Speaking of porn....

[FishrCutB8]

I thought this was cool:

http://www.ybarrola.com/bike/Redbike.htm

[cward76]

If you don't mind me asking, what is the idea behind single speed? Seems like to me it would be more challangling not being able to switch gears to adjust for grade, is that the idea? Is this just a road bike thing, or do they have have single speed mountain bikes as well?

[Flee]

Originally posted by cward76:
If you don't mind me asking, what is the idea behind single speed? Seems like to me it would be more challangling not being able to switch gears to adjust for grade, is that the idea? Is this just a road bike thing, or do they have have single speed mountain bikes as well?

Single Speeds can be found in all genre of cycling. Including the Fixed Gear SS track bike!

Single speeds are super fun because all you do is concentrait on riding. No gears to consume part of your head. Additionally they are an excellent form of cross training. You will have to utilize much more total body power to ride the same trail. There is also evidence that they improve your riding skills. You learn to attack hills, and technical sections because the SS requires speed to get you up or over things.

I have a converted Geared Specialized HT that I converted into a SS. It has a suspension fork, although many SS MTBr's choose to go rigid. I will post an actual pic of it if you like. In the mean time I will link to a picture of a WORK of ART single speed MTB made by Seven.

Seven SS

OH MY WORD. It's been a long time since I have visited the Seven site. Check out this gem!

[cward76]

Flee

Thanks for the explanation of Single speed. I guess Single Speed will be something I can pick up once I have a good grip on the geared version.

[Kaiser]

Sweet! Thanks Fish.

[canuckguy]

Would you run a fixed or freewheeling rear cog on the road?

[Flee]

Originally posted by canuckguy:
Would you run a fixed or freewheeling rear cog on the road?

Well, to each his own, meaning, run whatever you think you will enjoy.

As for me, SS on the road doesn't appeal to much. Living here in texas, I would spin out very quickly and it would be fairly boring. The only road setup I would run as a SS would be for a cruser bike for chillin around the neighborhood.

The reason the SS is greatness, is because you will have to do intervals on the trail to keep the bike moving. Intervals make you a stronger rider on your geared bike. It's cross training of the best kind, cause it is FUN! Of course SS's have their place. I don't take my SS to trails with TONS of climbing, I'm not strong enough to push the gear. That's why I own a geared Full suspension bike.

By the way - Most SS's are geared at a 2|1 ratio, IE: Front ring is 32t and the free wheel is 16t. For every one revolution of the cranks, thats two revolutions of the wheel.

This is of course, assuming you were asking me in the first place.

Ryan