Switching to a Singlespeed Frame?

First things first - 'Hi' to all!

Up until approx. 6 weeks ago I thought that off-road singlespeed wouldn't be for me. However, I had a sudden change of mind and decided on a DMR conversion kit to use on one of my old geared bikes, with the sole purpose of upping my fitness.

Much to my surprise, I took to it immediately, and have not used my other geared bike since the conversion. I absolutely love climbing hills and I have relished the new challenges my singlespeed conversion has provided me with, and also seen the desired improvement in my fitness.

Now to the issue - I have a perfectly good geared bike, the SS conversion and also a new-build to start.

My intention for the new-build was to build an XC 27-speed bike, but since the singlespeed experience, I have had second thoughts. I am now considering selling the new frame in order to purchase an 'On One Inbred Slotted', which I can use as singlespeed in the Winter and geared in the Summer.

My question is - will I see a benefit from using a singlespeed frame, such as the 'Inbred', as opposed to continuing to use a conversion kit?

if you like riding singlespeed and feel that you'll be fine riding off-road with it, go for it.

No tensioner = one less thing to break.

What brakes are you planning to use disc or v?

the inbred is an ace frame, even if you (for some reason) decide you dont want it as a singlespeed its an awesome ride.

I see no reason to ride it as a geared bike in the summer though, it will s till be a quick bike in the summer when built up as a singlespeed.

The inbred doesnt come with v brake mounts anymore so its disc only, its a good bike and i would reccomend some nice rigid forks.

Thanks for the helpful replies.

I will be using disc brakes.

Riding a bike with a tensioner still feels like riding gears but not changing, without the extra friction and chain length a proper SS set up will feel better, IME.

I'm looking for an SS MTB at the minute and from what i've read the Inbred frame is pretty hard to beat, they're pretty cheap too, no doubt about it you'd be better off going for one of those.

I have the inbred 456, with gears and I love it.

Thanks for all the help.

After your comments, I can now see how there would be an advantage using a singlespeed frame over a tensioner set-up. I've now to convince myself to get my hand in my pocket and purchase.

Damn, I've spent so much on bike-related stuff this year!

Thanks for all the help.

After your comments, I can now see how there would be an advantage using a singlespeed frame over a tensioner set-up. I've now to convince myself to get my hand in my pocket and purchase.

Damn, I've spent so much on bike-related stuff this year!

Well tomorrow is a new year, leave it to tomorrow, you can justify it by the fact that you haven't spent any money yet =P

I'm in the same boat, originally started looking for a Path Racer type bike for less than £200, now about to fork out about £450 for an SS 29er ><

Well tomorrow is a new year, leave it to tomorrow, you can justify it by the fact that you haven't spent any money yet =P

I'm in the same boat, originally started looking for a Path Racer type bike for less than £200, now about to fork out about £450 for an SS 29er ><

I suppose there are worse things to spend our money on, eh! ;-)

However, I know it's only a further 2.5%, but the VAT goes up tomorrow so I think today is the day!

Lucky you, my student loan doesn't come in until the 4th so I have to wait until then ><

Good luck with frame!