A single speed will make you a stronger rider and improve your MTB skills [TrailTalk Series]
Vložit
- čas přidán 12. 06. 2024
- Who I am as a rider today has a lot to do with the many years I spent on the singlespeed. It will improve your mountain bike skills and make you are stronger rider both physically and mentally.
These days more and more people are moving to e-bikes, but I would like to suggest trying the opposite. Having only one gear allows you to focus on the task at hand and forces you to get your head up to plan your next move. And because it is inherently harder, it will get you up off the saddle and into good body position.
Single speeding will teach you how to control and work the bike underneath you. And because you will most likely be on a hardtail, you will learn how to use your arms and legs as suspension to maximize traction. Pushing a harder gear will also build up your strength and make you tougher mentally. Finally, if you are pressed for time, I can’t think of a more efficient workout.
If you feel I missed anything, or you have a question you would like me to answer for the next TrailTalk, let me know in the comments below.
#SingleSpeed #MTB #MTBTips #MTBAdvice #MountainBiking
ADDITIONAL INFO:
Check out Slanted Ground. Josh is doing amazing stuff in the MTB community and has some awesome merch. So go and show your support here: slanted-ground.com/
Featured Bike: Carver Ti 420
carverbikes.com/frames/titani...
Footage notes: Most shots were taken at Mt Penn in Reading PA, Brandywine Creek State Park in Delaware, and Smedley Park in Springfield PA.
If you have any feedback or questions leave them in the comments below. And if you liked the video and you want to see more content like this, feel free to check out my other videos on Trail Sage. Thanks
Help support the channel at:
/ trailsage
Trail Sage Apparel and Gear
trail-sage.com/apparel-gear/
Table of Contents:
0:00 Intro
0:59 How I got into single speeding
2:57 What are the advantages?
6:35 Why did you go back to gears?
8:12 Final thoughts and wrap up
9:34 Bloopers
![Eminem - Houdini [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/22tVWwmTie8/mqdefault.jpg)
![Clipless vs flat pedals, which is right for you on a mountain bike? [TrailTalk Series]](/img/n.gif)
Great video. You are spot on about Single Speeding. I've been back on mine lately. Really keeps me focused and I love the challenge of cleaning a tough rocky climb that would be relatively simple on my full suspension bike . Also for some reason the single speed always puts the biggest smile on my face LOL
I totally agree. Riding the SS always brings a smile to my face too. Excellent comment Johnny.
Do you need a single speed? No. You need three. Gravel, fixed and mountain. Plus a geared bike for long easy days.
lol!!! I like the way you think Dan.
I have 3 main types of MTBs. A full suspension bike, hardtail with gears, and a hardtail singlespeed.
Every time I ride my Singlespeed it feels so pure to me. I absolutely love it!
Yes!!! I have a similar lineup and I totally agree. Thank you for the feedback.
You forgot *rigid SS fixed.
Nice video. More than simply just having one gear. Everything about your biking changes. It literally took a 100ft ride to switch all my bike to SS over a decade ago.
It's just not in me to go back to gears.
It's absolute freedom.
Yes, I know what you mean! Thank you for watching and the feedback.
Single speed is a good thing, but not easy, especially on gnarly terrain. Thanks for the video Sage, that was very interesting mate. Ride on🤙
Thanks Christoph. This bike has made me the rider I am today. I hope people will watch this and get into single speeding too.
58 years old, still jammin' SS, in steep and rocky AZ. My "other" bike is also hardtail, geared though. I'm also a believer in comically small brake rotors and I've had outstandingly good performance from Maxxis XC tires. Amazing the shit that Aspens will take!!!
