Now do yourself a favour and go look up the definition of the word 'literally' in a dictionary. Even an online search will do.
This is one of your best videos EVER! đ€ That shot of you climbing up the last part of the mountain had me đđđ
The Singletrack Sampler hey sup Alex
yo, i love you, Seths, and Phils content. My Birthday was yesterday and i got a Breezer Squall. Im in middle school but im really tall so i had to get a 21 inch frame.
I agree with Alex on this one.....literally makes me want to ride a single speed lol thanks for sharing dude!
The Singletrack Sampler seth syncr is ahead of the trends its so slack with that 150mm fork its now a downhill hardtail
Agreed! That had me laughing too. And the riding in the whole vid was super good too!
I always said this three speeds to a single speed bike.
1. Sitting down
2. Standing up
3. Walking
Lots
Of walking...
Yard Sale Dale Geared too high. That's the problem with using a DJ as a trail bike.
Yard Sale Dale Incorrect. If its to low its no good for sprinting. No being "Fat" isnt anything to do with it. Try again troll.
Senorrobbie wich are your ss gear ratios 29er
Exactly
Dude you're like in your 40's and you're killing it at the park, i thought i was too old to do any of that! That's inspiring
Backhanded compliment hahaha
He's only like 34 đđ
âAllow me to demonstrateâ proceeds with Olympic level downhill run.
At 53 years old, I ride singlespeed almost exclusively...and with a team of 20 guys who also ride and race singlespeed exclusively. Bring that Murder Machine down to Atlanta and ride with us!
58 (almost 59) year old fuck here, Michigan, I have a Surly 26r 1Ă1 rigid SS, a One Bike 26r SS with 80mm sus fork, a Gary Fisher Rig 29r SS with 100mm sus fork, and a nashbar 29r cheapo rigid SS. Love them all over the rest of my stuff. I should Craigslist my garage and clean it out except for the above bikes,and my Lynskey road bike.
57 years young here! I ride an old steel Miyata CX bike with a track hub, surly double fixed and white double frewheel and 2 chainrings. I can use 5 different gears by getting off and moving the chain and using horizontal drop outs.
Its called a âdingle speedâ. It the ultimate for long distance, one gear at a time , roads and trails. Check it out!
My question is it considered a single speed since I have to stop to change my gear? I can only use one at a time.
i'm 13 and fat
CrymTex Keep riding. Lots! Youâll get stronger! Long slow rides burn fat. Dont give up, Every time you ride go just a little farther than you thought you could. Go just a little farther up that hill. Make small goals and build upon them. Learn how to suffer (its all in your head) Pain is inevitable in life so just accept it, get on with it. NOTHING good comes easy.
@@rollinrat4850 i'm so motivated right now
This video really shows how freakin skilled you are dude. Unreal haha
The whole time watching this I could think about was my first single speed when I was a kid. I still have it and it might just be a big enough frame to build. Hard getting into the hobby again during a lockdown but you're channel has been guiding me through my journey again! Thank you so much and keep posting videos there great!
4:46 when she says she's home alone
Facts
how many cameras does he have set up?!
Michael Brubaker after each shot he stops and replaces the camera
... When you are simp who is afraid of her daddy.
Why is that so funny to me lmao
I think we got a new bike name. Seth's Murder Machine seems acceptable right?
Diamondback Bicycles agree
I like it
The slogan could be: "For bad ideas"
I like it
Diamondback Bicycles how many likes for a free bike hehe
I just love when Seth pulls his old bmx tricks on his new mtb's.
Dude, I watched this video when it came out and 8 months ago I converted to singlespeed on my 29" 2018 rockhopper, 36/14 is the gear.
At first it takes a while to get used to and when I have wind against me it' horrible. But all the other aspects made it worth it. Almost no maintenance (only cleaning and lubing), no noise, and the best thing ever.
ULTIMATE RELIABILITY. If the chain is tigth enough, the wheels are pumped up and you have at least one brake, you can absolutely ride wherever you want to go.
36/14 in a 29" wheel? You must have God-like leg powers.
I just love this video. After 5 years off of MTB because of this video tomorow I m gonna buy one so I can enjoy riding mountain bikes again! Thanks Seth love this channel!
I was surprised how empty the skate park was... Then it got overrun!
Scooter kids
Those annoying scooter kids always ruining the fun ;)
they woke up from their nap
As someone who rides scooters on a pro level, and mtb's for fun id like to apologise for those kids
lol
I actually like this more than the orginal bike
well u are supposed to
It's a jump bike now. :)
Thatâs funny that you did the single speed conversion, today I did one of my own on an old Gt Zasker, I even used the same conversion kit lol
shutchyo ugly ass up lmao
Luke Barbera I have a GT Avalanche that I want to do this to. Do you have any build links?
