I am going to purchase a Kona Big Honzo ST frame to build up w/ 29" wheels. It has sliding rear dropouts so that should ease the build. I am going to use a hub w/ an XD driver and came across 2 kits - Gussett that has a 5/64" 16t cog or a Problem Solvers 3/32" 18 & 20t cogs. The SS specific SRAM chain just say's 1/8". So how do these measurements relate and which should I purchase? I have not purchased a front ring yet and don't know if I need anything other than single speed specific. Thanks.
I'm going to have to be in the minority and say that there's nothing wrong with running the XD adapters.
The 'chainline adjustablity' argument is overblown. Every crank that I've had has measured out to it's specified chainline, so if Gusset says that their spacer configuration will provide either 49 or 51mm chainlines, you should be covered. I've used the Problem Solvers one which has as much adjustablity as any other spacer set up and it worked fine.
The only issues I've had have been when running non standard equipment like a non boost crank on a boost frame.
6 bolt cogs are cheap and will likely always be available from somewhere (I don't see Problem Solvers stopping anytime soon). You also don't need to worry about the gouging, they'll last a long time, and can be run with a 10 or 11 speed chain (which will work better with a narrow wide ring).
I honestly just use a 8 speed or 9 speed chain for all my singlespeed bikes. You don’t need a singlespeed specific chain.
If it were me I would use a standard hub for the build and not a XD driver. For one those kits to do Singlespeed are expensive and 2 it looks like it limits your cog choices.
I honestly just use a 8 speed or 9 speed chain for all my singlespeed bikes. You don't need a singlespeed specific chain.
If it were me I would use a standard hub for the build and not a XD driver. For one those kits to do Singlespeed are expensive and 2 it looks like it limits your cog choices.
As blkangel, I would recommend getting a Shimano driver for your I9 hub as it will greatly expand your options for cogs & perhaps more importantly, ease chainline adjustability. I look at those XD adapter kits you mentioned as a last resort for a hub you can’t find a shimano driver for.
Not sure why the difference in the cogs you mentioned but it’s quite small at 1/64”. Use an 8 or 9 speed chain as previously suggested & you’ll be fine.
As blkangel, I would recommend getting a Shimano driver for your I9 hub as it will greatly expand your options for cogs & perhaps more importantly, ease chainline adjustability. I look at those XD adapter kits you mentioned as a last resort for a hub you can't find a shimano driver for.
Not sure why the difference in the cogs you mentioned but it's quite small at 1/64". Use an 8 or 9 speed chain as previously suggested & you'll be fine.
Agree with all of this; get a Shimano driver. I've done the same with multiple I9 hubs that had XD drivers. And I also use the cheapest SRAM 8/9-speed chain; have for years with no issues.
Plus for the cost of the XD single speed adapters you are at least halfway to the cost of an i9 shimano driver. I didn’t even think about the limited drive line adjustability with the XD converter. I would take some headache out and just get a new driver seeing they are readily available.
Agree with the other to just get an Industry Nine standard freehub for your wheel. It will make it MUCH easier and cheaper to find different size cogs and allows much more chainline adjustment. If it were me I would go Wolf Tooth N/W chainring and steel cog, then a cheap 8 or 9 speed SRAM chain.
The most important thing when setting it up is to get the chainline as straight as possible, that will eliminate headaches down the road.
I don't know about cheaper. Bare I9 Shimano freehub is $80 and hopefully the existing bearings can be swapped. The Shimano spacers kits are about $20 and depending on the quality of the cog up to $40. I read an article that said to stay away from stamped steel cogs as they can really gouge alloy freehubs?
So if I were to go the Shimano route suggestions on spacers & cog / kits? Thanks.
The spacers are free. I have a bazillion of them I'll send you if you want them, otherwise many of us use BB spacers and spacers from disassembled old cassettes.
You'll need to ask I9, but I believe all you have to do with the freehub body is swap the pawls and bearings.
As mack_turtle says, you don't need to buy a 'kit'. If you don't have any spacers already, your LBS should be able to set you up for super cheap. For cogs, it depends on how much you want to spend, but yeah, stay away from the stamped steel stuff. Surly, Chris King, Wolf Tooth, Niner, Endless Cogs. Personally, I prefer stainless steel (or titanium!) over aluminum for SS cogs.
I initially never brought up cost others noted cost as a factor. So it's $80 for a driver, spacers ?? Plus $30 cog. Gusset XD would have been $33. I understand Shimano driver may give better adjustability so I am weighing that heavily in my decision for the conversion.
One issue I anticipate is my I9 hub is a 142 that's going into a boost frame. I'd rather run two 3mm spacers than a single 6 and have to re-dish. I might build the bike and check the chain line and see if it will do the two 3's or need the 6mm spacer.
I don't really have much to add except reiterate the ease of the shimano hub, cogs (I have Niner, surly, and wolftooth without issues on an aluminum body), and it's super easy to change cogs, adjust chainline, etc.
I feel like you're overthinking this. I use 8 speed chains too and they're fantastic.
I'm using race face narrow/wide rings. 500 miles this year and it just works.
I am using a 10s chain with great success. Definitely agree on the shimano driver. The whole 10/11/12 speed naming on chainrings makes things way over complicated. They will all work with any of the 8/9/10/11/12 speed chains. I like the 10spd because they are light and my geared bikes are 10 speed and 10spd chains are super cheap
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