Originally Posted by
monsieurpooh
Biking n00b here, planning to replace my 34-pound 18-speed folding bike with a lighter (around 25 lbs) CHEAP single speed bicycle in hopes of increasing efficiency. My rationale is that even though my route is moderately sloped (San francisco but not the extreme hills), I noticed that I never changed gears and was content at gears 2 and 6 during the entire commute. So I think I will have a much easier time pedaling uphill if the bike is lighter, and I don't seem to need extra gears.
Am I right or wrong?
My number one goal is minimization of effort and calories spent (I'm already going to be burning too many calories in other workouts and I want the bike to be purely for transportation).
So a lighter bike can mean that less effort is exerted, but switching to a single speed is maybe not the ideal path.
If you're concerned about how much energy you are exerting during rides, consider using more gears. When I first got an 18 speed bike (2x9 drivetrain) I used maybe 4 gears, all on the larger chainring, and I was exhausted after an 8 or 9 mile ride. But I recently decided to start training and taking longer rides and I'm now covering almost all of my gears each ride. I keep the momentum of my pedaling at the same level, and adjust the gears to meet my climbing/decent needs.
Honestly
more gears = less work in my mind. That being said, I ride fixed, not SS, so I may not be an expert to any degree. Im speaking purely from a geared stand point.
Consider a cheaper geared bicycle that may have better gearing options (something with a larger and smaller chain ring).
Also, consider that on a folding bike (and someone correct me if I am misled or misunderstanding something here) you are working to pull a significantly smaller wheel. A 27" or 700c wheel with the same gearing that you are using now may mean that you are getting an extra couple of inches for each rotation of your pedals. I see people commuting on folding bikes here in Boston and they work so hard for a 16" wheel, even on flat roads.