Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Clyde on a... SINGLE SPEED!?

Well, like the rest here, I'm a big guy. My size is measured by "mucho grande", and no matter how hard I try, I'll never be sub-200. But, I love cycling. Currently I live somewhere that is just too close for commuting (~4 blocks) via bike - it takes me all of 2 minutes :).

However! In March I'm moving to a house about 2 miles from work. The commute is going to be NICE - all residential streets that are mildly, but not extremely, hilly. To put it mildly, I'm looking forward to it.

And I also like to get a workout in. 2 miles on my super-geared MTB will be.. easy :). However, I was thinking of picking up a single speed. Maybe something pre-built like a Bianchi San Jose, or maybe picking up a Surly frame and doing my own build. Obviously the simplicity, reliability, and "romance" of single speed bikes also appeals to me or I wouldn't even be considering it :).

So that's my question. Do any of you clydes have SS's? How do you like it?

I have 20 useless gears on my Stumpjumper. I've been rockin' the 46-17 for at least the last 5 months, and I love it. My legs are stronger, I've built endurance as well as brute-force strength, and I've chosen a gear that isn't killing my knees (bad family history with knee issues.)
Try not shifting for a while and see how you like it. If you're comfortable with your bike, check out a singlespeed conversion kit and save yourself the expense of a new bike (unless you just really want a new bike.) Maybe just get a new flip-flop built rear wheel, and a chain tensioner?

Sometime this year I'll be in the market for a new whip, and I'm looking at a singlespeed getup. I'm 248 right now, and I'll be around 230 at my optimal fitness; so it's not like I'm a lightweight, either. Strong wheels are the key. People like us, on a ss/fg rig, need something that's superstrong in the wheel/drivetrain department to put up with the beating we'll give it. Look at running strong wheels, and a strong crank with a large ring/cog combo to distribute force more evenly. (instead of a 46-16, run a 52-18: nearly the same gearing over more teeth, causing less stress at any one point.)

312lbs, riding a fixed gear. See my blog or fixed gear gallery link below. Its heavy, its reliable, and its FUN.

220 lbs on a fixie (click the IRO in my sig). Go fixie. It's funner and you'll never want to get off it.

220 lbs on a fixie (click the IRO in my sig). Go fixie. It's funner and you'll never want to get off it.
If it's a fixie w/out brakes on a steep DH, you CAN'T get off!;)

219 pounds and losing on an old Bianchi road bike converted to single speed. I'm too much of a wuss right now to go fixed, but SS is a blast.

300+ on a single speed roadie-
Spicercycles.com.. fixed me up good- with heavy duty spokes and alex rims- sweet ride..
use it for workout rides- during the summer- I was riding it 24 miles aday back roads through the sonoma wine country- best thing I ever did on a bike- switching to s/s..

238lbs on a 20" wheelbase, folding, singlespeed bike. It's my favorite ride!
Juan

http://img455.imageshack.us/img455/4038/crescentaxz2.jpg

Man, now I'm really leaning that way :)

Well, the San Jose is out, as the wheels are a very clyde UN-friendly 28 spokes. I think I may just pick up a Surly frame and do a build that way. Hrrrmmm....

:)

Any recommendations on parts? I'd like to keep this as economical as possible, while also ensuring reliability.

these wheels will work:
32h Mavic CXP22 rims
http://shop.greatdealsonbikes.com/graphics/00000001/w1114.jpg

http://shop.greatdealsonbikes.com/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=GDOB&Product_Code=TR01&Category_Code=TR

And I'm a clyde-light (<210) riding a fixie (with a front brake, thankyouverymuch), and it is a great commuter. Make sure you get a gearing that works with your area -- blown knees are no fun....

235+ now (and gaining, thanks) with two fixed gear bikes. I love it. Fixed isn't any 'tougher' than singlespeed, it's just more fun. Coasting's pretty good, though. And gears are good. Any bike is a good bike.

You will like singlespeed.

I'd get the San Jose and see if I could break the wheels. I might tighten all the spokes until the wheel tacos and then slack 'em off and squeeze each pair real hard first, though, just to give 'em a fightin' chance.

