First rule of singlespeed, eventually everyone walks
Yeah, and by that time, the geared riders are riding the same speed as you are walking.
I don't ride singlespeed just now, because the bottom bracket collapsed on mine last night. 🤬
I was purely single speed until a few months ago, had been for 13 years, and then my right knee exploded. (Well, I fell off a ladder and my right knee exploded, but before that I’d been struggling with long Covid fatigue symptoms).
Because I’ve got a Stooge I can go back to the SS pure life just as soon as I can ride again. I can’t walk at the moment, so riding is out of the question. I’ve also got the fixie attention whore round town bike.
First rule of singlespeed, eventually everyone walks
Yeah, and walking uphill makes me feel like a downhiller again rather than the XCer I really always was.
Sadly neglected, I keep getting put off riding it because of 'injuries' but I don't actually believe riding singlespeed is any worse for injuries, it just seems more daunting.
I have a new chain to fit to it so that's reason enough to dust it off and get out on it again.
First rule of singlespeed, eventually everyone walks
I thought it was tell everyone you ride singlespeed at every possibility but particularly at the top of a climb while you are on your hands and knees trying not to die?
I shall adjust my behavious thusly
this is timely 😀
https://www.mtbr.com/threads/define-singlespeed-deep-thoughts-by-jack-handy.1200005/
I thought it was tell everyone you ride singlespeed at every possibility but particularly at the top of a climb while you are on your hands and knees trying not to die?
That's not a rule as such, it's a FACT! 😎
Thanks all - some good looking bikes too. I just like the simplicity of it all. Think I'll get the CX bike up for sale...
Of all the MTBs I've had, my 1FG was ridden the most.
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/28/42784599_23a241ebd4.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/28/42784599_23a241ebd4.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/4Mhnv ]Singlespeed heaven[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/brf/ ]Ben Freeman[/url], on Flickr
I thought it was tell everyone you ride singlespeed at every possibility but particularly at the top of a climb while you are on your hands and knees trying not to die?
I read somewhere (probs on here) that it's the done thing for SSers to casually offer a bag of Jelly Babies round at the top of a climb to their geary companions while trying to not to look like they're about to cough a lung up 🤣
<wheeze> Jelly baby? </wheeze>
LOL @p7eaven i still have a frame forks and headset of a raleigh apex in my parents loft where i transfered the parts to a orange p7!
Of all the MTBs I’ve had, my 1FG was ridden the most.
That would an amazing bike as an updated 29er.
That’s not a rule as such, it’s a FACT!
You make SS riders sound like vegans
@goby lol. PS if it’s near 19” and ever needs a new home I might know a buyer/sanctuary 😋 😗
@footflaps I wish I’d never seen that. Actually, it’s OK, think may be cured of my F-phase/obsession. Maybe 😶. If I’d known before that they’d done an SS version then I’d have hunted one down and made it mine. Must weigh virtually nothing?
I've done some digging.
My first SS
And my last.
That’s not a rule as such, it’s a FACT!
You make SS riders sound like vegans
TBF, there's probably a large overlap on that Venn diagram. 😁
I'm just having a look at that MTBR thread posted up there ☝. This is a particular highlight so far.
i rode with a guy in moab the early 90's. factory team wrench. strong AF, and also pretty salty.
he had 8 cogs, a rear der, shifter, etc...
but all 8 cogs were the same exact 17t.
he'd shift like crazy, all the time, while putting the wood to the group.
it was awesome.
@footflaps I wish I’d never seen that. Actually, it’s OK, think may be cured of my F-phase/obsession. Maybe 😶. If I’d known before that they’d done an SS version then I’d have hunted one down and made it mine. Must weigh virtually nothing?
It was very light and great fun, sadly the Cannondale curse struck and the frame cracked (only notcied after I sold it on STW - obvs I refunded the buyer etc).
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49168190162_a69789e8ab.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49168190162_a69789e8ab.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hUPPWA ]Cracked chain stay on Cannondale 1FG frame[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/brf/ ]Ben Freeman[/url], on Flickr
Headshoks were a bit of a PITA to service IIRC, very few places would touch them. Was a nice design though.
I only sold the frame as I bought a Ragley Ti frame 2nd hand on STW and SS'ed that.
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/7242/7310383800_5f0f73d67e.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/7242/7310383800_5f0f73d67e.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/c8ZCq1 ]Ragley Ti Single Speed[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/brf/ ]Ben Freeman[/url], on Flickr
Wasn't as good as the 1FG though.....
My single speed Charge Cooker. I ride a fixed gear Pompino daily and on club rides.
i rode with a guy in moab the early 90's. factory team wrench. strong AF, and also pretty salty.
he had 8 cogs, a rear der, shifter, etc...
but all 8 cogs were the same exact 17t.
I like this guy already.
@oddnumber, my Charge is the same but it’s chrome frame and forks, like an 80’s BMX. Lovely Pompino, I used to commute on a fixed wheel many years ago, not ridden fixed for years, might have to build something up.
Is yours a 29er @sandboy ? That's what I was originally looking for then this appeared.
