How do i upgrade to single speed on my Kona Cowan?

Question

I have a Kona Cowan bike and i want to get single speed

which i think means that there is only one gear

i use it alot for dirt jumping but basically:

i. How much does it cost?

ii. Where do i get it?

iii. What are the changes?

iiii. Is it worth it?

Answer 1

You mean "Downgrade"

Answer 2

You will need this:

http://www.excelsports.com/image200/Surl...

about $25~$75 - depending on quality.

and this:

http://www.silverfish-uk.com/cms-files/2...

about $150~$175 depending on interface type.

Now, the Cowan is a full sup if I'm not mistaken, and it is a slopestyle bike which would kake it suitable for DJ'ing.  Single speeding and Dirt Jumping go hand and hand.  You need a Sprung Tensioner(like shown above) for the rear in place of the Rear Derailleur so the suspension can work properly.  You need the E13 SRS(like shown above) to keep the chain on the front during all that suspension action as well.

you need a spacer kit as well and those can cost anywhere from $20~$75 depending on "Bling" factor. and a single speed cog.  I run 36 front and 19 or 20 rear...  if you want to keep your factory supplied 32 tooth, mate it to a 16 or 17 tooth.

The rule of thumb for single speed gearing is - start with front chainring teeth  count divide that by two, and add one tooth...  that's it, that's were to start!

Have fun with that!

And by the  way - single speeds are faster see here!

Quote from my friend Mike N...

"To be as scientific as possible, I compared third place finishes as single speed had several former experts finishing 1st and 2nd at most races and I'm sure (I didn't look at any names) that sport 30-39 had some sandbaggers or simply just strong performers to skew the results.

White Lightening SS 1:59:53

Geared 2:04:19

Chickasaw SS 1:45:15

Geared 1:49:44

Moustail SS 1:27:15

Geared 1:28:22

Bassackward SS 1:22:29

Geared 1:22:45

NMB (cotton Mill) SS 1:33:26

Geared 1:34:20

L4 SS 1:18:02

Geared 1:22:36

Booker T SS 1:34:48

Geared 1:35:03

My point?? Riding single speed is just another option. Are Single speeders better?? No... Are Single speeders at a handicap?? No... We simply like to ride...and ride bikes without all that c**p that breaks every time we throw our leg over our bike(except for me of course). "

Wow, now that's cool!