Raleigh XXIX on bike rack on car

My Single Speed Project

This post is all about my new (well new to me) 2007 Raleigh XXIX Single Speed.

It was purchased from Craigslist for $250

The goal for this bike is to get riding well and put some miles on it to see I enjoy single speeding which possibly could lead to a nicer bike.

2007 Raleigh XXIX Details & Specs

2007 Raleigh XXIX 29er Single Speed Stock Image

Here is the 2007 Raleigh Bike Catalog, if you jump to page 42 you will see the specs for the XXIX Single Speed.  Take a look at page 43 and you will see they also make a XXIX+G which is a geared version of the bike.

Here are the Single Speed Specs 

  • Sizes: SM, MD, LG
  • Frame: 29˝ 4130 Butted Cromo w/CNC Dropouts w/Replaceable Insert
  • Fork: 29˝ 4130 Cromo w/Disc Tabs
  • Cranks: Truvativ Fire X SS 32t w/Alloy Guard
  • Bottom Bracket: Truvativ External Bearing
  • Gear: 20t Cog
  • Chain: KMC
  • Hub (F): Alloy QR Disc, 32h
  • Hub (R): Alloy QR Single Speed Disc Cassette, 32h
  • Spokes: 14g DT Swiss Champion
  • Rims: WTB Speed Disc 29˝, 32h
  • Pedals: Test Ride
  • Headset: Ahead 1-1/8
  • Handlebar: Easton EA50 31.8
  • Grips: Raleigh
  • Stem: Easton EA30 31.8
  • Brakes: Avid BB5 Disc 6˝ Rotors
  • Brake Levers: Avid FR-5
  • Tires: WTB ExiWolf 29×2.3
  • Seat: WTB Laser V Comp
  • Seatpost: Easton EA30 27.2mm

For the most part, the bike I purchase is still stock. Any changes or updates I make will be listed below.

Drivetrain

New Pedals Needed

I am replacing them the old Crank Bro pedals with Shimano XTR Trail Pedals. I was able to find a great deal on new ones for $125 and I can move these pedals to any new bike I set up.  

I thought about the race version of the pedals but for some reason I thought the trails would be better.  Could be that it is a SS and I will be mashing more, maybe b/c my other MTB pedals are trail and it would keep it consistent or maybe b/c this bike might get ridden some with non-spd shoes.  Not sure but looking forward to trying out the new pedals.

Raleigh XXIX Cranks Removed

New Cranks Needed

I think this may have been the first bike I have purchased with pedals and now I know why.  The Crank Brothers Pedals on there will not come off.

I could not get them out, so I purchased some rust breaking penetrating oil and that did not do it. 

I took off the cranks off and took them to a bike shop and they could not get them off.  The Allen wrench twisted and the pedals never broke free.

With the pedals that do not fit my shoes stuck to the cranks it is time to find some replacement cranks.

This of course presents a few challenges, which cranks will fit the existing bottom bracket, how much should I spend for cranks on a $250 bike and if I change the cranks do I need to change the chain ring, chain and rear cog.

Closeups of the Truvativ External Bottom Bracket

Raleigh XXIX Bottom Bracket non drive side
Raleigh XXIX Bottom Bracket center view
Raleigh XXIX Bottom Bracket drive side
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Brakes

The bike still has the original Avid BB5 Disc with 6″ rotors. They seem to be in working order.  

I can tell a big difference between the mechanical disk brakes (on this older bike) and the hydraulic Shimano XT brakes on my 2017 Yeti 4.5.

I will have to get a few rides in on them before I know for sure if it is worth changing them from mechanical disc brakes to hydraulic disk brakes.

Good Brake Resources

Video explaining the Deore / SLX / XT / XTR Brakes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07iPt4aktQ0 the reviewer says that the SLX is the best value for the money.

A few questions that I will have.

Will the mounts on the frame and fork accept current model disk brakes?

I think I would probably move to Shimano XT brakes.  What is involved to install them?

What are the Models of XT Brakes?

What rotors would I need to change to?

180 front / 160 rear?

Would it be cost effective to go with a less expensive brand / model?

I would think it might be best to stay with XT b/c they are highly rated and it is what is now on my Yeti.

Wheels

Originally came with 

  • Hub (F): Alloy QR Disc, 32h
  • Hub (R): Alloy QR Single Speed Disc Cassette, 32h
  • Spokes: 14g DT Swiss Champion
  • Rims: WTB Speed Disc 29˝, 32h
  • Tires: WTB ExiWolf 29×2.3

Since the bike is a non-boost frame, I can not see myself getting new spendy wheels. Maybe if I found a good deal on used wheels, I would consider it, but most likely not.

Additional Resources

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