The Pompino is my favourite bike. It's so versatile and will do pretty much anything. I'm currently desperately trying to find another that I can leave set up permanently for off road stuff. There was talk of a new Pompino being released but I guess Covid put paid to it :-/
Absolutely, though only in winter generally. Salsa El Mariachi with a few mods - old XTR cranks and eBAY Chinese carbon fork.
^that cooker - perfect lines
@el_boufador how did you do this on your solarismax? Curious to convert mine for an experiment in punishment but as it's not a ss specific frame just wondering what your setup is? Some kind of tensioner? I'm completely ss clueless btw...
As I won't be in Wales with the usual suspects, this weekend, I will be riding mine locally...
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/7292/15848368453_80b27a0543_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/7292/15848368453_80b27a0543_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/q9t2MX ]Altitude 00 single speed[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/28726644@N02/ ]belugabob[/url], on Flickr
Built up my Kona A a good few years ago; dig back through the forum for the history and trials and tribulations of installing a Gates belt drive. I've done big rides in the Peaks, Hamsterley, local rides in the North Pennines on it. These days it gets brought out on fine summer evenings, annual trips to Thetford and the like.
I nearly sold it a few years ago in reponse to a wanted ad on here, but wife pointed out that I put a lot of effort into it, so she woudn't allow it. I didn't know she'd noticed....
I bloody love it.
[img] 
[/img]
Yes, the photo is the wrong side (especially to show off the belt), the wheels are too small, the reach too short and the saddle is too low (dropped it to get rad in a bombhole IIRC)
Another stooge owner here (mk4). Also run a genesis longitude mk1 with 29x3 front and rear in SS form with jones bars (though looking at the Koga Denhams if I can get hold of a pair)
Finally at this time of year the Genesis Vagabond gets the SS treatment whenever the marathon ice spikes need an outing.
Prior to those it was an Avanti Kiss that did SS duties.
@rstephenson something like the surly singleator is ideal for that sort of conversion.
I’ve had a few SS bikes over the years. Too old now though, I like gears and an FS frame too much! Here are a few of mine from over the years. The Dekerf was my favourite out of all.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51846850497_c780e2de86_b.jp g" target="_blank">
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51846850497_c780e2de86_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2mZwEkt ]Dekerf ST[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/98264561@N03/ ]A A[/url], on Flickr" alt="Dekerf" />
That little yellow Singular Rooster is awfully pretty. Would love one of those. I should avoid this forum, I bought a bike yesterday.
Me!
This is my hormetic stressor. Sadly, no lovely clean SS lines. Winter garb and a Lauf fork are very practical, but not bonny!
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51848621565_3dd2a4bb21_5k.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51848621565_3dd2a4bb21_5k.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
Still single speeding, started about 2003 and never stopped though always had geared bikes too. Just love the simplicity and the ride quality of the lighter wheel weights.
Anyway, finally lived the dream of getting something bespoke made this year:
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51333780703_fd58fa531a_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51333780703_fd58fa531a_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2mdc3yx ]BLE[/url] on Flickr
@oddnumber, yes, mine is a 29er. It’s my go to bike for local riding all year round.
@IA very nice. How is the chain tensioned on that? Is it a special dropout?
Answered my own question by looking at the Starling site.. very neat
A stinking cold arrived, this weekend, so no riding for me - not even on the turbo 🙁
I have to say the whole SS thing has passed me by - it seems like a way to make things unnecessarily difficult for yourself. I live in a reasonably flat part of the country but there are still plenty of ups and downs, I change gears all the time.
Why would I deprive myself of this? What am I missing?
To be fair, flat is the most annoying terrain on a SS. Hills, you just ride them quickly or pedal harder. Keeps you fit.
Downhill, you learn to coast and carry speed more.
Flat, if you’re going a decent distance or with geared people is a pain, holding very high RPM hurts a lot more than winching up most hill!
SS makes things _simple_ not difficult. Sounds silly, but there’s less mental load. You just pedal. The bike is quieter, the lighter rear wheel improves handling. The inability to just click to an easier gear to get going, or higher gear to crank faster means you have to carry speed more, be smoother, “flow” more. I find it a “purer” experience. It’s also most of the time not the disadvantage you’d think it’d be vs. gears.
There are some maintenance and reliability advantages too, but this is why I have a SS commuter not the MTB. Though there’s a lot to be said for SS on muddy winter night rides.
Hell YEAH! Been doing it off and on for 12 years or so. Pretty much weekly for the last 4 years. This is my latest, Ragkey BigWig gone SS.
My latest. Seriously light (7.5kg) and built up a while ago. Son1 didn’t take to track so I’ve recycled it. The fork is a replacement for the standard Alpina and it saved half a kilo. It’s a 54 and I’m a 56 so plenty of spacers and a decent 120mm stem. It’s also running fixed 3:1 48:16 which is a challenge with my current fitness! The Kona paddy Wagon runs 42/15 for an easier ride. Geometry is 73 degree parallel for both.
The keen eyes will notice that it has only one brake and a stoker nub for the other hand. A change of fork/bars/brake and seat post/saddle and it becomes a TT bike in a matter of minutes. Oh for a fixed wheel disk!
