Any single speed bikepackers out there?

[Shredgnar]

Please,  I feel so alone...

Post pics


Hi, I'm new here but I'm in CO and looking to do some longer trips around the state this summer and hoping to expand from there.  Currently I'm on a Surly 1x1, using it as a commuter right now but converting it over to MTB duty soon.

I've already got some great advice from this site and looking for more.

[velomatt]

Me.
We are not alone.
I have run 3 speed as well (Front derail only). Love the simplicity. Been riding SS MTB for 10+ years.
I have a complete set of Epic design bags that Eric made me.
Plan on doing a major summer long epic ride in 2011.
I'll post pics of the bags on the bike this weekend.

[sherpaxc]

I was and sometimes am.  For big multi day trips I'll be using gears from now on.  My knees didn't do so well on the CTR so I've decided to use gears for things like that.  I'll stick the the SS for around home though.  In the end just have fun with whatever you've got.

[velomatt]

I was and sometimes am.  For big multi day trips I'll be using gears from now on.  My knees didn't do so well on the CTR so I've decided to use gears for things like that.  I'll stick the the SS for around home though.  In the end just have fun with whatever you've got.

Just curious, how old are your knees?
Mine are 42.

[sherpaxc]

Only 30, but I've been running (or I should say, used to) competitively since 6th grade.  Anyway, they don't hurt at all on my local trails here in Austin, no matter how much I abuse them.  something about the extra weight I guess. 

Have no fear, plenty of super mega strong SS'ers from up around your way do plenty of multi day (weeks) rides.

[sean salach]

I've got quite a few SS touring and bikepacking miles under me. You just need to be more willing that usual to walk up hills.

[wookieone]

I was scared, but I never stopped thinking about it, so had to try it. I did the Grand Loop and the CTR last year on a singlespeed. I had a ton of fun, but hey you got to walk alot, but that ain't so bad in my book. If you like riding with one gear, then touring, light weight that is, is pretty compatible. That said I am gonna try gears this year. When in doubt use what you know.     Jefe

[Slowerthensnot]

Fixed here...

[wdlandparker]

i am fixed as well

[Mr.Pink]

I live in the springs and exclusively bikepack on a single speed.I am 42 and have been ss for 12 years now. Simplicity is best IMO.

[velomatt]

I live in the springs and exclusively bikepack on a single speed.I am 42 and have been ss for 12 years now. Simplicity is best IMO.

Weird... I am 42 and have been SS'n for about the same amount of time...
You aren't me are you?

[paxton coyote]

 Been a singlespeeder now since '06 on a Surly KM, no loaded touring yet but will give it a try this year. I've done some 60-70 mile rides on my bike as well as the Dakota 5-o, I've got a Salsa Fargo frame/fork setting beside me as I type this & it's killing me as it may be a year before it's built up.

 I'm 44 & thus far my knees are holding out.

[gbach]

48 year old knees here, been SS for 6 years now (riding, racing, limited bikepacking).  Now and then I use 2-3 gears on the front which IMO is "easier" on the knees for long, hard multiday stuff (ctr) for me anyway, but that means less walking, and walking can be oh so good during a week of riding.  But the more I dwell on it, I've a mind to chuck the gears and keep it always simple (grouch reaction to having maybe raced too much with the requisite technoweenieness).  I've also ridden a fixed on the road for around 34 years.

[Shredgnar]

Good to hear I'm not the only one!  Can't wait to get out on the trails this summer. 

My 1x1 is set up as a 29er so I'll be running 32/20 or 32/18 or the trails when carrying gear this summer.  I have a full susp geared bike but I'm looking forward to spinning the wheels on the singlespeed as a bikepacking setup. 

I'm 31 so my knees are still kickin pretty strong.  Might be moving down to CO Springs soon so will be looking at some new trails to play on. 

[wdlandparker]

wait, you have a 1x1 as a 29er, how does that work with the clearances and such?

[Shredgnar]

It works,  I just can't use a tire over 2.1".  The geometry isn't that bad either.  Preferably I'd run a 650b, but I got a good deal on a 29er wheelset.

I've been commuting about 60-120 miles a week all winter on it.

[SandSurfer]

Singlespeed since 1999.  40 years old and no knee problems yet, knock on wood.  I've done several single speed tours including Boston-DC (all road), New Hampshire and Vermont (mostly road with a little dirt sprinkled in), and 200 miles of the Trans Georgia route, mostly off-road.  Got a kid on the way, so not much this year, but I'm hoping to hit the TG again next year.

[GreenBikeGuy]

I'm glad to see this topic come up: although my day-to-day, transportational bike is geared (I'd be toast in hot, hilly Austin without it), the first couple of really fun MTBs that I've found, since shopping, were both single-speed 29ers.  While previous MTB experiences have taught me to value gears out there, I have to say that the *theory* of a light, simple drivetrain is highly appealing.

Realistically, what does single-speeding entail for a bikepacker?  More walking has been suggested above, and maybe more strain, but is it harder to go "fully loaded"?  Is there a difference in the terrain you can or can't handle?  Is maintenance any easier?

[wdlandparker]

to answer you green bike guy, I find singlespeeding easier, because, I found any hill i would walk on a geared bike, I usually walk on a singlespeed. as far a loads are concerned, lets just say you become more of a minimalist...

[DaveC]

Maintenance is much easier, and much less costly. 

There are some steep hills with bad traction that suck a lot more on one gear (rear tire traction becomes a severe limiter).  Flats are also (obviously) quite a bit slower.

If you've got the guns, singlespeeding isn't any harder over the long term than geared riding.  But when you crash (energy wise), having one gear is quite a bit worse.  Get strong at hiking.