Single Speeds and Touring....How far have you gone?
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Single Speeds and Touring....How far have you gone?
A while back I was thinking of just how amazing it would be to tour on a single-speed bike. The simplicity of it all just seems perfect for the experience. It didn't take much researching on forums to find that for everyone that asked the question, there were teams of naysayers that said it can't (or shouldn't) be done. I couldn't find any web-sites boasting examples of cross-country tours on a single-speed, but then again, maybe Google is trying to hide them from me...it's a conspiracy man! But seriously, tell me about your tours.. did you ride it up the hills or walk it on up? How far have you ridden on your single-speed? Do you know of any examples I can read about on the web? Personally, I think that lugging gear up a steep grade would be hell, but maybe getting off and walking the bike up is just part of the experience...
Anyhow, I've been interested in this for a while. If you have some time to share your experiences, I'd be happy to read them.
Anyhow, I've been interested in this for a while. If you have some time to share your experiences, I'd be happy to read them.
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Vimeo has a few videos of people doing tours on fixed gears, but many of them have support vehicles from what I have seen. There's one from London-Paris, and some southeast asia tours as well.
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There's two guys who rode fixed gears across the US (SF to Florida IIRC). They wanted to take their bikes on a plane from FL to India or something but I guess they never raised enough money so they stopped there. My longest ride is only like 35 miles. I've been struggling with patellar tendinitis for months so I have to build up veeerryyy slowly.
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There's a video of a group of riders riding 100 miles a day, for about 4 days. It's an A to B sorta ride taking place in Japan.
I myself, have rode about 50 miles or so in a day. Not a crazy amount, but then again no one does longer rides 'round here.
I myself, have rode about 50 miles or so in a day. Not a crazy amount, but then again no one does longer rides 'round here.
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I checked out some of those videos on Vimeo. I must say I was pretty impressed watching those SS bikes roll down the road. It really makes me wonder just how much efficiency is lost through a derailleur.
I have to figure that someone has gone across country on a SS bike, however, I get this vision of that person not being so much of a cycling enthusiast, but rather someone who rode out of necessity on a bike. Likely on a bike that nobody would have figured would make it across country. That in itself is the amazing story to me.. that despite all of the naysayers who ride daily on $1000+ bikes that believe it can't be done, not only is it done, but it's done on a cheap bike to boot. Now, don't get me wrong, I have nothing against anyone who rides a nice bike.. I do too, but we all know the group that rides really expensive bikes simply because they match their golf clubs. I just love the notion that someone out there with a cheap old SS bike and a dream got on their bike and rode till they ran out of road. Not because they had the latest carbon fiber add-on, but just because they love to ride.
I have to figure that someone has gone across country on a SS bike, however, I get this vision of that person not being so much of a cycling enthusiast, but rather someone who rode out of necessity on a bike. Likely on a bike that nobody would have figured would make it across country. That in itself is the amazing story to me.. that despite all of the naysayers who ride daily on $1000+ bikes that believe it can't be done, not only is it done, but it's done on a cheap bike to boot. Now, don't get me wrong, I have nothing against anyone who rides a nice bike.. I do too, but we all know the group that rides really expensive bikes simply because they match their golf clubs. I just love the notion that someone out there with a cheap old SS bike and a dream got on their bike and rode till they ran out of road. Not because they had the latest carbon fiber add-on, but just because they love to ride.
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I think that if someone was willing to invest in ultralight gear (thinking sil-nylon tarp instead of Coleman 10-man tent) and pick their route carefully it would be an awesome adventure.
I am stilling wanting to start my S24O's but my wife wont let me go by myself.....arg.
I am stilling wanting to start my S24O's but my wife wont let me go by myself.....arg.
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Great thread! This has been on my mind for a while now. I've wanting to do a SF to NYC ride but nobody I know wants to do this with me.
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I checked out some of those videos on Vimeo. I must say I was pretty impressed watching those SS bikes roll down the road. It really makes me wonder just how much efficiency is lost through a derailleur.