Now that's impressive! I've ridden in AZ a few times and I can't imagine how challenging that must be. What gearing are you running on the SS? Also, thank you for the feedback. Sage
@@TrailSage Thanks, Sage! I'm typically 32x20, but I've gone as tall as 34x19. Had several squishies over the years, but always come back to hardtails and always have an SS in the stable. I'll take a ht SS anywhere I'd take a full squish, and honestly I can climb just as much if not more SS as I can geared, unless is just a brutally long and steep sustained 30x46 kinda grind. Ahhh-ttack!!!! 😂
@@aquamansrdc That's awesome!!! I love hearing that. My buddy Dan and I just did a podcast recently on single speeds. I say podcast but there is a video version full of b-roll and supporting footage that is really fun. Check it out if you get a chance: czcams.com/video/8HxKnFUxtos/video.html
@@TrailSage Took me a bit to get to that, Sage, outstanding work and content, very well done. I love your riding style too, we'd definitely hit it off on the trail! 👍
Great video! You are spot on about going SS. I went through a very similar mountain bike evolution that led me to many years of single speeding. It's crazy how fast you learn to be a better rider when you're riding single. I learned how to squeeze every bit of momentum through corners and rock gardens. Also it makes mountain biking even more of a full body workout, there is so much more upper body work involved. I tell people all the time: If you want to be a better rider, go buy a single speed!
Heck yeah JT! I knew there was a reason I liked you ;) I found you from Johnnies channel and then I heard you might be on B&E MTB so I thought I would check you out. Love your content brotha. Looking forward to seeing more from you.
@@TrailSage haha we single speeders gotta stick together! Thanks brother and likewise!
Single speed has taught me alot on improving my riding.
Right on Keo! Thanks for watching and commenting.
This is the best single-speed MTB video I have found on the internet - Thank You! I love the SS but for my recent multi-week road trips where I'm trying to ride several hours every day and see as many black diamond trails as possible, I'm trying to conserve energy so I take the full suspension bike with the magical multiple gear ratios. Now that I returned home, I can hit the trails hard and go for butt-kicking short rides and get that full-body workout. I'd love to see more content and learn about your particular single-speed bikes and the trails where you like to ride them. Thanks again!
Right on Tony. Thank you for the kind words. As luck would have it, I'm currently working on a SS episode for next weeks Ride and Laugh Podcast. If you get a chance check it out. www.youtube.com/@RideLaughPodcast/
Oh, and if you are not into Podcasts I do have another video on my SS here: czcams.com/video/aMyqJfbB84E/video.html
Converted my steel Voodoo Bizango to a drop bar single speed and it's amazing especially with the Reynolds 853
Right on Anthony! I love hearing that. Thanks for watching and commenting. My buddy Dan and I just did a whole podcast episode on Single Speeds, check it out if you get a chance. We love to hear your feedback. czcams.com/video/8HxKnFUxtos/video.html
Single speeding seems so difficult! But I can see how it makes you a better rider!
You know how punchy the east coast jank can get Steven, it is absolutely brutal, lol.
Yes and no, Steven. Hills and gnar you have to get off the saddle and get after it aggressively, there's no sit and spin. Every SSer on here will agree with this- one of our best SS, dick, in yer face moves is to pass geared riders on tough climbs. 😂😂
Amen brother. Still riding SS and still learning.
Yes!!! You are the man Tom. The SS on Mt Penn is no joke!
Whether about trails, product reviews, or TrailTalk, your videos are on another level. Congratulations my friend. RideOn.
You are much too kind Luis! Thank you for being such a great friend.
i ride a single speed formar fixed gear and i love it and still get the km on
Right on Ben! I've never tried a fixed gear, it sounds tough
Been on a single speed now for almost two years. I recently completed the BT Epic in Missouri on mine, 50 miles, did a 5:19:05, my second best time out of five finishes! Single speeding has changed my on-the-bike thinking to be more positive about challenges on trail. I would rather have each pedal stroke count, so I look forward to the efforts, spinning when the going is easy seems like a waste! Another cool thing is you can build a REALLY LIGHT single speed bike. Great video, thanks!
Thanks for the comment and congrats on BT Epic. I can't imagine doing 50 miles on a SS. Kudos Sam!
I love single speeding. You should build a full suspension single speed. I run a rear derailleur as a chain tensioner. Works great.
That does sound like a lot of fun. Thanks for the feedback. Sage
Great video. Been single speed MTBing since 2002 :-) Though actually had tried to make an SS in '94... Its so much more fun than riding gears - none of the heavy thinking and usually the geared guys end up confused why you're at the top of the hill waiting for them.
