single speed: romantic foolishness?

leconkie said:

hi there,
Any s.speeders out there who've had to go thru the fitness curve? Is it just a question of bearing up until your legs realise they have to toughen up?

I started using a fixie last fall for winter training and recovery and noodling around town. It's not my only bike, and I limit my fixie rides to fairly flat (rolling) terrain.

If you gear low enough fitness won't be too much of an obstacle unless you live in a place like San Francisco. A gear in the 61-68" range should get you up most hills if they're not too steep or long. Of course you won't spin like Lance, and there's always walking. I'm using a 77 with toeclips and a pretty streamlined position, fine for flat terrain but a little stiff for going uphill and into the wind.

I don't think the fixie's made my legs stronger but it improves my spin and flexibility, and makes me smile. Knowing it's a 45-year-old track bike is part of the experience.

To compute gear inches use
teeth on chainring / teeth on wheel cog x nominal wheel diameter (27"😉