First foray into singelspeed

[Pauln]

Picked up a singlespeed bike this week, cheap off ebay. Haven't ridden without gears since I was about 12 years old (and that was a long time ago). It is a Kenesis Maxlight xcpro frame, the wheels were Bontrager race light but the back one was badly damaged so put a couple of 2nd hand wheels on that I got from a friend. Rode it the 1 mile to work today mostly downhill. Looks like it will be a fun commuter and "riding with the kids" bike. Got to go home mostly uphill though soon so that should be interesting.

 

[BSRU]

Make sure you gearing is right.
I saw a guy commuting to work one morning on a single speed who was struggling down a hill with a tailwind

 

[Pauln]

Yes gearing is an interesting one. My 1 mile ride to work is fine, home is uphill but made it without too much trouble. Should be easy enough to change though if it gets too much.

 

[3narf]

It's great, addictive.

You'll be amazed what you can do when you get the right gear and get used to it...

 

[Pauln]

I think my problem will be when out riding with my youngest kids, I will be going too slow for the gear I have and it will take a lot of effort to keep it turning.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

I think my problem will be when out riding with my youngest kids, I will be going too slow for the gear I have and it will take a lot of effort to keep it turning.

Sounds like my gearing - 52 front 17 back is fine for work and back but it's useless when I'm riding with anyone else!

 

[Pauln]

Just had a look at the gearing, 38 front 13 rear.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

Just had a look at the gearing, 38 front 13 rear.

That sounds quite sensible!

 

[Pauln]

Think I might be better off with a 17 on the rear, having looked at some gearing charts.

 

[jim55]

38 * 17 !!!youl b spinning madly

 

[Pauln]

I think I am looking for a cadence of around 80 for 15mph, so actually a 16 would be better according to this http://www.machars.net/bikecalc.htm