Hello folks,

I have a Giant TCX 2 bike that I bought a few years ago, and started to ride after some 30+ years of inactivity. Unfortunately I had to do a (fourth!) back surgery last November, but now I am determined to go back to riding.

I became very intrigued by the single speed bicycles for some reason. Perhaps because they are simpler to maintain and more importantly I understand I can buy a much lighter bike with a higher quality than if I go with a single speed. Weight is a big issue for me NOT because of any speed issue but because I have to carry the bike up the stairs and with four lower back surgeries every savings in weight would help. I think the bike I have now is about 35 lbs since I have put on it a kick stand and a pair of mud guards etc. I would love to cut that weight in half if possible.

My two questions are:

(1) Do you think I have a point in exploring with the single speed concept?

(2) If so, I thought I would try to get the feel of the single speed by not switching gears. In this case, what gear combination should I set this to?

The TCX 2 has two an SRAM PG 950 11x28, 9-Speed and FSA Omega, 34/50 (whatever that means!!). Would greatly appreciate your help, and would be even more appreciative if you explain it in simple (newbie) terms.

Many thanks in advance.