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The joy of SS….Why didn't you guys tell me?!!

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Singlespeed & Fixed Gear "I still feel that variable gears are only for people over forty-five. Isn't it better to triumph by the strength of your muscles than by the artifice of a derailer? We are getting soft...As for me, give me a fixed gear!"-- Henri Desgrange (31 January 1865 - 16 August 1940)

The joy of SS….Why didn't you guys tell me?!!

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Old 10-27-13, 04:46 PM
  #1  
stilltooslow
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The joy of SS….Why didn't you guys tell me?!!

So after many (MANY) years of being a die hard roadie/fixie guy, I decided to resurrect an old, unused fixed frame as a SS. What fun!! Started with a 50x18 and flew through my moderately hilly 35 mile route, then went to a 45x16 (one inch higher), and suffered just a bit, so I'm still deciding which is the ideal compromise, but what a blast the whole SS experience is! Love the simplicity and freedom, and I'm already deep in thought conjuring up a formula for a future dream, ultra elite SS build.

It's a whole new world and I was instantly hooked, although I'm sure some of my more snooty road training partners will have a few choice comments when I pull up on this one for the Wednesday night ride.
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Old 10-27-13, 05:01 PM
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I bring a FG on many of my group's rides. If anyone has any doubts about the bike, I let my riding to the talking.
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Old 10-29-13, 07:16 AM
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They didn't tell you because it takes 6 weeks to recover from knee surgery and the wifi is really bad in hospital.
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Old 10-29-13, 07:21 AM
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Originally Posted by jolly_ross
They didn't tell you because it takes 6 weeks to recover from knee surgery and the wifi is really bad in hospital.
Obvious troll is obvious.
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Old 10-29-13, 07:22 AM
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Originally Posted by jolly_ross
They didn't tell you because it takes 6 weeks to recover from knee surgery and the wifi is really bad in hospital.
Soooo….am I to infer that you'd lean toward the lower geared option then??
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Old 10-29-13, 07:42 AM
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I didn't say anything because my wife won't let me tell people stuff.
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Old 10-29-13, 07:51 AM
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Originally Posted by Scrodzilla
I didn't say anything because my wife won't let me tell people stuff.
Marriage can change your universe.
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Old 10-29-13, 08:32 AM
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Keep us updated on what they say when you pull up with it on your Wednesday group ride I've always been curious.
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Old 10-29-13, 01:22 PM
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Originally Posted by SkippyMcJimmy
Keep us updated on what they say when you pull up with it on your Wednesday group ride I've always been curious.
If they aren't ignorant asshats, they probably wont say anything other than "huh... new bike?"
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Old 10-30-13, 01:56 PM
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I rarely post this side of the wall, but I have almost exclusively ridden SS on group rides this year. I have had 2x9 flat bar builds, 1x9, and 2x10 drop bar bikes, and have ended up on a 47x16 modified Felt Brougham SS. I tried FG, but didn't see the allure (no offense to any who do), and have just had a ball riding SS. It always generates comments.
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Old 10-30-13, 05:50 PM
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Originally Posted by RollCNY
I rarely post this side of the wall, but I have almost exclusively ridden SS on group rides this year. I have had 2x9 flat bar builds, 1x9, and 2x10 drop bar bikes, and have ended up on a 47x16 modified Felt Brougham SS. I tried FG, but didn't see the allure (no offense to any who do), and have just had a ball riding SS. It always generates comments.
That 47x16 is a big number! How hilly is your route? I'm currently riding 45x16 and suffering a bit on the somewhat hilly rides around here.
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Old 10-30-13, 05:59 PM
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Originally Posted by stilltooslow
That 47x16 is a big number! How hilly is your route? I'm currently riding 45x16 and suffering a bit on the somewhat hilly rides around here.
Some grades definitely cause suffering. Normal 50 mile route has 2400 ft of climbing, and one 10% grade close to home. My cadence on a ride varies from 160 to 40, so big swings. I switched to 47x18 for a hillier century in August (had 3 long climbs with 12% portions) and appreciated the climbing help, but hated the reduced cruising speed. Ultimately, I am in the northern end of the Finger Lakes, so mostly rolling terrain, and no prolonged climbs.

The most interesting part about SS is I do way more sight seeing, especially on climbs. To distract myself, I look around a lot more, and see far more interesting things.
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Old 10-30-13, 06:06 PM
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Originally Posted by RollCNY
Some grades definitely cause suffering. Normal 50 mile route has 2400 ft of climbing, and one 10% grade close to home. My cadence on a ride varies from 160 to 40, so big swings. I switched to 47x18 for a hillier century in August (had 3 long climbs with 12% portions) and appreciated the climbing help, but hated the reduced cruising speed. Ultimately, I am in the northern end of the Finger Lakes, so mostly rolling terrain, and no prolonged climbs.

The most interesting part about SS is I do way more sight seeing, especially on climbs. To distract myself, I look around a lot more, and see far more interesting things.
Yeah, I sometimes switch to a 50x18 which is only 1 gear inch lower, but it still makes a noticeable difference on 40+ mi. rides.

Love this SS thing! Never even thought about it before in my 40+ years of serious road riding/racing.
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