Singlespeed

[Dan_h]

Also - you have to give some thought to finding fixed-friendly routes, unless you don't have any 20+% climbs where you live or are strong (and mad!) enough to tackle them with just that single sprocket at your disposal!

Personally one of the things I enjoy about riding fixed (or SS) is finding more and more challenging hills to climb. There are hills that I used to struggle with on gears that I can now climb fixed through bloody mindedness and presumably getting stronger. There is also something fun about making it to the top of a hill when people with gears are struggling on it. There are plenty of local hills that I have not conquered on my fixed yet and still have to push so the challenge is still there!

 

[mcshroom]

Also - you have to give some thought to finding fixed-friendly routes, unless you don't have any 20+% climbs where you live or are strong (and mad!) enough to tackle them with just that single sprocket at your disposal!

I've only met TF once while on LonJOG, when he led us on a merry dance through Rutland's steep bits - fixed of course

 

[colly]

Personally one of the things I enjoy about riding fixed (or SS) is finding more and more challenging hills to climb. There are hills that I used to struggle with on gears that I can now climb fixed through bloody mindedness and presumably getting stronger. There is also something fun about making it to the top of a hill when people with gears are struggling on it. There are plenty of local hills that I have not conquered on my fixed yet and still have to push so the challenge is still there!

Since organising myself a fixed in Feb/March this year it's been the only bike I have used, but despite that I have only once had to give in and climb off on a climb. That was when I met ColinJ and co when they rode over from Hebden Bridge to Otley. It was the Langbar climb from the Ilkley side.
There are several hills I wouldn't tackle on fixed because I'm pretty sure they would be too much for me and my knees would suffer as well. I'm surprised though at what I can manage on fixed simply because I don't have any other option.

 

[Boris Bajic]

I believe (with no scientific evidence and not much thought) that I can climb steeper and longer hills in a 69" gear fixed than I can on a 69" gear with freewheel.

I suspect this may have something to do with some sort of flywheel (or similar) effect, but I do not know the maths and cannot find the energy to investigate.

I romp (or gasp) up hills on my fixie that I could not get up in the same gear with freewheel and shifters and similar.

 

[Rob3rt]

I believe (with no scientific evidence and not much thought) that I can climb steeper and longer hills in a 69" gear fixed than I can on a 69" gear with freewheel.

I suspect this may have something to do with some sort of flywheel (or similar) effect, but I do not know the maths and cannot find the energy to investigate.

I romp (or gasp) up hills on my fixie that I could not get up in the same gear with freewheel and shifters and similar.

Just make it up, there will be a reference on the internet somewhere to corroborate what you say!

 

[totallyfixed]

I've only met TF once while on LonJOG, when he led us on a merry dance through Rutland's steep bits - fixed of course

Can I use that as a signature to cheer myself up? Just in from a ride on fixed and I am most definitely not dancing up hills right now, most depressing

 

[mcshroom]

Be my guest

 

[Seamab]

I believe (with no scientific evidence and not much thought) that I can climb steeper and longer hills in a 69" gear fixed than I can on a 69" gear with freewheel.

I suspect this may have something to do with some sort of flywheel (or similar) effect, but I do not know the maths and cannot find the energy to investigate.

I romp (or gasp) up hills on my fixie that I could not get up in the same gear with freewheel and shifters and similar.

I have a flip/flop hub s/s on one side and fixed t'other. I'd recommend this setup. I started out for the first couple of years fixed then got fed up (scared really) with some of the fixed descents and since then have gone s/s. I think there is a minor flywheel effect for fixed but the biggest effect is in the mind - you know you have to get up the damn hill so you really focus on keeping momentum

 

[biggs682]

just waiting for time and last couple of parts to arrive before i start next single speed build using dare i sat it an Alloy Saracen frame set

pics will follow when done