started geared like most people, went SS a few years back while living in NJ (converted a Salsa Ala Carte to EBB). Moved back to Australia and went back to gears. WAY too steep and hilly for me right now out here. A lot of the climbs in my local parks are VERY steep so SS was killing my knees. Maybe after a year or so of full on riding I could go back to SS but right now, my knees are more important to me. I still love the feeling and simplicity of SS and would like to get back to it. I kept my Chris King SS wheel, ready to burn some "loud" singletrack when I'm ready.