Single speed vs. geared

[Pete Hamer]

Single speed bikes are gaining in popularity and the people who ride them seem to be die hard fans. I have to wonder what the attraction to them is. I haven't ridden a ss mountain bike because I don't understand the appeal. I know that they are simpler but I don't have enough problems with gears to merit their removal. Can someone explain the single speed fixation to me:confused: ?

[gopherhockey]

Single speed bikes are gaining in popularity and the people who ride them seem to be die hard fans. I have to wonder what the attraction to them is. I haven't ridden a ss mountain bike because I don't understand the appeal. I know that they are simpler but I don't have enough problems with gears to merit their removal. Can someone explain the single speed fixation to me:confused: ?

Uh oh, here we go again. ;)

I can see SS from a winter simplicity standpoint. I can even see it as a diversion and a way to improve riding. I know I'd never trade my gears for one though... ever.

[Pete Hamer]

Uh oh, here we go again. ;)

I must have missed the other debates. It seems like the Sram v Shimano debate was going to turn into a ss v gears debate so I figured I'd start a new thread for it.

[drmrboyalex]

I must have missed the other debates. It seems like the Sram v Shimano debate was going to turn into a ss v gears debate so I figured I'd start a new thread for it.

it probably would have. I like SS because there are no problems w/slipping gears and when i had geared bike i always used one gear anyways, and it would often slip out of that gear. I also used to bmx so it was similar to that. but thats just me

[gopherhockey]

I must have missed the other debates. It seems like the Sram v Shimano debate was going to turn into a ss v gears debate so I figured I'd start a new thread for it.

Its actually a good time of year to re-visit things like this... so don't let me stop the conversation. In fact I'm kinda interested again as well, as I'm sitting with my finger on the trigger ready to buy a ss but just can't seem to pull that trigger all the way.

[manual63]

Of course you have gears when riding a singlespeed. I am the gears....and that's what's so killer about riding ss!!

It's more natural for me, especially since I rode a BMX bike all my life. Plus, for me at least, I am a lot faster on a ss than on a geared bike. Geared bikes made me lazy. Now I put all my effort into it and just ride the bike.

I thought singlespeeders were crazy before, until I tried it. Now I probably will never go back!

[SpecHR55]

When on trails on such i use a range of about 5 gears all on the 2nd ring.
When riding urban i use maybe 3 gears. (Not counting the big gears for going to different places)

21 gear bikes are to exessive, so i took of my front der. I normally use 2-3, 2-4, 2-5, then 2-8 for long distance. But really i could use only one gear like 2-5 but its nicer with different options, 21 gears is a waste. (adds weight too)

[Pete Hamer]

I agree that the single chain line is a nice benefit to a ss bike but you don't have to single speed to get a single chainline. I know some people that built single chainline bikes with Rohloff internally geared hubs. You get the benefit of single chainline and low maintenance but you also get gears. I've always liked gears. They were considered any improvement when they were invented and so well accepted for so long that it seems counterintuitive to say that it is a bad idea now. I wonder how much of the ss hype is just people trying to be contrary to the staus qou. Like a rebellion of sorts. I don't have a problem with people doing that, it's what mountain biking is all about. If that's why they are going ss then it's not for me, but if there's more to it then I might give it a try.

[rideharder]

there is nothing like a SS and a coaster brake. :banana:

[bigwheel]

Can someone explain the single speed fixation to me:confused: ?

I ride both. A FS Gary Fisher 293 and a Karate Monkey Single Speed. (both 29ers)

I ride the single speed about 2/3 of the time, and it will be my winter bike. But if I had to pick only one, it would hands-down be the FS geared bike. (Note: Full suspension single speeds are not very common because there are issues regarding chain tension.)

For me, the single is an easy bike to grab and go. There is very little maintenance. Plus it is a lot of fun on trails like Theo and Salem where the hills are small and there aren't many long straight stretches. I am also finding that after riding the single, I am becoming a better rider - especially on hills. However, the main reason that I ride the single is so my "main" bike doesn't break down as often.

[Pete Hamer]

Of course you have gears when riding a singlespeed. I am the gears....and that's what's so killer about riding ss!!

It's more natural for me, especially since I rode a BMX bike all my life. Plus, for me at least, I am a lot faster on a ss than on a geared bike. Geared bikes made me lazy. Now I put all my effort into it and just ride the bike.