I also have two fixed wheel folding bikes, a track bike and of course a SS Genesis io.
I do have geared bikes as well 😂
I do.
Still riding my on one from 2006? nothing comes close for the amount of fun
What is that^ and where do i get one?
it seems like a way to make things unnecessarily difficult for yourself.
IA’s response mostly covered it (IME)
I like the light + sturdy non-nonsense simple/pure feel of the singlespeed bike. And I like walking/pushing when have reached my pedal-limit. And being properly out of breath like a kid pedalling my first bike (it was a singlespeed).
At first you ride in fits and starts. Go to limit - catch breath - go to limit. Then the re-learning to ride begins to happen.
And the swinging/hanging like an ape from the bars on climbs, while gurning. You become more aware of your arms and torso so it becomes something like a meditative full-body workout on extended rides.
I live in rolling hilly country. ymmv
Most of all because I find it fun. Making things necessarily difficult for myself. Like swimming. I could hardly swim ten years ago. So going from zero to putting in 45 mins a day at the pool made things ‘necessarily difficult’ for my gasping self. Of course, I could have grabbed a float and flippers…
Old Cotic Soda converted to SS about a year ago. Ride it 2 or 3 times a week during winter. Still love it.
Downhill, you learn to coast and carry speed more.
This, it really teaches you how to conserve energy. I commute on a single speed and everytime someone overtakes me, they get caught at the next junction / corner as they don't carry any momentum. It's really interesting as it just shows how little people think about how they ride even when trying to go fast and drop someone.
It's all I do.
Rigid, too. Can't be doing with all the maintenance and costs of gears and suspensions.
I don't have the time for MTB away-days any more, so have to stick local. Gears might come in handy sometimes, but if it all gets too much I get off and push. No shame in pushing and I don't care what people think 🙂
Plus, there's nothing round here I need suspension for.
I miss riding SS. I used to commute on the road SS (16 miles each way) and also ride MTB local to where I used to live
It's hillier where I am now and I'm often in a group. Need to get fitter/stronger before taking on SS again but I really did enjoy it
Need to get fitter/stronger
See, you know what will sort that? Riding a SS 😉
Kilauea is set up SS. Swift can be, has been, and maybe should be again (but like it geared too, dilemmas).
They are useless on steep wet grassy slopes, too much torque. That's why I gave up.
They are useless on steep wet grassy slopes, too much torque. That’s why I gave up.
This is why walking/pushing the last 400ft is fun
(with the best flat pedal shoes)
Need to get fitter/stronger
See, you know what will sort that? Riding a SS
The eternal paradox
@joshvegas having done a quick search I assume that this is @martinhandley's bike: https://groovycycleworks.blogspot.com/2012/08/martins-ti-belt-drive-650b.html
Very, very nice!
I’ve still got mine, out in the shed. Haven’t ridden it for years, but I can’t bring myself to sell it. I keep telling myself to get it back up and running, which basically means bleeding the brakes and cleaning out the tyres and rims and mixing up a batch of sealant, then get some soft knee pads, possibly D3O ones. I want them to give decent protection without putting any pressure on my knee when pedalling, or aggravating the osteoarthritis in my knee.
Lovely little bike, someone posted up a repainted one a few pages back, On-One 853 SS, with carbon forks and bars, SDG I-Beam saddle and post, Hope hubs and 4-pot callipers with Mavic tubeless rims and Bontrager cranks. 19lb, IIRC.
Yes, and I can't see that changing. But I'm 46 now, so the law of Sheldon permits me to use gears on bikes as well now...
My current stable has 1 dedicated singlespeed, 1 fixed-gear MTB, 1 fixed-gear CX, 1 geared CX (aka "Gravel") and 1 geared rigid MTB. Plus one road bike for commuting/utility rides which is a big fixed-gear. Oh, and a singlespeed pub bike with such a terrible chainline that I can't tackle any sort of gradient on it, but whatever.
The singlespeed is still my "best bike". A Cotic Simple bought used from the Classifieds here. I love it for direct fast chuckable "BMX" handling using a shorter fork than Cy likes. I love it for adventure rides including mega portage in the Lakes etc, or for bike-packing. I love it for XC routes at trail centres which have become more BMX-oriented in recent years. I love it for being ultra-reliable. I'd be looking at something custom or boutique when I kill that frame, or when I can't find decent 26" tyres any more.
I love it for adventure rides including mega portage in the Lakes etc, or for bike-packing
How does single-speeding work out for you when carrying much stuff?
I thought twice about singlespeeding my 29er, but it’s remit includes bikepacking. I assumed extra weight = yet more walking/pushing. Unless you have the lungs of an Olympic swimming team and stainless-steel knees protected by vast vastus?
(Although since buying a Yak-type trailer this question may be moot)
Yes, I still do ride my singlespeed regularly, but no so much than a few years ago. Me became a bit lazy. 🙂
Current Unit:
First Unit that started it all:
Of course I too had an Inbred. Loved that bike, regreted to let it go.
(I hope the pics work... :/ )
