Originally Posted by
Doohickie
Incorrect.
Getting a single speed enforces the discipline. Sure you could refuse to shift, but there is nothing so motivating as not having that option.
I don't race or anything, but when I got a single speed bike, I learned a lot about riding- the benefits of different cadences (spinning vs. mashing), how to read the terrain, how to attack a hill, improvements to my out-of-seat technique (which used to be lousy and undisciplined), how to manage energy.
Sure, a person *could* do that on a geared bike, but try doing it ride in, ride out, ride after ride. SS makes you do it, makes you think your game. Once you go back to multi-gear bikes, that experience helps manage the gears better.
Fine. Some people are only motivated if they ride in groups or on an expensive bike. Whatever gets you out there riding is good I suppose. You can still learn all those techniques you mentioned just as well on a regular bike. The reality is a fixed gear bike puts more limitations on your training than a geared bike.
It's a bit like adding weights to your current bike. Ride around for a while on a heavier bike and it will feel lighter and easier when you take the weight off. That doesn't mean it's a good training technique.