Originally Posted by
ToddBS
I know tons of people go SS or even fixed gear for commuting. I'm looking at getting a new bike and I'm not averse to giving SS a try (not fond of the idea of fixed at this point though) but I wanted to get the expert opinions on this. My commute is rather long. About 18 miles each way. Now, many days I can take the bus for about 13 of those, but some days the timing just doesn't work for me. Plus, I'd like to eventually eliminate the bus part once I get in good enough condition to do the full commute every day.
So, given my lengthy commute, is SS viable? I read somewhere a while back that the author didn't recommend SS for anything over 5 or 6 miles. The terrain isn't terrible - mostly flat - but I do shift quite often when I make the ride on my current bike (Surly Long Haul Trucker).
For the past year I have commuted on a SS. My commute is not as long as yours so I cannot comment as others have, specifically to the distance. This of course, won't stop me from commenting further, however,
I switched to SS for the simplicity and ease of maintenance. We have harsh winters here in Maine and I wanted as easy to maintain a bike as possible. My Fuji touring bike turned into a SS fits the bill. But that is for me. If I lived in a more temperate climate I might not choose a SS. I have fantasized about going to FG but to paraphrase Twain I believe, "every time I have the urge to change my SS to a FG I lie down until the urge passes."
My good friend/colleague and bike guru says that SS/FG you are always in the wrong gear 80% of the time.
I think he exaggerates but I don't spin and 2000 RPM going down a hill............so often I am in the wrong gear..........My commute is about 10% slower in a SS than a similar but geared bike.............no biggie for me but I think that unless one really works at it a SS/FG will be slower. I am sure there are many on this forum where slowing down is not the issue........Is for me..........