but I'm learning to chill out and look for pumping opportunities and preserving speed.
See, buzz's comment here gives an inkling into most of what SS is for me. Yes its all riding a bike, but its a fundamentally different experience and attitude to riding that provides variety especially coupled with a geared bike.
Short stiff climbs? Attack them. I wouldn't do that on an FS, I'd spin. Technical climbing? Having to moderate power output so you don't spin out on those roots and rocks that the FS would just munch up. Having to negotiate a line though chop to preserve your momentum that on the FS you'd just blast.
Its about the difference for me. Thats why I have a 23lb SS HT and a 29lb geared FS – very different riding experiences over the same terrain.
Theres also the attraction of 'uncomplicated' riding, but I'm straying dangerously close to hair shirts, peace and love there.
Man. 😳