I thought singlespeeders were crazy before, until I tried it. Now I probably will never go back!
I've ridden with single speeders and have seen the limitations; geared too low and can't keep up on the fast sstuff or geared too hgih and can't make the the climbs. It also seems like it would be hard on the knees if you ride too big of a gear. I can remember two instances of S.S.ers having mechanicals on rides, there rear wheels slip forward.

[Pete Hamer]

When on trails on such i use a range of about 5 gears all on the 2nd ring.
When riding urban i use maybe 3 gears. (Not counting the big gears for going to different places)

21 gear bikes are to exessive, so i took of my front der. I normally use 2-3, 2-4, 2-5, then 2-8 for long distance. But really i could use only one gear like 2-5 but its nicer with different options, 21 gears is a waste. (adds weight too)
I agree that the number of gears on a tradition mountain drivetrain is excessive. I haven't used the granny ring except once this summer. When I shift I usually shift 2 or 3 gears at a time, but I like having the gears that I use.

[flombe]

I recently picked up a SS 29er (Fisher Rig). Why? Curiousity, yeah, but mainly for winter off-road riding and the simplicity of it all.

So far on my rides at Theo I have noticed the SS to be MUCH quieter. And what I have heard and read about "not having to worry about shifting gears" is true. I did not think I would notice. I did not think I had a shifting "problem" before, but there is less distraction without gears.

I can see already that the SS will make me a more efficient spinner and it is more challenging on the cardio-vascular system, too.

Will I give up my geared bike? No. The SS has its place and is a hoot (great at Theo), but it is limiting on the top end speed.

I am thinking I may be building up a geared dualie 29er of some sort this spring to complement the Rig.

A hijack opportunity - 26er vs. 29er? As much as I like the SS aspect of the Rig, the 29" wheel size really amazes me. Traction, speed and stability!

[hockeynut]

I took the gears off of my lone ride because I'm lazy and stupid. Too lazy to be meticulous about cleaning my drivetrain... too lazy to not just shift into and easier and easier gear while going up a hill... Too stupid to be in the right gear at the right time.

If you haven't tried it, it isn't that costly to give it a go. I thought that I'd hate it, but I honestly have more fun, and feel faster/stronger. It may also hold the keys to finding world peace... but I'm not sure on that one.

I've gone a step further and taken off the front suspension... I have a feeling that that will be more short lived. My main goal in this experiment is to force myself to learn the correct technique to get over things as opposed to the ole bash into it going fast method.

Isaac

[gopherhockey]

I wonder how much of the ss hype is just people trying to be contrary to the staus qou. Like a rebellion of sorts. I don't have a problem with people doing that, it's what mountain biking is all about. If that's why they are going ss then it's not for me, but if there's more to it then I might give it a try.

I think there is more to this than people would admit...

But I can really see some actual benefits of having a ss - at least as an alternate.

And as Shad mentioned, some grew up that way and prefer it as their riding style.

... as long as nobody calls me lazy for my preference ;)

One thing I can say, however, is that many of the best riders I know are SS riders. The top 2 positions at the 12 hours of Leb were SS bikes as an example (one guy riding over 100 miles in 12 hours - including the XX loop). I wouldn't take away from the riders themselves though and their skills... but maybe it has some relation to doing it on a SS.... not to make it a who's better discussion mind you.

[Pete Hamer]

I recently picked up a SS 29er (Fisher Rig). Why? Curiousity, yeah, but mainly for winter off-road riding and the simplicity of it all.

So far on my rides at Theo I have noticed the SS to be MUCH quieter. And what I have heard and read about "not having to worry about shifting gears" is true. I did not think I would notice. I did not think I had a shifting "problem" before, but there is less distraction without gears.

I can see already that the SS will make me a more efficient spinner and it is more challenging on the cardio-vascular system, too.

Will I give up my geared bike? No. The SS has its place and is a hoot (great at Theo), but it is limiting on the top end speed.

I am thinking I may be building up a geared dualie 29er of some sort this spring to complement the Rig.

A hijack opportunity - 26er vs. 29er? As much as I like the SS aspect of the Rig, the 29" wheel size really amazes me. Traction, speed and stability!

This all makes fairly good sense to me. I can see the benefit of having a ss as a second bike, unfortunately that isn't going to happen any time soon. I am not convinced that it is worth it to convert my only bike to ss. Good hijack:laugh: I was thinking of starting the same discussion. We should probably start a new thread for sake of continuity though.:)

[mtnbykr]

Can someone explain the single speed fixation to me?


nope, sorry...

kl

[noise_is_life]

The ss thing is hard to explain and very subjective. You really just have to try it and see if it is for you.

