[OldZaskar]

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

 

[OldZaskar]

Hmmm, I think gears are probably a bit faster, BUT if you like riding your bike, why not extend the enjoyment by riding SS?

It's the engine that decides if a bike is fast not the attachments.

I agree it's the engine - that's the "constant" in this with the SS and MS being the "variables". The bikes are different enough that they dictate, to some degree, the riding style... so, the outcome is different. Faster or slower is the debate.

 

[OldZaskar]

OP:
did you really need to post this to realize that SS is slower then MS?
:skep:

Did you really need to chime in with such a useless comment?

If you don't think it's an interesting topic, go play video games or something to entertain yourself.

 

[OldZaskar]

Mhhh my English is not that good, so I'll try to explain....

For sure, everyone of us has a optimal pedalling frequency.
This one is different from the one buddy to the other.
But it is a range for everyone.

With a SS, you can only stay in this range at a certain speed.
If youre using the full potential of a geared, you will be faster. At least in very steep terrain with many hills/descents.

What I wanted to say:

It's about using the full potential (geared) against being to lazy to hammer up the hill.

I never found myself hammer up the hills with my Cannondale. It's a KG lighter.

I guess most of us need the "I-have-to-go-fast-else-I-don't get up the hill" of the SS ...

we all know: If we are going slow, it's only getting harder.

Do you know what I mean?

Damn thats complicated to explain whats on my mind...

reno

I think you nailed it Reno - ironically (given the language barrier) in very few words.

it comes down to getting over the "I can shift when I want to" when on the MS and adopting the "I have to hammer" mentality of the SS.