Single Speed Mountain Bikes?
January 30th, 2007 Wade
So, over the past few years I’ve heard about some mountain bikers who have gone to single speed bikes. It would seem that these people would struggle on uphills. They would argue that they are getting a harder workout. They might also argue that single speeds are less maintenance, cost less, and allow the rider to slow down a bit and enjoy the scenery. It’s almost an argument for “not” mountain biking in the traditional sense of blasting up and down hills. It may also be a good way to integrate a harder workout or a way to slow the pace down of a normally intense ride. It sounds interesting to me and even provoking. It may be something worth trying.
Here’s an article I found in the Tuscon Citizen online that explains some of the basic reasons some mountain bikers move to single speeds.
Entry Filed under: General
4 Comments Add your own
1. Wkumtrider | January 31st, 2007
Many bikers on KYMBA.org have single speeds. They claim it is a great way to train because you have to work harder to get up the hills. Abenson (member of this site) has one it he says it is one heck of a workout. The guys/girls that are good on a single speed are hard to keep up with. They fly! I am thinking about switching my hardtail to single speed and see if I like it. Good post.
2. Wade | January 31st, 2007
I was also thinking a single speed may make for a good commuter bike. Before the temps dropped this year I was riding my Mt Bike to work twice a week. A single speed might make sense on my commute because I don’t have any big hills to go up except in my neighborhood.
3. Jmac | February 1st, 2007
Last Saturday I rode L4 and there were a few single speeders out there. They were probably the fastest riders on the trail. I was riding in a group with a couple of guys on a single speed. I kept up with one of them for a while, but he eventually pulled away. Thinking about turning my hard tail into a single speed myself. You become fast on a single speed, you should be able to fly on a multi-speed!
4. Gary Marcoccia | February 2nd, 2007
I have ridden some single speed trail bikes and I really like the challenge and work it takes to keep a good spin and climb efficiently. The most impressive thing I’ve seen was the single speed class at the 24 Hours of Moab races. Those guys/gals are animals. As far as owning a single speed.. the only single speed bike I own is an Azonic Steelhead that I use for the dirt jump park
..killer frame/horizontal drop out and all for the dirt jumps -GBM
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