Single Speed Advice. What to look for?

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04-08-21, 06:32 AM

#26

joesch

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikefule

I see your point, but the flip (flop) side is if you have a flip flop hub with fixed and free, it's easy to use the free all the time and just have the fixed cog there for show. Riding fixed takes a little concentration at first, but if there are no big hills and you're sensible, and have brakes as a back up, you can get used to it within a few miles.

Indeed, when I ride my geared bike these days, it takes me a few miles to get used to being able to coast, but by the end of a 20 mile ride, it's coming naturally again.

As for ratios, there is one simple perfect answer, a golden ratio, if you will: the ideal combination of chain ring and sprocket, perfect for all conditions. Legend says that this ratio can only be found by an infinite number of cyclists drinking an infinite amount of beer and shooting an infinite amount of breeze.

Agree with your comment about flip/flop hubs, many riders will set on the freewheel side and not try to master the FG side. IMO its not easy to learn to brake "slide" using the FG as I have spent many hours riding FG and still not able to slide. I have watched many of the excellent youtube vid's showing and explaining the techniques. Doing jumps and wheelies are also cool skills that take practice and proper technique. As you noted about ratios, the correct setup is very much a personal choice and debate.

04-08-21, 06:36 AM

#27

joesch

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Aussie_Cyclist

Here's one Single Speed Vintage I am considering. What do you think?

Very nice looking setup.
IMO the two most important spec choices, frame tubing/construction and type of hubs are not detailed. These are maybe the most important details for a good SS bike.

04-08-21, 09:01 AM

#28

BikeEthics

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Aussie_Cyclist

I thought that was cheap? It's one of the reasons I started this thread because I'm cautious of getting a bike that's "cheap". But I guess as has been suggested already it's the frame the counts I can always upgrade the components.

If money is not an issue, then just buy something more expensive. Have you ever considered building your bike from scratch? It is not that complicated to build a fixed gear bike. It is tons of fun!

I built my my first fixed gear +15 something years ago.

04-08-21, 10:56 AM

#29

drlogik

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Read some reviews, do some virtual window shopping then pull the trigger. Keep it simple, fixed gear bikes aren't complicated.

04-08-21, 12:51 PM

#30

Aussie_Cyclist

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Thanks everyone for your input. As most of you have recommended I might just build my own. I think I'll be more satisfied.

04-08-21, 04:03 PM

#31

BikeEthics

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Aussie_Cyclist

Thanks everyone for your input. As most of you have recommended I might just build my own. I think I'll be more satisfied.

Oh yes. You will love that! Keep us informed how it goes.

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04-13-21, 02:01 PM

#32

DKVelo

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Aussie_Cyclist

I've been looking at a few vintage and "vintage style" single speeds. I don't mind upgrading the components if I need to I'm more focused in a good quality frame. I'll use it toride to work when I'm not using my current bike.

I kind of took a similar route, not a "vintage" frame, but an inexpensive 4130 CroMoly ready-made bike for starters. Once I figured our that I'm well and truly "hooked", I started upgrading the components with the idea that I would get a nicer frameset one day. Ended up with a titanium beauty by No.22, Little Wing. I am very lucky to live about 45 minutes away from their factory.