Out of the saddle: FG vs SS
#1
Cheerfully low end
Thread Starter
Out of the saddle: FG vs SS
Curious what FG riders have to say about the difference riding out of the saddle on a FG versus a SS. I have not ridden FG.
Typical situation is riding a long trail section that is relatively flat and there is no hill to inspire standing up, so periodically I’ll just stand for a bit anyway to stretch and have a change of position.
However, the higher cadence that works seated doesn’t work as comfortably for me when standing, so with a rear cluster I will shift from say 42/16 seated to 42/14 to stand. Standing in the lower gear, it’s harder to keep a continuous load of pedaling. Having that next harder gear is the main reason my bikes have a rear cluster at the moment.
So I’m speculating that FG would feel somewhat different and I assume more stable since any variation in pedal load is picked up by the momentum of the moving bike and pedals.
Or am I wrong in this? It just strikes me that this might be an advantage for FG over SS for the trail riding I do.
Thanks for any insight.
Otto
Typical situation is riding a long trail section that is relatively flat and there is no hill to inspire standing up, so periodically I’ll just stand for a bit anyway to stretch and have a change of position.
However, the higher cadence that works seated doesn’t work as comfortably for me when standing, so with a rear cluster I will shift from say 42/16 seated to 42/14 to stand. Standing in the lower gear, it’s harder to keep a continuous load of pedaling. Having that next harder gear is the main reason my bikes have a rear cluster at the moment.
So I’m speculating that FG would feel somewhat different and I assume more stable since any variation in pedal load is picked up by the momentum of the moving bike and pedals.
Or am I wrong in this? It just strikes me that this might be an advantage for FG over SS for the trail riding I do.
Thanks for any insight.
Otto
#2
Guest
I typically run a taller gear on FG than SS, just to make descending more comfortable and controllable. When climbing, the higher gear gets me out of the saddle sooner, but I'll resume sitting as soon as the grade allows it. I rarely stand unless the terrain demands it.
I've never felt that fixed had an advantage on trails; it's fun, but I much prefer to be able to place the pedals where I want them when encountering obstacles.
I think spending even half an hour on a FG would be illuminating; it's a pretty different experience than freewheeling -- even on a singlespeed.
I've never felt that fixed had an advantage on trails; it's fun, but I much prefer to be able to place the pedals where I want them when encountering obstacles.
I think spending even half an hour on a FG would be illuminating; it's a pretty different experience than freewheeling -- even on a singlespeed.
Last edited by Rolla; 10-17-22 at 04:25 PM.
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#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Paradise, TX
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Fixed gear on trails gets kind of "busy". I ride 2 teeth harder gear when on fixed compared to SS. It wears you out mentally watching out to for things you need to hop, skip, or skid to avoid pedal strikes. Getting back on a bike with a freewheel is relaxing.
#4
Super-duper Genius
Maybe I misunderstand what's being asked.
There is no difference between fixed gear, single speed, and multiple gears with regard to pedaling in a given gear ratio. The various drivetrains might affect your riding habits, for example, choosing a lower ratio as you approach a climb or choosing a higher ratio to stand up and sprint if you have multiple gears, and deciding to coast on a descent or flat if you have single speed, vs. fixed gear where you of course have no choice other than to take a higher or lower cadence and to stand up or sit down to pedal.
If you are comparing three bikes with different drivetrain types but the same size chain ring and cog, when there is any positive force going through the crank (that is, rider applying force to the pedals, at any cadence or body position) any differences will be completely psychological/imaginary. Very minor differences exist in terms of drivetrain efficiency, or power robbed by friction within the drivetrain. These are too small to be significant in real world use.
I think you're asking about how a FG drivetrain affects a rider's habits or performance when the terrain tempts him to ease up on pedaling. There is certainly a difference here. But when standing up and applying power through the crank (whether it's 50 watts or 500), FG vs. SS are exactly the same.
There is no difference between fixed gear, single speed, and multiple gears with regard to pedaling in a given gear ratio. The various drivetrains might affect your riding habits, for example, choosing a lower ratio as you approach a climb or choosing a higher ratio to stand up and sprint if you have multiple gears, and deciding to coast on a descent or flat if you have single speed, vs. fixed gear where you of course have no choice other than to take a higher or lower cadence and to stand up or sit down to pedal.
If you are comparing three bikes with different drivetrain types but the same size chain ring and cog, when there is any positive force going through the crank (that is, rider applying force to the pedals, at any cadence or body position) any differences will be completely psychological/imaginary. Very minor differences exist in terms of drivetrain efficiency, or power robbed by friction within the drivetrain. These are too small to be significant in real world use.
I think you're asking about how a FG drivetrain affects a rider's habits or performance when the terrain tempts him to ease up on pedaling. There is certainly a difference here. But when standing up and applying power through the crank (whether it's 50 watts or 500), FG vs. SS are exactly the same.
#5
Cheerfully low end
Thread Starter
Maybe I misunderstand what's being asked….
I think you're asking about how a FG drivetrain affects a rider's habits or performance when the terrain tempts him to ease up on pedaling. There is certainly a difference here. But when standing up and applying power through the crank (whether it's 50 watts or 500), FG vs. SS are exactly the same.
I think you're asking about how a FG drivetrain affects a rider's habits or performance when the terrain tempts him to ease up on pedaling. There is certainly a difference here. But when standing up and applying power through the crank (whether it's 50 watts or 500), FG vs. SS are exactly the same.
This is something I do periodically to take a break when riding a long flat section of the trail across our state. With a rear cluster, I can manage it by shifting to or cruising in a higher gear than I would choose for SS, so that the cadence stays at something I can manage smoothly while standing.
Otto
Last edited by ofajen; 10-26-22 at 09:47 PM.