RR: First time on a SS at LPQ

[SDstumpy]

I demo'd a 18" Vassago Jabberwocky singlespeed today and absolutely loved it. The bike was setup with a lefty fork and 34-20 gearing. Went out with the owner of Pro Built Wheels and a few other guys for our normal LPQ tueday night ride. I normally ride a stumpy fsr so I was waay out of my realm at first. It was a day of many firsts. First time on a SS, first time on a 29er, and first time in a long time on a hardtail. The flat fire road out was a bit brutal, I was spinning like crazy. The bike didn't shine till powerline. I took it easy at first and stayed back in the pack...but once I got used to it I was off like a rocket. The gearing was perfect for powerline because I could still sit and pedal most of it. I quickly caught up to the leader and only other SS rider and decided to see if I had anything left in the tank to pass him. I crept up on him and blew right by him. My first singlespeed climb wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be (granted power line isn't that long or steep). It was a good climb to ease in ss'ing. Next test was the tunnels. I wasn't used to the big wheel at first and found myself staring the wheel rather than the trail ahead. I was trying to guide the bike rather than just picking a line. I was a bit skechy the first time down rocking horse. Also, the bike sits higher than my Stumpy so i felt like I was ducking branches more often. After easing through rocking horse we went through the stream crossings. I started to get comfortable and consequently started having a blast! I couldn't believe how fast the bike was and how smooth the 29er wheels were. The efficiency and smoothness of the pedaling was amazing. No chainslap, no thinking about what gear to be in, just pure concentration on the trail ahead. By the end of the ride I felt like I was just as fast down as I am on my stumpy. Its hard to explain why a SS 29er is so much fun. Maybe its the simplicity, maybe its the lightness, maybe its the rollover ability, or maybe its the feeling you get when passing up a bike with 26 more gears. All I can say is that it was just a joy to ride. I am hooked and do not look forward to riding my stumpy again. I haven't quite saved up enough to buy the ss I want, so it may be a few months before I get to experience it again. I really looking forward to getting a Jabberwocky I can call my own!

[OMR]

Originally Posted by SDstumpy

I demo'd a 18" Vassago Jabberwocky singlespeed today and absolutely loved it. The bike was setup with a lefty fork and 34-20 gearing. Went out with the owner of Pro Built Wheels and a few other guys for our normal LPQ tueday night ride. I normally ride a stumpy fsr so I was waay out of my realm at first. It was a day of many firsts. First time on a SS, first time on a 29er, and first time in a long time on a hardtail. The flat fire road out was a bit brutal, I was spinning like crazy. The bike didn't shine till powerline. I took it easy at first and stayed back in the pack...but once I got used to it I was off like a rocket. The gearing was perfect for powerline because I could still sit and pedal most of it. I quickly caught up to the leader and only other SS rider and decided to see if I had anything left in the tank to pass him. I crept up on him and blew right by him. My first singlespeed climb wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be (granted power line isn't that long or steep). It was a good climb to ease in ss'ing. Next test was the tunnels. I wasn't used to the big wheel at first and found myself staring the wheel rather than the trail ahead. I was trying to guide the bike rather than just picking a line. I was a bit skechy the first time down rocking horse. Also, the bike sits higher than my Stumpy so i felt like I was ducking branches more often. After easing through rocking horse we went through the stream crossings. I started to get comfortable and consequently started having a blast! I couldn't believe how fast the bike was and how smooth the 29er wheels were. The efficiency and smoothness of the pedaling was amazing. No chainslap, no thinking about what gear to be in, just pure concentration on the trail ahead. By the end of the ride I felt like I was just as fast down as I am on my stumpy. Its hard to explain why a SS 29er is so much fun. Maybe its the simplicity, maybe its the lightness, maybe its the rollover ability, or maybe its the feeling you get when passing up a bike with 26 more gears. All I can say is that it was just a joy to ride. I am hooked and do not look forward to riding my stumpy again. I haven't quite saved up enough to buy the ss I want, so it may be a few months before I get to experience it again. I really looking forward to getting a Jabberwocky I can call my own!

The lure of the dark side.... the church of the single gear...you need one... nay, you must have one....

It's happened to the best of us!

[Au575]

That's a great first loop for a 29er SS, most of my quick morning ride. But the "commute" over to powerline can be frustrating with one gear.

Hmm, maybe we should set up an LPQ SS Epic...

[superwow]

So, you're going to have to change your handle/name, then?

SS 29er is very fun. What bike did you have in mind?

[Esqo]

So I guess it's true what they say about Vassago's - they're supposed be good for climbing. Glad to hear you enjoyed your SS experience. I'm surprised you didn't have to get out of the saddle though. I always have to stand and mash going up to powerlines.

[tkblazer]

the jabber is a sweet bike for sure... just take that lefty off, put on a pitchfork and you got a sweet ride

[SDstumpy]

Originally Posted by superwow

So, you're going to have to change your handle/name, then?

SS 29er is very fun. What bike did you have in mind?

I was pretty happy with the jabber, but I'd like to demo another frame to compare.

[92se-r]

How much was it to demo?

[SDstumpy]

Originally Posted by 92se-r

How much was it to demo?

I've been riding with the Pro built wheels owner every tuesday so It only cost me a 12 pack of Pacificos. I'm not sure how much he normally charges but its defnitely up for demo.

[92se-r]

Awesome, I might have to join you guys one of these days. Thanks.