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Switching between a single speed 29'er and a dually 29'er...some advice pls
I recently bought a single speed hard tail 29er. I currently also have a dually 29er which i really enjoy.
The set-up is very similar to my dually which has served me faithfully without any physical issues to date. The only difference is the Thomson set-back seat post and the 80 shock (much lower in the front on the SS. I also have a riser bar on the SS as opposed to a flat bar on the Dually.
I've played with the ratios a bit on the SS and have been riding a 33 18 ratio. This is great for flat courses. Some of the climbs in my area (Cascades etc)have been very taxing on this ratio physically and I find my upper and middle body is working significantly harder than ever before. I'm almost inching up the really steep climbs or walking!I suspect this is what is contributing to the muscle ache?
I'm toying with the idea of changing to a 33 19 ratio for the climbing to see if things improve.
So what am I doing wrong?
Overall I'm loving the SS and have felt the benefits already fitness wise and improved bike handling skills.
I'm not sure how many SS are on this forum but would love to hear from you or any other pearls of wisdom from anyone else.
cheers
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Once you accept there are some hills (particularly around here) that you can't ride, things will be easier for you. It's like accepting that sometimes you have to buy a VB instead of a good beer. I ride 32/18 and typically have to walk the steepest bits in the Cascades. This may be for a few meters or an entire bitumen section. But that's me. I could do with being 20kg lighter and a whole lot fitter, lol.
It took me a little while to adjust to the SS but just enjoy the simplicity and efficiency of the rigid fork SS combo so much. Alternatively, my 29er dually is FAST everywhere but a little bit dulled. They are different animals.
The same thing goes for spinning out. There's no gear ratio that covers everywhere. Though, you can hold some big speed on the flats if you get a tow off Black Flash. That boy can really punch a hole in the air.
I've ridden with both you boys at different times on your SS and geared bikes. To be honest, I've noticed the improvement in both of you. Stronger legs, better choice in lines (mind you I'm no expert).
@twothommos, u tend to ride more than 20-30kms in a single ride, taking in pretty much all types of gradients from flats, to undulating to 27% gradients! My question would be what's more important? Keeping a relatively decent pace on 95% of the trails or being able to clear the occasional 27%? Such as parts of cascades, and a few more steep pinches on duck holes, manly dam, and alike. So is it worth having the option of a few different cogs to pick and choose before a ride? Maybe. Or if it's going to be a longer ride, do you just get back on the geared bike?
@pancakes, I think you nailed the reason. Simplicity. I don't have an SS yet. But I really want one now. I've always hated the idea of an SS (why limit yourself to 1 gear...) but I've grown sick and tired of wearing out components, chain suck etc when the weather turns the ground a little less favourable. But having seen the huge improvements in both of you (leg strength, line choice, cadence etc) I'm convinced it helps make you a better rider in general. Again, I'm no expert, I'm just the guy infront of you (sometimes) with gears, trying to shake you on your SS off my tail.
So I'm now in the market for a cheap SS 29er... Preferably a Cannondale, (I'll probably break it, but it would match the brothers and sisters)
They certainly force a lift in intensity up the climbs. The fork lockout got used several times a lap around Manly Dam.
What you save in equipment capital and maintenance spend can go into your knee replacement fund
I have a Ventana 29er belt drive hard tail and a Giant Anthem 29er dually. I love the Ventana for trails like the dam and can ride the entire thing without the need to get off. Also happy to ride places like The Oalks and still do all the hills (being belt the ratios are different but I think I'm on 33 / 18).
That said, when doing The Oaks there is a lot of time I'm spinning because I don't have the gearing I need on flat or downhill sections, so really I just use the bikes based on the trail - long days in the saddle over multiple terrain - dually, short course, short hills, technical trails with smooth flows - hard tail.
I don't really think it's worth the hassle of changing cogs for every ride, although that is still possible (not so much on belt drives).
I definitely recommend a SS hard tail though, especially in winter when it's a little cooler, maybe wetter etc. Not having to worry about gears and focusing more on riding and lines helps a lot, plus the added fitness benefits make you all round a better rider.
You have started with hard man gearing!
Most people begin with 32/20 soooo if you tried 32/19 you will find you will be more comfortable.
SS gearing is about the hills, not the flat. You will spin out on flat as that's how they roll! And there is no shame in walking a hill if you are SS...
Then, once you are thoroughly adapted and you hop on your geared dually you will forget to change gears, want to stand up to pedal And if you are like me, muck up weight ratio when climbing hills in the saddle!
Oh and I trust you are completing each ride with the mandatory beer?!
Righto I knew I was doing something wrong.....THE BEERS!!!
I did start on a 32 20 and yes I did spin and I could climb most things. I'm going to switch to the 33/19 and see how that goes.
Everyone has had great points/input so far, thanks heaps!
It's a bit of a mindset change.....walking a hill with a SS is not shameful!
I started on 32/20. And I still run it mostly for the hills around the Watagans. Even the Awaba track on 32/20 is awesome.
I do change to 32/19 occasionally, and I am always surprised how much harder the climbs are. Just 1 tooth difference!
On the flip side, for flatter stuff I'm quite happy on 32/17 or even 16.
Try the 19t!
I started on 32/20. And I still run it mostly for the hills around the Watagans. Even the Awaba track on 32/20 is awesome.
I do change to 32/19 occasionally, and I am always surprised how much harder the climbs are. Just 1 tooth difference!
On the flip side, for flatter stuff I'm quite happy on 32/17 or even 16.
Try the 19t!