Ages ago I decided to convert my geared bike to a singlespeed, just to see what it was like.

It was fun.

Now for some strange reason even though it is fine for the riding I was doing at the time, I kept thinking 'what if I what to ride somewhere more gnarly'. So I put the gears back on.

But now I can't seem to lose the urge to go SS again. Why?

SS rules …

only geared bike i have is my road bike

you need to get a second bike that is SS only 😉

Clearly you have a need for a second bike to deal with all your requirements…..

….I wish I could keep the wish list down to just two!

Select a gear – go and ride and don't change gear – single speed…
If you fancy changing gear then you have a choice

Select a gear – go and ride and don't change gear – single speed…
If you fancy changing gear then you have a choice

in theory yes, in practice no

get an ss, ride it till your legs fall off and collapse in a heap at the end of the day. job done.

Select a gear – go and ride and don't change gear – single speed…
If you fancy changing gear then you have a choice

You've just missed the point by a mile! 🙄

SS = one gear ratio, no choice! it realyy does make you ride in a completely different style. More attacking on the climbs, spinning like a fool should you go anywhere near tarmac.

real_ben10 – you need a dedicated s/s!

🙄 just ride your bike, it's (supposed to be) fun

How long does it take you to put gears back on? I figure I could do it in an hour. Do you get more than an hours notice for gnarly rides?

SS has been fantastic so far. I love the easy cleaning, low maintenance especially after a night ride. Turned some otherwise bland rides into real challenges.

Having done rides with geared friends I found that if I was walking then some of them would be too. My only issue has been tarmac or fast forestry road where I have to spin like a mad man to keep up.

Singlespeeds rule! which is why I have a 21lb carbon FS bike gathering dust in the corner of the garage 😯