Getting cheesed off with SS...

[cchris2lou]

one good tip with the Surly tensioner is to use a cheap Shimano jockey wheel ( froma lower end groupset ) instead of the one supplied . it allows better adjustment of chain line .

 

[Andy R]

32 x 18 for me, normal chain and a tensioner.

Whacked it all together on Saturday PM and rode it without a single problem on Sunday for 2 1/2 hours.

Simple.

32x18! :shock:

I've run 34x16 on my singles for over ten years. Maybe this is why I have a bad back.

I prefer to spin the gear rather than push it. Saves my knees.

Well, I've just got back from a two hour ride on my usual 32:20 gearing and, apart from the first couple of miles out of 18, there wasn't much spinning....
Plenty of long out-of-the-saddle climbs though, for a total altitude gain of 1,800 feet.
Here's the Hummingbird at the highest point (1335ft) before dropping into the valley to climb out again :roll:

I find 32:20 fine around here - I can push it along at 15-16mph on the level, which is fine for the little bit of flat going that I ride on.

 

[velomaniac]

At last some one with lower gearing than me

Mind you my area is hilly not mountainous

 

[Andy R]

At last some one with lower gearing than me

Mind you my area is hilly not mountainous

I'll probably change to 32:19 when (if?) it ever dries up a little.
Although, having said that, today was a beautiful day for a ride.

To get back on topic, I never get cheesed off with riding a single speed - ok, you're rarely in the "right" gear but it always makes me come home with an ear-to-ear grin.
I don't know why but it's more fun than an old fart like me deserves

And I'm totally in love with that Hummingbird.....

 

[mikee]

i used to run 32/18
but i got a nice new TA 34t so had to fit that
but want a 19 or 20t rear
it is quite hilly round here tho

do ride s/s more than geared and have done for a few years
just a better way to travel the trails i ride

if you do give up and fit gears ,scratch about for an old dump frame
and build a s/s out of that ,i often find that building one from scrap
is the best way in ,seen a lot of folk build/buy an expensive s/s and
find its not the wonderful thing they think it should be ,and sell it on without
giving it a good go
this is my built from scrap one ,then i spent money on it on better stuff
wheels stem crank seatpost and hope stuff (the one at the back)
then i've got enough bits to build another one

mike

 

[saltyman]

im running 34/17 on the moots........cannondale was 39/21 more easy on the flats.

 

[JamesM]

I find 32:18 just right for me as its all hills around here (Mendips). I also rode The Wall at Afan and my SS lap of the twentyfour12 on that gear without too much bother (for bother read pushing )!!!

 

[kaiser]

An important part of single speeding is when the going gets tough you get off and walk have a chat, take in the view, pack your pipe for a puff, shake your head at the technocrat gear junkies grinding away at 0.5mph.

 

[mikee]

a much forgotten point there made well by the chief

 

[hamster]

And the bike is so light you can always sling it over your shoulder and run with it cyclo-cross style