A question for all of you SS people......

[Abui]

Originally Posted by kdog4130

Thenk you to everyone for all of your thoughts and advice regarding this issue. The only other hangup, is how ss'ing affects your knees. Mine are in good health, however that can always go south pretty quick.

It's not SS'ing that hurts knees. It's applying force in a position that is unnatural that hurts yours knees. I always try to apply maximum force in a position that mimics walking, pushing down hard but never pulling up hard. I'll spin in circles but never go hard in circles. Probably the worse position to try hard is to pull the crank over the apex of the arc while sitting.

(If Nature wanted us to pull up hard we've have been born with talons instead of toes)

You can mess up your knees on a geared bike too when cranking hard in circles, it just happens less because people gear down and lessen the force on the knees.

I don't lock out the fork when climbing standing. I like a little bit of squish to lessen the impulse to the knees at the start of the stroke.

(In 2006 I SS'd the VQ. In 2007 I averaged 4000' per day climbing.)

[Zippy]

In my experience, knee pain only pops up when your bike fit is wrong. For me, my cranks were too long, other causes are a seat that's too low and improper cleat placement if you have clipless pedals. D

If your bike "fits" properly, you shouldn't have knee problems.

[queenwilhelmina]

It always depends on your gearing. I'm running 32-19 right now and it's PERFECT. I can't clean EVERY hill, but I can take it most places now and be riding the bike more than walking it.

32-20 (on a 26'er) is usually a good starting point. That's what Jason is running and he is kickin' ass with that gear. I tried 32-18 and it was a little too tough, so 32-19 was the sweet spot for me.

It's fun, challenging, simple, and let's see, ummm, it's just awesome. It even makes you cooler.

[Upchuck]

Originally Posted by queenwilhelmina

It always depends on your gearing. I'm running 32-19 right now and it's PERFECT. I can't clean EVERY hill, but I can take it most places now and be riding the bike more than walking it.

32-20 (on a 26'er) is usually a good starting point. That's what Jason is running and he is kickin' ass with that gear. I tried 32-18 and it was a little too tough, so 32-19 was the sweet spot for me.

It's fun, challenging, simple, and let's see, ummm, it's just awesome. It even makes you cooler.

I agree with you 100% on the gearing. 32x20 allows me to ride pretty much anywhere and for about as long as I care to.
32x18 is tough but can be done. I just know I'm going to be a lung-er on some of the climbs.
32x19 is a great balance between speed on the flats and the climbs.

[bvader]

Small suggestion, if you are going to do it jump in now. I started in the dead heat of summer, and although I was hooked from day one, riding it a few times before it really heats up would probably be a good idea.

[richie_rich]

Just converted my HT last week, and didn't have any problems riding anything that I was riding on my geared bike...and that is just about everything

Like most of the people I went with a 32x20 and it sucks on the road/flats, but works really well for me climbing in and out of the saddle (Aliso, Oaks, Beeks/Sierra Peak). I might try a 19t, but I am having a blast so why fix it if it ain't broke right?

The thread for my post...

[DISCO]

Reminds me of BMX the tricky part is getting the length of the chain just right, If they always add up to an odd number like Willie's usually it fits great. But damn Kenny is that carbon 9.5 cruise missile not enough for you?

[kdog4130]

Originally Posted by DISCO

Reminds me of BMX the tricky part is getting the length of the chain just right, If they always add up to an odd number like Willie's usually it fits great. But damn Kenny is that carbon 9.5 cruise missile not enough for you?

It's a bit too much. I'm not worthy.

[el_d00der1n0]

Originally Posted by kdog4130

Thenk you to everyone for all of your thoughts and advice regarding this issue. The only other hangup, is how ss'ing affects your knees. Mine are in good health, however that can always go south pretty quick.

heard about the knee issues, but mine have hated running and don't have any problems ss'ing so far.

i have to agree with the above that most of the hurt is psychological. just push and pull -- you'll get there.

[singleminded]

hmmmmm...... no comment

[WarPony]

You'll probably feel like you're going to have a heart attack your first time out on an SS (depending on what you climb). I felt like I was going to die but it only gets better from there. I love my SS (rigid 29er, geared 34:21) and can clear pretty much everything on it that I can on my geared full-sus. It's hard work, but all my singlespeeds have made me a far better rider. My best advice is to make sure you're set up right on the bike to avoid knee problems and such and gear appropriately (32:20 for a 26"is a good starting place around these parts). Whatever you do enjoy it.

[kdog4130]

Well, I took some of your advice and locked my 69er 3x9 into a gear I found to be comfy, and rode the loop...(baby steps) I suprised myself! There's a whole new world for the taking, when your'e not shifting! A couple of dabs going uphill, and half a dozen lung busting coughs later I was done!


I truely respect all of you ss'ers, and I think I "get it" Thank you everyone for the insight.

[dutch]

hey ken you can borrow my fixed gear if you really wanna try riding a harsh gear. I took it up newport coast drive the other week and it felt like doing really heavy leg presses nonstop for about 10-15 minutes.

or you could just come ride with me on wednesday, its been way too long.

[integradriv3r]

Haven't ridden single speed yet but as we speak my bike sits outside in my back yard with cog, spacer kit, and singleator on the bike. I somehow got dirt particles in my rear hub so I'm going to see if someone can help me clean and regrease it before I put the chain on. So words of advice if you don't know exactly what you're doing have someone help ya out.

[Evil Chocula]

Originally Posted by kdog4130

That's like telling an alcaholic to keep a few beers in his fridge, to remind him he's better off without them! Plus this is much nicer....

I just started SSing a few months ago. It hurts, I puked on a group ride a few weeks ago, but I'm starting to turn the corner, and now I'm ussaully second or third from the front of my group rides.

FYI: I demoed that 69er at Ray's over the winter, and I really did not like it.

[DISCO]

Much like puke, the 69er is an acquired taste .

[onlyontwo]

You will love it, just jump on in. I started SSing back in Indiana a little over a year ago. I got hooked there and when we moved out here in Aug. my SS was the only bike I had. I was running 32:18 on a 29er at first, but that was destroying my bad knee. Now I run 32:21 and love it.

Give it a go...it is an awesome feeling to clean stuff that you can't on your geared bike

Cheers, Andy

[el_d00der1n0]

what are you guys doing to destroy your knees???

ec: do you really puke, or is that an expression???

[northshore]

Originally Posted by el_d00der1n0

heard about the knee issues, but mine have hated running and don't have any problems ss'ing so far.

i have to agree with the above that most of the hurt is psychological. just push and pull -- you'll get there.

+1 also there isn't much talk about breathing technique. This helped a ton while doing SS. Monitor your heart rate as well!

[Evil Chocula]

Originally Posted by el_d00der1n0

what are you guys doing to destroy your knees???

ec: do you really puke, or is that an expression???

Yes. I really puked. In fact, I've almost puked just about every time I ride with these guys, but last time I just let it out. I think these dudes think I'm hardcorp since I'm coming from So Cal and ride a single speed, so I've been trying to maintain appearances.

Just switched to 32:20 from 32:16.... so maybe I won't hurl this Wednesday!