My first brief dabble with SS was in the ‘70s. I got a new Azuki “10 speed” in 1975, a 23” frame. In a a couple years it seemed small and I got a nicer 25” frame. I turned the Azuki into a single speed. I only used it on shorter, around town rides and eventually I gave it away.

I didn’t get back to single speed until about five years ago. Since then, I’ve had two bikes, a road frame and an MTB frame and both have been set up single speed for more than three of those years.

I’ve put gears back on briefly for two intervals, but riding an actual single speed just seems to make me happier.

One thing I’ve gone back and forth on is gearing. Lots of time as 42/16, but sometimes I switch to 42/17. I tend to prefer to push a little harder than some, but I started running regularly again a year ago. I seem to manage the overall load of cycling and running if I use the 42/17. Also, when the leaves drop, the wind is more of a challenge on windy rides and the lower 65 inch gear is easier to stay on top of.

Otto