The One to rule them all.

With the demise of the Langster to the lust for cash, I threw on the Specialized Hemisphere 2.0 tyres on the Stumpjumper hardtail to fill the gap for the commute. Fitted the handlebar mounted Pop-lock fork lock-out on it as well, but I’ve found that as I’m running the Rock Shox SID Team forks pretty firm for my weight, the bob when grinding outa the saddle isn’t that much of a problem. In fact running the forks locked out on the tarmac almost feels too firm & my palms develop a dull ache through the ride by the end. Funny.
The shop continues: There is a 2nd hand Jamis Exile 26”wheels, OK condition, but not sure about the Manitou Axel Platinum forks. Thing I have to bear in mind is that as I’m looking at this Single Speed I want to buy as a commuter, I have to factor in cost for a ratio change & other stuff, even if I buy new. Sure there are flat ‘bar roadies about, but I wanna hang with a MTB layout & easy option for offroad S/Sing by lifting tyres (etc) off the Anthem & Stumpjumper.
New bikes I’m looking at include the Avanti KISS (26er), which runs an acentric Bottom Bracket & regular vertical drop outs & brake tabs, so it should make changing tyres/tubes/flats easier. But I’ve heard that these acentric B/Bs can squeak & sometimes slip a little. Test rode one & found it a lardy barge. Felt heavy overall. Not sure if changes like rigid forks & lighter seat would make a big enough difference. And I am comparing all these to my old Apollo Everest from 1989 which was a great s/s MTB commuter, apart from those times it tried to kill me whenever the chain got thrown, so did I – dodgy backyard s/s convert.
There is another option – buy a ‘good’ s/s specific frame & thieve parts off the Stumpjumper, leaving the Anthem for all the offroad multi-speed work. Hmm…. Just what I need, another option.