True, there are plenty of these kids, but they're mostly students at the UC... the locals who actually grow up in santa cruz are wayyy more into the surf scene (and some bmx, skating, mountain biking, and road biking - basically everything but SSFG!). I'm just saying that I've noticed this attitude towards "fixies" in that town. People are like "hey get a real bike, tight jean wearing hipster fixie [insert homophobic epithets]" you know? In fact the main shop that used to cater to SSFG bikes was called Bike Shop Santa Cruz, and they didn't last more than a few years. The locals don't really like "outsiders" there, especially the university students (who are mostly the ones riding fixed gear because they come from surrounding areas in CA like LA or Bay Area where it's not "lame" to ride a fixed gear).

I agree and I wasn't trying to say that fitting in is the point. I just wanted to add that point because it's just another factor to consider. It's almost like walking around the Capitola or Live Oak with a "Banana Slugs" hoodie... you get the stink eye from surfer bros. It's not about fitting in, it's just about being aware of the environment is all. Just my experience though - Hopefully your's will be different

Still, it's a beautiful town and I miss riding my bike down West Cliff and down that trail that leads to the ocean:



But i also rode around on this for 2 years around santa cruz before i got the 29er:

Yo, you are taking me out of context. Read the original post. I'm saying that there's a perception about that. I never said that I personally feel that way - and I dont

Fixed the links.

Oh i know, that you werent like directing that towards me or anything. I just hate statements like that in general because its such bs

Okay, my bad. Internet moment.

Ok. So the title of this post is: "Should I get a Single Speed?"

Let's try and make some sense of this silliness and get the OP an answer to his/her question.

So what have we learned?
1. If you're old, fat, and out of shape do not get a fixie.
2. Be aware of your local scene, and maybe try to fit in.
3. Figure out your gear ratio, start with 42/16
4. Use a flip-flop hub
5. Use a brake, or two
6. Riding up hills sucks because you get sweaty
7. Get a geared bike for windy days
8. It's easier than fixed gear on the UC Santa Cruz campus

Am I missing anything? Hopefully not...

Taking all of this into consideration, I'd say, NO. Don't get a single speed. Why?

Well, because...

1. if you can only afford one bike, and you know you're going to encounter windy days, a multi-geared bike is the way to go
2. if you live near Santa Cruz you may not fit into the local scene
3. if you ride up hills you'll get sweaty
4. if you're old, fat, and out of shape, you'll die
5. figuring out a good gear ratio cost too much money, and you have to wrestle with getting a stuck cog/lockring/freewheel off

There. Get a multi-speed bike. For those days when you want to NOT fit in, in Santa Cruz, just cruise around in one gear (don't shift) and tell everyone you're riding single speed.

Or if you're just toying with the idea of a single-speed/fixed-gear in order to hang with the cool kids, you'll need to relocate to where there's a bunch of "liberal hippie rich kids," like SF, or someplace with a similar scene. And since you're probably not looking to relocate, and I'm certainly not looking for a roommate for my "cozy" SF apartment, you should disregard this last bit and a get multi-speed bike.

Hope that helps.

Someone get this man a beer!

^Agreed. Gears will probably make the ride easier/more enjoyable. SSFG is kind of a pain in hilly areas unless you're a strong rider and comfortable with it.

I fully endorse this statement.

Ok reason I'm wanting to get a SS is that I have become so dependant on gears when climbing hills on the mountain bike. I want to help train myself to stick in one gear while climbing and at the same time just have fun riding. All of this to say yes I love riding single speed but is it going to help me train myself?

If that's your only reason for wanting a SS, why not just find a gear that's comfortable on your MTB, and resist the urge to shift when riding up the hill?

Or are there other reasons? Do tell...

Well been wanting a road bike and single speeds are cheaper. And also I love the simplicity and how quiet they are.

In that case, you've answered your own question. Go ahead and get a single speed. You only live once...have fun!

^True. Just test-ride a lot of ssfg bikes at a LBS? Go mash on some hills and feel it out. Take your time in choosing your purchase