Right on Matt. That is a long time on the SS, super impressive. I def been on both sides of those hill climbs, lol.
@@TrailSage Where I lived at that stage SS technology just wasn't available - Had Sheldon Brown's site. About the time I started building my first (after 2 years of collecting the parts) a local mag did a story on some guy who had just completed a build and was able to contact him. Parts were difficult to get hold of - cassette spacers scrounged from old cassettes after filing down rivets. Had to get my chainrings laser cut (still have one or two of those). Even had to get a chain tensioner custom made... My local bike shop thought I was so nuts they let me use their tools and quite often would end up sitting in the middle of their floor beating on that bike. Steep learning curve - but it set me up. Have built loads over the years. Great hearing about the group you had/have - When I lived in the UK ended up part of a 3-4 group was awesome, even managed to convert the one rider to SS - miss that alot actually - only get to ride with my kids these days.
@@mattvanderwalt6220 Yes! I love it. Thank you for sharing Matt
I made the switch to SS about two months ago. It definitely makes you choose your lines and gives you more strength.
Way to go Andy! Is that your only bike now or do you still have a geared option?
I have a Vitus Escarpe ( the Virus) 29 full suspension . I live about 15 minutes from Michaux. Lately Ive just been riding the single (Santa Cruz Chameleon).
This is so awesome! Really brings you back to the solid basics but giving you the strength and skill with it. Not a SS but still climbing local trails on my DH bike sure does makes it feel like it lol
Thanks Brandon. I can't imagine climbing on a DH bike. That will build up your strength for sure!
I've been on my SS a fair amount recently. Great fun...and they're fast as hell! Love this style of video BTW. Great story telling, editing, music choice...really enjoyed it.
Right on, thanks Sammy. I appreciate the feedback.
I'm also a recovering single speeder and I agree with this whole video!
Thanks Kenny. Where's your favorite place to take the SS?
I know you’re right … but also… I hated everything about riding SS … maybe I’ll give it another go one day.
lol, I love this response. I have a love hate with my SS sometimes too. Thanks for watching Forrest.
I'm having mosaic build me a custom ss gravel bike to match my ss mtb! I love everything about single speeds. The biggest benefit is the smile it gives me!
I love that Eric. I feel the same way every time I ride my SS. Thanks for commenting!
Awesome video! Love seeing that old footage. So much fun! Rich was an absolute beast on his ss. All those guys were really strong. It definitely shapes how we ride. I still love ss too.
*What this video doesn't talk about is Sage tackling SUPER difficult tech on that old geo hardtail/ss. SO impressive!!
I really miss those days with the crew. So thankful that we still continue to push each other to this day. As for the old geo, oh man, you ain't kidding. Time for an upgrade! lol. Thanks for the kind words brotha
Superb film. I love the entheusiasm and the plethora of advice and experience.
I'm lucky enough to ride both a hardtail simglespeed snd a full sus bike on hilly (not mountainous) trails. A few thoughts:
I have faster, more expensive crashes on the full sus.
I'm a physically stronger ride than those i ride with so the SS is a leveler on the climbs and keeps my interest.
SSing is great for core strength. I have a longstanding lower back injury and the additional core workout keeps everything toned and aligned.
The SS is a pressure relief tool: if I'm slower than my mates, hey what do you expect? If i can keep up I'm a minor celeb!
I can ride the same trails on the SS and full sus and have a totally different ride, so effectively i have twice the variety in my.local trails.
Happy Singlespeeding all!
I love everything about this comment, you absolutely nailed it. I especially like the "minor celeb" part, lol. Thank you for the wonderful feedback. Sage
Nice Sage... I single speeded for and (off)-season and internittantly there after... I think (for me anyways) is the purety of it. The bike is near on silent... And you're always in the wrong gear... And once you accept that... Your brain just kinda switches over to getting on with the task at hand... With almost no maintenance... :D
That would explain why you are so talented on the bike Phil ;) Thank you so much for sharing your feedback brotha.