I find it relaxing not having to think about gears which adds to the enjoyment. Also, I am brutal to drive trains and the SS is just more bomb proof.

I could blather on about it (and I have), but you just need to borrow a bike or convert and old one and give it a shot.

[noise_is_life]

Also there is a sticky thread at MTBR that goes on and on and on...

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=82461

[SuperClydesdale]

Its actually a good time of year to re-visit things like this... so don't let me stop the conversation. In fact I'm kinda interested again as well, as I'm sitting with my finger on the trigger ready to buy a ss but just can't seem to pull that trigger all the way.

John

I thought you built a SS a couple of years ago. Whatever happened to that ride? Or is this a cabernet-induced figment of my imagination?

Mark

[SprocketHead]

They're great for winter! Less crap to break or Frrreeeeze.

[Pete Hamer]

They're great for winter! Less crap to break or Frrreeeeze.
That is a good point. I am considering trying it for the winter.

[Primo Tiki]

The only reason I'm going singlespeed on the winter bike I'm in the process of building is that I ran out of money and can't afford shifters, cables, cassette, etc...

[Pete Hamer]

The only reason I'm going singlespeed on the winter bike I'm in the process of building is that I ran out of money and can't afford shifters, cables, cassette, etc...
Hopefully you can sell that Motobecane road bike and get some gears for you mountain bike. Better yet, just sell the shifters and derailleurs off the road bike and make it a single speed. :laugh:

[SpecHR55]

The only bikes that should be SS are trials bikes.;) :D

[funky-funky-chicken]

John

I thought you built a SS a couple of years ago. Whatever happened to that ride? Or is this a cabernet-induced figment of my imagination?

Mark

John's did have a rather nice black Surly 1x1. He had it up for sale and my brother Steve bought it. It gets ridden quite often since convincing my brother to try out the singlespeed thing. He's hooked!

[Burke]

ss v. gears. each has merit. people that tell you one over the other in all cases are passionate, but misunderstood.

i love singlespeeds for the way they make you rethink riding. it simplifies things and allows you to forget about your bike and just rip it. no hassle about missing shifts, ripped off derailleurs, drivetrain noise. it's nothing but pure you vs. the trail. just be sure you have the right gear, or those internal gears (your knees) will hate you, or you'll be going so slow because you're spun out it won't be any fun. ss's limit both your low speed and your high speed and force you learn to ride the trail in that happy middle. you are forced to slow down on the very top end speed, which allows you to be fresher for the increased effort to get up the steep climbs.

i love geared bikes because i can ride my cadence the entire ride. a lot of riding that i do is to the trail, on the trail, then back home from the trail. there is nothing worse than being spun out at on the road at 120+rpms and going 17-8mph and still having 15 miles to go. i enjoy riding for the experience, but i also enjoy experiencing it as fast as my increasing fitness level will allow me to (well, it used to be increasing). gears are quite possibly the best invention, ever. learn to adjust your own derailleurs, and NEVER be afraid to replace cables and housing.

some of my best rides have been on singlespeeds. some of my best rides have been on geared mtbs. some of my best rides have been on road bikes.

each type has its place, and the thing i appreciate about them is that they force me to ride and enjoy the trail in a different manner than the other.

the argument that fast people ride singlespeeds is true, but is a fallicy if it's stated as singlespeeds are faster than geared bikes. you put a killer engine that knows how to ride on a bike that has one gear and they're going to destroy anyone on geared bikes that aren't as fit and don't know how to ride. you put two identical people on a single and on a geared, and the advantage goes to the geared. worst case, the geared bike can stay in the same gear that the single is in and it's even, though slightly heavier. best case, there are times when the single is spun out and the gears allow for faster speeds.

there's really no definitively correct answer. both types are incredibly fun for different reasons. the real question is why choose? own both.

[gopherhockey]

John's did have a rather nice black Surly 1x1. He had it up for sale and my brother Steve bought it. It gets ridden quite often since convincing my brother to try out the singlespeed thing. He's hooked!

Yup, I shoulda kept it... but I had bought it just a few weeks before I got my Blur. Once I got the Blur the SS sat in the garage collecting dust.