Got a rigid SS 29er. Absolutely love it.
Today I learned that Seth is pretty killer in the bike park. No wonder he has confidence on the trails
"It makes you feel like a kid again." That's why. Good job. Nice build.
You were shredding that thing! That looks like a crazy fun bike.
2:28 You didnât get the tension right in-TENSION-ally. đđđđđ
Wow single speed perfect
This is my favorite bike in your collection for sure. And youâre right, minus the chain tensioner/mech, it sure does look clean!
what bike is it?
Awesome vid dude! Glad to see a return of the sync'r pro
Alex Evans agreed
Alex Evans GA USA new job and I will be a bit of a good time and the other day and
Seth absolutley smeashed that trail
Agreed!
Seth can shred
think you playback speed was off
Why Singelspeeds are awesome? Simplicity and challenge! I once rode up a small mountain of roughly 500m (1500ft) on a single-speed road bike geared for 30 km/h (18,6 mph). I nearly puked and had to stop twice, BUT I DIDN'T HIKE... That was one of the most challenging and and rewarding things I've done on a bike so far.
On top of that, that singlespeed was a stupid fast, easy to maintain and unbelievably cheap commuting bike. And it rides like a dream!
your dramatic re-enactment of climbing on a single speed was quite well done
What was the cheat code for the speed boost? đŽđš
Trail Features - Down, Right, Up, Left, Y, B đ
Down, Right, Up, Left, Y, B đ
B > B > < X A v
Formula of the pie then divide it in 48 and then multiply by two then divide again in 2 then add 0.5 x 100 and graph it
Itâs for when Iâm trying bad ideas, we will be seeing a lot more of it!
That bit made me crack up so much! Keep up the good work Seth!
Just got my STP 26 SS and I love it! Baby stepping my way through trials tutorials and having a blast.
all hail the Murder Machine!!!! this episode was awesome dude!
+Biking With Bobo Thanks dude!
Aaayyy!! Biking with bobo! Love your stuff hilarrrrious
word, thank you!
All hail this comment! It suits this episode...so well!
Hands down one of your best videos ever, makes me want to start tearing down my old hardtail right now!
Simplicity at its finest my friend now thatâs what I call fun
totally AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I switched to single speed almost 20 years ago, its a more pure ride, more real... yes i still have geared bikes and i still ride them, but noting beats the simplicity of a single speed...
Single Speed! The way of The Single Speed is this; We are bikes that ride it all, not the fastest or most aggresive but we will teach you flow by showing you new lines on old trails. Endurance will come from varied cadence. Suspension will be found in you, as some sort of levitation holds your core as you relax your grip on the bars and dance on the pedals, hopping and spinning to the sheet music of the trail textures.
Joseph Jackson thatâs some rad zen
Lovely paragraph. :) Fixed wheel (fixed gear) even more so.
can i have a hit on that??
Joseph Jackson You nailed it! I dig the aspect of surpassing my limits and going harder, higher, faster and for longer than I ever thought possible.
Mikefule Have you tried it offroad? Thats more fun than should be legal! Im always looking for people in our tiny weird little club. My friends all think Im nuts. Nobody will even try my nerdy fixed wheel âcross bike! Ive done it for 10 years and only found one other person to ride fixed offroad with. The ride pacing is better with riders on similar bikes.
Theres lots of big mountains around my parts and most people just cant suffering a little!
yup, the old seth bike hacks i used to love is back
Wow! You sure have improved your riding over the last few years! Good on you, mate!!
You threw that bike around like a true champ. Nice work on the conversion. I'm surprised more of us haven't done this.
Damn dude, you were shredding harder than usual! keep it up
True
Greg Barling Hi!
Watch at 11x speed for maximum climbing enjoyment :D
đđđ
Man, this is my new favourite channel! You're quite an amazing rider as well. I definitely need to buy a new bike and start riding again.
Badass video! Iâm actually in the process of doing this on my Specialized fuse expert. I wanted something along the lines of a dirt jumper but with a twist. Glad I came across this video now I canât wait to finish it!
I voted to keep the 11 speed, but you've opened my eyes. This thing looks great. Just glad you didn't go fixed.
Cobra Kyle I donât think you can go fixed on a mtb unless you are trying to commit suicide
well... why not to try ? I'll be fun
Brian Mel This man likes to live dangerously!
Brian Mel, tie your cassette to your spokes and you'll understand why.
Lol if I ever do a fixed video it won't be on a mountain bike
You have got sooooo much more better through out your CZcams career I love it đ
I'm from Asheville and haven't lived there in probably 13-15 years. I love watching your videos for a quick visit home. đ€đ»
I canât imagine how tiring it is getting each and every shot because heâd have to
stop, set the camera up, go back, hit the spot, go back, grab the camera and then carry on
He has several cameras
@@iwafflecheeseitcrazypickle3439 and? he still has to hike around and set it up lots...
