stilltooslow

So after many (MANY) years of being a die hard roadie/fixie guy, I decided to resurrect an old, unused fixed frame as a SS. What fun!! Started with a 50x18 and flew through my moderately hilly 35 mile route, then went to a 45x16 (one inch higher), and suffered just a bit, so I'm still deciding which is the ideal compromise, but what a blast the whole SS experience is! Love the simplicity and freedom, and I'm already deep in thought conjuring up a formula for a future dream, ultra elite SS build.

It's a whole new world and I was instantly hooked, although I'm sure some of my more snooty road training partners will have a few choice comments when I pull up on this one for the Wednesday night ride.

ThermionicScott 

I bring a FG on many of my group's rides. If anyone has any doubts about the bike, I let my riding to the talking.

jolly_ross

They didn't tell you because it takes 6 weeks to recover from knee surgery and the wifi is really bad in hospital.

prooftheory

Obvious troll is obvious.

stilltooslow

Soooo….am I to infer that you'd lean toward the lower geared option then??

Scrodzilla

I didn't say anything because my wife won't let me tell people stuff.

gregjones

Marriage can change your universe.

SkippyMcJimmy

Keep us updated on what they say when you pull up with it on your Wednesday group ride I've always been curious.

Jandro 

If they aren't ignorant asshats, they probably wont say anything other than "huh... new bike?"

RollCNY

I rarely post this side of the wall, but I have almost exclusively ridden SS on group rides this year. I have had 2x9 flat bar builds, 1x9, and 2x10 drop bar bikes, and have ended up on a 47x16 modified Felt Brougham SS. I tried FG, but didn't see the allure (no offense to any who do), and have just had a ball riding SS. It always generates comments.

stilltooslow

That 47x16 is a big number! How hilly is your route? I'm currently riding 45x16 and suffering a bit on the somewhat hilly rides around here.

RollCNY

Some grades definitely cause suffering. Normal 50 mile route has 2400 ft of climbing, and one 10% grade close to home. My cadence on a ride varies from 160 to 40, so big swings. I switched to 47x18 for a hillier century in August (had 3 long climbs with 12% portions) and appreciated the climbing help, but hated the reduced cruising speed. Ultimately, I am in the northern end of the Finger Lakes, so mostly rolling terrain, and no prolonged climbs.

The most interesting part about SS is I do way more sight seeing, especially on climbs. To distract myself, I look around a lot more, and see far more interesting things.

stilltooslow

Yeah, I sometimes switch to a 50x18 which is only 1 gear inch lower, but it still makes a noticeable difference on 40+ mi. rides.

Love this SS thing! Never even thought about it before in my 40+ years of serious road riding/racing.