Why I Ride Single Speed

Well it was good to confirm why I ride a single speed.

There is an elegance and simplicity to riding a single speed bicycle that cannot be matched by any other form of transportation. Period. The beauty of riding a single speed bicycle lies in its minimalist design and lack of complicated gears or better, mechanical artifice. This makes it easy to maintain and repair, and provides an exquisitely smooth and efficient ride.

For me, maybe the most appealing aspects of riding a single speed bicycle is the connection it provides between the rider and the road. With no gears to shift, the rider must rely on their own strength and skill to navigate different terrains and speeds. This creates a sense of freedom and independence that is unique to riding a single speed bike.

Riding a single speed bicycle allows for a more immersive experience in nature. Without the distraction of shifting gears (mind chaos), riders can fully focus on the simple pleasure of cycling through beautiful landscapes.

The last event I rode a geared bike was Trans Iowa in 2007. 10 Dirty Kanzas (7 finishes), a Trans WI, a Trans SD, nine Arrowheads (5 finishes), a hand full of Tuscobias, crossing Iceland, N/S then E/W, and even the Iditarod Trail Invitational 350…….single speed.

But last Thursday I tried out gears. That’s 4.3 miles of my life I will never get back. Why did I try gears? When we rode across Iowa the first week of June I was on single speed and the others had gears. On gravel with hills I was fine keeping up. On trails I was spun out, running out of gear inches and always an hour behind. Then I changed my cog, adding 7 gear inches (from 60 to 67) and I was golden. I was carrying all my gear for unsupported bike-packing.

Here's a reality that blows peoples’ minds, I think. A hilly route makes for faster single speed riding. In general my average mph is higher on a hilly route than a flat one (but not in Death Valley where I pushed 13 miles to climb 5,000 ft.). And as the number of miles increases, this relative speed, in comparison to gears, is enhanced. I pass folks going up many hills because I have to hammer down. But sometimes I have to get off and push where someone with gears does not have to. And walking is kind of rest. I spin out on downhills and so can’t go fast down hills, so I resting, and on the flats the wind determines whether I spin out or grind and mash.