Advice on how to best obtain a 650b single speed?

[Trevor saxton]

So I find myself with overlapping bikes and looking for a solution to obtain a reasonably lightweight 650b single speed.

I have a 52cm Hillborne and a 56cm Simplone that now directly overlap with 2 other bikes....a vo PolyValent and a vintage Bianchi that has sentimental value, while ive commuted on the rivs I find that I prefer the PolyValent for commuting mostly due to its unassuming and the Bianchi is now set up as a 700c single speed road bike which will satisfy my weekend long rides duty, and I am craving a 650b single speed as I adore single speed riding and the 650b wheel size,

since I did not win the lottery it looks like I have 3 options......

Buy a white industries eno hub wheel for the Hillborne cost about 250 locally
Take my Simplone to a local frame builder to reposition the cantis and a reprint, cost about 400
Or sell both and get a custom --- hilsen roadeo mix...cost 3500 less proceeds of sale.

Any advice?

[William]

Running your Hillborne as a single speed would be tons of fun.  

You could actively hang around on the list here and ebay and craigslist and wait for a Quickbeam in your size to come around

You could check out the Soma B-side, but I think that's a disc-only thing

Check out Rawland.  The Olaf was a single speed 650B bike.  Those come around from time to time as well.  

[Eric Daume]

Buy another Polyvalent? You can run ss with its short horizontal dropouts.

Eric

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[rcnute]

Use a Surly or Paul chain tensioner/singleator with spacers and a cog and you're all set on the Sam for singlespeed.  Unless you want fixed, when you'll need the ENO, horizontal dropouts or the magic gear.

I wouldn't operate on the Simpleone--use it as designed.

Ryan

On Monday, January 7, 2013 3:02:02 PM UTC-8, Trevor saxton wrote:

[Trevor saxton]

Thanks for the advice so far am leaning towards tensioning the Hillborne for the summer....forgot option 4 which is sell my car and buy a custom I'd come out ahead that way and my wife for sure couldn't complain.

[Cyclofiend Jim]

Another vote for chain tensioner.  Back when folks used to ask why anyone would want a singlespeed, I bought the simple Surley one to play with on my MB1.  That's - crikey - 13 years ago....   Slap some spacers on the hub and get a BMX splined singlespeed cog.  Maybe $45-50?   I've cooked three or four freehubs over the years, but it just works. 

Photos here -
http://www.cyclofiend.com/ssg/2005/ssg001-cyclofiendmb1505.html

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyclofiend/216944216/

- J / cyclofiend.com

[Jeremy Till]

I'd say if you think you are pretty committed both to singlespeed riding and 650b wheels, then getting a 650b rear wheel with the White eccentric hub would be a good investment.  Think about it beyond just the Hillborne--with an eccentric 650b wheel, no matter what 650b frame you happen to have available in the future, you have the option to run it singlespeed. 

On Monday, January 7, 2013 3:02:02 PM UTC-8, Trevor saxton wrote: