Originally Posted by momsonherbike

When I read this I think of my Key West beach cruiser...and the fact that the steel frame is a heavy sucker. I need it because that bike is a Sherpa - it carries beach chairs, umbrellas, beach bags, beach picnic items, plus has a set of custom-made "tropical fabric" panniers for a boatload of groceries on the back rack, plus a big basket in the front for more groceries. That thing is as strong as an ox, and requires a fair amount of effort to get going.

So... as far as a single speed reducing weight, I don't think it would give you any advantage. I think having gears is a really good idea because it gives you options when you need them. A single speed doesn't.

Saying that, I would LOVE to have made my beach bike an ebike, but was discouraged from doing so because the amount of salt in the air apparently kills electronics - or so I was told by the bike guys on the island who sold ebikes... and struggled alongside the owners to keep them running. Then again, I did see a fair number of those Izip ebikes cruising the island like it was nothing, the riders always with a huge smile on their faces as they breezed by. I was always soooo jealous.

I saw a couple of Bike Fridays at the big DC bike ride this weekend. They look like really cool bikes!