Single speeds (freehub) and fixies (no freehub) are VERY popular in some areas, especially in relatively flat cities.
I don't think I'd want a fixie, for sure. I like to be able to coast, at least down hills. However, I would ride a single speed, it sounds kind of like fun though it would probably add a couple of minutes to my commute.
Personally if I build a new bike I'll probably use an internally geared hub. Shimano makes a nice 7 speed IGH.
Perhaps you'd be willing to take my Schwinn Typhoon... single speed men's bike, red, with a honkin' big basket. Dad bought it for me in 1984 when I got out of the Air Force, so I'd have transportation on Mackinac Island. I haven't been able to part with it since then. (Yeah, I have baggage...)
Ooh, hmm, maybe. It does have horizontal dropouts... It'd actually be pretty fun to have a cruiser like that. If you really want to get rid of it, I'll think about it.
The 8-speed Alfines are getting to be really popular for offroad and touring stuff. I made this gear ratio calculator for them, if you are interested. Just adjust the chainring and cog tooth counts and you'll see the 26" and 29" numbers for a normal setup. Then you can just play with the chainring and wheel size numbers for the rear.
Note that this presumes wheels have an exact diameter of 26" and 29". You'd just need to adjust things accordingly to get more proper development numbers.
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momijizukamori
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Date: 2009-10-19 03:24 pm (UTC)I don't think I'd want a fixie, for sure. I like to be able to coast, at least down hills. However, I would ride a single speed, it sounds kind of like fun though it would probably add a couple of minutes to my commute.
Personally if I build a new bike I'll probably use an internally geared hub. Shimano makes a nice 7 speed IGH.
Great! I have just the bike for you
Date: 2009-10-19 03:42 pm (UTC)Re: Great! I have just the bike for you
Date: 2009-10-19 03:52 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-10-19 05:04 pm (UTC)Note that this presumes wheels have an exact diameter of 26" and 29". You'd just need to adjust things accordingly to get more proper development numbers.