Philip

Well.. heh.. .I'm pretty sure I'll kill the 28 spoke wheels on it. I rode a Raleigh when I started biking, and lost two spokes on the 32 spoke rear wheel. Granted it was an old bike, and granted that was after 800+ miles with me on it. My current bike - Specialized Hardrock - got 700 miles on it from August - November and the wheels are as true as the day it rolled off the showroom floor. Just cheap 36 spokers with heavy-gauge spokes. I've been very happy with it, but it's not exactly a commuter.

(plus I really am trying to find excuses for another bike :))

Anyway, I'm going to wait until the below zero spell ends here, then bust it back out. I'll see if I can find a combo on it that will emulate a singlespeed, and see if I can do it for the commute. I've spent most of the winter doing spinning classes at the YMCA, and have progressed quite well, making me hope that a SS would be just as fun. I dunno if I'm ready for a fixie yet, but I'm looking at flip hubs so I can have the option to try out when I'm feeling a little crazy :).

Time to call my favorite LBS and inquire on their prices for the San Jose, and for Surly frames :)

I really like the San Jose too, but for me the Raleigh One Way is a more complete commuter. Plus it's got 32 spokes.

http://www.raleighusa.com/items.asp?deptid=5&itemid=349

The 925 is another good solution, and it's got 36 spokes. It was really popular for a while on the SS/FG board.

http://www.redlinebicycles.com/adultbikes/925.html

You won't be sorry. Single speed bikes (fixed gear included) are a lot of fun. Get something with a flip flop hub so that you can run it as a freewheel or fixed gear bike.

Oh man, both that Raleigh and that Redline are waaay too hot.

Any opinions on the Kona Paddy Wagon? Spec-wise it looks pretty darned sweet.

But man.. that Redline.. supersweet

Oh man, both that Raleigh and that Redline are waaay too hot.

Any opinions on the Kona Paddy Wagon? Spec-wise it looks pretty darned sweet.

But man.. that Redline.. supersweet

I don't think you will be disappointed by any of those three. I would test ride them all if you can. The major issue is the mustache bars on the 925. I love them, but other people find them far less comfortable.

Wow.. okay.. the price on the Redline is very budget-friendly. The guy at the LBS who I talked to on the phone actually rides his exclusively after he purchased in the spring, and had nothing but raves for it.

Darnit, I have a feeling I"m going to be $450 poorer in about a month.... hehehe :)

I love my SS, im 249lb.

I built up a SS on a 1992 Falcon road bike, again I love it light ,fun and much easier to pedal (even up hills)THAN MY 38 LB Surly XC full dressed commuter.

No Prob have fun

"John"

If it's a fixie w/out brakes on a steep DH, you CAN'T get off!;)
Skips and skids to get you down to where you can use your weight to hold the speed down to something controllable. But for me, I never take the brake (singular) off.

BTW, I have Deep V's which have held up to my weight and penchant for hitting potholes and jumping on and off curbs.

Any opinions on the Kona Paddy Wagon? Spec-wise it looks pretty darned sweet.



I have a Paddy Wagon frame/fork I built up. It rides like sweet honey. Quality paint job, welds. Smooth as buttah ride.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/120/294917293_7c72681862_o.jpg

I got a Fisher Rig last fall. I LOVE it. I can use my weight and size and get great power. I upgraded the cranks to 180mm Primo Powerbites. Burly.

Wow, that Kona is hot.

But, pending a test ride, I think the Redline is "it". Called the LBS, the price is right AND the guy I spoke with owns one. He said he stopped riding everything else last spring and has been riding his 925 exclusively. I see similar everywhere I look. Only downside I see is some nagging about the spokes, but I"ll see if I can get 'em relaced with something nice and heavy.

If the test ride doesn't work out, that Kona just looks too damn hot. I'll head down to the Kona dealer (who also has Surly, and one very hot Moots fixie) and check those out.

Oh yeah....


http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=250965


I got 3 rides right now, and 3 speeds.
Less maintenance than all the cables & doohickeys.

lubes: too damn hot. I'm definitely looking forward to it, found out tonight that the woman is even going to buy it for me.. sweet. I'll be getting mine in mid-Feb (no real rush, it's still pretty cold/nasty here).

