So you want a singlespeed?

By Mark “Sooty” Tyson

Turning a Giant STP1 into a literal 1

I arrived at the bike store to pick up my STP1 which has been undergoing a switch from the default front Shimano Alivio and Shimano Deore rear and gear system into a single speed setup. These are the chronicles of the transformation.

My bike’s setup was as follows: STS Chain Tensioner with Hub and Cog setup at 32: 16 gear ratio. Physically it earned my attention but the story was just beginning.

You'll likely need a few specialty parts for your project.

I outlaid my $300 cash to the shop owner for the job which not only included the rear hub, back cog, tensioner, chain and his time and efforts before rolling my partially new mount out onto the street.

I jumped on and the first thing that caught my attention was the sound; very smooth with none of the derailuer wine which seems to always be present. As the grade began to level out my right thumb instinctively grabbed for the gear lever, surprise, nothing there! I stood, yanking up on the handlebars while cranking down hard on the pedals. The Giant began to feel oddly similar to a BMX bike.

With a tug on the bars, I was able to ride a seated wheelie down the street. Needless to say, I was quite pleased with the gear ratios. The bike just hangs at my desired speed until I decide to drop the front end back down to the earth. Again my thumb attempts to change gears, oh that’s right no gears.

I had called a riding buddy of mine, Mick, to meet up at the skate park. The idea behind our meeting is to allow him a test ride as he is about to purchase an STP Zero and wants to get a feel for the single-speed phenomenon. I rolled into the park with a hand extended to slap Mick (mounted on his Giant AC) a high five. With his eyes glued to my bike, he called out, "Mate, that set-up looks sick; so clean". "Damn right it is" I reply while pumping towards the mini ramp. I sped up to the top of the ramp then onto the back wheel, I just squeezed the brake while leaning back into a stall. I pulled the bike up and out into a nice rollback fakie, hiding my own surprise.

Oohh yeeeah!

I zipped up across the table top and the bike felt like it was tweaked perfectly with regard to crank movement and response. Again, I am reminded that it feels like a large BMX rig at times.

Back up the ramp and I pulled off a 180 from the lip and rolled back into the transfer Again, no chain slap; actually no sound other than the back tire landing. No chink, click, clang, or slang, just smooth as silk.

I simply couldn’t put Mick through anymore torment, so I gave him the freshly converted single. Mick, complete with huge smile on his face, hit the table top, ramp, ledge and everything else the park has to offer. After about 10 minutes he rolled back claiming that he will definitely have his bike converted. I’m pleased that he had the chance to test ride before he smacks down his cash. I spent the next 15 minutes hitting up all of the remaining bits and piece of the park and every single time the bike responded perfectly. Alas, it was time to head home and after a quick chat with Mick (to line up a ride this Saturday), I found myself tolling through the neighborhood. Naturally I was off to hit up the ledges, steps and a variety of pavement transfers. I found it very easy to adjust to the simplicity of the ingle-speed, but at times I go to change gears. My thumb still jumps for a trigger like a foot reaching for the clutch in an automatic.

The bike’s handlebars and front end look extra clean -- no gear levers, no lines running to the front and back derailuer. Just one small rear cog (16 tooth). Maybe it’s just me but I swear it does seem a little lighter to boot. I concluded that the bike change has been very positive as I find myself riding at least 80% street and parks. I don’t live far from the CBD to commute at all (10 minutes) so the SS transition is no problem for me. I did notice that hills require a lot more work than usual as I now find myself standing up in places I normally just geared down, but the excitement of my bike’s evolution outweighs the extra leg pumping. Besides I get to swear each time I’m reminded that there’s no longer any shifters.

My component switch offers fewer chances of parts failure and the group feels very solid and strong. On top of that everything is locked in place and feels tight. The chain still has some reasonable movement but not enough to snap it, and it’s easy to maintain (I take comfort in the simplicity of the setup). The normal noises of a multi-gear setup are gone and have been replaced by a smooth rolling sound. The grip space is larger too: I now have more hand room without all of the levers and cables. The bike simply looks clean and light, with no unnecessary clutter. For me this is a perfect bike for my street or park style.

The hardest part I’ve been having is jumpy thumbs. The only consequence with that is a grin as I think to myself, that’s right, no gears!