...Singlespeeding. I live in a steep sided valley most of the time but I still quite fancy jacking in the gears on my only 'proper' bike - light ish XC type stuff.
Will I live to regret it or will I instantly become super fit and bearded?
Beg/borrow/steal an old alu. frame and set that up as a SS.
try before you buy!
I did and I love it,
A
Set your limit screws so you can't change gear. Try riding your local trails. Realise you are being ridiculous. reinstate gears for free
TJ has it.
however, it does take a number of rides to 'get it'; having to think when to brake, when to carry speed, etc.
However, steep sided valley doesn't sound like fun on SS. You will eventually get calves of steel. Or destroy a knee.
[i]However, steep sided valley doesn't sound like fun on SS. You will eventually get calves of steel. Or destroy a knee. [/i]
Indeed. On-one was formed from within some of the steepest valleys in Britain. (edit: Very close to the OP in fact)
They're all rideable SS. All you have to do is get up on the pedals and start stomping.
ok, maybe I should rephrase that as "...doesn't sound like fun [u]to me[/u]...". My knees wouldn't be able to take it, even with shorter gearing; years of skiing and rugby means they've been through a lot of abuse already.
On more rolling terrain though, I'm happy enough with a non-hardman gear; but can't afford another bike at present, so going without the SS.