Disappointed by my single speed, hills r brutal

[Deleted member 1258]

Give yourself some time to get used to it, you can also change the gearing to suit your legs. When I came back to fixed the bike came with a 70 inch gear and 170 cranks, it was fine for commuting but a bit high for what I was doing on a Sunday, after a bit of experimenting I settled on a 65 inch gear and 165 cranks, suites me and what I do, I did todays forum ride on the fixed and had an excellent day.

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/sun-18th-nov.116164/page-5

 

[wheres_my_beard]

Sounds like someone needs a wee dram of MTFU. It's great for your knees. Cheers!

I'd like to say that it gets easier, but it doesn't, you just go quicker, further or harder. Grindin' and spinnin' will be your new best friends!

 

[totallyfixed]

Hi all

Always wanted a single speed. Finally managed to pick one up fairly cheap.

The bike is awsome downhill and flats. However, I live in Blackburn, it's full of hills. Tried one near my house, with fresh legs! Oh my god, absolutely brutal. Used all my body weight and just managed to get up.

The whole reason, was to build up my muscles! Shall I keep trying or give up! Anyone use a fix speed on hilly routes!

My partner and I [dr_pink of the fairer sex] wish to know what is this "brutal" you speak of? Are we missing out on something? Can we have some too? .

 

[dawesfox]

If you still find single speed too demanding after a thorough trial, why not try a simple internal hub gear like a Sturmey-Archer S2 Duomatic, SRAM Automatix or 3 speed hub like the Sturmey-Archer SRF-3 or AW? These hubs have nearly all of the advantages of single speed although you will need a shifter and cable for the 3 speed hub.

 

[sidevalve]

If you want to build leg muscles, why not stick with a geared bike and cycle up hills in a higher than normal gear? I acknowledge that there are attractions, but in all honesty buying a single speed is like purchasing a side valve engined, three speed car when more modern, convenient models are available.

And what's wrong with a sidevalve engine ?

 

[tyred]

Your gear ratio is wrong. Look up Sheldon Brown's gear calculator and plug your wheel size, chainring size and sprocket size into it and see what the gear inches is. 63" is a good starting point. You can always increase it later if you feel the need. It's better to be under-geared than over-geared in a hilly area.

Edit: People like me who ride singlespeed and fixed gear bikes in lumpy areas have to accept that sometimes, you will need to walk.

 

[tyred]

And what's wrong with a sidevalve engine ?

Restricted breathing characteristics for a start.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

I have a two week rule with new bikes or major changes to existing ones, if I'm still struggling or uncomfortable after two weeks of riding every day then I'll make a change.

I was horribly disappointed when I got my single speed (52 front, 16 back) but stuck with it and now I wouldn't go back. When I ride my geared bike it seems very easy indeed.

Stick with it; this time next month you'll be wondering how you ever managed to get uphill KOMs without it

 

[Andrew_Culture]

Edit: People like me who ride singlespeed and fixed gear bikes in lumpy areas have to accept that sometimes, you will need to walk.

Even in Suffolk I've found the occasional hill that it's just not possible to cycle up when on my single speed!

Oh, if you're sticking with a high ratio you might want to start doing a few hip strengthening exercises, my hips hurt like a wrongun when I first converted to single speed!

 

[CopperCyclist]

Yes just got a fixie, i do a hilly route with the other half, when on the road bike i am forever waiting for her, so thought i would get a fixie, it's fitted with a 17 tooth rear sprocket, although i did struggle up a couple of hills i did get up them, am waiting for a 15 tooth sprocket and i will try the same route with that one and see how it goes, i want it to be hard but i don't want it to kill me.

Err... won't the 15 tooth make it even harder! You need more teeth to make it easier

 

[4F]

Err... won't the 15 tooth make it even harder! You need more teeth to make it easier

Correct

 

[Fab Foodie]

63" gear should be no probs and make it a fixed not freewheel then you could easily go bigger. Uphill is much easier with a fixed wheel than free.

 

[fossyant]

Certainly go fixed. You'd be surprised at what you can climb once you have your gear inches sorted. I run 77" and do have to watch which routes I take it out on near me but I can get up 10% climbs fine with that gear, bit hard work, but it's just as fast as my geared bikes.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Certainly go fixed. You'd be surprised at what you can climb once you have your gear inches sorted. I run 77" and do have to watch which routes I take it out on near me but I can get up 10% climbs fine with that gear, bit hard work, but it's just as fast as my geared bikes.

Agreed, used to run 76" and the likes of Ditchling with overloaded saddlebag were readily doable with a bit of judicious grunting ...

 

[4F]

I agree with the comments about riding fixed rather than SS and in flat Suffolk I run 78.8" It's all about find the right ratio to the hills around you.