Is it insane to attempt a 100 mile charity ride on a Single Speed Mountain Bike?

[R.White]

"curt" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> Kind of a stupid question. If you live in a flat area, like TX, OH, FL or
> something who cares if you have gears? If you live in an area that is very
> hilly, then it would be harder. With the right single speed you can do most
> anything, it just takes longer than if you had a multi. I think people ride
> singles to impress other people mostly IMHO. I could care less. I am into
> speed and hills, so singles are a waste of time for someone that wants to go
> fast. All I can say is.... care to race around western PA?
>
> Curt

I live in Central Pa. and got my first SS in 1999 (Bianchi B.a.S.S.).
Just bought my second (a slightly used Bianchi C.u.S.S.). I'm just as
fast as those with gears so I haven't "wasted" any time.

I could care less about impressing people. I like my SS for is simplicity,
low maintenance and above all, the quiet ride.

 

[R.White]

"curt" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> Kind of a stupid question. If you live in a flat area, like TX, OH, FL or
> something who cares if you have gears? If you live in an area that is very
> hilly, then it would be harder.

Only in the beginning.

> With the right single speed you can do most
> anything, it just takes longer than if you had a multi.

Only in the beginning.

> I think people ride
> singles to impress other people mostly IMHO. I could care less. I am into
> speed and hills, so singles are a waste of time for someone that wants to go
> fast.

I got my first SS in 1999 and just got my second a few weeks ago. I
could care less about impressing people. I ride with other geared
riders and never lag behind so I haven't wasted any time. I like my
SS for it's simplicity and the silent ride it provides.


> All I can say is.... care to race around western PA?

I'm in central Pa. Just as many if not more hills here.



> "Lobo Tommy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > Inquiring minds would like your feedback regarding this question.

 

[the black rose]

R.White wrote:
>>Every year on RAGBRAI, there is a pair of brothers, now in their 70s,
>>riding full-dress 1-speed 1950s-era schwinns, riding the full course in
>>long shirts and long pants.
>>
>>
>>Their saddles sport hand-lettered signs "Gears Are For Wimps".
>
>
> Here's a picture of them.
>
> <http://www.main.com/~plummer/day2/old_guys.jpg>

The pic is too fuzzy to read their little signs, on my screen at least.

--
the black rose
GO LANCE GO!!!
proud to be owned by a yorkie
http://community.webshots.com/user/blackrosequilts

 

[SoCalMike]

> I got my first SS in 1999 and just got my second a few weeks ago. I
> could care less about impressing people. I ride with other geared
> riders and never lag behind so I haven't wasted any time. I like my
> SS for it's simplicity and the silent ride it provides.

what kind of gearing?

just curious. i dont need a whole bunch of gears either, but it *is*
nice having a tall gear for top speed, and a slightly shorter gear for
some inclines or a headwind.

 

[Chris Neary]

Don't see why it should be.

A friend rode Solvang (admittedly not a particularily hilly century) one
year on his fixed gear.


Chris Neary
[email protected]

"Science, freedom, beauty, adventure: what more could
you ask of life? Bicycling combined all the elements I
loved" - Adapted from a quotation by Charles Lindbergh

 

[Mike Vandeman]

Yes. ALL mountain biking is insane.
===
I am working on creating wildlife habitat that is off-limits to
humans ("pure habitat"). Want to help? (I spent the previous 8
years fighting auto dependence and road construction.)

http://home.pacbell.net/mjvande