Hey guys. I'm new here, but I searched these forums fairly constantly this winter and spring when I was comparing various road bikes. I finally bought an 06 Langster this spring (got a nice discount), and I've been attempting to use it to get in/stay in shape. I am a 19 year old college sophmore, and both at school and at home I basically live in the suburbs. I am not overweight, but wouldn't consider myself to be in great shape, at least not when I started. I ride at least three times a week, and I recently clocked myself at just over 11 miles on a short ride. When I feel like going longer, it probably gets up around 20. I know these aren't great distances, but they're an improvement, and I feel stronger every time I ride. My bike still has stock gearing, and I have not tried the fixie side yet.

Does anyone have any advice?

My goal is basically to get into shape and build strength (which a singlespeed seems to be great for, right?). So far I have made two amazing technological breakthroughs: 1) A water bottle cage is a good friend on humid 90+ degree days, and 2) Apparently in addition to looking ridiculous, cycling shorts have padding that's a lot cheaper (and probably more effective) than a new road seat (and can be worn under gym shorts to prevent one from broacasting his spandex to the whole world).

I don't seem to run across too many other people riding singlespeed like one would a 20 speed, just over less distance. They seem to be used primarily for more functional things or as fashion accessories (especially at school).