And I know it's just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. THe Monocog, Bianchi W.U.S.S. and many others are calling my name.

Why are single speeds so damn hot? Gaah! My poor Hardrock is going to miss me!! :)

240 and tall.

Fixed gear: road bike, MTB, and beater errand bike

lubes: too damn hot. I'm definitely looking forward to it, found out tonight that the woman is even going to buy it for me.. sweet. I'll be getting mine in mid-Feb (no real rush, it's still pretty cold/nasty here).

And I know it's just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. THe Monocog, Bianchi W.U.S.S. and many others are calling my name.

Why are single speeds so damn hot? Gaah! My poor Hardrock is going to miss me!! :)

Man, you even found someone to buy it for you. Sweet! The mechanic at my LBS got himself a Monocog 29er last spring. Very niiiiiice.

Oh man, why did you have to tell me about the Monocog. Guess what just replaced the Stumpjumper on my "next bike" list :)

My "next bike" list is so long I will never have enough space -- let alone enough money -- for all of them.

What began as a 32spoke about 10years ago has lightened itself a bit, aided by my mass & abusive riding.
Lasted much longer than expected.
http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/6538/20070112mavichubsany0037he.jpg
The other breakage is opposite this recent one.

Replaced it w/a 36h flipper & tried the 1st fixed spin yesterday....weird feeling. Gonna take some getting used to.

Dayum Lubes! You must be one strong heavy dude to do that!

I've been riding this 925 for the last few weeks, it's fixed, swapped out the mustache bars for drops, the pic shows no fenders but I have 'em on, and I'm working on the stock wheel so I'm running my Topolino on the front, I kind of like it.....
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r308/Grampy1/redline010.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r308/Grampy1/redline011.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r308/Grampy1/redline012.jpg

Nice, very nice.

Also, well, I'm a big dude. 350+. Is there anything I should worry about with the 925? Or should I wait shed another 50 lbs to buy this? I've had no problems on the old steel bike I started riding at 400+, nor the Specialized Hardrock that has gotten me even further.

Logic is starting to creep in with "wait" but who knows. Opinons?

.....So that's my question. Do any of you clydes have SS's? How do you like it?

It's great! As a previous poster said use a flop-flop (freewheel on one side and a fixed sprocket on the other) hub to start with, that way you can het used to a single speed and freewheel down hill. I found it also gives your legs a rest at the top of hills too.

Hills kill me going up, but I kill them back going down. Not even the best/fastest cyclists I ride with can keep up with me going down hill. The one and only advantage us big cyclists have. :D

When you get used to it, flip the wheel and try the fixed side. It's like changing to the Dark Side... there's no going back!

Here's my fixie:

http://www.cyclingforums.com/gallery/data/500/medium/06_Langster.jpg

Wow that Langster is a sweet ride. I checked them out a bit, and they are... awesome. I would be all over one if I wasn't so scared about my girth crumbling that pretty carbon fork :).

Wow that Langster is a sweet ride. I checked them out a bit, and they are... awesome. I would be all over one if I wasn't so scared about my girth crumbling that pretty carbon fork :).

I've done quite a few mods. The fork that came stock is about as chunky and tough as you can get (I believe Specialized has changed this for the 2007 version). The Langster is a great place to start if you want to try a fixed/ss road bike. Mine came with brakes and a 16t freewheel cog. the hub is flip-flop as standard so you don't need to spend a fortune to convert it to a real fixie.The carbon fork makes a huge difference to the harsh ride....

...and even new it's not a bad price. They pop up on eBay regularly, 4 at the moment, but you may find they go for a high price. I saw a two year old Langster with similar mods to mine go for US$200 more than a new current model.

It was great to read this thread. I logged on today looking for some info on doing a singlespeed build.

I've got a Centurion Lemans roadie, a Fuji Regis hybrid, and a Raleigh M-20 mountain bike. One or more is going the singlespeed route. I was going to buy new, but I want to have the pleasure of being part of the build....from powdercoating to finally airing up the tires. Besides, I got all 3 of these bikes for $100.00...and they are in great shape! Now I just need to find an LBS in my area that can do a good build.


