Originally Posted by bwilli88

I have a 5 speed SA hub and a 3 speed Shimano hub here in Cambodia and sense no difference in engagement.

Originally Posted by Duragrouch

The problem with a single-speed is not just loss of efficiency, even if humans are capable of a wide torque band; Pushing hard on a tall gear while sitting in the saddle puts much more stress on the knees, and you'll regret it over time. It's different if you have the ability for long climbs out of the saddle with your legs much straighter. I rode a recumbent for a time on tours because it took the pressure off my hands, but inability to stand on climbs took its toll on my knees, so I switched back to a conventional bike but with aero bars to move the pressure from my hands to my forearms near the elbow. My recumbent just didn't have low enough gearing, riding a long uphill grade with a touring load. These days there are more solutions for that, but I still want the ability for standing climbs, and bringing a LWB 'bent up and down stairs was a bear.

Originally Posted by tcs

10%. Hmph. Other studies have suggested much more.

Originally Posted by ofajen

Yeah, hills and headwinds are tough enough on single speed. My MTB is a vintage steel frame from 1988 and not exactly light but the bike is maybe 27 lbs or so. I use the best, fastest rolling tires I can. I don’t think I’d want to use anything heavier.

With SS gearing and touring bars it does rather feel like I’m riding a bigger version of a kid’s bike, but in a very good way! 😊

Otto

Originally Posted by Duragrouch

The problem with a single-speed is not just loss of efficiency, even if humans are capable of a wide torque band; Pushing hard on a tall gear while sitting in the saddle puts much more stress on the knees, and you'll regret it over time. It's different if you have the ability for long climbs out of the saddle with your legs much straighter. I rode a recumbent for a time on tours because it took the pressure off my hands, but inability to stand on climbs took its toll on my knees, so I switched back to a conventional bike but with aero bars to move the pressure from my hands to my forearms near the elbow. My recumbent just didn't have low enough gearing, riding a long uphill grade with a touring load. These days there are more solutions for that, but I still want the ability for standing climbs, and bringing a LWB 'bent up and down stairs was a bear.

Originally Posted by OldTryGuy

I built up a chrome Bassett Racing Cruiser frame/fork with a triple front, Sturmey Archer 5 speed hub and a 3 cog sprocket mounted on the hub. 45 gears with an awesome range.

frame/fork seen >>>

https://www.ebay.com/itm/114681855745

Originally Posted by tcs

10%. Hmph. Other studies have suggested much more.

The Kyle/Berto efficiency test measured the mechanical efficiency of three speed hubs as superior to a Shimano 27-speed derailleur drivetrain and diverging only a few percent between gears, yet the IGHs are disparaged as 'draggy', inefficiency and 'friction boxes'. Riders say they can feel this.

So it goes. Truly:
"Rationalization is more important than sex." - The Big Chill

Originally Posted by SkinGriz

27 lbs with 26” wheels and a steel frame that can take some abuse is not bad I think.

Pic?

Originally Posted by ofajen

Here you go! Notice the bar tape extends to the stem clamp. I use the whole bar. Most of my ride time, I either grip somewhere along the forward bends or right in the center when cruising on the flat, especially into the wind. The grips are mainly for maneuvering, braking or standing, though sometimes I grip just ahead of the levers when standing.

Otto