Single speed

[RC Vikings]

Anybody here have one and why are a lot of the better riders getting one? Is it a fad or something nice to have.

[MikeWaters]

some people ride single speeds because it works them out differently. They really have to torque at lower speeds.

however riding a single speed with no brakes and no ability to coast would be dangerous on roads. Not recommended.

I rode on a velodrome. It was a lot of fun, but scary at first. If you slow down too much, you will go a-tumblin'.

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by RC Vikings

Anybody here have one and why are a lot of the better riders getting one? Is it a fad or something nice to have.

The good riders tend to like them, but I don't know why.

[creekster]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

some people ride single speeds because it works them out differently. They really have to torque at lower speeds.

however riding a single speed with no brakes and no ability to coast would be dangerous on roads. Not recommended.

I rode on a velodrome. It was a lot of fun, but scary at first. If you slow down too much, you will go a-tumblin'.

You're talking about a fixe, or a fixed gear bike. THis is not the same as a single speed. A single speed still has a free wheel and has either a coaster or a rim brake. FIxes usually only have a rim brake or none at all if it is meant for thwe track.

A friend of mine commutes on a single speed and claims it really is a great work out becasue it makes him grind on the hills and spin like mad on the flats. Maybe so. I think fixes are just a fad and, for most people, I think they are not safe on the road.

[SteelBlue]

It's for the extra workout you get from not being able to shift down. The reason so many good riders have them is because they're the ones who can actually enjoy something like that. Give me gears or give me death.

[MikeWaters]

If you are in a group and need a better workout than you are getting, don't shift down.

I've never had the problem of not getting a workout, so I shift precisely.

[creekster]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

If you are in a group and need a better workout than you are getting, don't shift down.

I've never had the problem of not getting a workout, so I shift precisely.

ON a Single Speed you have no other gear choice, so your work otu is enforced.

On a fixe you also have the extra effort of no free-wheeling (coasting) and of assisting in the braking of the bike to enhance your workout. SO they are a little different in terms of the workout you receive when compared to a regular bike.

[MikeWaters]

I grew up with single speeds til I was about 12 or so.

I'm pretty expert.