Plus I wasn't riding the ss correctly. I burned my knees out by not standing enough... or something like that. I should have ridden some group rides with other ss riders to get the hang of it.

Now that I'm riding more in the winter I'm re-thinking getting another ss. It doesn't help that all my group riding buddies are putting on the pressure and offering up help... ;)

Scotts post really summs it all up well...

[funky-funky-chicken]

I really do like Scott's earlier post!

There are believers, there are non-believers: I'm a believer. Some like lycra, I like wool. There are people who prefer; steal, aluminum, carbon fiber, or titanium. Why choose, I have at least one of each. There are Democrats, there are Republicans: I can't tell the difference. For some it's about the equipment, for others it's about riding: I'm about riding.

Some people like all kinds of options for gears and things to tinker with in the repair stand. I like to just grab a bike and go. I don't like replacing worn or broken parts and the whole host of compatibility issues that go along with; (some people fool themselves into thinking "UPGRADE").

I don't like things to break. I like simple and prefer the singlespeed thing almost all the time. 100% of my time off-road is on a uni-cogger. On the road (of which most of my miles are) a great number of miles are mostly on a fixed gear. Of several bikes that I own, only 3 road bikes have gears and they are all now friction shifting. Some might call me "retro."

Riding the 24HoursOfAfton solo on a singlespeed was the final thing that convinced me that there are no trails in the metro that I “need” gears for. The only disadvantage for me to a singlespeed is gearing when riding to trails. The only trail “close” to me that I ride is Theo (about 12 miles) and it feels like it takes forever to get there.

Go ahead, try to decide for yourself if one is better than the other. The bottom line is that most everything bicycle related is subjective. Ride whatever you want, but just go ride and have fun.

[Aaroneous]

I don't own a serious SS MTB yet, but all I really rode this year was my fixed gear road bike. On and off road with CX tires - I could clean all of Theo except that stupid uphill rock garden... The challenge wasn't going super-fast, but doing an entire lap without losing momentum or touching the brake...

Then as winter rolled around, I built up an old Fuji MTB with a Surly flip-flop hub - originally was a SS, but I just had to thread a track cog on the other side "just to try it out", and I've never flipped it back. Now it's my daily winter commuter, and the fun is to make it all the way to the bike rack without braking or dabbing - did it this morning...

If the fun of SSing is hard to explain, the fixed feeling will be impossible. Imagine walking down the trail, taking only giant 10ft steps - you have to imagine that 10ft in front of you at all times, visualizing where you foot will land next in order to time it properly... Maybe that doesn't make sense. Complete and constant control over your speed using only your legs... Eh, you won't know until you've ridden one long enought to get used to it...

I guess one reason I like not having gears is that I'm not fast enough, or riding steep/crazy enough terrain to need them. As long as I can ride everything in the area, that's all I need...
And I don't like spending tons of money on parts, so that's a plus.
And I like simplicity...

I have no real point... Just rambling off some thoughts...

[drmrboyalex]

Some people like all kinds of options for gears and things to tinker with in the repair stand. I like to just grab a bike and go. I don't like replacing worn or broken parts and the whole host of compatibility issues that go along with; (some people fool themselves into thinking "UPGRADE").

I don't like things to break. I like simple and prefer the singlespeed thing almost all the time. 100% of my time off-road is on a uni-cogger.

those are good points and i think it is mostly preference. the nothing breaking is great too

[stoneage]

Can someone explain the single speed fixation to me?
....yep...

[stoneage]

I thought singlespeeders were crazy before....
......you still do, you're just one of them now!!!! :cheesy:
My Gunnar will be 6 years old in the spring (I had my American singled for a couple of years before that), and I have only done five races on a geared bike since. I took third at MTB Nats in Durango in 50+ on 'Big Pink' two years ago, 2½ minutes down.

[Pete Hamer]

....yep...
I must say Bill, that pink ss that I saw you riding at Theo seemed to be suitable for that trail. You were tearing it up ou there.:)

[manual63]

I've ridden with single speeders and have seen the limitations; geared too low and can't keep up on the fast sstuff or geared too hgih and can't make the the climbs. It also seems like it would be hard on the knees if you ride too big of a gear. I can remember two instances of S.S.ers having mechanicals on rides, there rear wheels slip forward.

