Why singlespeed? (Also see the SS FAQ - Stickied at top of thread list)

[iviguy]

I don't get it. With different cogs and gear ratios it seems like having a 21, 24, or 27 speed would be superior to a singlespeed. So what is the benefit? Is it only weight? I have a bike I could convert but I am having trouble justifying it.

[redfooj]

try it and report back to us

[Casual Observer]

I don't get it. With different cogs and gear ratios it seems like having a 21, 24, or 27 speed would be superior to a singlespeed. So what is the benefit? Is it only weight? I have a bike I could convert but I am having trouble justifying it.

Why not?

[riderx]

Why a bike? Why not just get a motorcycle?

Seriously, this has been discussed to death. The search function is your friend...

[Darkwing Duck]

B'cause.

[ernesto_from_Wisconsin]

I don't get it. With different cogs and gear ratios it seems like having a 21, 24, or 27 speed would be superior to a singlespeed. So what is the benefit? Is it only weight? I have a bike I could convert but I am having trouble justifying it.

Just try it. I never change my 34/16, so I'm ok. Don't fret too much on it.

[screampint]

It's fun.

The only way you will understand is to try it. If it's for you, then great, if not, at least you gave it a shot.

Also, read the singlespeed FAQ.

[*rt*]

I don't get it. With different cogs and gear ratios it seems like having a 21, 24, or 27 speed would be superior to a singlespeed. So what is the benefit? Is it only weight? I have a bike I could convert but I am having trouble justifying it.

because i can.

if you can't justify it maybe it's not for you?

rt

[sportsman]

21, 24, or 27 speed would be superior to a singlespeed. .

and FF repeated just to get the point across..

Don't believe the hype..



Check out your gear ratios, your average 21/24/27 speed probably only has 8-12 gear ratios. the rest are repetitious..

It's not a weight thing, its just a choice. I (and others) choose to believe that the SS is an appropriate bike for whatever trail we want to ride, whenever we want to ride it.

Also, be careful slinging that 'superior' word around here, there are quite a few SSers that are capable of crushing people on geared bikes, in whatever terms you want to decide the contest, speed, hucking, beer drinking..

But the beauty is, you can just do what you want, SS or geared. It doesn't have to be about competition, going fast, going slow. So long as you are riding, all is good

[Lambone]

because its simple...

just you and the pedals.

[neville]

Convert or forever more SS riders will point and laugh behind your back.

[iviguy]

and FF repeated just to get the point across..

Don't believe the hype..



Check out your gear ratios, your average 21/24/27 speed probably only has 8-12 gear ratios. the rest are repetitious..

It's not a weight thing, its just a choice. I (and others) choose to believe that the SS is an appropriate bike for whatever trail we want to ride, whenever we want to ride it.

Also, be careful slinging that 'superior' word around here, there are quite a few SSers that are capable of crushing people on geared bikes, in whatever terms you want to decide the contest, speed, hucking, beer drinking..

But the beauty is, you can just do what you want, SS or geared. It doesn't have to be about competition, going fast, going slow. So long as you are riding, all is good

Wow, I am amazed that out of all the replies one person managed to actually give a decent one. Thanks. I ask because I am curious about the SS phenomenon. It seems very popular but everytime I start going up and hill and have to downshift to get to a useable gear I can't figure out how a singlespeed would be beneficial in that instance. But I am curious about it all.

Granted, I know that there are people on a singlespeed that could crush many of those on geared bikes but that's not really where I was going. Heck there are probably people that could crush me on a tricycle. So what. I ride for the fun of it all. Of course, crushing here and there is fun too...

Thanks for the comment. Funny, I don't seem to get the heckling in the other forums. The singlespeed forum is the first one....

[iviguy]

Convert or forever more SS riders will point and laugh behind your back.

So if they are pointing and laughing "behind" my back then they are "behind" me then right?

[shiggy]

Why are you considering converting to SS?
Read the FAQ.

[sportsman]

Thanks for the comment. Funny, I don't seem to get the heckling in the other forums. The singlespeed forum is the first one....

the heckling is good natured. I'm sure that you'd get the same (or more) heckling from this crowd if you went on rides with its members.