Nice timing for this to land in my feed. It's about time to convert my hardtail to a single speed for the summer. Last year, I switched over too soon after my winter loss of condition, and my knees hated me for it. I've been working-up to it on the hardtail. There's nothing like it for getting into peak biking condition. With my geared FS bike, my default style is to soft pedal between tech features, so I can hit them with full conviction, but that's doesn't give the same workout as the SS.
I love it Patrick! So what hardtail are you converting to a SS? And agreed, no better full body workout than hard single speed ride. Thanks for the comment. Sage
BTW, my buddy and I recently did a podcast on single speeds, you might want to check it out. You can watch it here czcams.com/video/8HxKnFUxtos/video.html or download it where ever you get your podcasts. It's called the Ride and Laugh MTB Podcast.
@@TrailSage It's a SIR9. I swap it back and forth between SS and gears fairly regularly. (The external cable routing makes it a quick swap.) Just being cautious about getting to it this year.
@@phrides Sweet!!!
Great discussion. I like single speed. I got use to it in BMX racing as a young rider. I have thought about buying a used cyclocross bike to use for gravel riding. This was suggested by others. I also feel the same about shocks. I prefer no shocks. I think the handling is better.
Hey Richard. Yeah, you def feel a better connection with the environment when you simplify the ride. Although, with some of the rocks on my local trails, suspension is welcomed, lol.
You should setup a Single Speed Sunday through BAMBA on the new flow trails at Blue Marsh. Great video on local trails.
Right on Jim! We used to hit Blue Marsh on the SS all the time.
I rode SS about 6 years into mountain biking. Always curios about it and I was hooked. I have a f/s NICE geared bike 4 years on, but I kinda prefer my SS.
There is just something about the SS right?!?! Thanks for the comment Mike. If you are interested my buddy Dan and I just did a podcast episode all about single speeds. You can watching it here: czcams.com/video/8HxKnFUxtos/video.html
Carver Gnarvester, I build one for me great bike I use it Single speed in spring and fall and then add my gears for the summer season really versatile bike
The Gnarvester is a great bike. I have the 420 and I still love it. Although the old geometry is a little frustrating at times. Thanks for watching Alberto
Another vid to convince me to build a single speed out of my old steel framed mtb.
I think you will enjoy it Raoul. Give it a shot and LMK what you think. My buddy and I did a whole podcast episode on single speeds, if you are interested check it out here: czcams.com/video/8HxKnFUxtos/video.html
5:14 I love watching you surf that rock.
Right on, thx Albert. That slab is called "Sam Malone" at Mt Penn, and it's one of our favorites!
All I ride is single speed. So fun!
Right on Jack. #SS4life!
Same.
Good video! I have so much more fun on my single speed than my geared bike. But, I can definitely ride further on my geared bike. I also noticed my ride times (on the same trails) are a lot faster on my single speed??
Thank you for the kind words. Yeah, depending on the trail I have had the same experience. It has to be the right climbing grade for me, lol.
i started SS'ing around 2004 or so. it was my only bike. i raced XC with it a bit, but rode it every ride. i got a new chameleon back in 2018, and swapped the gears in an out during the season. finally, last year i went full gears, and promised that i would never go back to SS. last month i got a my first full suspension, now i'm not even sure i will ever go back to hard tail. you can probably tell this dangerous path i am heading... 😀
lol I know what you mean Leo. You will on a e-bike next swearing to never go back to analog ;) Thanks for sharing.
ah yes. Back in the days when people just pedaled one way. Modern machines offered too much aid. But of course, it all depends on the level of self discipline. Thanks for sharing your story.
I think that's why I love trail running so much. It's nothing but you and the mountain. Thanks for watching Simon!
I bought a Kona Unit late last year and I won’t look back now. Rigid SS is so fun. I’m mainly riding road atm to build up endurance and let my body get used to it. I’ll hit some off road stuff at some point this summer though.
That's so awesome! Are you running a dropper seat post on the rigid? If not, I would highly recommend one. It makes a huge difference when you don't have suspension to rely on. Sage
@@TrailSage I’m not actually. But I definitely will consider it. I keep hearing a lot of good things about them tbh.
