Originally Posted by
BluesDawg
re: SS and fixed, I would suggest going with a flip/flop hub so that you can put a fixed cog on one side and a SS freewheel on the other. That way you can try both setups with the same bike and go with the one you like best. I change mine from time to time and enjoy both.
This. I have a flip/flop hub on my SS bike and usually ride it fixed, reverting to the freewheel if I'm going to tackle more hills than I think my aging knees will enjoy on the FG.
As for gearing, the earlier suggestion of around 70 gear inches is one I would second. I ride 42/16. It allows me to get up most gradients (though anything over 10% had better be short) and allows me to spin along at a good pace on the flat.
I wouldn't claim that a FG/SS is superior to a geared bike, it's just a different experience. And it's surprising how much fun it is, I find myself using this bike most of the time when just riding around for recreation or transportation.