I have to figure that someone has gone across country on a SS bike, however, I get this vision of that person not being so much of a cycling enthusiast, but rather someone who rode out of necessity on a bike. Likely on a bike that nobody would have figured would make it across country. That in itself is the amazing story to me.. that despite all of the naysayers who ride daily on $1000+ bikes that believe it can't be done, not only is it done, but it's done on a cheap bike to boot. Now, don't get me wrong, I have nothing against anyone who rides a nice bike.. I do too, but we all know the group that rides really expensive bikes simply because they match their golf clubs. I just love the notion that someone out there with a cheap old SS bike and a dream got on their bike and rode till they ran out of road. Not because they had the latest carbon fiber add-on, but just because they love to ride.
I have to figure that someone has gone across country on a SS bike, however, I get this vision of that person not being so much of a cycling enthusiast, but rather someone who rode out of necessity on a bike. Likely on a bike that nobody would have figured would make it across country. That in itself is the amazing story to me.. that despite all of the naysayers who ride daily on $1000+ bikes that believe it can't be done, not only is it done, but it's done on a cheap bike to boot. Now, don't get me wrong, I have nothing against anyone who rides a nice bike.. I do too, but we all know the group that rides really expensive bikes simply because they match their golf clubs. I just love the notion that someone out there with a cheap old SS bike and a dream got on their bike and rode till they ran out of road. Not because they had the latest carbon fiber add-on, but just because they love to ride.
#9
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I am tentatively starting to plan a bike trip to LA to visit some friends once money allows. According to google maps the bike route is 574 miles. I'll have to make a few changes to the bike. Probably run 3 gears with a standard cog on one side and a surly dingle on the other so I have some options knowing there are some intense hills on the way there. For sure add a brake, which means probably borrowing somebody elses front wheel. Look into a rear rack or very light traveling gear.
#10
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I am tentatively starting to plan a bike trip to LA to visit some friends once money allows. According to google maps the bike route is 574 miles. I'll have to make a few changes to the bike. Probably run 3 gears with a standard cog on one side and a surly dingle on the other so I have some options knowing there are some intense hills on the way there. For sure add a brake, which means probably borrowing somebody elses front wheel. Look into a rear rack or very light traveling gear.
Seems like a pretty awesome trip. I need to figure out when would be the best time to do this, summer may be too hot, whereas winter may be too cold.
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In Brazil this is VERY common, on a touring trip on the coast I encountered a
rider on this bike (rusted, slow, heavy)
rider on this bike (rusted, slow, heavy)
One day my old man and I were out fishing in a row boat. A big ol' oversized pontoon boat came by blaring music and we watched as plumes of smoke rolled out of the bbq grill that sat on the deck of the boat. My dad looked at me, reached into the cooler and grabbed a sandwich, and said "Just because they have a bigger boat doesn't mean they're having anymore fun". I guess that mentality sort of stuck with me. SS bikes bring me back to that idea that it doesn't have to cost a fortune, doesn't have to have that titanium spoke or carbonfiber fork in order to be fun.
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I am tentatively starting to plan a bike trip to LA to visit some friends once money allows. According to google maps the bike route is 574 miles. I'll have to make a few changes to the bike. Probably run 3 gears with a standard cog on one side and a surly dingle on the other so I have some options knowing there are some intense hills on the way there. For sure add a brake, which means probably borrowing somebody elses front wheel. Look into a rear rack or very light traveling gear.
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There's two guys who rode fixed gears across the US (SF to Florida IIRC). They wanted to take their bikes on a plane from FL to India or something but I guess they never raised enough money so they stopped there. My longest ride is only like 35 miles. I've been struggling with patellar tendinitis for months so I have to build up veeerryyy slowly.
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Single speed touring is awesome in that it's a feat in itself (IMO)... just make sure you're in a gear that you'll be comfortable with...probably one that is slower on flats but make most hills combatable, and just walk the bigger ones! Treat it like a biathalon.
