Single Speed Commuting?
 

Hello All,

I'm getting ready to start biking to school this year, save some gas, and hopefully lose a little weight. I found myself an old Ross Adventurer, I know, I know... not the best bike in the world but my Target mtb was stolen and well... the Ross has to be some improvement over that ;)

And here's my issue, my back wheel is bent and I need to replace it. I started thinking that instead of just replacing it with a used steel wheel, I could buy a new/used aluminium set, which got me thinking about a replacement freewheel, which got me thinking about a replacement derailleur, which all made me realize I live in a flat city, and never make use of multiple gears. So my question is about converting to a single speed (not a fixie), I'm posting here because I think the single/fixie forum may be a little biased.

For commuter use are there any particular advantages or disadvantages to a single speed setup? I also plan on using my bike to go to the grocery store, farmers market, picnics etc., do any issues arise with carrying extra weight on a single speed? Are there any reasons I may not want to convert?

Also, last question. If I convert to a single speed am I required to paint my bike components wild colors, and cover it in electrical tape? Really though, can someone explain the electrical tape thing?

Thanks everyone

Well and advantage is that there is very little maintenance, which is good for a simple commuter bike. I'm guessing your bike has horizontal dropouts, so you won't need a chain tensioner. It's also real easy to haul stuff with a single speed, you can always get a flip-flop hub and put a larger cog on one side for when you do have to haul a heavy load.

:roflmao:
Well, you're not alone.

Doesn't sound like it'd too bad. Flat area, light running around. No tours in your future? I think a single speed would be pretty nice, just make sure the gearing is appropriate to you and your bikes tolerances. Some of those "wrenches" (though I prefer to call them grease monkeys) in the mechanic forum would be pretty helpful if you don't know where to start.

Don't underestimate how much the conversion will cost. Starting with a Ross is not such a great idea.

Commuting with a singlespeed/fixed gear is fun, and building one up from an old bike is great in multiple ways, but saving money isn't one of them. I can't see you making it happen for less than $150, and you'd have to really cut some ugly corners to do that.

single speeds are nice and simple. Less maintenance to do : )

I love my Schwinn Super LeTour SS conversion. I'm no mechaniac so my LBS did it for $52.00. As stated above, less maintanance and the bike actually feels alittle lighter with the cassette and derailleurs off. Makes for a great ready-to-go-anywhere bike. Just lock her down real good.
Ernest

But you didn't need new wheels.

I commute on a single speed road bike. My commute is only 5-6 miles round trip depending on which direction I take. The shortest route has less hills so I take that one in the morning. Just find the right gear ratio and your set. I started with 46x16 which is a little too tall for the morning ride causing me to sweat too much. I found 46x18 to allow me to spin a lot easier in the morning. I go with a 17t cog for the fixed side of the flip/flop though. Seems to work perfectly where I live.

I think the electrical tape started as top tube protection against sign posts. Then it got out of hand.

Commute on SS, 5-6 miles one way, with hills (not anything too crazy). Regularly get plenty of groceries on the way home.

Point is, unless you're going a long ways you're probably not going to have any problems with a SS in your flat town.

I commute once in a while (about 16 miles round trip), and I always use my singlespeed cross bike. The advantages I found with the single speed is less maintenance, and if you ride in the winter, you don't have a rear derailleur to freeze up with snow and ice. I enjoy riding singlespeed for commuting.

I agree with Walfredo - you need to find the gear ratio that works for you. You said that you don't make use of multiple gears since it is flat where you live - Is there one gear you always use? If there is one, then I would make sure you keep that gear ratio.

OP, just a note, since you mentioned a MTB (probably 26", unless I misunderstood). Are you running this gear on a 700C? 46x18 is a very comfortable gear (I actually run 42x17 pretty close to the same) on a 700C. Depending on your wheel size / actual diameter you might want to run something slightly different.

There was a time when a lot of fixed gear bikes were old road bikes that were converted, before the Pistamania took over. I mention this because my Gitane fixie is of this variety (though built up more recently) and the paint rubs off like nobodies business. It seems like every day I see primer showing through in a new place. I've been just slapping touch-up paint on these spots as they appear but I can see where electrical tape could be appealing.

Also, both my touch-up paint and the electrical tape have the effect of uglifying the bike, which makes it, theoretically, less appealing to thieves.

It's a great idea. I've been a single speed commuter year round for the last 4 so I'm biased.

Many good points have already been covered. True, it may not be as cheep as you think to convert, but it will be cheaper in the long run in time to maintain and parts. Proper gear ratio is important if you want it to be versatile. I prefer 42x16.

If you don't have a lot of hills and you don't mind your top end speed being limited by the gear ratio, a SS can do everything easily, simply, and elegantly. On top of that IMO you get a better work out riding SS, you cant hide behind gears.

I switched to commuting SS from one of my road bikes. I prefer not having to mess with deraileurs and found that I really only used 2 gears anyhow. My commute varies between 16 and 24 miles round trip on flat road. I just picked a gearing that lets me spin at a comfortable cadence at ~20mph. Starting from a stop is more work than with a geared bike, but I spend far more time at cruising speed than I do leaving stop signs/lights.

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment...1&d=1251310880

Good point and something I didn't think about. I'm running it on 700c wheels. So his mileage or gear ratio in this case may vary. Just find the right one for you, your bike, your riding style and your lay of the land OP and you're good.

I think single speeds and fixed gear bikes make great commuters. I had one when I was an undergrad years ago. Light and simple is the way to go.

I'm putting a 3 speed hub on my new commuter, but mainly because I got one with a dyno built in. Hopefully I'll have that running tonight.

Sure if your commute is on the flat lands. Even moderate hills are ok. TBH, I find that I only use a few gears any way. Mostly a combo of large chainring with the rear cogs. Hmm....

I sometimes use my SS (46x18) for my 8 mile RT commute. It's a nice change of pace. I could definitely see using it as my primary commuter. Doh, now you've got me started on a new idea for a build!

That's all I use ,is single speed and fixed gear. Go ahead and give it a try and experiment with different gear ratios to see what works best for your situation. Singlespeeding will make you stronger and get you in shape, for sure.

You found a 3 speed with a built in dyno??? Do tell. Or are you saying you got a deal on a three speed rear + dyno front?

Thanks

I was considering how much money I'd like to put into the Ross, but I was also figuring that most of the components could be switched to another old road bike when I find it. I plan on doing the work myself, so it's really just the parts. Unfortunately (for me anyway) it seems most people around here have realized they can sell their old roads bikes for upwards of $80 whether they're Huffy's or Schwinn's. I really like the idea of some sweet dumpster/curb/under $30 garage sale find of some amazing bike, so I'm waiting for that to happen.... :rolleyes:

i started with a walmart NEXT, then upgraded to an old Schwinn Suburban Road bike. After not using gears much and wanting to lose the heavy steal wheels, i found deals on a front wheel on ebay ($20) and a good rear wheel locally. I loved it. I eventually order a frame from bikeisland.com ($200) and put all my parts from the Schwinn on it.

Mine is a FG and my commute is 18mile round trip no hills thankfully but not at all flat.

the schwinn
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3162/...7befbafb0c.jpg

current bike
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3203/...cc30910ff0.jpg

confused by your brake setup... ever squeeze the rear brake and freak out when nothing happens?

haha nah. i am in the habit of only squeezing the left. this is also my only bike so i don't get mixed up. I also use my legs to slow down so even without a brake i can stop