Single Speeding- Should you try it if you are essentially unfit? - Bike Forum https://singletrackworld.com/forum/bike-forum/single-speeding-should-you-try-it-if-you-are-essentially-unfit/ Singletrack World Magazine Forum. Come for the bikes, stay for the boll**ks en-GB Sat, 04 Apr 2026 20:32:43 +0000 wpForo 60 Re: Single Speeding- Should you try it if you are essentially unfit? https://singletrackworld.com/forum/bike-forum/single-speeding-should-you-try-it-if-you-are-essentially-unfit/#post-1199346 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:25:38 +0000 I've now, partially due to unfortunate circumstance, got 2 s/s one road one MTB - as to getting fit I like the excuse to walk up hills on the MTB.
I wouldn't say it's any better or worse at getting you fit than gears just different. It does, IMHO, improve my cadence because it forces you to use different rhythms - regular on the flat, slow power on the hills and fast spinning downhill.

]]> Bike Forum DaRC_L https://singletrackworld.com/forum/bike-forum/single-speeding-should-you-try-it-if-you-are-essentially-unfit/#post-1199346 Re: Single Speeding- Should you try it if you are essentially unfit? https://singletrackworld.com/forum/bike-forum/single-speeding-should-you-try-it-if-you-are-essentially-unfit/#post-1199345 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:20:34 +0000 Which was round is it supposed to be Big ring:cog?

Ok then its 32:19. MT- very funny.

]]> Bike Forum hora https://singletrackworld.com/forum/bike-forum/single-speeding-should-you-try-it-if-you-are-essentially-unfit/#post-1199345 Re: Single Speeding- Should you try it if you are essentially unfit? https://singletrackworld.com/forum/bike-forum/single-speeding-should-you-try-it-if-you-are-essentially-unfit/#post-1199344 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:19:47 +0000 :lol: Mike

]]> Bike Forum will https://singletrackworld.com/forum/bike-forum/single-speeding-should-you-try-it-if-you-are-essentially-unfit/#post-1199344 Re: Single Speeding- Should you try it if you are essentially unfit? https://singletrackworld.com/forum/bike-forum/single-speeding-should-you-try-it-if-you-are-essentially-unfit/#post-1199343 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:18:38 +0000 Seriously. DONT laugh (oh go on then)- I was considering using a 19T/32T first.

I ride 32:18 normally anyway

yes, but he means 19:32...

]]> Bike Forum miketually https://singletrackworld.com/forum/bike-forum/single-speeding-should-you-try-it-if-you-are-essentially-unfit/#post-1199343 Re: Single Speeding- Should you try it if you are essentially unfit? https://singletrackworld.com/forum/bike-forum/single-speeding-should-you-try-it-if-you-are-essentially-unfit/#post-1199342 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:16:09 +0000 Pfftt... 42/18

Gets you fit.

]]> Bike Forum will https://singletrackworld.com/forum/bike-forum/single-speeding-should-you-try-it-if-you-are-essentially-unfit/#post-1199342 Re: Single Speeding- Should you try it if you are essentially unfit? https://singletrackworld.com/forum/bike-forum/single-speeding-should-you-try-it-if-you-are-essentially-unfit/#post-1199341 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:13:58 +0000 I have just started riding a SS. Initial gearing was 36/16 which was very hard but now moving it to 32/18 to make it a little easier. Bike has worked out pretty light which helps when I need to push or lift it over obstacles or carry it! Only had a few rides and even though I am at probaly my lowest ever fitness found it quite fun so why not give it a go!

]]> Bike Forum groundskeeperwilly https://singletrackworld.com/forum/bike-forum/single-speeding-should-you-try-it-if-you-are-essentially-unfit/#post-1199341 Re: Single Speeding- Should you try it if you are essentially unfit? https://singletrackworld.com/forum/bike-forum/single-speeding-should-you-try-it-if-you-are-essentially-unfit/#post-1199340 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:13:06 +0000 TBH I think the only thing that riding a SS will make you fitter for...is riding SS.

On steep hills this time of year you'll run out of traction at the back well before you run out of lungs (unless you're a complete biffer). The rest of the time (on the flat or down) you'll rarely be working that hard as you'll spin out.

Rule of thumb: If it's a middle ring climb (whatever gear you're in at the back) you'll be able to SS it.

]]> Bike Forum nickc https://singletrackworld.com/forum/bike-forum/single-speeding-should-you-try-it-if-you-are-essentially-unfit/#post-1199340 Re: Single Speeding- Should you try it if you are essentially unfit? https://singletrackworld.com/forum/bike-forum/single-speeding-should-you-try-it-if-you-are-essentially-unfit/#post-1199339 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 13:57:16 +0000 Seriously. DONT laugh (oh go on then)- I was considering using a 19T/32T first.

I ride 32:18 normally anyway :)

]]> Bike Forum GaryLake https://singletrackworld.com/forum/bike-forum/single-speeding-should-you-try-it-if-you-are-essentially-unfit/#post-1199339 Re: Single Speeding- Should you try it if you are essentially unfit? https://singletrackworld.com/forum/bike-forum/single-speeding-should-you-try-it-if-you-are-essentially-unfit/#post-1199338 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 13:54:20 +0000 Do it. You will imo get fitter, and be very surprised at what you can get up etc...

Really helps with technique I find, makes you a climbing beast ;)

]]> Bike Forum will https://singletrackworld.com/forum/bike-forum/single-speeding-should-you-try-it-if-you-are-essentially-unfit/#post-1199338 Re: Single Speeding- Should you try it if you are essentially unfit? https://singletrackworld.com/forum/bike-forum/single-speeding-should-you-try-it-if-you-are-essentially-unfit/#post-1199337 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 13:40:18 +0000 jam bo - Member

Right. I'm going to ss my hack bike. Without spending any money.
I need to know how to convert the rear mech into a chain tensioner..
any links?

just don't change gear?

The gears are pretty siezed anyway from lack of maintenance. Next stage is to get them off the bike!

]]> Bike Forum DezB https://singletrackworld.com/forum/bike-forum/single-speeding-should-you-try-it-if-you-are-essentially-unfit/#post-1199337