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my longest so far is about 70, i plan to do 100 on my next distance ride and then 140(brooklyn to ocean city, nj) by the end of september, everytime i do a distance i feel like i need to get clipless
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I'm planning a 3 day single speed tour through Big Sur, CA. Map My Ride says 68.54 miles and 4810' of verticle gain from San Simeo State Park to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. I'll be using a seatpost rack and rear panniers only. I'll be sleeping under a tarp with a fleece sleeping bag. No cooking gear, plenty of nice restaurants in Big Sur.
I reckon the rack and panniers together weigh 5lbs. Add to that about 10lbs for camping gear and clothes.
I won't be carrying much so I don't plan on changing my gearing, 76gi.
My companion will also be riding single speed. The plan is to ride up on day one, spend 2 nights in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and ride back on day 3.
Many California State Parks have Hike and Bike campsites where no reservations are required and the fee is 6-8 dollars a night.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is in the redwoods with a river running through it, hot showers, wifi, and a good restaurant right in the park.
The longest ride I've done is 100 miles with 9200' of verticle gain.
I reckon the rack and panniers together weigh 5lbs. Add to that about 10lbs for camping gear and clothes.
I won't be carrying much so I don't plan on changing my gearing, 76gi.
My companion will also be riding single speed. The plan is to ride up on day one, spend 2 nights in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and ride back on day 3.
Many California State Parks have Hike and Bike campsites where no reservations are required and the fee is 6-8 dollars a night.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is in the redwoods with a river running through it, hot showers, wifi, and a good restaurant right in the park.
The longest ride I've done is 100 miles with 9200' of verticle gain.
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There are quite a few on Vimeo/Youtube.
Here's some
Tokyou To Osaka
The 5th Floor: London to Paris 2010
From Malaysia,
Penang - JB (800km)
JB to KL
Tour of Singapore 2010
Philly to Boston (Blog)
Here's some
Tokyou To Osaka
The 5th Floor: London to Paris 2010
From Malaysia,
Penang - JB (800km)
JB to KL
Tour of Singapore 2010
Philly to Boston (Blog)
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I've done weekend camping trips. I was loaded a little heavy and running 38x16. Hills longer than a quarter mile took way too much out of me (and I ride hills every day).
I couldn't imagine pushing one gear for 100 miles a day on varied terrain while hauling a load. (Actually sounds like a fun challenge, but I would rather have a freewheel and couple gears).
I couldn't imagine pushing one gear for 100 miles a day on varied terrain while hauling a load. (Actually sounds like a fun challenge, but I would rather have a freewheel and couple gears).
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People ride 2800+ miles from Canada to Mexico on ss mtb's every year in the Tour Divide Race, and that's 90% off road. A coast to coast ride on an ss road bike pales in comparision.
For some inspiration, Google Deanna Adams- she did the Divide route, later averaged 114 miles a day riding from Mexico to Panama, and is now in Europe on a planned 10,000 mile ride. This is all on an old cyclocross bike converted to fixed!
Tell that to the whiners who say you can't tour fixed!
https://deannadares.blogspot.com/
For some inspiration, Google Deanna Adams- she did the Divide route, later averaged 114 miles a day riding from Mexico to Panama, and is now in Europe on a planned 10,000 mile ride. This is all on an old cyclocross bike converted to fixed!
Tell that to the whiners who say you can't tour fixed!
https://deannadares.blogspot.com/
Last edited by Live Wire; 08-11-11 at 05:17 PM. Reason: link
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Touring on a fixed gear is awesome. I did a small tour my first day on a fixed gear bike last year. in oct. I went from Half Moon Bay-->Big Sur ~200miles
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I am tentatively starting to plan a bike trip to LA to visit some friends once money allows. According to google maps the bike route is 574 miles. I'll have to make a few changes to the bike. Probably run 3 gears with a standard cog on one side and a surly dingle on the other so I have some options knowing there are some intense hills on the way there. For sure add a brake, which means probably borrowing somebody elses front wheel. Look into a rear rack or very light traveling gear.
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wow.. some really great replies here. I'll be sure to check out all the information that you've all provided so far after I get a few minutes to sit tonight. I'm quite impressed to say the least.. thanks guys.
If anyone has anything else to add, I'd be glad to read about it.
If anyone has anything else to add, I'd be glad to read about it.