Fixed Gear versus Single Speed Cyclocross - Cyclocross Magazine2024-03-28T21:46:07Zhttps://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/forum/topics/fixed-gear-versus-single-speed?feed=yes&xn_auth=noi wouldn't even think about t…tag:cowbell.cxmagazine.com,2010-06-02:1198434:Comment:588672010-06-02T12:20:54.868ZJeffhttps://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/profile/JeffAllen
i wouldn't even think about this unless there were a separate ss cat. think about the late laps in a race going uphill and everyone else shifts up and easily passes you by while you're pushing your bike uphill. i have a fixed gear, but it has a flip hub with a freewheel as well and yes they are simpler and cheaper but gears are much better. ss gets old fast. and the part about changing a rear flat will kill you. i need my rear wheel perfectly in the middle and chain tensioned right on, and even…
i wouldn't even think about this unless there were a separate ss cat. think about the late laps in a race going uphill and everyone else shifts up and easily passes you by while you're pushing your bike uphill. i have a fixed gear, but it has a flip hub with a freewheel as well and yes they are simpler and cheaper but gears are much better. ss gets old fast. and the part about changing a rear flat will kill you. i need my rear wheel perfectly in the middle and chain tensioned right on, and even with chain tugs it takes me over 5 minutes and you cant do that in a race. When I started racing, I went…tag:cowbell.cxmagazine.com,2010-06-02:1198434:Comment:588252010-06-02T03:14:54.745ZBeth Hamonhttps://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/profile/BethHamon
When I started racing, I went straight to singlespeed because it was the closest thing to the BMX bikes I rode as a kid. It IS hard, and I mostly finish last or near-last, but it's also SO much more fun to ride a bike in the dirt and mud without worrying about fumbling a shift. The key is to pick a good gearing for the conditions. (I've got weenie legs so I usually run something like a 32x19 -- 32 x20 if it's especially gummy-muddy out there.)<br />
Singlespeed is the best!
When I started racing, I went straight to singlespeed because it was the closest thing to the BMX bikes I rode as a kid. It IS hard, and I mostly finish last or near-last, but it's also SO much more fun to ride a bike in the dirt and mud without worrying about fumbling a shift. The key is to pick a good gearing for the conditions. (I've got weenie legs so I usually run something like a 32x19 -- 32 x20 if it's especially gummy-muddy out there.)<br />
Singlespeed is the best! I know two guys who do fixed…tag:cowbell.cxmagazine.com,2010-06-01:1198434:Comment:587452010-06-01T05:13:19.353ZTavishttps://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/profile/Tavis
I know two guys who do fixed gear cyclocross. They're both nuts. Unless you feel like the races are just way too easy, there's no reason to attempt a fixed cross race. Where I am, there is a dedicated single speed category, which is really nice. The ss guys tend to be a little less serious and have a little more fun.
I know two guys who do fixed gear cyclocross. They're both nuts. Unless you feel like the races are just way too easy, there's no reason to attempt a fixed cross race. Where I am, there is a dedicated single speed category, which is really nice. The ss guys tend to be a little less serious and have a little more fun. On that "fan favorite" thing…tag:cowbell.cxmagazine.com,2010-05-28:1198434:Comment:585272010-05-28T13:30:18.120ZJoe Bhttps://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/profile/JoeBrennan324
On that "fan favorite" thing - you definitely will get comments - mostly supportive - from fans and other riders, who basically wonder if we are all crazy.<br />
<br />
Just respond by singing Bob Marley's classic line "one love - one gear - lets get together and feel all right"
On that "fan favorite" thing - you definitely will get comments - mostly supportive - from fans and other riders, who basically wonder if we are all crazy.<br />
<br />
Just respond by singing Bob Marley's classic line "one love - one gear - lets get together and feel all right" Here's a good discussion on t…tag:cowbell.cxmagazine.com,2010-05-27:1198434:Comment:584562010-05-27T19:35:39.281ZBooksyhttps://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/profile/Booksy
Here's a good discussion on the topic:<br />
<a href="http://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/forum/topics/cx-singlespeed-pro" target="_blank">http://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/forum/topics/cx-singlespeed-pro</a>
Here's a good discussion on the topic:<br />
<a href="http://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/forum/topics/cx-singlespeed-pro" target="_blank">http://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/forum/topics/cx-singlespeed-pro</a> I just got a SS cross bike an…tag:cowbell.cxmagazine.com,2010-04-13:1198434:Comment:552452010-04-13T20:46:55.517ZJoe Bhttps://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/profile/JoeBrennan324
I just got a SS cross bike and will be riding it in a race for first time this weekend (paristoancaster.com)<br />
<br />
It' s not a real cyclocross race - more like a Euro-style one-day classic that combines gravel roads, farm lanes and single track.<br />
<br />
So far my training has been fun and I really love the bike. Maybe the best part is not having to think about changing gears. Just go with the flow...
I just got a SS cross bike and will be riding it in a race for first time this weekend (paristoancaster.com)<br />
<br />
It' s not a real cyclocross race - more like a Euro-style one-day classic that combines gravel roads, farm lanes and single track.<br />
<br />
So far my training has been fun and I really love the bike. Maybe the best part is not having to think about changing gears. Just go with the flow... For cross, Single Speed is no…tag:cowbell.cxmagazine.com,2010-04-13:1198434:Comment:551692010-04-13T03:47:31.050ZJoseph Davishttps://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/profile/JosephDavis
For cross, Single Speed is not Fixed! - It is very popular up here in Oregon & well worth it. Cross Crusade has a Single Speed division for there races & it is pretty hard racing. Racing Single Speed for the last several years, there are some advantages, here are the main ones:<br />
<br />
No derailleurs to clog or break!<br />
Less weight<br />
Simpler set up - pedal or run, only two choices<br />
can't drop a chain on re-mount or through bumpy trails<br />
<br />
Did I mention no derailleurs to clog or break<br />
<br />
One Major…
For cross, Single Speed is not Fixed! - It is very popular up here in Oregon & well worth it. Cross Crusade has a Single Speed division for there races & it is pretty hard racing. Racing Single Speed for the last several years, there are some advantages, here are the main ones:<br />
<br />
No derailleurs to clog or break!<br />
Less weight<br />
Simpler set up - pedal or run, only two choices<br />
can't drop a chain on re-mount or through bumpy trails<br />
<br />
Did I mention no derailleurs to clog or break<br />
<br />
One Major disadvantage I have had is a rear flat with track style dropouts(rear entry) usually take a larger wrench to remove the wheel & adjusting chain tension after repair takes time.<br />
<br />
I am sure the list could go on & on but in my opinion it boils down to riding style. Single speed fits how I ride, I am faster on SS, smother, & get less tired during a race.<br />
<br />
I think this thread could get quite a bit of discussion, so feel free to keep going everyone, likes & dislikes