Intrepid Bicycle Commuter
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 819
Likes: 95
From: Upstate New York
Bikes: 1976 Motobecane Grand Jubile, Austro Daimler 'Ultima', 2012 Salsa Vaya, 2009 Trek 4300, Fyxation Eastside, State Matte Black 6, '97 Trek 930 SHX, '93 Specialized Rockhopper, 1990 Trek 950
I love single speed. I rode my SS for about 1500 miles last summer/fall. My geared bike now sits in the garage collecting dust.
Small hills aren't an issue if you're in any decent kind of shape. Steep hills will have you standing on the pedals for a long time, but you can make it if you're physically fit. I'm 47, and even I can do the steep hills.
There is a learning curve on single speed, knowing when to pump hard, and when to get your butt out of the saddle. But you catch on quickly.
Single speed is so much less to worry about that a geared bike. I love the dependability.