Rationally, I can't come up with a reason why a SS would be remotely as "fast" as a multi-speed bike. But, after riding for years and only recently (3 months) getting into the SS thing... I'm beginning to think I'm faster on my SS than my MS. On group rides - with the same group, I'm further out front... but this could be a product of having been riding the SS - and just getting stronger. See, like many of you, I haven't been on my MS since building my SS. Yeah - I know... not so scientific.
But, more non-scientific data... One of my regular riding buddies just built a SS. On the very first ride, he was considerably faster - okay, sure... excited about the new build, great conditions... I know even less empirical.
So, has anyone tested this - riding the same loop (and timed it) on the SS and MS enough to add any bit of subjective data here?
I do think a lot has to do with "riding mandates", e.g. MS guy can downshift and crawl a steep hill... SS guy must sprint/hammer the same hill - thus going "faster". But then there's that whole fatigue thing that we're supposed to feel for hammering that hill... hmmm
But, more non-scientific data... One of my regular riding buddies just built a SS. On the very first ride, he was considerably faster - okay, sure... excited about the new build, great conditions... I know even less empirical.
So, has anyone tested this - riding the same loop (and timed it) on the SS and MS enough to add any bit of subjective data here?
I do think a lot has to do with "riding mandates", e.g. MS guy can downshift and crawl a steep hill... SS guy must sprint/hammer the same hill - thus going "faster". But then there's that whole fatigue thing that we're supposed to feel for hammering that hill... hmmm
