Singlespeed

[Majcolo]

I've been riding a 26" Trek Fuel since '01 and have been very happy with it, but even with no original parts she's getting tired. Or maybe I'm just ready for a change.

The simplicity of a bike like the Karate Monkey is pretty appealing. I haven't ridden a singlespeed since my BMX days, and I've not ridden a 29er. My big MTB ride goal for next year is TU, so with that in mind I'm looking for some advice:

Rigid fork or suspension?

Stick with SIDIs and Egg Beaters or go with a more run/hike friendly shoe/pedal combo?

How is the training different for racing on a singlespeed vs. a geared bike, if at all?

[Chad B]

How is the training different for racing on a singlespeed vs. a geared bike, if at all?

I like the Pearl Izumi X-Alp: http://www.bikepacking.net/reviews/shoes/pearl-izumi-x-alp-enduro/ for steep hike-a-bikes on the singlespeed. Not sure how much hike-a-bike there will be on the TU dirt roads. Perhaps Chris will chime in.

[bmike-vt]

Just built up a Soma Juice.
I thought about the KM, Redline Monocog, and after the fact really liked the Jaberwocky.
Would probably like the KM too, but a local MTB racer sold me on the dropped TT and better steel in the Soma.

Like the SS idea, and if I want gear on the Soma (or the KM) I can add them via rear der. or internal geared hub.
Just getting into SS MTB after spending 3 years on a Surly CrossCheck FG for light trail, winter, road, and town riding.
Very different than my old Yeti with gears... so far I like it.


My Specialized MTB shoes will have to go - too slippery on the steep stuff.

[Pivvay]

Rigid works for me but if you're happier with squish, go for it. There is nothing inherently requiring SS and rigid to go together. Right DH? Some peoples hands/wrists just cannot take a rigid beating and numbness is bad, very bad.

Keep the clipless, get some hiking friendly shoes. Doing the CTR in Sidi's was a bad idea though I haven't found the perfect shoe yet. The Xalps are a bit soft, the Specializeds I used this year were destroyed very fast though they worked okay otherwise. I want to try some hiking friendly Lakes.

Training isn't too different although I like having the geared road bike at my disposal to train in ways the SS MTB isn't great at and not have to swap gears all the time. SS offroad will automatically force you to do hill repeats/intervals, it certainly has made me into a strong climber.

[bmike-vt]

SS offroad will automatically force you to do hill repeats/intervals, it certainly has made me into a strong climber.

looking for this benefit for sure.
i've ridden fixed on the road, saw initial gains in climbing... but then tapered and would get into a 'slog it out' mindset.

ss offroad seems like a better fit for fitness gains as there is the potential for varied application of cardio / threshold that i don't get on my ld road rides, or even choppy short road rides.

i also like that i get a rounded workout to my core, arms, etc. on the ss... (but i'm new to it on the dirt and in the woods...)

[Majcolo]

I think I'll start out simple and rigid; I can always soften the front end later if I end up burning too much energy absorbing shock and deflection. My thought is that most of the TU route should be pretty conducive to a rigid, tubeless 29er running low pressure and wide (2.3ish?) tires.

I'll check out the PI shoes. If they fit me well these http://www.crankbrothers.com/acid.php might be a good match for a softer shoe.

Thanks for the input.

[DaveH]

I've got a pair of the PI shoes and can't ride for more than 2 hours in them.  Soft, flexy sole is great for walking but for SS it hurts.

Nix the eggbeaters - I've broken ~4 of them and the last one was a spindle break, still have the scar to prove it.

On TU - lots of techy/semi-tech singletrack to challenge...at least the section that is complete.  That said, the rigid decision doesn't have anything to do with the route.  Riders like Chris just love it regardless (CTR rigid?  um no thanks!).  Your plan sounds good to me.  The WTB 2.55 weirwolf is a good option for the front at TU, and not bad for FS either.  There is some sand...

For training, one different thing I'll do is focus on the ends of the cadence spectrum.  More towards the low end far away from the event, and more towards high cadence close to the event.  Much of it is just getting comfortable with riding SS for long periods in expected terrain though.

[bmike-vt]

So are you going out under or over geared on purpose when 'training'?

I'm new at it as well in the MTB context. On the road I would adjust a cog or two depending on length of ride and terrain...

Part of me wants to ride a typical gear pretty much everywhere - flats, trail, road climbs, short trails nearby - but part of me knows that after this winter I need to get specific if I want to see results...

[DaveH]

So are you going out under or over geared on purpose when 'training'?

There's no simple answer to that question, but in general I gear to suit the purpose of the workout.  If I get the gear right it isn't over or under geared, it's as planned.

Here's an example.  For the 24 hours of moab (sorry to bring up a lapper for you bikepackers LOL)  there are lots and lots of places where you descend a techy bit, land in a sandy area and have to climb some steep stuff after you've lost most of your speed.   So, to be able to do that repeatedly I created a key workout that consisted of doing a local climb (5-12% grade, paved) on a tallish gear (32.15 or 32.14 26er), but instead of going a steady pace, I'd start from barely moving, accelerate at near max pace until spun out, then coast until speed was near zero again, repeat...until at the top, or about 15 minutes.  I did puke a little once, it's real training.

When I've done that course on gears as a solo, those climbs are all granny gear affairs, and that's a much different animal than a SS.  High torque/low cadence is required in much higher proportions on the SS.

On the flip side, in fast parts of the course it's faster to "wrap it out" and coast, repeat, than it is to spin at a constant high cadence.  It does require one to be able to wrap it out without incurring undue fatigue.  This is something I can do till the cows come home, it's a relative strength so I don't train it.  But some riders can make big gains by training that aspect too.

