It's lighter. It's cheaper. Less friction from not having your chain go through derailleurs makes the bike a little faster. It takes less mental energy not having to constantly monitor what gear you are in and what gear you need to be in. Some people find this is a more "pure" mountain biking experience and let's you have more fun. Plus you get to join "the club", the elite few crazy enough to climb a mountain with only one gear These are the reasons I've gleaned from other people's posts... I haven't taken the plunge yet myself, but I'm keeping an eye open for a Large Niner One9 or Sir9 to make a go of it.
Just ask the next guy on an SS as he passes you on an uphill! not for the faint of heart. much respect for the mashers! (I still have all my gears 8-[)
In my honest opinion there are none. I consider myself a cross country rider and enjoy climbing for the purpose of having fun going goind down hill. I had a hardtail 29er SS and enjoyed the climbing, but absolutely hated going downhill on a hardtail. I had to sell the SS. If you really want to know what a SS is like limit yourself to one gear in your middle ring and then think most SS are hard tails. I can keep up with most people on SS on the climbs but I guarantee I have more fun when going down.
been riding mine for 2 weeks now and plan on doing the CC on it. Trust me, your 2nd sentence pops into my head every ride. As for the first part, weight savings! oh yeah, they supposedly make you a strong rider too
Why do I single speed? Good question without an easy answer. 1. I just love it. Don't know why, just do. 2. I hate the rattle and clanking sound of a geared bike as it goes down the trial. On the SS things are just quiet and smooth. 3. Low maintenance - just lube the chain and hit the trial 4. Ease of use - just riding, no thinking 5. Builds up your legs and climbing ability 6. I just LOVE it :beer:
Wow! That sounds great, but I think I need to build my legs and my lungs before I drop the derailers. And by THINK, I mean KNOW.
Some bikes just aren't for everyone. SS is one of those bikes. I enjoy it because it is a very different experience. I wouldn't say "purer" but I would say "simpler." Example: on rainy days I ride the SS. There's less to get dirty and rusty. Also, on the SS I carry fewer tools. With the geared bike I have to wear a Camelbak. On the SS I have a little under-the-saddle bag and a h2o-bottle-cage. Even though I love the SS, I call BS on the "you don't have to think about what gear to be in" thing. Cause ALL THE TIME I'm thinking about how much momentum to carry into the next climb. I wouldn't get a SS unless you are in pretty good shape already. You also have to like a challenge.
See what I mean? you know you want one now. Deutscher singlespeed meister = German singlespeed master
When climbs become too easy, SS is the natural progression. We are naturally lazy and take the easy way out. Limit yourself and you learn to adapt and overcome.
If your not ready for a SS, maybe a 1x9 is a good first step. That way you can still have some gears, just not the big and small rings. It's still a challenge and a good first step on our way to a SS. I have a 1x8 that I take out if the ride I'm doing is really hilly or I don't feel like suffering as much.
Destroys your knees. Run a 32-18/20 and you will save them. Dont push a 34-16 or something crazy like Gene does. I run a 42-16 on my DJ and by the end of a ride I feel it.
You forgot: 7. Gives you an excuse for going faster than your friends. "But I don't have a lower gear!"
Only with a singlespeed can you do sweet events like the London Fixed Gear - Single Speed Winter Dress Club Run Tweed Run! Reason enough...
