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A:
Well, single-speeding and fixed gear riding is kind of a subculture within the cycling realm, and devotees love it for its simplicity— no derailleurs, fewer cables, no shifters on the bars, silence and no reason to worry about what gear you're in, basically an uncluttered ride. Of course, that simplicity comes at a price: having no way to adjust your gearing and effort when you're going uphill or downhill.

But look beyond this obvious pitfall and we strongly believe it is a complimentary training tool for ALL riders and does not even have to replace all your other bikes if you don’t want it too. You will find it is most often the terrain that dictates your intensity as opposed to your will and provided you have selected a good gear option you will work your power and efficiency engines on the same ride. Power being worked on the uphill’s by generally being in a larger gear to what you would ‘choose’ on a geary and your efficiency being worked on the flats and downs as you hone your pedalling technique and form at higher revs. Pick the wrong gear however and you will find yourself not making it up those climbs or spinning frantically at low speed, both of which will put you off and give you little benefit, so choose wisely or just ask us or other local SS’ers where to start out, this constitutes an entirely separate answer though.

Don’t write the bike off just yet, experiment with some gear changes for your terrain and give yourself time to get into it, as it will seem difficult and tiring at first. It will definitely be complimentary to your geared rigs and a fun, simple, practically maintenance free option. This also makes it great for commuting and getting a better, all round fitness return on limited training time.

Q:
You guys seem mental, not just hard core tough but downright crazy? Are you crazy or is there some sadistic mental high you actively seek out akin to drugs?
El sane’ ou, Happy place number eighteen.

A:
As a SS rider there is definitely the absence of technical internal dialogue such as what gear to be in, remembering to soft pedal while changing or shifting early for that steep section. There also comes the point of complete surrender and resignation to Mother Nature just before that first pedal stroke, that it is just you against her and no flick or push of a lever will make things any easier or faster. Kind of like paddling into that huge closeout wave anyway or jumping off a cliff into unknown waters, whatever happens, happens, deal with it and have a little faith! You will probably never have the “right” gear so this frees up your mind for other activities like micro focusing on your body and how you are feeling (boring) or world peace or your favourite toothpaste, whatever. Its liberating and allows you to realise just how much fun this riding stuff should actually be, crazy? Sometimes but I find it more of a clarity kind of vibe.