Full Suspension SS 29er???

[jnails]

I started riding SS about 2 years ago. I didn't love it right away, but gave it some time. Once I started getting strong enough, I really started liking the simplicity and the challenge of it. I've been riding a hardtail and have gotten used to it, but my area has trails that are mostly roots - lots and lots of roots. I like riding the full squish 29er, but it's geared and I really wish I had a full squish SS.

So I know it's possible with a paul or other chain tensioner, but does it really work or is it a waste of time and I'm just gonna be breaking chains all the time or stopping to put the chain back on? The bike I thought about converting is a Specialized Epic. This bike has the brain, so I could tighten up the rear compression. Just not sure if I'm in for a hassle all the time on the trail. Like I said, I really like the simplicity of the SS so I don't want to over complicate it but man, would it be nice to have a little suspension back there on the longer rides and endurance races!

If any of you who have tried this or are riding full squish SS now and could chime in with your opinions on it and what types of things worked for you i would appreciate it.

[Spinning Lizard]

Lenz Milk Money is all you need - Lenz Sport :: The best full-suspension mountain bikes :: MilkMoney 3.0

[Shalom]

A friend has a giant anthem 29 that he has single speeded with a shimano alfine tensioner. It has been working really well and he absolutely loves it.

[OneBadWagon]

Scott from Niner has a pretty sweet Jet 9 RDO that's set up as an SS. He's posted about it before, but I can't find it.

I'm very close to doing the same thing with my incoming RDO.

[Rockin]

The Lenz setup is the cleanest I have ridden. But, have also used the Pauls tensioner and Dura Ace derailleurs that work just fine.

The Niner I saw was set up with a rear derailleur. Even though the Pauls worked, I would not spend the money on it again.

[JokerSC]

Hey Jon, I also saw your post over the TTB site. I was considering this last year as well on my old full suspension. I read that its going to be hard to do with the FSR suspension and thats why I scrapped the idea. I don't know if the brain would make it easier or not.

After scrapping that idea I toyed with buying the MilkMoney but ended up just getting a carbon hardtail ss instead. Its been great around here. The real test will be in the mtns in the springtime though.

[2melow]

Scott from Niner has a pretty sweet Jet 9 RDO that's set up as an SS. He's posted about it before, but I can't find it.

I'm very close to doing the same thing with my incoming RDO.

Not sure if Scott has one built up, but here is mine.

Brett
Niner Bikes

[Hauffy]

Hi Brett
Love the bike ! What type of rear derailer is used on your bike?

[Cotharyus]

I'd say that's a short cage XTR. Nice ride.

[2melow]

Hi Brett
Love the bike ! What type of rear derailer is used on your bike?

Yup, it's an original XTR. Just recently I've developed some skipping in the back. It seems on super choppy descents the derailleur drops just enough and the chain wrap on the rear cog is compromised a bit so I have to manually push it "up" on some climbs. I've got a Surly tensioner I will install shortly or I might just zip tie the derailleur tight in the up position for now. We will see.

I love this bike. I was on a totally rigid AIR9 Carbon SS for nearly 2 years and the full squish SS is nice bike to pull out when the mood is right. It's especially nice on our snow packed/post-holed/choppy trails now and with the Nokian studded tires (though low volume) I can still rail my local trails as if they were dry. Strava even says I'm faster on some of the climbs!

[Don Ticho]

2010 Racer X 29 frame powder coated
100mm Reba
Origin 8 chain tensioner
X0 Brakes
old XT cranks
Sunringle Black Flag Pro wheels

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

It seems on super choppy descents the derailleur drops just enough and the chain wrap on the rear cog is compromised a bit so I have to manually push it "up" on some climbs. D

What chainring / cog combo are you using when that happens? Would running a bigger cog in back help by yielding more chain wrap? For example, if you are currently 32x20 would a 36x22 (sorta comparable gear) help with the skipping by giving more chain wrap?

I have a new Giant Anthem X 29'er 0 that is currently set up geared but I plan on converting it to SS a few months from now for some select endurance races. I just ordered up the Yess ETR/D tensioner which is made specifically for FS SS applications