Single Speed for Commute?

C3PO

Recently started to work in Ballsbridge and thinking about starting to commute daily from Shankill. Don't really want to use either of the "good" bikes and was thinking about buying a cheap single speed to do the trip. Probably only 15kms each way and pretty well flat! Maybe a Kona Paddy Wagon or something similar - what do people think?

ford2600

C3PO wrote: »

Recently started to work in Ballsbridge and thinking about starting to commute daily from Shankill. Don't really want to use either of the "good" bikes and was thinking about buying a cheap single speed to do the trip. Probably only 15kms each way and pretty well flat! Maybe a Kona Paddy Wagon or something similar - what do people think?

Do you have room in that shed for another bike!

A cheap bike wouldn't look right in there!

C3PO

ford2600 wrote: »

Do you have room in that shed for another bike!

A cheap bike wouldn't look right in there!

Well at least it might get regular use .... which I'm afraid the other ones aren't at the moment! And there's always room for another bike ....! (I really hope the other half doesn't frequent Boards!)

ford2600

C3PO wrote: »

Well at least it might get regular use .... which I'm afraid the other ones aren't at the moment! And there's always room for another bike ....! (I really hope the other half doesn't frequent Boards!)

I bought cube mtb off you last autumn in case your wondering, you sold off mad mtb site

Ole Rodrigo

I use a fixed gear for my commute and love it.

The only negative is no mudguards, but even thats only an occasional and minor complaint, so if you can get a single speed with a provision for proper ones its a great way to commute, IMO.

C3PO

ford2600 wrote: »

I bought cube mtb off you last autumn in case your wondering, you sold off mad mtb site

Yep I remember .... hope it's going ok! Should have kept it and put on slicks!

rollingscone

Can't think of anything between Shankill and BallsBridge that would be overly taxing on a single speed, unless you have horribly damaged knees.

The tax man

ror_74 wrote: »

I use a fixed gear for my commute and love it.

The only negative is no mudguards, but even thats only an occasional and minor complaint, so if you can get a single speed with a provision for proper ones its a great way to commute, IMO.

I run my single speed with a full mudguard setup. Front is a standard Bluemel while the rear is a crud roadracer. If I do need to remove the rear wheel the mudguard is flexible enough not to jam the wheel.

ford2600

C3PO wrote: »

Yep I remember .... hope it's going ok! Should have kept it and put on slicks!

Yeah lovely bike, great deal.

@ror_74 toured west cork/kerry on a fixie so I wouldn't listen to him!

Ole Rodrigo

The tax man wrote: »

I run my single speed with a full mudguard setup. Front is a standard Bluemel while the rear is a crud roadracer. If I do need to remove the rear wheel the mudguard is flexible enough not to jam the wheel.

Bluemels are they way to go aright, if you can. Personally, I hate cruds and had a nightmare changing sprockets, fixing punctures and general rear wheel faffin about with one fitted. Now I just keep an eye on the forecast and carry some light rain gear with me.

ford2600 wrote: »

Yeah lovely bike, great deal.

@ror_74 toured west cork/kerry on a fixie so I wouldn't listen to him!

:pac:

lennymc

there was a pompino/pompetamine advertised on here recently - would be a nice commuter

Harrybelafonte

rollingscone wrote: »

Can't think of anything between Shankill and BallsBridge that would be overly taxing on a single speed, unless you have horribly damaged knees.

Depends on what gearing you choose though doesn't it?

Alanstrainor

Riding a pompino for my 22km round trip from Clontarf to Rathfarnham ish. And it's perfect. Much prefer it to my road bike. I reckon its definitely worth considering.

longford76

C3PO I have a medium Pompino I am thinking of selling if you've any interest if the size works.

I haven't put up a for sale ad yet but reshuffling my "shed" and this is the last one I'm shifting before getting something new myself.

Let me know if you've any interest

mackeminexile

I may be interested in that Pompino if C3PO isn't Longford. Could you PM me a pic and some details?

Bristolscale7

I've got a single speed with a 44-11 gear on it. It's a great bike. I recommend you go for some strong wheels and brakes. I've got 36 spoke wheels and center-pull Cane Creek brakes. Other than some air in the tires it requires very little maintenance.

rp

Bristolscale7 wrote: »

I've got a single speed with a 44-11 gear on it.

Any problems getting a chain to run on the 11-tooth? My commuter runs 49x12, and the only chain that works for me is an SRAM PC7 - other SS chains don't seem to mesh properly around the little cog.

dave_o_brien

108 and 110 inches on commuters? They're very steep gears...

Harrybelafonte

dave_o_brien wrote: »

108 and 110 inches on commuters? They're very steep gears...

I'll say!

Keep_Her_Lit

dave_o_brien wrote: »

108 and 110 inches on commuters? They're very steep gears...

As an independent witness, I can vouch that rp is well able to push that gear.

the.red.baron

C3PO wrote: »

Recently started to work in Ballsbridge and thinking about starting to commute daily from Shankill. Don't really want to use either of the "good" bikes and was thinking about buying a cheap single speed to do the trip. Probably only 15kms each way and pretty well flat! Maybe a Kona Paddy Wagon or something similar - what do people think?

Might be easier to get a "Cheap" bike with gears than one that is single speed. Then you can use gears in the event you feel you need them.

C3PO

the.red.baron wrote: »

Might be easier to get a "Cheap" bike with gears than one that is single speed. Then you can use gears in the event you feel you need them.

To be honest I fancy riding a single speed for a change and I think it might also make the 2-way commute at least a bit of a training spin. Also want to avoid the extra maintenance that gearing will add particularly during the winter months.

dave_o_brien

Keep_Her_Lit wrote: »

As an independent witness, I can vouch that rp is well able to push that gear.

That's 40kph at a cadence in the mid 80's... Good once you get going, but a pain to get going and to stop, or to encounter any kind of a prolonged slope, surely?

Bristolscale7

I must have been smoking something...my gear is not a 44-11, it's a 44-17--much more civilized. The great advantage is the low maintenance of the single speed. I've barely got enough time to keep up with the maintenance on my road bike. A robust single speed can be chucked into the shed day after day without a fuss. Fantastic as a winter trainer too.

Ole Rodrigo

Have to agree, the low maintenance is a big plus. It also means the road bikes are in good shape when I get to use them.

The other plus with SS / Fixed is what you get for your money. You'll pick up something of very good quality for less than an entry level Giant/ Trek/Cube etc..

I was running a 48X16 last year ( which came with the bike ) and have since switched to 46 on the front. I find it civilized enough generally, whilst maintaining some extra bite on the hills to put some manners on me .

lopesc

lennymc wrote: »

there was a pompino/pompetamine advertised on here recently - would be a nice commuter

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Riding a pompino for my 22km round trip from Clontarf to Rathfarnham ish. And it's perfect. Much prefer it to my road bike. I reckon its definitely worth considering.

longford76 wrote: »

C3PO I have a medium Pompino I am thinking of selling if you've any interest if the size works.

I haven't put up a for sale ad yet but reshuffling my "shed" and this is the last one I'm shifting before getting something new myself.

Let me know if you've any interest

mackeminexile wrote: »

I may be interested in that Pompino if C3PO isn't Longford. Could you PM me a pic and some details?

Just googled Pompino to see what they looked like. Thanks guys!

Ole Rodrigo

I wonder do Pompino owners know what it means ? :pac:

rp

ror_74 wrote: »

I wonder do Pompino owners know what it means ? :pac:

Are you trying to tell me my bike sucks?
BTW, if anyone wants a Pompie frame (M) with a stuck BB, PM me