Thinking about doing the South Downs Way single speed this year (BHF). Would it just be unpleasantm with lots of walking up hills, and being dropped by people with gears on the flat sections?
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What's the SDW like single speeding?
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Posted 1 year ago #
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Depends how strong you are. There's 10000ft of climbing, the worst of which comes at the (Eastbourne) end of the ride.
Posted 1 year ago # -
It would be tough. Some big old hills I have only ever used gears to do it
Posted 1 year ago # -
I've never tried to do end to end without gears, but I've ridden quite hefty stretches of it on a singlespeed.
At my level of fitness, to do the whole distance without dying of cramp I've always had to push a few hills anyway. I reckon it'd slow me down to have no gears, but it isn't the end of the world. You'd just have to follow the Way of the
MountainDownland Turtle I guess.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I heard you can do the double in under 24hrs on one if you are fit enough...
http://www.bikemagic.com/event-features/south-downs-double--on-a-singlespeed/6370.html
http://www.bikemagic.com/gear-news/neil-newells-on-one-inbred-29er/6374.html
Posted 1 year ago # -
it's ok if your used to singlespeed.
3 of us did it; 2 of us geared down a bit.
there are a few hills to be walked but not significant.
Posted 1 year ago # -
very do-able, I've done it a few times with mates SSing
I'd swap rear sprocket adding a couple of extra teeth on the back from whatever you usually run though.
Yes there will no doubt be a few walks in there E->W Butser hill is a killer, a few others in there too but not more than a mile or so's walking out of a 100 milesPosted 1 year ago # -
I did about 75% (West to East direction) of it SS and it was ok - however the last 25% is the hardest bit IMO and I was pleased to have gears when I did the whole lot!
Posted 1 year ago # -
Done it twice all the way singlespeed
Once geared.
I preferred singlespeed, however the geared ride was a wet and windy one
There is a flatish bit in the middle of the ride where if you were racing gears would make up time, not to owrry if you are enjoying the day..Posted 1 year ago #
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