“San by One”

The new Roaduno frame is about to land in Japan. Let’s do some preparation class shall we?

Rivendell had made a few single speed models in the past and the Roaduno definitely has a pedigree of those previous models.

Blue Lug started off as a fixed gear/single speed bike shop, so a single speed frame will always be special to us. However, this new model is a very interesting frame. It’s a frame that makes you use a different part of your brain when choosing the parts.

Single speed bikes are very simple, which was the main reason we started riding them 15 years ago. The simplicity of single speeds made us think “I can build a bike by myself.”
But we’re talking about Rivendell, they’re not going to make an ordinary single speed frame. If you thought something is odd by seeing the track out above, you have a good eye.

A 120mm spacing track end…with derailleur hangers…?

If you know what this means, you are doing a great job of nerding out about bikes.
With this, you can hang a Paul Melvin chain tensioner and….create a “multi speed single gear bike” like we sometimes to with other Riv bikes.

The rear only has one gear, so it feels like a normal single speed bike, but it’s like having a “high” and “low” gear. It’s really fun to ride too!

I saw this on Grant-san’s blog.
This is Grant’s Platypus. The rear only has one gear, while the front has 3.

However, if you look closely, this build has an old rear derailleur hanging on the hanger, instead of the Melvin.

He is using an old road RD as a chain tensioner. Old RDs are only capable of using with 25-28t which is way too small for today’s standards. This is a great way of giving those components you can’t get rid of but not using at all.

Around 17:50 in this video, Grant-san says “San by one!” during his bike check.

https://youtu.be/oa-kyowhoQQ?si=1eOzyTpxX68vdVak&t=1071

Grant speaking Japanese is so wholesome. I love it. “San” is basically “3” in Japanese.

Of course,  I feel like this bike should feel perfectly fine with just one speed. In fact, I think 1×1 looks the best for this bike. That being said, you can use Paul Melvins or old derailleurs to create a “multi speed single speed”.

You can even go 2×2 like Shami, if you are really into some kinky stuff.

I got very curious how this “San by one” setting feels, so I tried this on my own bike.
This is my Frank Jones sr. The lovely single speed frame that Rivendell made for our 10th anniversary.

This frame does not have the derailleur hanger on the track end like the Roaduno, so I put the Problem Solver Universal Derailleur Hanger. (To my FJS riders out there, I do not recommend this set up)

I dragged out my parts box from hell and found good chainrings for the set up. I know, it’s not the best looking set up, but I was able to create a San by one.

The frame of course does not have cable guides for shifters, so…

I had to put the shifters in the most awkward place. Again, I do not recommend.

The Roaduno will have a down tube shifter braze on, so don’t you worry.

Love a simple cockpit.
I’ve only been doing a simple wrap for my own bikes recently.

This hub is some old hub I used in my track bike days. I know you have an old track hub lying around. That is what you call a Roaduno chance!

There it is, I wanted to try out this 3×1 set up and I also wanted you to try it at the shop, so I will have this bike displayed for test rides. Let’s learn about the san by one before the Roaduno arrives eh?

If you’re imagining this feels like a “normal front derailleur shifting” you will be surprised. It’s a bit awkward, but I think it’s enjoyable. Some people might even think “I’d prefer a normal single speed!” and that’s totally fine!

That’s it from me.