I think I already know the answer to this, so be gentle.
Family trip to Lakes coming up - staying in Ambleside. Didn't think I'd have time for riding, but looks like I have a pass for a couple of early morning rides, but both bikes currently in singlespeed mode.
Likely rides I'll be doing would be Loughrigg Terrace, Grizedale, Skelghyll Woods, maybe Iron Keld - all of which I've done geared on numerous occasions.
Singlespeed viable, or do I need my bumps read to even consider such a daft proposition?
Plenty folk manage around there on [s]silly bikes[/s] single speeds.
You can do the Northface Trail at Gizedale on an SS no problems, however, theres quite a few climbs in Grizedale that you cant do on an SS. Sould be fine but it depends how much you like to get off and push
doable single speed with a bit of pushing in places - well for me anyway
Thanks. Pushing fine. I'm currently running 32:16 - worth adding a tooth at the back?
Are you up in Ambleside for half term? If yes and you fancy an early morning ride then I'll bring a bike...
Loughrigg ride is no problem on a SS, it's a bit of a grind up that first climb out of Ambleside though.
Would fully expect to push that first tarmac section up out of Ambleside on an SS but seem to remember the rest of it being OK. I'm up during w/c the 9th November, so still a few weeks off. I may stick some gears back on if I get time between now and then.
If not, any subsonic booms you hear in the vicinity that week will probably be my knees.
I have on occasion used 32:18 but mostly 32:16 is fine
Years ago a mate very nearly did Honister Pass on his 32:16 SS. He had to stop once when his vision started going a bit grey but he continued once he'd got his breath back.
Admittedly he then crashed and broke his pelvis on the descent afterwards but that wasn't the fault of the bike!
I've groaned up Loughrigg tarmac on the SS 32:17. Also managed Iron keld - think we did it coming from Tarn Hows direction.
Grizedale is all fair game for singlespeed - just needs a bit of planning on the direction you tackle certain bits. e.g. descend to Brantwood on the rocky bridleway and climb back up Lawson Park is much more ss friendly than doing it in reverse. The only bits I've had to walk are part of white "road" up from Hawkshead and last bit coming up Breasty Haw (s****) from Satterthwaite.
Have fun!
There's a few of us SS up here in Lakes... Garburn pass & Jenkins Crag usually requires a bit of pushing, but Loughrigg & Grizedale is all rideable.