Mountain Biking - Rode a single speed for the first time today...

damn it sucked...it was the best workout ive ever gotten, but i didnt really enjoy it. what do you guys like about these? on flat ground, downhill and moderate up hills it was cool, but big/steep hill climbs were miserable.

When you dont have hills to worry about they're fine. I dare you to find a hill in New Orleans. :)

Monkey Hill!!!

damn it sucked...it was the best workout ive ever gotten, but i didnt really enjoy it. what do you guys like about these? on flat ground, downhill and moderate up hills it was cool, but big/steep hill climbs were miserable.

It takes time to acclimate to the pain. However, once you do, it's a tough transition back!

Too many things to list that I like. But I'll tell you this, it will make you a stronger rider and I no longer own any multi-geared bikes.

well, i never did shift much when riding MTB... so transition to SS was a natural one. however, it did make me want gears when riding on the streets to get to/from the trails

I love the quick acceleration you get on a single speed. I wish I had a Monocog for getting around north Portland on...it would be prefect. It ain't for everybody though...on the other hand, you do see a lot of people with no clue how to shift. Big in front + Big in back = BAD

But I'll tell you this, it will make you a stronger rider and I no longer own any multi-geared bikes.
thats what everyone has told me, im going to try it again :)

Momentum man, spin before you hit the hill and keep it cranking.

My SS makes me feel like I'm riding a BMX bike for big kids.

L8R

Any tips or pointers or links on converting an older mtn bike (21 speed) into a single speed? Taking off the shifters and derailuers is clear but what then with the chainrings and cluster? (I searched around on the forum but didn't find this.) Thanks!

Any tips or pointers or links on converting an older mtn bike (21 speed) into a single speed? Taking off the shifters and derailuers is clear but what then with the chainrings and cluster? (I searched around on the forum but didn't find this.) Thanks!

single speeds in general (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/singlespeed.html)

fixed gear conversions (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/fixed-conversion.html) (scroll down for mtn bikes)

Thanks, halfbiked! Exactly what I was looking for. Much appreciated. ; )

Any tips or pointers or links on converting an older mtn bike (21 speed) into a single speed? Everything you need should be found on this link (http://mtbr.com/faq/ssfaq.shtml).

Excellent! thanks, riderx.