what is the attraction of single speed?

[South Bound]

Interesting argument. I reckon it is the same as SPDs vs flats - they reckon you should learn with flats first and then move onto SPDs - SSing is the same. Maybe we should all learn on a SS and then move onto a geared bike (I suppose as kids most of us do/did). With the SS all I have to worry about are the lines, what's coming up (rather than the gear I should be in), when to brake (and when not to) and the scenery around me. I do not need 27 gears and get myself into trouble with them as often as not. I never quite got granny rings anyway, may as well walk...

 

[Xesh]

But how much weight do you actually save?

Surely it's a couple of chainrings, a cassette, front and rear mechs (but then you add the tensioner) and the shifters - does that lot really make a dramatic difference?

When you add that lot up you're talking around a pound, or more, depending upon the quality of the components. I've run a SS before without a chain tensioner. If you get the right combination of chainstay length, chainring size and sprocket size you can do it. It's even easier if you use a half-link chain as found on some BMXs.

 

[dookie]

...Maybe we should all learn on a SS and then move onto a geared bike...

vice versa, IMHO.

 

[purplewicked]

Simple, light, cheap, fun.

Pick any four.

you forgot fast. fast acceleration. explosive climbing.