single speed moutain bike

[red66toy]

I was wondering if anyone on here rides a single speed MTB? I really need a new bike. I like the simplicity of a single speed. Just wanted some opinions. Thanks

 

[kevinmrowland]

They're great, but they're not for X-country riding. If you want to do trails or trick riding, there is nothing better.
If you want a simple but slightly more versatile bike, get a mono front gear with a bash guard, and run a seven speed cassette in the back, I think that is a great setup.

 

[red66toy]

I wont be doing any trick riding, I am not that good yet. Im a noob to mountain biking. The single speeds just seemed like a sweet deal. Maybe a single speed in the front and a cassette in the back would be better. Hmmm, lots to think about. Thanks

 

[Doc]

For a newb, you'll definitely want gears. Trust me on that.

 

[kevinmrowland]

Yeah, mono on either end is for a more experienced rider, get the gears then figure out what you like to do with them.

 

[Fly Rod]

They're great, but they're not for X-country riding.

????? Actually they rock for cross country. You just have to know how to gear them for the ride you are going to do. The benefits are potentially light weight and simple. With no suspension you can build a really light bike. Without suspension you will also learn to choose your lines carefully. The drawbacks, pain.

So you are a noob to the sport? I would recommend starting with gears, here's why: To really get into the sport you need to enjoy it first. Get out and get in shape for cycling. Using gears will allow you to enter the sport without the physical hurdle the single speed will throw onto you.

Get a single speed when you have quads like iron. You will need them! Also, I hope you are young. Single speeds are really hard on the knees.

Yeti

 

[Cattledog]

Single speeds are great for muddy early spring with ice and snow. Fewer parts to clean up.

One main cavet, You will blow out your legs riding a SS. But you will be in better biking shape earier in the season. Learn to spin if you are going to ride a single speed.

A light bike with one gear set is a light bike not a fast bike... BTW I love my rigid SS.

 

[red66toy]

Ok, maybe I will hold off on the ss. Im 21 so I still have some time to blow up my knees. I have been road biking a lot, but havnt really been on a mountain bike long. My current one sucks sooooooooo bad. Thanks for the advice dudes

 

[Razor]

I have been ridding a single speed for the last 2 month waiting on my new Ells epiphany.....I have a rigid front fork as well, it all put together on a Gary Fisher Hoo Koo...very light and nible..approx 17.5 LBS..all FSA K-Force Carbon Bits.

I love it, it is an all together diff. kind of work out, (stregnth ride) standing almost 95% of the time at a ratio of 2 to 1 out here in colorado.....

It is a brutal work out...horking a 2 to 1 gear up a steep single track...

I am actually enjoying the rigid fork...however it will limit where you can ride if you have weak wrists and shoulders.

Can't wait to get on a geared full suspension agian and see what gains I have made...

If you want to try singlespeed, then you will for sure want a Fixed Gear without brakes...we have on in the shop...what a trip that is to ride....

I

 

[kevinmrowland]

Sorry Guys,
I was coming at it from a downhill/trials standpoint. I totally agree with what you are saying, but still, your average x-country rider is not on a single speed, you all are obviously above average...........
Thats why I said what I said, just a different mentality, have fun burning out your knees been there, done that.

 

[Razor]

what you want is a Gary Fisher RIG....what a bike...29'r Single Speed, doesn't get any better...29" wheel soaks up bumps like a full suspension.

trade ??
MSRP: 999

 

[red66toy]

Hmmm, good knees or cool bike?

 

[IdahoDoug]

Hold off on the SS. Those are for experienced riders looking for additional challenge and that strange zen consciousness only achieved by purists willing to suffer for the unique experience. I've never tried it, but my hat is doffed to those of you who pursue this. Bravo!


DougM

 

[LongIsland60]

You can do single speed, but think about a freewheel or flip/flop. My fixed gear bikes are road bikes. Get a fixie though sometime - great fun. Nothing like it.

 

[red66toy]

I dont think I am going to get a ss. I was thinking one of these bikes:
http://www.fisherbikes.com/bikes/bike_detail.asp?series=trail-genesis&bike=HKEK
http://www.fisherbikes.com/bikes/bike_detail.asp?series=trail-29er&bike=XCaliber

 

[Fly Rod]

Either of those will be a rocking bike. For the $ you are going to spend today us old dudes spent 3x as much for half the performance 10 years ago. But then our bikes had more character back then! (Like us)

 

[red66toy]

Well,I decided on a bike: http://www.fisherbikes.com/bikes/bike_detail.asp?series=race-hardtail&bike=Big_Sur

 

[White Shark]

Redline Monocog. Pretty fly for a white guy.

The 2006 is $450 standard, or $520 for the disc brake setup.

 

[player]

Why dont they have 2 wheel drive bikes? That would be the chits!

 

[CruisinGA]

Why dont they have 2 wheel drive bikes? That would be the chits!

They do...

too heavy to be worth much...