The Power of a Single Speed

Ahhh...another great view, another great ride (one of many this month so far)...all on single-speed bikes.



Some years ago I found the dark power of single-speed (SS) bikes after purchasing a Fisher SS Rig for no other reason than to try it out. Since then I have dabbled in SS bikes, but I was still multi-gear oriented...I selected geared bikes for the perceived speed (to have more gears must mean more speed, right?) plus a geared bike on long rides and rides with steep climbs seemed much more appropriate than a SS.


Since I started riding again, after my back injury, I found my SS attitude changing. Why?


Well for one thing I'm seeing more clearly now after the potential of not riding was presented in my back as an evil painful reality late last summer. For another, I have found during my recovery that SS riding feels so much better on my back and I have found ways to exercise my back more with the mandatory standing to pedal up steep hill sections (a full body workout)...the sit and spin philosophy on a geared bike is great for the cardio and the legs, but really isn't much benefit for the back (and arms).


So now I embrace SS and choose SS on most rides now...I still ride geared bikes, but only for a change or when I need an easy day in the saddle.


By the way, just so everyone knows I have not quite lost my impulsive, addiction to buy and ride (thrash-test) new bikes...are you ready to feel the power?