@@ninjasrose1653 Def do. My buddy Dan and I recently did a podcast episode on single speeds you might find helpful. It's a "podcast" but I include plenty of supporting footage throughout so it's a fun watch/listen. Check it out here: czcams.com/video/8HxKnFUxtos/video.html
@@TrailSage Thanks man, much appreciated! I’ll be sure to check this out.
@@TrailSage I watched it, great pod! 👊🏼
Most of the strongest riders I've ridden with come from SS racing so definitely see the relation there... but most of them also have blown out knees😂. I don't think i could do it so kudos to you for getting back to it every now and then.
I think if I had kept riding solely on an SS I would have suffered the same fate, lol. Plus I just enjoy freeriding more these days. Thanks for watching Zane
I've been riding a SS for over 10 years. No knee issues ever. Seated climbing WILL blow out your knees when riding a single speed. Stand and climb.
Ditto, SS is something I crave after every season of racing gears
Love it! I imagine it's a great tune up for when race season starts. Thanks for the comment.
Shaved leg roadie in the conversation...we are notoriously snobbish and judgmental so going single speed takes me out of all that BS, at the cafe i'm veiwed as the nut in the street you don't make eye contact with....makes having my espresso much more peaceful 😆
If you don't want to be bothered then single speeding could be the answer because nothing says crazy like a dude pushing one gear through the mountains, lol. Joking aside thank you for watching and commenting.
A heavier gear also acts as a firm platform that you can push into to maneuver the bike. That is what i learned when i was running a single speed and i was actually faster on it.
Excellent point! I totally agree. Thank you for the great comment.
i love a single speed, and only have fixies for road bikes (though I hope to change that sometimes) however, a SS MTB straight destroyed my knees trying to ride in mountainous terrain. It was great for FL though.
Yeah, I can see how those brutal climbs would be rough on your knees. So are you full sus only now? Or do you still own a SS? Sage
@@TrailSage i still got the SS but its been having issues with the cassette slipping so needs to go to the shop. I still ride bmx which is rigid and SS, but for MTB I mostly ride a full sus or a DJ
@@bermchasin Right on! Thanks for the comment btw.
I like the idea of the low maintenance and building strength but most steep climbs without low gears and cadence would be impossible where I ride. I do however believe there should be more options for cutting down the 12 speed standard. Like a 8 speed with a 51/52 tooth.
I agree. Some more gear options would be nice. I currently run an 11 speed, but often wish for a 10 or 9 with the same ratio.
Now go back to Trumbull with the single speed. That's the jam.
Oh man, that would be a challenge for sure. I wish it was local to me, otherwise I would def try it. Thanks for the comment Mike.
Hmmm!
This is something to consider; especially since it'll be more manageable financially, rather than another Full Sus. 😊
By the way, that was hilarious at the end.
"help him while i record this please' 😂
It will be way more manageable especially once you consider the lack of maintenance needed to up keep a SS. As for the blooper, I still crack up about that to this day. Thanks for watching.
The arms and legs are the suspension and the fork/shock are the assist. I challenge myself by not changing gears on certain trails. Any bike can be a single speed. Whenever I ride w single speeders, I'm always waiting. Lol.
I love the idea of challenging yourself on rides by not switching gears. Nice work Pete
@@TrailSage I have a 29er Stumpy FSR 29er, rigid fatbike, and 29er hardtail. Riding the rigid fatbike makes me remember my fundamentals and keep proper body position over terrain.
That is how all noobs should start IMHO. The bike is a tool to execute a job. The rider is the difference.
SS will definitely make you stronger and learn track stands, endos, manuals, punches, and lunges. These are trials moves and they ride SS bikes.
Nice vid!
@@petedog9581 Fantastic line up of bikes. And I totally agree, beginners could totally benefit from under-biking.
Sage,
Did you ride with the Philadelphia mountain bike meet-up?
Yeah. I rode with that group a lot when I was first getting started. But that's going back almost 12 years ago. Where you in that group? Did we ride together?
