Riding a single speeder on or off road is the same familiar bike riding feeling but with a whole new angle, challenges and benefits. There is a purity in the efficiency of the gears: no awkward chain lines and extra drivetrain drag from the pulleys or derailleurs. It is a direct feeling of peddling converted to forward motion with little waste.
Techniques and habits are brought into the spotlight. Ever noticed how you automatically change down a gear or two when you approach the base of a hill? On a single speeder you don’t have that option. Instead you just get stuck into climbing the hill. You soon realise that you are climbing well and maintaining momentum and rhythm.
You will be surprised how well you can climb when there are no gears to twiddle, knowing that you must maintain speed or walk. And because your single speeder is a stripped down machine, there’s less weight to haul should you have to revert to walking.
Keeping speed up on the flats takes a whole new perspective as well. You find yourself working the corners, watching your line, keeping off the brakes far more – anything to preserve speed. Pretty soon you find yourself riding at a new level.
If you need to walk, that’s ok too. By the time you find yourself walking a big climb there is not much difference in speed between walking and riding anyway.
Check out our Single Speed components here:
