Probably not much interest to those of you who aren't bike obsessed, but for those of you that are I have just got back from my maiden ride on my single speed mountain bike. The deal is that its a fully rigid, old school style, bike with just one gear (32x16). Some of the rides round here involve long fire road climbs followed by smooth flowing single track back down through the native bush. My full suspension is a bit of overkill so I figured, during winter, I would try riding a stripped down, back to basics, bike. Its super low mainteinance, keeps your reactions tuned in and is a good all round workout (you use a lot more upper body effort to get the thing up the steeper inclines). Anyway - we did a 3hr loop this morning (2 on single speeds and Glen on his full sus bomber) and it was great. Just like razzing round our local trails with Andy and John when we were kids. The effort involved was a bit extreme at times but overall it was great fun. Doing away with suspension made the downs a bit eyepopping at times but no crashes so overall I would give it a 9 out of 10. I'll still be riding the full suspension bike as a preference but I can see the new bike getting a lot of action on our night rides around the woods.

Out of interest you adjust the chain tension using an excentric rear hub that extends or shortens the wheelbase slightly. Its really simple but cool engineering. I borrowed it of a mate but it worked brilliantly and saved mucking around with tensioners or rear mechs.

 


Comments

Roy and Celia

Sat, 09 May 2009 04:36:03



Well, what is there to say...of course it looks fantastic, but!! are you getting taller? look at the height of that saddle stalk! Obviously your research has paid off and you are living in cyclists heaven, it must be bliss.

 

PJ

Sat, 09 May 2009 13:55:46

The best bit is that the council are 100% into it. They fund the new trails, get all the crims up in the woods digging, drop dirt wherever its needed and there is full access to all the tracks and trails (no bloody hikers getting in the way). Yep, its a good place to ride and be into bikes.

It does look high doesn't it, but its actually a few mm lower than I would want for this bike.

Happy Mothers Day - I think we are going to give you a call in 5 mins (lucky you)!

 

Wendy

Sun, 10 May 2009 05:43:19

Say what???!!! Great news re. bike riding (whatever!!!! - give me a horse anyday).
Hope Lisa has a had a lovely Mother's Day. Sim arrived back from UK at 6.30am today. Says he misses nothing, other than friends, same here. He noticed how dirty everything was. Save your bunga - everyone will visit you eventually!
Big hugs
Wend xxx

 

JK

Wed, 13 May 2009 13:21:17

singlespeed? can't quite read the label on that NZ bike. does it say 'homo'? what next, pink lycra?

 

PJ

Fri, 15 May 2009 13:32:23

If you've got the Big Guns then why not use them! 32x16 for 1hr to the top of the local hill is as much of a mental challenge as it is physical (well, maybe not) but ripping back down through the woods is pretty fun!

Fear not - The Commencal is still weapon of choice but I can recommend the single speed action for a bit of a change up now and again (especially if you have got a load of old parts/frames/wheels slowly rusting in the garage).

How was camping with Peacock - I'm surprised you came back in one piece!

 

JK

Sat, 16 May 2009 03:56:37

Guilty secret: been thinking about the single speed route for a while. mud goes into all the wrong places on a full suspension. can't see how going slow down the hills, nearly killing yourslef 'cos you're used to going at speed is as much fun as hammering as fat as possible with lovely, forgiving suspension. especially on a night ride when you can' see half the hidden surprises...
remember that jump in Roundhay Park that came down thorugh the bushes, across a path and onto a fade the other side? well, I can finally launch myself off it without too much fear and vaguely smooth. how do i manage to get screw injuries from the flat pedals on the back of my legs?
was feeling pretty smug until I bumped into a bloke who rode off the 4 foot drop off up in the quarry bit on his scott Genius landing perfectly saying 'I'm not much good at this, that's the first time I've tried it.'
Camping is next weekend. the tents arrived, it's snug for 2 people so I'll be using gaffer tape on all personal parts.....

 

PJ

Sat, 16 May 2009 13:53:17

I cant work out whether its good news or not but I haven't noticed much slowing down through tight single track stuff - maybe on the flat out rocky stuff (or roots) you need a bit more caution but for ripping around the woods its maybe even more fun (plus its super quiet with no chain slap on fork hiss). Get one sorted Joe and save the big bouncer for those dusty dry summer rides

 

JK

Mon, 18 May 2009 12:56:53

yes boss. wil need some climbing fitness first, however so i don't need my granny. that will take some time. unless i opt for a 24 x 32

 

JK

Fri, 22 May 2009 14:11:58

The truth shall set you free: The only reason you're riding that single speed is your Commencal's falling apart. all those wild boar pies have finally pushed it to the point of no return.

 

PJ

Sat, 23 May 2009 13:27:31

Tell me about it - I think it might have actually crumbled in sadness at being challenged for No.1 bike supremacy.

Dont get me started on the Commencal - thats the second one now and really, its hardly had any grief at all (its not like I am launching it off roofs or anything). Disappointed.It rides brilliantly but if it breaks after 12 months use thats a pretty bad design flaw.

Ah well, it will definitely have to be something with some quality next time (Santa Cruz, Yeti) - stripping your bike down and posting the frame off to an uncertain future for months on end is no fun at all.

As for the SS - I bought that frame off Moley about 8 years ago for about £100, it weighs all of 2kgs and has still stood strong. I am sad to say I might even ditch the full sus route in the future and go hardtail steel next time with the Pikes in. At least I can just get on with riding the thing.

I hear your destination is the 7 Staines Joe - say no more.

 

CJ

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:26:05


You're bound to read this Paul, mine's not about....cycling! Still waiting for a larger picture of the Night Walk, so that I can put it on my desktop without it being distorted, s.v.p. X

 

Jakos

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 08:12:24

What up man - the commencal broken again? jeezos - poor do.

i like the ss. good frames never die huh? 32 x 16 - wow that seems pretty hard man. i just finished up my fixie - and am running 44 x 17 - ok on the flat for me but I wouldn't consider any big hill (even if it were a freewheel)with that gearing. big lungs you said wann it?

ah well holla sometime you lazy sod.

 

PJ

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:44:57

32x16 is about 30% smaller than a 44x17 man. No wonder your struggling up the hills on it! And please dont tell me you have actually gone for a fixed gear over a freewheel!!! After all I said!! You will regret that the minute a car pulls out on you - still, its oh so cool so worth the risk. Send me a photo, I am intrigued.

 

JK

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:48:56

The quality you're looking for is Specialized. check out the new Epic for some quality full suspension cross country speed. I think I only managed a couple of Staines on the 7 Stanes. hooked up with Andy Mole for a couple of rides as well. He was showing of his new Meta. we'll see how long it lasts... Outstanding riding was to be had at Mabie Forest and the usual good stuff at dalbeattie (twice). the power of the full suspension showed through on the gnarly stuff as the silky smooth JP was left behind. Andy of course was black standard thogh I can proudly say I took him on a couple of power climbs. Hard tail = the past

 



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