@TrailSage
I'm Rick, I rode Core Creek a few times with you and Omar. It's been a minute. I'm 61 now and still riding SS...lol.
Videos are great, man!
@@job2efRight on Rick! Good times for sure. Thanks for stopping by and saying hello. Hope to see you on the trails again.
i ride singlespeed......albeit in Whistler Bike Park :p
Yes!!! I love it.
Alright, i stay in 5th and don't shift, got it!
*The chain on my DH bike: oh fuck!
That is certainly one way to do it, lol
Do I need suspension?
Do I need gears?
No.
Why?
I have a rigid single speed.
Love it Shawn!!! Sage
I feel like this really depends on where you are riding and the terrain that is available to you. If you have massive climbs to deal with on every single ride, is this still true?
I totally agree Adam. My local trails are pretty steep and rocky which makes single speeding difficult on some trails. But choosing the right ratio will help a lot. When I started I did a 32x20 then as I got stronger I moved to a 32x18. These days I am running a 32x19 since I don't get on the SS that often.
@@TrailSage I'm already running pretty high with a 32-11 in the back for the climbs that are here. And the trail that is locally, a very technical climb, that felt way too high because it was just that steep and techy. If I was still not in the Rockies, I'd have done this already, but damn it seems almost not reasonable here.
Correction: 32 30 for lowest gear
@@AdamFosterOMG a 32 x11 would have been insane, lol. Joking aside, I understand Adam. Like I said, I agree, single speeding might not be a good option for everyone.
Wait, but some of the benefits and things it forces you to learn are also related to hardtails, nevermind a fully rigid bike
Very true. A lot of the things I covered can also be achieved on a hardtail regardless of gears. And you certainly don't need to be fully rigid to appreciate a single speed. Thanks for the comment.
I found this fascinating. However, I am confused about how you seem to contrast a single-speed with a full-suspension. Single speed is about gearing, not suspension, so what's up with that?
Hey Stefan, I'm sorry if I confused you. Of course single speeding is about pushing one gear. Most are either rigid or front suspension. I have seen a few examples of full suspension single speeds but that is rare.
My buddy and I just did a whole podcast episode on this very topic. If you are interested you can watch the video version here: czcams.com/video/8HxKnFUxtos/video.html
It's not just two talking heads. I put a lot of b-roll in so it's just as fun to watch. Oh, and it's full of humor and great stories.
@@TrailSage I'll have a listen. :)
@@stefanhansen5882 Cool. We'd love to know what you think.
Just curious, what's the budget to go single speed?
Hey Joe, If you have a hardtail with sliding drops the cog and chain are about $50. If you need a EBB or chain tensioner then it might be $300. Of course if you have a bike shop do it then there will also be a service cost, but I have no idea what that would be. Hope that helps.
@@TrailSage Ok cool! Sounds like it's not too crazy expensive to give it a try. May start off with cheap components and upgrade as needed. Thanks!
@@joeMopar412 Love that idea Joe. Please let me know how it goes.
@@TrailSage A lot of people forget, bikes didn't always have gears. What doesn't kill you makes you harder to kill! 😁
Ride fixed gear. It will make you a suss rider! It is fun.
I can only imagine. Thanks for the feedback.
Just stay in one rear gear on the cassette and stick with it. Then shift another day. Best of both times.
That will certainly give you a taste of what single speeding is like. Great point Nathan.
Plus you're never in the right gear on a single speed lol.
Ha! So true
Suggesting shifting gears is somehow a challenge? GMAFB!! It's just a ridiculous reason, no logic to it. After you've been riding awhile, which clearly you have been, you barely even notice shifting, you just do it out of instinct and isn't a problem. Any bike can be a single speed, just don't shift.
You're right, after riding many years shifting becomes instinctual, great point. However there is a there is something about not having the option to switch gears that is extremely freeing (and challenging, lol). I suppose you could just stay in one gear and that will give you an idea for what single speeding is like, but it's not really the same. I wish I could explain it better, sorry. Regardless, thank you for the comment and feedback.