Yeah, but when cyclists say flat, we mostly don't mean pancake-flat, we don't mind gradual ascents and declines. However, what we don't want, are serious hills where we might be more tempted to dismount and climb the hill by walking.

You mean you?

Outside of the commute I don't want flat and gradual. I even have a hilly route to take to and from work when I want to do something exciting. And yes, I suck at climbing.

No. I believe that it is of some interest and value for single speed cyclists to know, just exactly which cities are single speed friendly and accomodating...and which ones are not so accomodating.

Some single speedsters here have pointed out how their city is not so accomodating. Others, have pointed out how their city's geography or topography is single speed accomodating only in specific regions. Therefore, if someone does think "Oh great! I now have the chance to post because of the city I live in...", that's great! That's exactly what I'm looking for! I want to know which states and cities are the best for single speeds. That's the whole point!

Within other forums here in BF, Newbies frequently ask about what type of bike should they get. Often times, it's in either the Commuting Forum or the Road Cycling Forum. These Newbies sometimes have limited funds to invest (sometimes less than $300). Well I can't very well recommend them a brand new road bike for that amount. However, I can recommend them a decent single speed for that amount and feel completely justified in doing so. There are quite a few really decent, brand new, single speeds that can be purchased for just about that amount.

If I know which city or state these Newbies live in, I can with good conscience, offer them a viable alternative in the option of purchasing a new single speed, instead of a new road bike, or a new hybrid, which will most certainly be more expensive.

That's what's really good about single speeds. They are generally less expensive and require less maintenance than multi-geared bikes, because they're so simple!

That's why I like them so much!

Why are people so scared of hills? I mean, I've never climbed a mountain, but there are decent hills north of here that I ride whenever possible, and Austin (hilly by Chicago standards) was a blast. I like hills. The climb is a workout, there's a sense of accomplishment at the top, and the decent is a fun reward.

I live in the Bay Area. I know a bunch of young single speedsters through my co-op. Most of them try to avoid the more challenging hills. They even curse them as the climb! Some even dismount and walk!

Two reasons:

1) Some people just aren't in the kind of physical condition that others are in to take certain hills.

Everybody has a their limit on ascents. You may be much greater on certain ascents than other cyclists, and they no doubt will be able to out climb others.

You may consider a certain hill as mere child's play, where others might consider that same hill as a major challenge.

I've seen guys fly up what looks like an almost straight vertical incline, without so much as a huff! I've seen veteran cycling hill climbers who like to ascend hills while cycling, take a second look at those guys, and claim that they're all either crazy or "on something"...

2) Some people just plain hate all types of ascents, no matter how gradual...

Some times you just have to dismount, but cursing the climb? Some of us are more masochistic than others

you know, you can edit posts and include more than one quote in a post.

My dad grew up in Austin. Went to St.Angela's. This has nothing to do with bikes, just an interesting coincidence for me.

Dude, if I can climb hills at 6'3"/200lbs as a heavy drinker and chain smoker pushing 74gi on a 20lb bike, anyone should be able to. Or, I just think that I suck more than I actually do. I don't know.

That's cool. I'm not from there, nor have I ever lived there. I went on vacation earlier this year and took my bike. that said, I'd love to go back. Perhaps permanently. The riding is awesome.

I love hills, but we simply do not have that many around columbus. So I sometimes just go out and do hill repeats on a certain small hill.

I guess it depends how you define hills. I live on Chapel Hill Rd at Anderson (south from Duke), and CH Rd is actually mega flat because it's on the spine of a ridge (so flat, the neighborhood was born in the 1900s because the streetcar line allowed people to commute to downtown without horses, and the streetcar couldn't "do hills"). The terrain around it (see for example, Anderson St) is all uppy-downy rolls and hills *ad infinitum* that will wear you out through frequency, not major inclines that last a long time. See also Academy Rd etc.

Whoever said Chapel Hill is flat neglected the whole part of getting UP the hill to CH. it's a slog no matter how you slice it unless you go WAY out of your way. Once up, yes, i agree.

PM me if you want to ride with a fat guy fixed-gear rookie in Durham sometime, i'm looking for ppl to go on rides with. Be Gentle.

Hey there, JimmyTango!

What does "pushing 74gi" mean?

74 gear inches.

Yes people have their limits, but limits are made to be overcome. People tend to get better at climbing as they get more experienced on a bike.

Then find a better bunch, if they are cursing out something they are not of the right mindset. If one hates climbing, one's not trying or willing to get stronger.



Here, yes, got plenty of climbing, but also have a selection of everything else.

Thanks, Nagrom!

[QUOTE=Dannihilator;14995898]Agreed!

OTOH

IDK

Some people just don't have the physical build or ability. I'm thinking in terms of petite women with smaller muscle groupings climbing the steeper hills on single speeds...Perhaps, the elderly on single speeds (or even multi-geared bikes for that matter).


It's just a normal response to human stress when facing possible imminent failure.


It's so nice to have variety and choices!

St. Petersburg FL is a great place for ss/fg, and cycling in general. You do need to drive a couple hours north to find any hills worth mentioning.

This pretty much covers FL...

Yep!

My 1970 Robin Hood converted into a single speed Commuter...brooks saddle, custom wood pedals, wood racks made in japan, hand painted bell made in canada, bike built in England!!!!!

Bizarre posting location.

Nice bike though, belongs in the townie thread I'd say.

Yes. Denver.

Also, Portland, Maine.

I live in Chapel Hill, and on the bottom of the Hill (towards Durham). I find it near impossible to commute by bike to UNC unless I take the bus. Gotta find a way somehow.

Anybody mention Eugene yet?

Very single speed/fixed gear friendly, minutes away from endless country roads and a few decent climbs