Originally Posted by Slartibartfast
It seems like riding a multi geared bike to figure out what ratio you are comfortable with wouldn't work because you have the longer chain and the derail-thingy. Everyone, myself included, defends single speed bikes by saying, among other things, you can run a bigger ratio and not have to work as hard to do as you would on a multi-geared bike, right? Does anyone know how to calculate how many gear inches you gain running single speed?
Maybe. I'm a newbie to the fixed/ss world (just launched a project to build my first), but going by Sheldon Brown's website, the benefits are: a) fun -- due to a closer connection between you, the bike and the road, b) fitness/form since you can't coast or shift down when the going gets tough, c) feel, especially in slippery conditions, and last but not least, d) efficiency due to less weight, better chainline, and less drag caused by the derailleur pulleys. It's this last issue I think you're referring to.