Hmmm?? who do you ride with.....:)

Most the ssers I ride with hardly ever have these issues. The knee thing is an issue if you don't stand up and learn to crank out some power. Chain tensioners help....uhhmmmm...well.....I have a singulator myself....so no wheel moving issues for me....:)

[gopherhockey]

I rode with one ss guy at Theo and his chain kept coming off.... ;)

[manual63]

I rode with one ss guy at Theo and his chain kept coming off.... ;)

Yeah, I was having a bad chain day that day. It wasn't because I had a ss, it was because the chain was totally worn out and about to die. Which reminds me, I still owe mara a new chain......:)

[Burke]

Yeah, I was having a bad chain day that day. It wasn't because I had a ss, it was because the chain was totally worn out and about to die.
That's the problem a lot of people have with geared bikes, but they chalk it up to the gears instead of worn chains/cables/housing/cassettes.

[manual63]

That's the problem a lot of people have with geared bikes, but they chalk it up to the gears instead of worn chains/cables/housing/cassettes.

I agree. I had tons of issues with tooth and chain wear. I also had issues with shifting to hard and causing damage. SS is better for me for these reasons. Like Loren from Dakota Cyclery asked me once when he was working on my gears....."Your a masher arn't you?" Yep, so now I can mash and not have nearly as many issues......:)

[Aaroneous]

That's the problem a lot of people have with geared bikes, but they chalk it up to the gears instead of worn chains/cables/housing/cassettes.

Um... Aren't all those components what make up the "gears"? :D If you don't have cables, housing, or a cassette, all you need to worry about wearing down is one ring, one (shorter) chain, and one cog...

[Burke]

Um... Aren't all those components what make up the "gears"? :D

They are. I am just saying when people's drivetrains start to wear out, instead of saying I have a work drivetrain, they say I have problems because this bike has gears. No, you've got problems with your drivetrain, because it's wearing out.

Having gears doesn't equate to poor performance. Having worn equipment frequently leads to poor performance, whether you have gears or not.

[stoneage]

worn equipment
That is another reason I like single. I just put the second ring and chain on Big Pink in August, and it is almost 6 years old. The chain, cog and ring wear together, and the chain stays in the same place all the time, so they last longer. I put a LOT of miles on the bike, too. This is my third BMX cog though, because I haven't wanted to pop for a sealed one yet.

[funky-funky-chicken]

This is my third BMX cog though, because I haven't wanted to pop for a sealed one yet.

I think that's funny... One of the things that I love about singlespeed. I can easily justify a White Industries freewheel (close to $80) because it's just a little over 1/2 the cost of a new XTR Cassette! I've got A LOT of miles on one particular ENO freewheel and it has yet to show any real wear. A sound investment indead.

[flombe]

Yup, I shoulda kept it... but I had bought it just a few weeks before I got my Blur. Once I got the Blur the SS sat in the garage collecting dust.

Plus I wasn't riding the ss correctly. I burned my knees out by not standing enough... or something like that. I should have ridden some group rides with other ss riders to get the hang of it.

Now that I'm riding more in the winter I'm re-thinking getting another ss. It doesn't help that all my group riding buddies are putting on the pressure and offering up help... ;)

Scotts post really summs it all up well...

That is why Scott is President.

If you are looking to go SS again, go 29er too. Highly recommended. And, yes, this is my second attempt at raising the 26er vs. 29er.

[soupboy]

I can score the ENOs for $40-45 NIB. ENOs are the bombastic.

Separately, SSing does not cause knee problems. Genetics, overuse and poor bike fit cause knee problems - gears or SS. SSing may increase the perceived pain resultant from existing trauma but it shouldn't be causing the trauma itself unless you're riding really strangely.

PS - Ken, are you ever gonna pick up these damn spokes?!

I think that's funny... One of the things that I love about singlespeed. I can easily justify a White Industries freewheel (close to $80) because it's just a little over 1/2 the cost of a new XTR Cassette! I've got A LOT of miles on one particular ENO freewheel and it has yet to show any real wear. A sound investment indead.

[gopherhockey]

Separately, SSing does not cause knee problems. Genetics, overuse and poor bike fit cause knee problems - gears or SS. SSing may increase the perceived pain resultant from existing trauma but it shouldn't be causing the trauma itself unless you're riding really strangely.



