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I sold my last SS in 2012. Since that time, I moved on first to a 3x9, and then converted to 1x10, and eventually ended up with a 3x10 setup. Throughout this progression my relationship with my mountain bike became fickle, at best.
About a month ago, after a particularly frustrating ride during which I was entirely preoccupied with my bike, and not engaged with my surroundings at all, I came down with a sudden, strong compulsion to return to the basics. I remembered a time when my relationship with my mountain bike was not so tenuous. I knew I was missing the simplicity and certainty of singlespeed.
Even more compelling was the realization that gears had enabled me to become a lazy, slow rider. I was a stronger rider when I rode singlespeed, but with my 3x10 setup I was spending way too much time sitting, because I could, because it was easier -- but it was way less efficient. My slower pedaling resulted in lower momentum, which meant less stability, more deflection, and more wrestling with the bike -- rather than commanding it, as I should have been. I wished instead to stand and mash and engage, which we all know is just so much more satisfying on a singlespeed...
So I said **** it, and I converted my Ogre to singlespeed. (I even converted my XT hub to bolt-on for the purpose.)
And it has been beautiful. It was exactly what I was missing in my life.
Why is that?
Honestly, for me, it's really all about the climb -- the brutal cleansing burn of the climb.
Really, it's all about that moment -- when it's steep, and technical, at the very heart of the climb -- when every ounce of focus and strength must be summoned from within to conquer each individual apex. One after another, every bit of energy harnessed and exerted, with complete focus -- to move, gear inch by gear inch, revolution by revolution, ever over and upward.
At some point during the climb, when I've exhausted everything else, I tap into the darkness within. It is my most potent fuel, and when ignited it burns with blinding intensity.
When everything inside has been burned, and I finally, silently crest, I am left feeling clean and pure.
I know of no other outlet like it. It's like wrestling a ****ing lion. So glad to be back.
About a month ago, after a particularly frustrating ride during which I was entirely preoccupied with my bike, and not engaged with my surroundings at all, I came down with a sudden, strong compulsion to return to the basics. I remembered a time when my relationship with my mountain bike was not so tenuous. I knew I was missing the simplicity and certainty of singlespeed.
Even more compelling was the realization that gears had enabled me to become a lazy, slow rider. I was a stronger rider when I rode singlespeed, but with my 3x10 setup I was spending way too much time sitting, because I could, because it was easier -- but it was way less efficient. My slower pedaling resulted in lower momentum, which meant less stability, more deflection, and more wrestling with the bike -- rather than commanding it, as I should have been. I wished instead to stand and mash and engage, which we all know is just so much more satisfying on a singlespeed...
So I said **** it, and I converted my Ogre to singlespeed. (I even converted my XT hub to bolt-on for the purpose.)
And it has been beautiful. It was exactly what I was missing in my life.
Why is that?
Honestly, for me, it's really all about the climb -- the brutal cleansing burn of the climb.
Really, it's all about that moment -- when it's steep, and technical, at the very heart of the climb -- when every ounce of focus and strength must be summoned from within to conquer each individual apex. One after another, every bit of energy harnessed and exerted, with complete focus -- to move, gear inch by gear inch, revolution by revolution, ever over and upward.
At some point during the climb, when I've exhausted everything else, I tap into the darkness within. It is my most potent fuel, and when ignited it burns with blinding intensity.
When everything inside has been burned, and I finally, silently crest, I am left feeling clean and pure.
I know of no other outlet like it. It's like wrestling a ****ing lion. So glad to be back.