@@bananasstuff3344 he isnt alone there messing with the cameras
Well that makes sense why I didnât see a chain tensioner on IG. Fun vid! Iâve been wanting to build a SS mtb for a few years.
A lighter bike also means that it's that much easier to throw it up hills you can't pedal through yet.
it's very important to be able to throw a single speed up hills
I used to ride single speed exclusively started riding mtb on a single speed now I have 11 speed donât have the fitness any more hopefully I will build another single speeder in the future though as a second bike your videos always inspire me to get out and ride keep doing what you do best get out have fun and make great content
âWHAAAAT?!?!?!?â
Seth was so stoked with that chain tension!đčđčđč
I know this is an old video but that bike looks clean
Sort of a throwback to the bmx days... oh yeah!
exactly this
Im 50 to old for hills got an E bike does 65 clicks love it ! Havent ridden for 25yrs ! Now I cream them no sweat !
cream
+1 single speed lover. People ride SS bikes for the same reason people ride steel bikes. It's a feel thing. Reminds you of when you were 10 years old and bikes we're simple. Great video!
Been waiting for this video for a while thank you Seth .keep up the amazing work
Hey mate! Even worse idea, turn that single speed into a *fixed gear.*
Peyton Cox then it would really be "murder machine" :D
Yeah, good luck on the downhill.
Ha đ nice one
I assembled a single speed 28" bike to have something simple that I don't have a problem locking at the train station or supermarket. I was surprised how fun it is to ride it and it also definitely helped me with leg strength and endurance.
Riding single speed made me gain mad calf muscles.
My absolute favorite video of yours. I am a 45 year old who grew up a BMX kid. I own roughly 20 bikes, and not one of them have gears. In fact, only one has suspension, on the front only. My Norco RYDE 26". NOBODY on CZcams has the respect for ALL bikes like you do. I am a forever fan of your videos. Keep pedaling, and filming.........
+Biggest Little Arcade thanks dude! With all your bikes I see the potential for a pretty sweet CZcams channel or Instagram following
I'm 45 years old as well and I completely related to your comment. It didn't occur to me how much I missed the feeling of riding a BMX until I bought an undersized Mixte bike, and from the first couple of pedals I felt a similar kind of magic. Now after seeing this video, I am going to convert an unfinished GT Aggressor 2.0 to a fixed speed mountain bike.
@@rarararararara9673 and here I am, 44, about to unbox some old Mongoose and Robinson BMX bikes to ride in the mornings. Been in storage too long!
Fantastic! I hope the experience is exhilarating!
I have a 2014 norco ryde 26" and a 2017 fitbikeco mac1 bmx
I ride single speed about 6 months now,beacause i was tired of broken deraileurs,and damn my feet became so strong
rapbassboost Iâm exactly the same, I have a conversion kit and tensioner arriving tomorrow, have spent way to much money buying hangars mechs and wearing out drivetrain
Exactly, Iâve busted waaaaaaaaay too many rear mechs. Iâm over it. Iâm switching back to good ole SINGLE SPEED
What you say about the feel of a bike is absolutely true Seth. I don't often ride a single speed, but when I do, even just the lack of a chain and derailer buzzing about while I'm riding is quite settling. Single speeds feel so solid for that reason.
Because of this video, I converted my budget hardtail into a single speed HAHA thanks Seth.
this is why I love this channel
oh,and we need more crazy bike builds like this
I did think that was never to happen! You ride a hardtail again! ON THE STREET! And i dont think you can call it a mtb, it looks like a dirt jumper! And i got so much more respect to you!
a lot of joy in your riding here! awesome stuff.
Couldnât agree more. Focus on fun and less tech can bring you many smiles. Besides, isnât that the reason we got into this?
Been watching your vids since early on and I gotta say youâre ripping. đ€đœ You MUST be having funđ!! Keep that up, it works. Happy trails.
The only CZcams channel which I turn post notification on
There's bikes that have more than one gear?
TheUselessTrials Yep, mine has 10 gears for a total of 21 "speed's".
7 gears on the rear drive wheel, and 3 on the petal drive.
Awesome
Are you a BMXer who doesn't really know about other bikes or are you joking? No hate just asking
HONDA RULES I was just joking. "Trials" is in my channel name, so... ;)
TheUselessTrials haha
Cool build...
Makes me want to convert my gary fisher opie to single speed...
(Been riding it as one on glacier ridge for the last few runs)
Great channel.
Very entertaining.
You look to be quite a good rider in your videos. Definitely makes me inspired to get back out and ride my bicycle & to continue to learn new abilities on it.
"That confirmed that this was in fact a terrible idea- So I proceeded"-Seth bike hacks 2017
Man, your videos are just outstanding. Your editing, content, narration...it's the gold standard. The end.
