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TheMasterTech
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 628
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The answers to this question can either vary widely, or seem pretty common. Issues like chainline, consistently bent hangers, noise, and a few other issues prompted me to "go back" to a SS setup. Mostly, because, I really missed the workout I got playing on my '68 Schwinn Typhoon in the hills over here in the EastBay. I used my Kona Roast more and more, and wanted that feeling I got with the classic cruiser, but with a playbike's versatility. I tried one company's frame, to be thouroughly disappointed in the overall build quality of that frame, and since I was tight on cash, called in a favor to be able to pick up one of the newer Surly 1x1's. I'd been riding one of those off and on for years, since the day's that Wakeman Massie was around, and it was called a "Rat Ride 1x1". So, I called the boy's at Surly/QBP, and ordered up my bike. It was still the same overall quality of build and handlind, but now was compatible with disc brakes. Can you say "BlingleSpeed Time!!"? I still have my derailleur tug that I throw on every so often, with a modified Sram 990 cassette setup for 6 gears, but find myself riding a 32-17 combo more and more, actually willing to get off and push every so often, and loving the SILENCE of the drivetrain. I've been checking off old trails that most of us here have ridden, but am having a different kind of fun on them. Just three weeks ago, Ivan joined me on one of these rides, and we both had fun. On top of that, you're going slower in certain spots, and find and see things you missed before. Look closely at my avatar. That's right, it's a Downieville Downhill Orange/White Sticker, finishers get. I've ridden different spots of that trail system, but none were as much fun, as was on the SingleSpeed.
Anyone can "mob" through there at speed, it takes a little finesse to get through all of that at mid pace, knowing how to flow and carry speed. Try it, go through running no more than 6th or 5th cog in back the whole way down Butcher's through any one of the divides, and you'll understand. You don't even need to go that far, ride for a week around your "Usual Spots", in mid gear, and don't shift at all. Challenging, huh? Now do that on an ongoing basis, and watch your power threshold increase, and your handling skills improve. (Note: If you find you like it, switch to a SS specific drivetrail, or you'll keep skipping a chain, and possible bend some parts beyond repair.)
Yeah, my legs hurt a bit more initially, and I'd spin out on some descents, but the learning curve returned pretty quickly. I was taken back to the days of riding and racing my BMX bike. I love it, so much in fact, that as some of you know, pretty much rely on this as my main ride. "So much" in fact that, I've been clearing out the shop lately. I'm going to most likely keep my commuter road bike for work, but at some point, If I get tired of my 1x1, I won't sell it, I might get a "Nice" frame, say maybe an Independent Fabrications SS, but I won't make the same mistake twice.
I ride a single speed, as you can see, for more than just one simple reason. Then again I can try to sum it up for you like this:
I ride a SingleSpeed because I love it.
How about you, what are your reasons?
..For that matter, if you don't ride a SingleSpeed, maybe it's time you did. I'm always down to meet up and "Hit the Trails"
;) Obi..
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