[Morlahach]

Just curious what you folks think of the single speed class and its relative prestige compared to placing in the open class.

For example, if you win the single speed class, is it as prestigious as winning the geared class? Assume that both classes have similar numbers of entrants.

 

[CHUM]

:shocked: huh?....

i wouldn't know anyhoo......i place equally bad at all forms of bike racing.......it's really quite amazing actually....

 

[SlowerThenSnot]

seems too me

I'm stoked to place ether way

some times seems to me the faster folks are on singles...

Of the top 3 on Colorado Trail race 2 were on hardtails and rigid forks....

but hey just ride what yah want... if there's a class so be it

 

[sherpaxc]

I don't think it matters. Who cares really.

 

[z rocks]

Yeah i've noticed that sometimes when publications give a run down through the catagories they omit the SS class results. Maybe it's considered "alternative cycling".

At the events however it seems the prestige is equal at least, generaly with folks shaking their heads saying, "you're nuts" and clapping.

 

[Morlahach]

Yeah i've noticed that sometimes when publications give a run down through the catagories they omit the SS class results. Maybe it's considered "alternative cycling".

At the events however it seems the prestige is equal at least, generaly with folks shaking their heads saying, "you're nuts" and clapping.

I was trying to somewhat neutrally state the question to avoid skewing results, but so far you are the only person to say anything other than "who cares". If you don't care, why bother to reply? The post wasn't for you...

The reason for my question was due to a race I know of with a single speed class. The roster mentions the return of the reigning champion. "The" reigning champion listed is geared, though there is and always has been a single speed category for this race. So my thought was "does this mean that in the eyes of the organizer the winner of the single speed category last year was not a "champion", but an also ran?"

I suppose this is similar to what women athletes feel. There seems to be an asterisk by their placing. Though they may crush their competition of other women, I believe their win is often seen as less prestigious than that of their male counterparts because the men will typically run faster times overall. "Sure, she was the first woman, but she was 15th place overall" seems to be a common mindset. I think the same is true for single speed.

 

[ionsmuse]

It depends on the course. On many courses singlespeed is neither an advantage nor a disadvantage. On some (ie, with flat bits) it's a disadvantage.

As for listing results, it depends. Some times it's cool to know, though in my own race I've made a choice to not parse by bike or gender (not a big deal with four finishers ever).

 

[LyndaW]

I suppose this is similar to what women athletes feel. There seems to be an asterisk by their placing. Though they may crush their competition of other women, I believe their win is often seen as less prestigious than that of their male counterparts because the men will typically run faster times overall. "Sure, she was the first woman, but she was 15th place overall" seems to be a common mindset. I think the same is true for single speed.

Yep exactly.

...and if you are a woman on a single speed...was there ever any point racing in the first place?

 

[Epic XC]

The women's vs singlespeed comparison doesn't make much sense.
Women can't choose to be men.

There may be a separate category for singlespeeds but the first man and woman over the line are the overall winners no matter what bike they are riding.

 

[jaydilinger]

There may be a separate category for singlespeeds but the first man and woman over the line are the overall winners no matter what bike they are riding.

I agree. All the prestige goes to the person who crosses the line first. Ride a SS and cross the line first and you'll get the prestige.

 

[sfuller]

The reason for my question was due to a race I know of with a single speed class. The roster mentions the return of the reigning champion. "The" reigning champion listed is geared, though there is and always has been a single speed category for this race. So my thought was "does this mean that in the eyes of the organizer the winner of the single speed category last year was not a "champion", but an also ran?"

In my mind, the person across the line first (or the with the quickest time if there were multiple start waves in a race of the same length), regardless of age, gender or bike would be considered the "champion". Anyone that places first in any category determined by age, gender or bike would be considered the "XX class winner".

As far as prestige, it depends on the race, the course, and the people racing or watching. I did a couple of cross races this year on a single speed. While my results weren't good overall, people did seem impressed that I was willing to race with only one gear.

 

[12to29]

I think the single speed endurance folks are a little crazy. I train on a single speed, but would hate to ride that sucker in a race! Anybody who single speeds an endurance race is a stud! (or crazy)

 

[Caffeine Powered]

How about the prestige of winning a major race on a single speed? Or defeating world caliber multispeed guys in the process?

http://creepyfriendly.typepad.com/creepyfriendly/2007/09/40-fied.html

It happens in the Midwest all the time.

 

[Mike Brown]

First place geared riders, esp men, in the bigger races are often (not always) sponsored by somebody. Having a sponsor means you may get more attention from promoters and media outlets as they also want that sponsor's attention and money.
Unfortunately, sponsorship is much less common for both women and SS riders.
If the three were equal, I think you'd see similar "attention." It's called the bottom line for a reason.

 

[bd.sahib]

I've only won anything on a geared bike (a long time ago). Now I only ride singles.
Clocks and finish lines determine the wins in my mind.
If I could create my own, it would be a gender neutral, non-suspension corrected, giant eagle wing wearing, singing lead vocals for Lynyrd Skynyrd with like an angel band elite class.

 

[axcxnj]

in all of the races that i have been to, there havent been singlespeed classes...the SS guys are lumped in with the geared, and thats how i think it should be. if you choose to race an SS (as i do) there shouldnt be any special treatment. may the fastest person win.

2 years ago at the 24hr race here in NJ, a guy on a SS won overall, in his first ever mtb race....now hes also a pro level roadie...but still....SS is a bike choice, not a handicap

 

[sbsbiker]

Last year at the Laramie Enduro, I was on the podium for my age group, and won cash, my buddy was second on a SS, and won a Burning Spear CD, both groups had about the same numbers of participants, he was bummed, I was glad he was on a SS as he kicks ass on a geared bike, and would have taken my prize money.

HA.

 

[duke of kent]

I've only won anything on a geared bike (a long time ago). Now I only ride singles.
Clocks and finish lines determine the wins in my mind.
If I could create my own, it would be a gender neutral, non-suspension corrected, giant eagle wing wearing, singing lead vocals for Lynyrd Skynyrd with like an angel band elite class.

Hahahahaha.

Nice Ricky Bobby reference. Awesome.

 

[mtbnewguy]

Just curious what you folks think of the single speed class and its relative prestige compared to placing in the open class.

For example, if you win the single speed class, is it as prestigious as winning the geared class? Assume that both classes have similar numbers of entrants.

I don't get the SS thing... they have the prestige and reputation of stubbornness in my book.

 

[Timo]

When did they start adding categories for geared racers? Thats weird - why on earth would anyone need more than one gear to finish a race?