I donât use a change tensioner or different sprockets I just put a single speed chain on gear 7 at the back and the middle ring on the front
Me: Hmm, looks like it could be fun.
My local trail: So you have chosen death.
Wow that clip of you riding down that trail stunned me by how fast you are, I don't think the follow cam made it seem fast, but this did.
Alex Nourse ikr he was bombing it
Nah dude he was in his natural habitat,
As a missile
This has got to be the BEST video you have ever made! I need to try a single speed!
They are so much fun
Yes you should, they are REALLY fun on street to do drops, wheelies and bunny hops!
I have one its unkillable
Ummm... you can save a lot of hassle and just shift in to the front and rear gears you want to use and just not shift anymore. Go figure... instant single speed.
For about 5 months I stayed with my aunt in Ashville and I used to ride at food lion skatepark, it gives me nostalgia watching you ride the park even if it was only 6 months ago
Edit: it's also very cool to see you ride on the same park that I rode on
I only ride in the street, commuting to every place I go by bike. She recently got a new crankset and when I was going back home the chain snapped. I wasn't giving it hell, but it was a year and a half old, so yeah. Since I didn't replace anything except the crankset up to that point I decided to follow your instructions, and I'm still waiting for the kit to arrive.
Oh, and I was basically riding singlespeed already, because my gear cable also snapped and just shortened it and stuck it in place in one gear, so shedding all the weight from the cassette, putting a more resilient chain and repurposing my derraileur to a chain tensioner might be the best thing I could do, so thanks Seth!
I did the same on my old MTB and I totally agree with you
One of the best things about these videos are the narration
so true
Love the singlespeed! Converted my hardtail from a 3x10 to a ss earlier this year and I'm loving the simplicity!
With or without a chain tensioner? And how did it end up?
I watched this video the minute it came out four years ago, had to come back! I now have recently built my own single speed as well itâs so fun
To me riding single speed feels more fun and purer in a way. You don't have to think about the right gear for the incline, you have next to no maintenance to worry about, and everything just feels more relaxed about it. You just get on your bike and you go with no care in the world, and to me that feels better than having my thighs all comfy on a steep uphill or going for high top speeds...or easy starts...or the ability to pedal on a downhill. It's objectively worse, but subjectively there's nothing like it.
advantages of a singlespeed:
1)no chain slap
2)no shifter bothering your hands
3)no derallieur to break
4)stiffer and stronger rear wheel with wider flanges
5)no cable and shifter to bother you while doing tricks
6)weight savings, less chain, derralieur, cable, shifter, and cassette!
and this is exactly why most of the lady bikes are single speed. you dont really need gears to drive around city and these bikes can get really fast thanks to their lightness and big wheels
Now try fixed offroad. Its even more fun and more of a workout. Its a great way to just concentrate on riding, forget everything else, just DONT STOP PEDALING!
@@rollinrat4850 dude i recently put together a fixed hardtail and i tell you its the most fun ive had
clean cockpit, clipped in, you become one with the bike........only downside is bombing down a hill with noodle legs
Joe da moe doe Mines an old steel Miyata âcross bike. Youre using brakes right? Gotta have those for the trails I ride!
I go on my bike everyday to my local park and I spend 2 hour a there and sometimes I go on a trail ride with my sister and we give people bikes to borrow and teach people. I have made a jump in my yard to get better at jumping. I love Seth's vid keep it up plz like
I have an old k2 29inch âmountain bikeâ hardtail that I changed to a fixie. Totally changed the bike. Now itâs my go to when riding around town
Edit: totally true about the feel of the bike. A fixie *feels* so pure you just pedal and ride, not worrying about the chain and gears. Feels like I can put my legs to the ground better too
You have become one hell of a rider. Props.
Man, you really "murdered" it with that bike!
I Just Love How you Ride so Smooth!
That's great that the gear ratio just perfectly fit. Rad 360s!
That bike is awesome on so many levels. Love it
11th!
Skills With Phil sweet
Skills With Phil Phil Iâm trying to crank flip and Iâm getting a lot better
Second reply on Phil's comment, which was eleventh, woot! đ
4th reply on 11th so I'm 15thđ
32t-11t ratio
05:31 That's what I'm talking about!!!!! Seth's got a huge pop. Wtf!
seth is a beast at hopping in general
Marco Epifani
Yeah, he makes hopping seem so easy, like nothing. It brought me up the Trek 4900 era.
yeah,I also like the fact that he had a trek 4900 as his main bike,and now he has a 150mm pike and a carbon wheel set just laying around
Dude, seeing you do that wallride and abubaca was awesome! NICE!
Box!! Box! Box!
Face it we getting old Man.. Thanks for the post keep up the great channel..