Geared bikes or single speed?
05-19-24, 09:01 AM
#101
Senior Member
I just took down a Specialized Langster, a single speed/fixie that has been hanging in my garage for years and years. I don't even know what year it is but it is a least twelve years old and in like-new condition. I put some Gatorskins 25mm on it., adjusted a few things to suit my current riding style, and off I went. I had a lot of fun riding this bike. Five pounds lighter than my 2022 Trek Checkpoint, I really enjoyed not shifting. On the downside, the ride was very harsh compared to my two other bikes, the Checkpoint and the Domane. But it was fun for a change to ride something different and the bike feels very fast. Better for shorter rides, say 10-15 miles, I plan on using it in the rotation of bikes I ride.
05-19-24, 10:52 AM
#102
Senior Member
Why not buy one and find out for yourself. If you buy a used bike locally you can sell it for pretty much what you paid. It's funny how our perceptions change once we experience something for our selves. I sometimes over think things trying to justify my purchase.
While I don't plan on buying one anytime soon, I might enjoy a simple single speed bike as a recreational cyclist. If I where commuting 15 km to work, I would choose at least a 3 speed hybrid bike. I ride an 21 speed (9 of which are redundant) comfort bike now. Part of the comfort equation is having the perfect gear for every situation I encounter.
Where I live it's mostly flat land, the biggest obstacle here is ridding on windy days. My first bike was 24" single speed as a kid, Moving upscale to a 3 speed "Mustang" bike with a console shift was a real treat.
While I don't plan on buying one anytime soon, I might enjoy a simple single speed bike as a recreational cyclist. If I where commuting 15 km to work, I would choose at least a 3 speed hybrid bike. I ride an 21 speed (9 of which are redundant) comfort bike now. Part of the comfort equation is having the perfect gear for every situation I encounter.
Where I live it's mostly flat land, the biggest obstacle here is ridding on windy days. My first bike was 24" single speed as a kid, Moving upscale to a 3 speed "Mustang" bike with a console shift was a real treat.
Last edited by xroadcharlie; 05-21-24 at 06:37 AM.
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05-19-24, 05:44 PM
#103
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I just took down a Specialized Langster, a single speed/fixie that has been hanging in my garage for years and years. I don't even know what year it is but it is a least twelve years old and in like-new condition. I put some Gatorskins 25mm on it., adjusted a few things to suit my current riding style, and off I went. I had a lot of fun riding this bike. Five pounds lighter than my 2022 Trek Checkpoint, I really enjoyed not shifting. On the downside, the ride was very harsh compared to my two other bikes, the Checkpoint and the Domane. But it was fun for a change to ride something different and the bike feels very fast. Better for shorter rides, say 10-15 miles, I plan on using it in the rotation of bikes I ride.
05-19-24, 06:07 PM
#104
Senior Member
After putting the tire on I see that I probably could have got on 28mm, which would have been a little better. I don't think I could get 30mm or more on. Oh well, it's fun to ride anyway.
05-20-24, 10:38 AM
#105
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What the hell, I'll give wax a try. Worst that can happen is the chain will get "sticky"; wont' bend easily, and I'll notice that.
05-20-24, 03:11 PM
#106
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Depends how flat the area is that you’re biking imo. I’m in Toronto and run a single speed at a 46x17 ratio on 28s. If it was any hillier it wouldn’t be ideal. Internal hubs would be a good choice in the city as well - even a 3 speed internal hub would be solid.
05-20-24, 09:26 PM
#107
Senior Member
Pivoting at the pins, it can be sticky around the derailleur pulleys for about 30 seconds after initial waxing, but that clears up really fast. Lateral flexibility is more dependent on outer plate gap, and I've yet to find any guidance on that on sheldon brown or other. Until I know different, I go for smallest gap possible while still pivoting freely.
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05-20-24, 09:44 PM
#108
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05-20-24, 10:19 PM
#109
Senior Member
If not, they'll say he did it wrong. Clean three times in fresh solvent, then a final rinse in Smirnoff vodka and dry in direct sun, then melt the wax but don't get a drop of water in the wax or on the chain, what, you didn't do this?
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