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single speed options

  • 19-07-2015 3:32pm
    #1
    jon1981
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,359 ✭✭✭


    Hi,

    I'm thinking of switching to a single speed for commuting and have some questions. I'm currently commuting about 8km each way daily on a 10sp road bike and I'm starting to see the wear and tear on the bike due to do this so thinking it might be best to switch and keep the 10sp solely for the longer spins at evenings and weekends. My commute is not hilly at all bar a section of the malahide road from fairview to killester.

    What sort of gearing would be typical for a single speed? It seems from my limited research that the gearing is the main consideration when looking for a single speed. Also I'm thinking on windy days i'd rather not have to mash away either so happy to compromise top end speed for easier commutes in wind. Also looking for recommendations are where I can pick up a decent single speed.

    Jon


Comments

  • #2
    Harrybelafonte
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,450 ✭✭✭Harrybelafonte


    jon1981 wrote: »
    Hi,

    I'm thinking of switching to a single speed for commuting and have some questions. I'm currently commuting about 8km each way daily on a 10sp road bike and I'm starting to see the wear and tear on the bike due to do this so thinking it might be best to switch and keep the 10sp solely for the longer spins at evenings and weekends. My commute is not hilly at all bar a section of the malahide road from fairview to killester.

    What sort of gearing would be typical for a single speed? It seems from my limited research that the gearing is the main consideration when looking for a single speed. Also I'm thinking on windy days i'd rather not have to mash away either so happy to compromise top end speed for easier commutes in wind. Also looking for recommendations are where I can pick up a decent single speed.

    Jon

    Everyone uses a different gearing according to fitness and route. It's easily changed if it doesn't suit. It shouldn't be the main consideration. I'd suggest wheel quality should be the most important consideration.


  • #3
    rp
    Users Awaiting Email Confirmation Posts: 1,227 ✭✭✭rp


    jon1981 wrote: »
    What sort of gearing would be typical for a single speed? It seems from my limited research that the gearing is the main consideration when looking for a single speed. Also I'm thinking on windy days i'd rather not have to mash away either so happy to compromise top end speed for easier commutes in wind.
    Experiment on your current shifty, pick a gear a stick with it the whole commute (harder to do than it sounds).


  • #4
    Idleater
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,176 ✭✭✭Idleater


    I had a wheel built using a SRAM automatix hub for my "single speed" commuter. With a little adjustment, I have a 39x12 when above 22kmph (63ish cadence) and 39x19 available below that speed.

    The bike is a standard city track bike, drop bars and a pannier rack. Not quick, but fine for my 15 km not flat not hilly commute.


  • #5
    rp
    Users Awaiting Email Confirmation Posts: 1,227 ✭✭✭rp


    Idleater wrote: »
    I had a wheel built using a SRAM automatix hub for my "single speed" commuter. With a little adjustment, I have a 39x12 when above 22kmph (63ish cadence) and 39x19 available below that speed.

    The bike is a standard city track bike, drop bars and a pannier rack. Not quick, but fine for my 15 km not flat not hilly commute.
    I've just tried something similar, using a Sturmy Archer S2C, the only difference is you kick back to shift, kinda fun, although the hub is mad heavy considering it only adds one gear.
    I have it set-up with 49x14 (direct-drive granny gear) and 49x10 overdrive. Works well on the commute (a couple of ups and downs).


  • #6
    Idleater
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,176 ✭✭✭Idleater


    rp wrote: »
    you kick back to shift, kinda fun

    Cool, I have the back pedal (coaster) brake version which is also quite cool.

    The automatic upshift is great for acceleration from the lights, you effectively can go zero to 35 continuously.

    The hub is pretty heavy too, 1.8 kg, but that's not really the point. I also have a dynamo hub so the commuter is a basic remove from shed cycle to work any time of year bike.


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  • #7
    Alek
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,520 ✭✭✭Alek


    49x10 overdrive

    Thats a lot! I almost never use 50x11 on a gear bike...
    49x14 (direct-drive granny gear)

    You just got knees of steel award from me :)


  • #8
    rp
    Users Awaiting Email Confirmation Posts: 1,227 ✭✭✭rp


    Idleater wrote: »
    I also have a dynamo hub so the commuter is a basic remove from shed cycle to work any time of year bike.
    This is my entry for the all-year-shed-to-work challenge (to do before winter: 'guards, dynamo), I'd love to add one more gear but not with that weight penalty.


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