Finally, it is an aerobic sport no matter what they tell you on the SS MTBR forum so don't lose your geared bike...

[Pivvay]

DH has some good training ideas for sure. I think for me when talking about SSing a varied course, you just need to be good at riding a SS. That means when it's flat you've got to be able to spin/coast to keep going. When it's climbing you've got to be able to grunt it out. When you're going downhill then you just enjoy it because non of us are spinning 200rpms and we like coasting or we'd be riding fixies You do have to hold your momentum as much as possible but I never really thought people who realized they weren't wouldn't apply the same skills to a geared bike. I guess what I'm saying is make sure you ride your SS enough to have to deal with the times that you're undergeared or overgeared. If you always change the gearing for the ride then you'll be more unhappy on a long varied race course where those times will definitely come up.

Finally, it is an aerobic sport no matter what they tell you on the SS MTBR forum so don't lose your geared bike...

Hehehe

[Majcolo]

Finally, it is an aerobic sport no matter what they tell you on the SS MTBR forum so don't lose your geared bike...

No risk of that. I've got a three week, 1,500 mile road tour with my dad in May after which I'll focus in earnest on prepping for TU. The only risk is a rigid 29er leading to a full sus 29er between now and next October. I'll do a 100 miler or a 12 hour race on the rigid bike and see how I feel after. I'll be 43 by then, so we'll see. Either way I'll be driving out with two bikes so I can make a game time decision.

Dave or Chris, do you think those PI shoes would be too soft even with the huge platforms on the pedals I linked?

Getting fired up now. Nothing like a new bike and a new race to look forward to.

[Pivvay]

I haven't ridden with them as much as Dave, I don't own a pair, just tried them on and played with them on the shelf a few times. The Spec shoes I have are fairly soft too but not as much as the PI's. I run Time's, not eggs. I think the rubber on the shoe is more important for hike a bike for me than the stiffness. My sidi's are the plastic not carbon ones so they're not crazy stiff but the lack of good rubber on the shoe sucks for any significant hiking. If there are any Lake's around your area I'd try on a pair.

[Majcolo]

I'll see if I can find some Lakes. I think I've got the same SIDIs as you do; love the shoes but hate hiking in them. I used to run Times, I may still have a pair somewhere.

Finding the right shoes could be the most problematic part of riding a single speed.

[DaveC]

Singlespeed (hardtail, really) puts more punishment into your feet than FS.  Rigid, much much moreso again.  Stiff shoes are vital for riding a rigid SS on long, rough days.  My first KTR was on a rigid bike with lower end Shimano shoes, and my feet SUFFERED bad.  I got some Specialized carbons right after (numb toes get old fast), and they were super comfy and hiked pretty well, they just wore out and the sole cracked after a little over a year.  Rocks v. carbon didn't work out well.

I got some Lake MX 165s earlier this year.  They're pretty stiff, though not as stiff as the Specialized.  The vibram sole is pretty awesome for hiking.  (I'd read my review posted here for some comments on their fit, they are not for wide feet.)  Overall I'm quite pleased with them.

[Majcolo]

Per Lake's website the closest dealer is four hours away from me. I may just take the risk and order them on line. All the reviews I've read make them sound like the best option out there right now.

[bmike-vt]

im running some specilaized shoes. too hard / slick for hiking rocky / rooty sections - but they are stiff. and i'm running time z pedals (heavy, i know) - i also have a pair of time atacs that are awaiting a rebuild kit...

the lakes look interesting. not sure if anyone local carries them - but when the spec's are done i'll have to try those out.

[bmike-vt]

There's no simple answer to that question, but in general I gear to suit the purpose of the workout.  If I get the gear right it isn't over or under geared, it's as planned.

<snip>

Finally, it is an aerobic sport no matter what they tell you on the SS MTBR forum so don't lose your geared bike...

Thanks for the info. I'll have to pump up the discipline side of things as I get into the spring (and try not to burn out over the winter like last year).
The road machine will remain geared... I've some brevets that I'm organizing next year that I'll ride the Ti wonder machine on. Including some mixed terrain stuff (no single track)....

[A]

I got some Lake MX 165s earlier this year.  They're pretty stiff, though not as stiff as the Specialized.  The vibram sole is pretty awesome for hiking.  (I'd read my review posted here for some comments on their fit, they are not for wide feet.)  Overall I'm quite pleased with them.

I actually just got a pair of the Lake MX 165's. I've always tried to go for the most hikeable bike shoe so I've never had a really stiff or light shoe to compare. But if you know you're going to hike-a-bike alot you have to compromise somewhere. I searched every shoe from every company and the Lake MX shoes combine the best of both applications. I searched the whole internet too to find a dealer and really the best bet is ordering them direct from the Lake website. I was worried about ordering online for sizing but you can return / exchange through Lake. The fit is true to size and by the way they do have 'Wide'. If you lucky in your size you can get a killer deal on the Lake MX 190's from JensonUSA.

[wookieone]

Oh you will all think me crazy, but most likely you already do, but I love, just Love running shoes and flat pedals, nothing more comfy for multi day riding and hiking, but that is my opinion. By the way singlespeed just rocks, (funny and i thought you guys were all talking about SingleSpeed Group ITT's in the rules-dogma-forum,) hahaha. peace Jefe

[bmike-vt]

>>>funny and i thought you guys were all talking about SingleSpeed Group ITT's in the rules-dogma-forum<<<

I had that same thought whilst bouncing back and forth between threads!