Why do you ride that singlespeed

borrowed this from a "local forum" :

I am running 36/22 (and bash) since about 2 years. I've also tried 34/22 - but that didn't allow me to keep up with some of my buddies riding tripples on long, slightly descending stretches. The 36 allows me to stay with them on most trails - but on dirt roads/double track and road I am still faling behind. So sometimes I'd want even a 38.

BUT: There is a balance to be reached. While a larger front ring provides for a longer gear it also increases the jump in gears when to switch from the small front to the large. See the table below.

22 32 34 36
34 0.65 0.94 1.00 1.06
30 0.73 1.07 1.13 1.20
26 0.85 1.23 1.31 1.38
23 0.96 1.39 1.48 1.57
20 1.10 1.60 1.70 1.80

Consider you crawl up a hill that gradually tops out. You are in the 22 front 34 rear. First you shift in the rear... t0 30, to 26, 23. Each shift makes the gear 13% - 15% longer. At 20 you shift the front. Now, if that front is a 32, the jump is a 45%. It it is a 34 it is 55%. And for a 36 it is 64% Does this matter. Maybe. Chances are you will want to shift back more gears in the back when you go to the large ring. (And vice versa)

I am riding a 36 for the top speed - but I am buying it by more frentic shifting whenever I switch between small and large in the front.

Just wanted you to be aware of the trade-off.




While i can appreciate the thought into all that, i just pedal and if i can't pedal anymore then i walk. If i can't keep up with my buddies then i just try a little harder. While there are some that i don't try too long to keep up because it is pointless. But that is what makes you stronger and keeps you younger. Kinda random but nevertheless riding a single gear bike is just riding. Oh and sometimes hiking!


Might get in a snow ride tomorrow night for the t.i.t.s. ride!!!!