Its really all in how you look at it. Anything can cause knee problems. My issue was pre-existing plus riding strangely, but it was on a SS... and most I talk too say its very possible to wrench on ones knees if you don't stand up or ride the wrong gear. (much more than gears, unless you refuse to shift - then they are about equal)

I may never really be able to ride a SS... but I do know I can ride gears 24/7 and never hurt my knees. (unless I fall on a rock like after T-giving... I suppose I could say rocks don't hurt knees, falling on them does ;) )

What I do know is that what I got out of SSing wasn't worth the pain I also received regardless of the cause. I am hoping to try again tho... I think if I do it smarter next time it won't happen so easily again.

[tedsti]

I think that some of the people that either didn't like it or had knee problems may have started in too tall of a gear. 32:16 is a little big for starters depending on the trail.

[RedSquirrel]

I'm building a SS & so pumped!! I raced all year & was way fast on my 8 speed, but I must say this guy is so burnt on cleaning the drive line!!! I tend to stand a lot too. So I've been dreaming of SS for half the summer.
<O:p
Anyway, I really like the geometry on my Cannondale, my SS frame is relatively near the shape. According to my triangulation I will throw a flat bar & 90mm stem on bike……bad? I won’t have leverage issues will I? The other realization I’m coming too is I won’t win races when on my SS, is that being negative? I’m serious.

[funky-funky-chicken]

I can score the ENOs for $40-45 NIB. ENOs are the bombastic.

Separately, SSing does not cause knee problems. Genetics, overuse and poor bike fit cause knee problems - gears or SS. SSing may increase the perceived pain resultant from existing trauma but it shouldn't be causing the trauma itself unless you're riding really strangely.

PS - Ken, are you ever gonna pick up these damn spokes?!

You're right... ENO's can be had for less if you are patient. I was being generous at $80 so that people could support their local bike shop. I think that One On One has a pretty fair price somewhere between 65 and 70. I've purchased a few there. I now have almost a full size run. I have no need for anything smaller than an 18 since I don't want to wreck my knees.

Seriously folks whining about knees... learn to spin. Think of your legs like the engine in an under-powered car. You have to rev the daylights out of it to get anywhere.

Spokes... right. Guilty of procrastination... Sorry. Don't spose you are going riding down at LH on Thursday night? I'll ride by the ol' domicile and pick 'em either tomorrow or Friday.

[stoneage]

I can score the ENOs for $40-45
Where? I'll take a 17 and a 20.

[gopherhockey]

Seriously folks whining about knees... .

Whining? :confused: :eyeroll:

[Bighit]

I think it allows people to stay in a comfort zone without getting to much flak from buddies. If you don't want to go fast in a certain section, you can blame it on your gearing. It certainly won't allow for proper cadence/ speed in all of techie sections, otherwise serious (xc & downhill) racers would be on them. It's a fad, kinda like stonewashed/ tapered jeans, suspension stems, or biopace.

[Paul Swenson]

I think it allows people to stay in a comfort zone without getting to much flak from buddies. If you don't want to go fast in a certain section, you can blame it on your gearing. It certainly won't allow for proper cadence/ speed in all of techie sections, otherwise serious (xc & downhill) racers would be on them. It's a fad, kinda like stonewashed/ tapered jeans, suspension stems, or biopace.

I think Travis Brown is riding one and he's pretty serious.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2005/tech/news/aug29/trek_69_er_4.jpg

[noise_is_life]

What "serious" riders use has very little impact on what any of us should or do ride.

Bighit's hangup about singlespeeds is a fad, kinda like stonewashed/ tapered jeans, suspension stems, or biopace.

[stoneage]

I haven't raced a geared or suspended MTB for years. Big Pink (Gunnar) is almost 6 years old and I singled my American out 2-3 years before that. Paul Zeigle won the overall Buck Hill series 10 years ago on a single. Doesn't sound very faddish to me. :)
Most races are pretty much up and down, so picking the right gear is pretty easy. Now the race at Moab would be tough, because of the flat road sections, but it has been done. I think Travis was 4th on a single. CreepyFriendly was 7th overall at Chequamegon on a single and that has a lot of flat fast road. I think they are around for awhile. ;)

[jjrsds]

Just give singlespeed a fair try and you are going to like it. I am still communting to work 5-6 days a week on a SS. Going to work when the weather is cold and nasty makes for a fun ride, I only think about pedaling circles, and have fun.

[RedSquirrel]

Circles baby, it makes you clean and habitual. Better on SS that road? I invested in SS, still don't own a road bike! Ha ha.

