Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - unsuccessful ss/ or rider?

Hey,

not to be a total tool. I tried to convert my circa 1988 Hardrock into a ss, using the guru Sheldon's website. I don't know if my gearing was all crazy or what, I had a 36/17 (acs claw). I re-spaced and re-dished the rear wheel to get the chainline straight. It seemed, hard to pedal, (stupid I know). I don't know what I expected, it is pretty hilly here in Georgia, but I know people are doing it. Am I the pinnacle of pussification? I have slick 1.5 on. Gearing change? I am not new to cycling, but I find the whole thing wonderfully confusing.
Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

I'm running a 42/16 on my Centurion SS... it's not too bad, unless I hit a hill... does it at least pedal smooth ? or is it rough pedaling ?

jeff

The pedaling seemed o.k., maybe I needed to get used to the whole concept and muscle it up. I like the idea, less crap who couldn't use that? Maybe I need to give it some time?

Thanks for the info.

it is a bit weird at first... I just started SSing a couple weeks ago.. ncie to get rid of all the junk... freed up about 3 lbs. on the bike :-)

it may just be your gear choices... although 36/17 is a fairly easy gear to push.. at least on the road

jeff

You ain't gonna have much fun riding a single speed mtb with typical ss gearing on the streets. For the street, I would just swap the cog with a 13 fixed, for instance,....and use it as a fixed gear.

George

That's off road gearing right now. I'm sure it felt weird on the road. Try to find some nice smooth trails and give it a whack. It does feel different, that's really the point. You've got about 55 gear inches right now, to feel 'normal' on the road mid 60's is a low end starting point.
And to say it agian, yes, it feels different, that's what's so nice about it.

That must have felt like riding one of those electronic exercise bikes at the gym - you know the ones with the mock aerobars and zero resistance that you could spin at 200rpm if only your legs would go fast enough.

I must say this site is addicting!!!!! Soooo much info., so little time. Thanks for the responses I will will it another go, making some changes. Will keep ya posted.

Greg

i have a 32:16 ss just slow down and everything will be just fine. With that gear ratio 12 mph is a nice speed if ur still trying to go 15-20 ur gonna spin out. 32:16 is about what you want if you run into a lot of hills.