first bikepacking trip on a single gear?

[bikemad]

So ive decided i want to take a short trip on my bike around southern california
i typically ride a 20 inch bmx that weighs about 15 lbs. but i also have a reliable but sub par single gear road bike
now this will be my first excursion but i am seeking some helpfull hints from the experts and veterans.
now it would most likely be in my intrest to upgrade to something with more than 1 speed for inclines and hills
but have any of you gone on trips with single gear bikes? or even bmxs for that matter?
im guessing i would kill myself with just one gear.
what do you guys think?


steve
www.intrepidequipment.com intrepid hand cycle specialist

[bdstorer]

Hey Mate,

I've done alot of singlespeed and fixed gear touring, from sub24s to multi day trips, on mountain bikes and road. One gear is great as very little can go wrong with the drivetrain, perfect for remote areas. Thing is, pack light and expect to walk the steepest of inclines, which is fine when your touring as you shouldn't be in a hurry. I run 'dual single' on a couple of my bikes so that I've a general gear and one for the steep ups. Pick the right cogs and the chain lenght stays the same. Run a lower gear than you would usually use to compensate for the weight of your gear and the longer days. Go for it!

Benny

[bdstorer]

Couple of singlespeed touring pics from two trips I made in the Northern Territory last year. Yulara to Pirrapakalarintja and Yulara to Kata Tjuta returning via the Sedimentaries.

[jon_baler]

For short trips or flat terrain, definitely very doable.  As the trips get longer and/or hills get longer, then it becomes more of a burden.   Then again, some guy dude did a great job at the tour divide on a single speed this year.

[boddunn]

Beautiful pics, I was in OZ in 1999, amazing country. Nice compact set up, where do you keep your rain gear?   

[bdstorer]

Rain gear not required in the Northern Territory! Rains perhaps eight times a year?