I finally completed my SS project, I know enough to B dangerous. Lite and simple. Look out, I'm ready to hurt myself.
:banana:

[steef]

My fun beater SS.

http://www2.bitstream.net/%7Enakroach/image/bikes/khsfull.jpg

No dough all go! I was very impressed at how well this bike went through Wirth.:crazy: You kids with your fat tires and flat, wide bars. :p

The best thing is I have a bunch of 6 speed Deore XT parts waiting for when one of my geared bikes (an '87 Ritchey Ascent) starts to get too much wear and tear.

[shourtt]

If you are looking to try single speed with out giving up full suspension, this guy is selling a full suspension single speed on eBay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7206747939&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

[soupboy]

It's a fad, kinda like stonewashed/ tapered jeans, suspension stems, or biopace.

Kinda like your mom's mullet. :D

Nothing says fad more than a FR/DH bike when you're 10-20hrs from mountains.

[soupboy]

Bighit's hangup about singlespeeds is a fad, kinda like stonewashed/ tapered jeans, suspension stems, or biopace.

That's why I stick strictly with acid washed Girbaud jeans. Those things still sell for a premium in Anoka and Lakeville.

[springbok]

it probably would have. I like SS because there are no problems w/slipping gears and when i had geared bike i always used one gear anyways, and it would often slip out of that gear. I also used to bmx so it was similar to that. but thats just me


I'm with you. I recently switched to a SS because I always used my 3-4 gear from the day I got the bike. All the other 20 gears were wasted on me. Cleaning the chain was a bear.

I think of my SS as an overgrown BMX, good fun, very much the pedal or die mentality, steep hill ahead of you, there's no need to do fancy gear calculus, just stand up and start pedaling. Such a pure model of cycling. I love it!

The following thread answers the SS movement very nicely, a great read for all http://www.trianglemtb.com/pages/passion/whySS.html

PS. This is my first post - Cheers to everyone here and the MN cycling community, everyone's been very kind!

[waitabit]

I'm with you. I recently switched to a SS because I always used my 3-4 gear from the day I got the bike. All the other 20 gears were wasted on me. Cleaning the chain was a bear.

I think of my SS as an overgrown BMX, good fun, very much the pedal or die mentality, steep hill ahead of you, there's no need to do fancy gear calculus, just stand up and start pedaling. Such a pure model of cycling. I love it!

The following thread answers the SS movement very nicely, a great read for all http://www.trianglemtb.com/pages/passion/whySS.html

PS. This is my first post - Cheers to everyone here and the MN cycling community, everyone's been very kind!Welcome to MORC Sam.

[manual63]

I think of my SS as an overgrown BMX, good fun, very much the pedal or die mentality, steep hill ahead of you, there's no need to do fancy gear calculus, just stand up and start pedaling. Such a pure model of cycling. I love it!


I would have to say, I agree with this entirely.....:cool:

[Trevize1138]

I would have to say, I agree with this entirely.....:cool:

I disagree. Single speed bikes are as stupid as the stupid idiots who ride 'em.

[gopherhockey]

Holy thread resurrection... ;)

[steef]

What "serious" riders use has very little impact on what any of us should or do ride.

Bighit's hangup about singlespeeds is a fad, kinda like stonewashed/ tapered jeans, suspension stems, or biopace.

I just took some biopace out for a 11o mile loaded tour. :crazy:

Good stuff Maynard.

[Paul Swenson]

I just took some biopace out for a 11o mile loaded tour. :crazy:

Good stuff Maynard.

Bobby Julich won a bronze metal using revised and rebranded Biopace.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2005/tech/probikes/julich_csc_cervelo/dsc00678.jpg

[stoneage]

They are back in fashion again. It must be 20 years. I had BP rings on my Team Miyata in '89.
As for the SS debate:
SS truth (http://71.193.93.160/~williamoreilly/stoopid.png)

[FarmerBEN]

I just got my dirt cheap Motobecane ss, and abolutely love the feeling, it is harder yet so much more pure and simplistic. If you want to go faster you pedal faster, when you come to a hill pedal harder, never that constant should I shift now oh crap I should've shifted earlier what is that nasty sounding noise my deraillure is making.

[springbok]

I disagree. Single speed bikes are as stupid as the stupid idiots who ride 'em.


very ouch!

[manual63]

very ouch!

Not really, he rides a singlespeed himself........:cool:

[steef]

In other words, takes one to know one.