I haven't been on a bike in about 8 years, but that will change soon. As of today, I am 6'2, about 295lb. I need to get off my fat a** and do something about it.

Wish me luck!!!!!!!

It was great to read this thread. I logged on today looking for some info on doing a singlespeed build.

I've got a Centurion Lemans roadie, a Fuji Regis hybrid, and a Raleigh M-20 mountain bike. One or more is going the singlespeed route. I was going to buy new, but I want to have the pleasure of being part of the build....from powdercoating to finally airing up the tires. Besides, I got all 3 of these bikes for $100.00...and they are in great shape! Now I just need to find an LBS in my area that can do a good build.


I haven't been on a bike in about 8 years, but that will change soon. As of today, I am 6'2, about 295lb. I need to get off my fat a** and do something about it.

Wish me luck!!!!!!!


That Centurion would make a great single speed. As someone who decided to build rather than buy, I can tell you the more involved you are in the build, the more pride you will feel when it's done. I had my LBS remove/reinstall the headset and bottom bracket cup and redish the rear wheel. The rest was up to me, from stripping and repainting to airing up the tires. Doing the bulk of the build yourself can be very exciting and even more frustrating. By the time you're finished, you'll probably wish you had just bought a new bike, but that will pass. All things considered, I'm glad I built mine. When it was finished, I had a nice, relatively light, lugged steel frame bike with almost everything I wanted and nothing I didn't. And it was nice to stand back and say, "I did that." That being said, my next bike will probably be a new one. There's definitely something to be said for not having to search for an odd seat post size that hasn't been used in years or trying to find long-reach brakes that are good and affordable. On the other hand, that mid-80s Centurion at my LBS would make a great fixed gear...:o
Good luck with whatever you decide to do. Just be careful. After making one of your bikes SS, you may find yourself wanting them all that way.

I'd go for the conversion. As others have said you can take pride in your ride. I built mine for the daily commute in Nov. and have been on it daily until 2 weeks ago when I thought I'd give my regular roady a try. I gave it a full week to compare. I am back on my SS this week and have increased my one way from 4 to 10mi just because... Hell, I go home for lunch daily too.

BTW, 6'0" 240

250 lbs, got two SS bikes, and two fixes. Clyde status and single speediness have nothing to do with each other, in my view.

Here are my singlespeed and fixed rides:

My EG Bates track bike:
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a322/Samuelw72/DSC00054.jpg
My chrome singlespeed (brand unknown)
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a322/Samuelw72/Photo_120806_006.jpg
My Nigel Dean fixie (I wanted a smaller frame!)
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a322/Samuelw72/Photo_123006_002.jpg
And finally, my under construction Falcon urban assault single speed
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a322/Samuelw72/Image110.jpg

I've also got an HR Bates Cantiflex BAR frame from 1940 which I'll build fixed....eventually.

Really dig that Falcon, Sammyboy.

Thanks! I had the frame kicking around, a little small for me, but sooo nice and orange. And I had the bars, and wanted to do something with them. Came to the conclusion that sticking that medium width 26" wheelset on could give me a bike that was usable on the road, but was also great for scorching across the grass, and could deal with mud and rain and snow too. I may yet add a rack to it.

I was a 325lb. on a singlespeed (Surly 1x1)...they're fun but definitely make sure you have the right gear ratio for your riding style. Otherwise you'll go through a lot of chains and really this problem isn't CLYDE specific but single speeds REALLY do a number on your knees (eventually).

About the best rims for a really big CLYDE on a single speed, I have found to be Mavic EX721. Bombproof.

Hrm, see, that's another concern. I have a bad left knee already (tore it up a couple years back, never had surgery) so I do need to watch that a bit. Damn, it sounds like fun, but I don't want to destroy me and the bike in the process :).

That 925 is totall sweet though...

The Velocity CliffHanger is also totally bombproof. 340lbs, 100psi 26x1.25" tires, huge pothole I didn't see in time. The wheel is still perfectly straight.