1x9 vs Fixed vs Single

[vorsprung]

Suppose I have a nice frame with vertical dropouts that I want to build up for general commuting and riding about duties.

I live in Devon but have previously used a single speed.  I have a few bits for the frame including seatpost/forks/stem/bars/deep drop brakes but I'm lacking a transmission. I also have some wheels (36h handmades or Mavic Akisum both with Shimano freehub)

I did some adding up for parts costs.  Using various online places looking for goodish prices of new bits

For a nice compact double with Ultegra shifters it was something like 520 quid, which is a bit more than I'd like
Fixed was 250, mainly because I'd need a Eno hub wheel built.  I've never ridden fixed.
1x9, single chainring at the front and a wide range 11-34 MTB cassette at the back was 175.  This would be better for load carrying
The cheapness winner was single speed freehub, 85 quid.

I am thinking that 1x9 looks good

[Greenbank]

*paging zigzag*

[PeteB99]

I've got a 1x9 built onto a Racelite frame and a single speed Langster.

Of the two the Racelite does virtually all the commuting and shopping trips and the Langster comes out on Sunday.

For a general purpose reasonably low maint. bike the Racelite is hard to beat.

[mrcharly-YHT]

I have a single-chainring (taper spline) crankset you can have for postage. It has retention rings (not sure of proper name) either side of the chainring, to prevent the chain unshipping from the ring.

[PaulF]

You might need an umramped chainring or chainguard to keep the chain on if you go 1 X 9

[mrcharly-YHT]

lol - see above

[PaulF]

I'll want commission you know

[mrcharly-YHT]

But I beat you to it!

I'm suing you for patent infringement.

[Chris N]

You might get away with a magic gear if you're interested in riding fixed (or SS without a tensioner).