If you want to understand the heckling, just do a search and look at the number of times this (or closely related) question has been asked in this forum. And also notice that SS has a FAQ (upper right) unlike most of the other forums.

that's it..its all good until bulC comes back (I'm not even sure if he posted in SS), and then feelings get hurt but useful info is disseminated and I laugh a lot

scott

[shiggy]

This reason is my current favorite:

By Objectionable Material

"As a white male in America, I have a genetic disposition to serious self loathing. I deserve nothing but pain and suffering. My rigid single speed dolls it out in large quantities. What's better is that the pain and suffering is completely self inflicted."

[shiggy]

...that's it..its all good until bulC comes back (I'm not even sure if he posted in SS), and then feelings get hurt but useful info is disseminated and I laugh a lot

scott

He has posted here. He will probably show up again with a different user name. He has done that before.

[beerman]

I ve been riding exclusively on a SS for about a year now. I started racing one last year. The truth is I am faster and more efficient on a SS.

This may not be the case for everyone but it works for me.

beerman

[iviguy]

because its simple...

just you and the pedals.

and the shoes
and the shorts
and the brakes
and the camelbak
and the other riders laughing at me as they pass going up hill...

I am sure it's probably fun. Just don't know if it is worth it to me or not. Although having a 20lb bike would be cool.

[Lambone]

Wow, I am amazed that out of all the replies one person managed to actually give a decent one.....

so who was it that gave the decent reply?

you have to understand that people just get sick of this question in the singlespeed forum, it comes up about once a week, and the same points are hashed out.

SS is not for everybody. But on the right bike in the right terrain its a hell of alot of fun. If you do alot of climbing it can be brutal lungbusting misery, on nice rolly curvy terrain it is a blast.

It's hard to explain really, but you just have to work with the bike more...rather then changing the bike to work with you by shifting gears. The lighterweight and less component noise is a benefit, but for me I just love having to strategize my pedal stroke rather then when I shift gears.

I also ride a geared squishy bike too...it just depends on the trail, the day, and my mood.

give it a try. I jumped in feet first and bought a Kona Unit before even trying SS. Risky but it turned out great as I spend probly half my time on it. If you aren't ready to throw down $, either demo or borrow one, or build up an old beater.

I have some SS disk wheels in the classifieds now by the way.

cheers

[riderx]

He has posted here. He will probably show up again with a different user name. He has done that before.

Has bulC been banned? I hope not. I'm sure I'm in a very small minority, but I like his posts. Sometimes gruff, but generally speaking the truth.

[Go Kart Motzart]

This reason is my current favorite:

By Objectionable Material

"As a white male in America, I have a genetic disposition to serious self loathing. I deserve nothing but pain and suffering. My rigid single speed dolls it out in large quantities. What's better is that the pain and suffering is completely self inflicted."

I agree. That is one of the coolest things I've read here on MTBR in long time.

To the answer the original post. I really like the feel of my rigid singlespeed. When I stand up it goes. For me and the place I ride the most it is faster. You would be amazed how fast you can climb when you don't have a choice (to gear down).

[Hollywood]

I have a bike I could convert but I am having trouble justifying it.

1) you have a bike you can convert
2) you're taking the time to inquire about it on the SS boards
3) Next step in your immediate future: conversion and first ride report!

you know its coming. That's exactly the same process that I went through.

oops, almost forgot Step 4:

neglect/sell your current ride

pull up a chair to the SS bonfire and grab a beer...you're gonna be here a while.

[TrailVictim]

and the shoes
and the shorts
and the brakes
and the camelbak
and the other riders laughing at me as they pass going up hill...

I am sure it's probably fun. Just don't know if it is worth it to me or not. Although having a 20lb bike would be cool.

I don't know about the other riders passing us uphill. By the time you figure out what gear you need to be in, I'll be cranking it over the top with my smelly ass in ur face.

[roadiegonebad]

1) you have a bike you can convert
2) you're taking the time to inquire about it on the SS boards
3) Next step in your immediate future: conversion and first ride report!

you know its coming. That's exactly the same process that I went through.

oops, almost forgot Step 4:

neglect/sell your current ride

pull up a chair to the SS bonfire and grab a beer...you're gonna be here a while.

pull up a chair young man, and let Uncle Hollywood tell you a story...
sh!t man, we all just ss so we can hang here and read HW's stories..