General Cycling Discussion - Should I let them convert to Single Speed?

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SpiderMike
05-25-05, 10:24 AM
Okay so my brother has been riding for about a year now. He has a Hardrock that he rides on trail an road. Sometimes he rides through downtown Houston. Monday night I had dropped by and he saw my newly built Kona SS and rigid. http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=107590
After just riding it to the end of the driveway and back, he asked to borrow it. I let him, told him that I am still working on the chain tensioner quirk.

Well last night he called me wanting me to convert his Hardrock to SS, and his buddy wants an SS now. AS for the buddy, he wants a beater bike for riding to the bars, that I am cool with. My brother on the other hand, is still fresh into cycling. But the last time I heard him this stoked, was after he finished surfing out in Cali. Should I try sway him form converting, or convert his bike and let him learn the way of the Single Speed?


pedex
05-25-05, 10:40 AM
Convert it and let him have at it.

colinm
05-25-05, 11:49 AM
Get him a second and see which is used more.

Or convert - it's reversible.


SpiderMike
05-25-05, 12:15 PM
I now its reversible, I guess I am just more taken by the situation. Just talked to my brother at lunch and he has yet another buddy wanting to go SS since seeing my bike. Last thing I have ever considered myself as is a role model. Its been one thing for someone to ask my help on getting them into the sport, just never thought I would be such an influence into a certain style. Guess I am worrying too much on turning someone away from cycling. Guess this rant should have been sent to Dr. Phil rather than the forum.

pedex
05-25-05, 12:30 PM
Well, look at it this way, short of riding a fixed gear(SS next best), a SS will help teach him how to actually ride a bike and help him get in shape quicker than riding a geared bike.

PWRDbyTRD
05-25-05, 07:51 PM
I'd probably croak on a singlespeed, though it'd be nice :D

The Narc
05-25-05, 08:36 PM
I'd probably croak on a singlespeed, though it'd be nice

My fitness level, or should I say the speed at which I started getting in better shape, nearly doubled when I switch to SS. Climbing takes on a whole new challenge.

Oh yeah, hook that guy up with fix, so much more enjoyable than geared riding.

PWRDbyTRD
05-25-05, 08:42 PM
I have a singlespeed back up bike that I built, I don't ride it much unless it's absolutely necessary.