[BurghBiker offline]

For me the answer is simple. Single speed! I have rode a full suspension 26er with gears and now I have joined the 29er SS crew! Nothing makes me feel like a kid again than the pure simple thrill of riding my single speed. No gears to think about. Just my bike, the trail and me! So tell me what is your reason for riding what you do!

[mlorenz242 offline]

I will run either, but I do not care too much for the 29'ers. I run 26" geared and 24" SS, and I like either one, though I do prefer the SS on the DJ's and street.

What is it that you don't like about 29'ers for trail riding? I just bought one and am happy with it, but I must admit that I didn't shop many 26 inch bikes after getting fought up in ninermania.

[dgaddis offline]

Chillipepper is into freeride, an area 29ers haven't gotten into too much yet.

I love my single speed, I like the quiet, and simplicity of it all. Like you said, just pedal and steer. And it'll make you stronger

That said...I'm really wanting to build up another geared bike. For epic rides, gears are nice. I WILL have a geared bike sometime this summer probably, but I plan on reserving it's use for days in the mtns or big epic days.

[mlorenz242 offline]

For me the answer is simple. Single speed! I have rode a full suspension 26er with gears and now I have joined the 29er SS crew! Nothing makes me feel like a kid again than the pure simple thrill of riding my single speed. No gears to think about. Just my bike, the trail and me! So tell me what is your reason for riding what you do!

I just have not been able to wrap my brain around why anyone would want to give up their gears on the trail. I don't see the logic, but after reading you explanation I think I may give it a try. I get that same kid-like feeling as I get up out of the dirt, brush myself off and spit the dirt and leaves out of my mouth.

[Gike offline]

It depends on your location. ANY bike can be ridden anywhere, but certain terrain will favor that certain bicycle. I love SS simplistic ride, but gears are more practical in the Mts.

[dgaddis offline]

I really, really love how quiet my SS is, and how smooth it feels to pedal.

You never realize just how much drag a derailleur puts on your chain till you ride without one.

[fat_billy offline]

I try to pedal a single speed using gears. Does that count? Just checking. Later,

[BurghBiker offline]

I just have not been able to wrap my brain around why anyone would want to give up their gears on the trail. I don't see the logic, but after reading you explanation I think I may give it a try. I get that same kid-like feeling as I get up out of the dirt, brush myself off and spit the dirt and leaves out of my mouth.[/quote]

Yeah it is worth a try! The first time I rode mine I was in total awe at the fact of how much more enjoyment I get out of my rides. Like when you are about to hit a steep climb its not "oh crap what gear should I shift to" then half way up you question whether you could have picked a different gear or blah blah blah! On a SS you are just like here the climb comes i gotta pedal hard! And thats it! haha

[mtbgreg1 offline]

I want a SS mainly for the simplicity of it all, and the lack of things to break. But I don't know if I would be able to go uphill without my gears, haha!

[fat_billy offline]

Carry SS to the limit and use a rear hub off a track bike and be direct drive. The only need for brakes is to keep the pedals from ripping your legs off on a down hill when clipped in. No guts no glory but what a video. Later,

[Funrover offline]

I can't decide. I guess I have both geared and SS for all my voices to agree! LOL

[RidelikeUstoleit offline]

I like to think of SS as a three speed: sit, stand or walk. Amazing how much better you get at general riding when you are trying to avoid the third speed. You learn to master momentum, braking (or lack of braking), fitness, heart rate, out of the saddle climbing etc.

I bought a SS 29" last summer and totally fell in love with a different type of riding. You can hang on most trails in Colorado, with the realization that walking is always an option. At first you worry about walking/pushing, but when people see you pushing a SS, they give you a lot of respect for being on that particular trail with a SS. As long as the trail does not have a sustained granny gear climb, you can most likely get up the trail in a SS. Plus, you can ride with people who have less ability than you and still have fun (workmates, spouse, 6 year old son etc). As a bonus, no chain slap on downhill rides.

And yes, I still love my FS 26" bike for big/epic rides.