The Berm

Canberra's Mountain Biking community network

SS or geared for a recreational mtb noob?

Hi all

 

I'm in market for a new mtb. I've pretty much narrowed it down a Trek 29er HT, at moment I'm looking at the Trek X-Caliber. It's basically the one that meets my needs and is bang on my budget limit of $2K. I plan to use it primarily (if not exclusively) for the occasional recreational riding out at Stromlo, Majura etc. Opting for less technical, but flowing trails.

 

However, what got me thinking was that I currently commute with a Giant singlespeed which sees some basic climbing up Theodore hill and surrounds (fwiw, the gear ratio is 2.25 and so far seems a good compromise.) There is also a Trek "Rig" which is a singlespeed version of the aforementioned Trek 29er HT line of bikes. Should I seriously be considering this bike as an alternative? I do prefer simplicity and would prefer singlespeed over gears. BUT I have zero experience with SS mtb-ing. The ratio of the Rig is 1.8 (which I know can be easily be changed). I guess what I'm really asking is; does ACT's trails offer a recreational rider much joy with a SS? Or, is SS better placed in a race environment and should I just behave and go geared?

 

cheers

Brett

 

...........as an aside; here are some photos I took of the recent event out at Stromlo

 

SRAM Singletrack Mind Series - Round III

Views: 271

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jeremy S on July 2, 2011 at 8:13
Hey Brett, it's the age old debate SS vs geared and everyone is going to other up their personal opinion. I think it's worth noting that SS on the street and bike paths is quite a bit different to SS up Stromlo etc. But if your climbing hills around Theodore then it sounds like you have the heart and leg strength to give it a go. Maybe some of the SS on the site can chim in as to wether they started geared to learn trail skills on a less taxing rig before converting to the dark side. Best suggestion anyone can give is - get a loaner of both a SS rig and a geared rig and see which on you like the most. A lot of us on the site have both geared and SS in the shed, I do but I know the SS comes out once in a blue moon. As for are SS more suited to races or rec is a bit of a mute point as most of the local races will be held on exactly the same trails that you will ride socially.

Anyway after all that- welcome to the fold and get out on those trails and just have some fun. When the guys post the social rides newbie are welcome and most guys will say if it's going to be a fast pace ride which you might stay away from till your more confident. Jez
Permalink Reply by Steve K on July 2, 2011 at 8:56

Brett thanks for the pics, I notice you snapped Brett Bellchambers as he was scooting around in that race - he does Amazing things on a SS ;)

 

Personally I would go geared first, but I'm a wimp.  You can always covert to SS later but at the end of the day ride what's most fun and I agree SS is fun!  (I have a SS commuter)

Permalink Reply by Brettski on July 2, 2011 at 14:17

Thanks for your replies :)

 

the more I'm reading it seems that people seem to migrate to a SS mtb from a geared bike, having built up knowledge, experience and confidence. Also, seems some people who have a SS mtb, have it is one a collection with other geared mtb's.

 

So I think I will err on the safe side and stick with the geared variant in the first instance.

 

cheers

Brett

 

Permalink Reply by Third Idiot on July 2, 2011 at 23:07
I'd say go geared then get a single speed to complement it.  and always remember n+1
Permalink Reply by Brettski on July 3, 2011 at 0:24
....right before it collides with (s-1)
Permalink Reply by John Brinsmead on July 3, 2011 at 17:31

I think you'll need a few bikes before that happens :) and when it happens just sell something.

Definitely agree with the Third Idiot on getting one as your second MtB. The geared bike will let you figure what your prefered gear combo is, in my case the one for gentle to moderate climbs 32/18, which means that climbing ABC out at Stromlo on my SS is much tougher than when I do it on the geared bike, but I can still get the bike up to reasonable pace on the flat.

On the flip riding SS should help you with the geared bike since riding SS forces you to think about managing speed, 'cos you can't just drop a gear to get you through the next gnarly bit.

In answer to your other questions: Sparrow and and the undulating sections of Bruce Ridge and Majura Pines are the best places for SS (haven't ridden Kowen so I don't know, yet). People have won endurance XC races at Stromlo on them - but those where distances of 160 km...


 

Permalink Reply by Third Idiot on July 3, 2011 at 18:27

32/16 - Bruce is great for the SS

 

Permalink Reply by Joe M on July 3, 2011 at 21:24

I agree, having a geared may be the better way to start out.

Having said that I am now building up a SS and I am looking forward to it.

Permalink Reply by Milto on July 3, 2011 at 22:57

I only own a road going SS but am a long way from being keen on a dirt SS bike. To me mtb is fun and being able to go fast on a downhill and have the gears to get up anything as well as making my life easy all help make geared mtb more fun.

 

Even Brett is using a 1 by 9 bike for the Mawson marathon. If gears help you ride longer then that is also more fun.

Permalink Reply by blondie on July 5, 2011 at 16:36

i started on a hard-tail knowing less than nothing about riding, progressed to a dually and now the only bike i ride is my SS - my little wheeled dually is for sale and my christmas present 29er dually has been ridden twice.

As you already know how to ride i don't see why you wouldn't get an SS and go down that road, they are much quieter and, as it is a totally different style of riding - so i find - you will simply get used to what you ride...and Canberra trails are soooo soooo sooooo SS friendly!

i was very lucky though, i had been conned to go on a four man SS 24hr team and was the only girl so the rest of my team took me out for a reccy ride and gave me so many tips and handy hints that i enjoyed the SS right away...and sooo much nicer to ride up hills on.

but my advice would be only go SS on big wheels!

 

apologies for the lower case etc, my keyboard is dying and i can't get a new one until tomorrow

Permalink Reply by Brettski on July 5, 2011 at 21:21

wow, the range of opinions goes a long way in explaining why it's so hard to isolate a bike; everyone had their valid viewpoint.

 

I've managed to land a bargain in a friends well loved Giant Anthem X1 laced out with XTR gear. It's light, fast and has been well loved. I will learn the ropes with that beast on ACT's trails.

Permalink Reply by Brettski on September 18, 2011 at 12:02
Having ridden Stromlo a few times now, it's been clear to me that a SS would have been a huge mistake...for me anyway.  I'm changing gears a lot and while I love SS for commuting, I'm happy going geared for mtb-ing.

▶ Reply to Discussion

RSS

© 2012   Created by Nathaniel Peek.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service

Sign in to chat!