Riding Single speed

[The Groke]

you save a load of weight by getting rid of the derailleurs,

Unless you are cycling competitively, I fail to see how this one is in any way significant TBH. You could achieve the same weight loss by having a decent poo before getting on your bike.

the chain works more efficiently, you don't have the chain coming off, and there is practically zero maintenance. None of that clanking either

These points are certainly more sensible and I wouldn't argue with them.



My point still stands though, which is for most people the sacrifice to flexibility probably doesn't stack up against the "added value" of the plus points to a fixed ratio bike.

 

[gentlegreen]

I'm guessing going up hills in very high ratios necessitates standing up on the pedals ?

Is it because I never have bikes that properly fit, or my vast bulk that explains why I have never found myself doing that- whether on a road bike or a MTB ?

 

[Part 2]

I've got a fixie that I love riding to work. I'm shit with gears and brakes so having little in the way of maintenance suits me.

My ride to work is fairly flat but if I needed a few more gears I'd get a Sturmey Archer hub for the rear.

3 gears is as much as most people need and 3 speed is big in New York so won't be long before the fashionistas are all over it.

 

[gentlegreen]

If only you could get a 3 speed hub gear that covered the same range as a 28/38/48 - 14-28 derailleur setup ...

(gear ratios expressed as ratio x circumference in inches)

 

[Johnny Canuck3]

I'm guessing going up hills in very high ratios necessitates standing up on the pedals ?

Is it because I never have bikes that properly fit, or my vast bulk that explains why I have never found myself doing that- whether on a road bike or a MTB ?

Maybe it's because you're a good rider. You shouldn't be getting up off the saddle.

 

[Crispy]

I can see the attraction of single speed bikes, but wouldn't want to commute on one. There are so many times I have to depend on rapid acceleration, and I always overtake single speed bikes in those circumstances. TBH I'd be happy with just 3 gears, but 1 is too few.

 

[fredfelt]

A while ago I converted my single speed to a fixed. Now it's running as a single speed again, but every now and again I flip the wheel around for the silky smooth connected ride that only a fixed can give. Either way I enjoy not having to bother about gears.

A problem with fixed that has not been mentioned is that you can't get right into the kerb as the pedal would hit it.