--Sorry about the typo in the title I cant edit it out--


Hello all,

So I ride a fixed gear, build my own. I love them and I am hooked. I'll try to post pictures later.

The purpose of this thread is hear others ideas on confusion that I have had for a while.

I see the benefits of fixed gear to a normal multi speed roadbike. And, I see the benefits from fixed to single speed.

The main confusion is why would anyone have single speed over a normal multi speed bike. I feel like only chain smoothness or weight would be the soul benefit.



Any input?

Less things to break. And it looks better not having derailours and all that stuff hanging off the bike. But hey, im a newb too so i dont know.

Yes, but all those also apply to a fixed gear. =/

I'm building a SS over a fixed because of a few things:
I have a bad knee that won't get better.
I'm not ready to dive into a fixed gear.
I think they're sweet, but not for me.

I know those aren't really in depth answers, but that's my view on them.

The only reason to ride fixed is because you hear the call. Some people do, some people don't. It's like Jesus. Only in this case, I'm a believer. Salvation is where you find it.

"...soul benefit."

Brilliant.

Every reason same as fixed gear except no fixed gear LOL. The simplicity of a single freewheel driveline is a great thing especially when you dont need gears in your area. Fixed gear riding is not for everyone wanting simple bikes, nor is multi-speed great for everyone who dont want to ride fixed. Singlespeed is a comfy medium.

Single speed has benefits over multiple gears for the casual rider in a relatively flat terrain when it comes to the bike you can get for your buck. Give someone an conversion with slicks and they will never go back to there squeaky huffy 21-speed which they never shifted to begin with.

It's true, a quality geared bike is the better performer but the marginal utility of the gears doesn't always justify the price. Also, there is a particular gratification you get from stripping off the derailers and extra chainring(s). The downside comes if you decide to drop the money on a single speed hub or flipflop for the rear wheel because you cut into that money you saved versus buying that quality modern road bike. Conversely, you look stylish with the SS.

After climbing a hill it's nice to go 35 down the other side. SS you get the benefit of not thinking about shifting while you're out riding while still being able to coast.

If you're not going 30+ miles, single speed is fine. There are some big hills near me, but mustache bars allow me to get a nice angle to get up them. I can pedal down hill, but am not forced to (and with mustache bars, I can get super-aero).

Um, did you forget about coasting? Thats the main difference to choose a SS over a FG. As far as SS versus geared, less things to break or maintain, less weight, straight chain at all times, are all very good reasons if you don't race or don't need extra gears.

WIJRFG?

Its all about the feeling you get. I got that happy feeling with fixed gear for a few months and I rode on that side of my wheel. Then I got sick of it and switched my wheel around for a more comfy ride. One day I'll probably go back again when I feel like it.

You can spend all your time justifying physiologically why one or the other is better, but in the end you should just ride what makes you feel good and change whenever the wind blows you in a different direction -- as long as your budget can keep up. Life's too short to be stubborn about one thing or another.

Yes, I remembered coasting I'm not talking about fix VS SS I'm talking about SS VS Multi speed.

I commute on a Bianchi San Jose with mustache bars and slick tires. I have a roadbike, but prefer the upright posture and simplicity of my SS for almost all riding. Before this summer, I seldom (and always grudgingly) broke out the road bike.

Is the original question for real??