Singlespeeds. I just don't get it!

[orange71]

I singlespeed most of the time mainly because

- the bike doesn't need to be maintained so much (cleaned or serviced)
- I can enjoy the scenery more because I'm not worrying about/fiddling with/changing gears - point and shoot

That's it really, no other particular reasons. Very rarely is the terrain an issue where I ride (rolling countryside).

I don't do fixed though.

 

[MikeC]

They just feel like big bmx's to me

That's why they are fun.

I don't ride mine often but when I do I love how it makes me feel like a hooligan again.

 

[IDB1]

Never got on with gears (mainly the 3 up front) and always wanted a BMX...

Simple. Me, that is.

Interesting that you go from

What gives?

OK you are shedding up to a couple of kilos but is that really compensation for the lack of efficiency and flexibility?

To

I am planning on SSing something

In just over an hour

 

[highlandsflyer]

Riding something inefficient would make you fit just as much as something efficient.

Track cycling is not really a suitable translation of the argument as it is a limited field.

They are bespoke machines, made for a singular purpose.

Generally due to the issue of cadence, all round cycling is most efficient on a geared bike.

 

[MikeD]

which is why track cyclists are incredibly unfit?

This is that "sarcasm" thing I read about, isn't it? You'll have to elaborate on how the fitness or unfitness of track cyclists (which varies about as much as any other group - they're not all Chris Hoy ;-) ) has anything to do with the overall efficiency of a fixed-gear bike outside in the real world. A velodrome is an excellent example of unchanging terrain - it's essentially flat in the direction of travel. Also, track riders will use different gears on different tracks. Also also, there'd be utter carnage if freewheels and brakes were used

 

[Andy R]

Lol, why not get off that fence?

I might do, but there again I might not......

 

[IDB1]

Butt splinters. . . . nasty. . .

 

[MikeC]

Fitness shmitness, ride it cos it's fun.

 

[highlandsflyer]

Never got on with gears (mainly the 3 up front) and always wanted a BMX...

Simple. Me, that is.

Interesting that you go from

What gives?

OK you are shedding up to a couple of kilos but is that really compensation for the lack of efficiency and flexibility?

To

I am planning on SSing something

In just over an hour

Na, I have been planning it for a while, which is why I was looking at what people were riding this week, and was stunned by just how many were on SSs, and posing around with them.

When I decided to get my G Wagen I also had a similar revelation about how many were knocking about in great nick.

I am building one as my pub bike, I won't be doing general riding on it.

These people are obviously using them for general riding, and I just don't get that at all.

Still don't, even with all I have read here.

Fixies for general use I will NEVER get!

 

[IDB1]

Why plan to do something which you don't get and that you consider inefficient and inflexible??

Can't see me ever doing the fixie thing either.. hell no..