NotSoBigBen Posted July 29, 2011 Share In keeping with my Tikki story I was asked recently if I would consider writing something about riding a singlespeed MTB. Now lets just mention that I have had a total of 3 rides on it so far. First ride was an out and back 15k on pretty much flat terrain just to make sure that everything was working Ok and that the chain wasn't going to fall off .... All went well besides the fact that I felt like a kid on a BMX again, pedal pedal pedal freewheel repeat till end ..... Me and the 'ONE' down by the farmyard. Best place to be at lunchtime on a weekday! So on to Rietvlei zoo farm for the first 'real' ride, after much discussion and advice from Anton (Dangle), Rolf (Thumper) and Tony (Thug) I had decided to go with a 32*18 gear. Those who have been there will know that the first part, over the river, back over the river and up to 'Graham's grind' is great terrain for a SS. At that point there are 2 distinct shortish technical climbs (now named Graham's grind 1 and 2) that need an easy gear and some 'oomph' to get up with a geared bike. The first I managed to get 3/4's up, a quick push and back on, the next is a tad longer and I got about half way up. From there it's a great again and even through 'Benny's bend' no worries. Tony (Thug) told me that Wendels's revenge was 'doable' with a 32*18 - ja sure mate perhaps with your legs and 'physique'. I am not known as 'BIGBEN' for nothing! About a 3rd of the way up there is an escape route that goes back behind 'John's house' thankfully! Jelly legs by then but from there just fun till the end The next ride went a bit easier and I realised that I needed to ANTICIPATE better and KEEP THE MOMENTUM wherever possible! Managed to come within one pedal stroke of Grahams grind 1 and almost to the top of Graham's grind 2, one day when I'm big like Tony (Thug), Anton (Dangle) and Rolf (Thumper) maybe I can get over Wendel's revenge but till then I will keep at it and aim for that! I did realise that I can actually manage a bigger gear on many of the Rietvlei sections than I thought, OK forced and it's tough on the legs but IT CAN BE DONE. In fact on this weeks Tikki ride I rode up Graham's grind 1 in the middle chainring, I always dropped to granny there before :-O! I will not become a dedicated SS rider like some and 'rigid' nah not really for me but I will make sure I ride this bike at least once a week. Will I ever race it, who knows - if the right race came along .... and I now realise that doesn't mean a flat and fast race but something with variety but nothing severe may just do it! Also not a marathon, half perhaps? Anyway it cost me very little to put together and was worth it! Now just to wait for Dangerous Dan to get his together and I won't be so lonely out there on it Someone's comment as I was leaving - you're missing something, me 'what, gears?' him 'errrm no, baggies and a check shirt' LOL Like Anton says though, NEVER say NEVER! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patches Posted July 29, 2011 Share oom bennie, I told you that all you have to do is ask, and I'll give you a RD. I know times are tough, but there's no need to torture yourself! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patches Posted July 29, 2011 Share BTW, that looks like a fast bike (due to the red of course)... I hope you're riding it with a fast helmet to match Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest agteros Posted September 4, 2011 Share How was the long ride on The 'ONE' this weekend? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NotSoBigBen Posted September 4, 2011 Share I actually enjoyed it! 60k's just over 3 hours ..... Dangerous Dan "PPP ride done, nearly unscrewed my hips trying to catch you on the downs" Victor "Sanchez' Nunes (Nitro) after hearing we did it 'that's a long way on a BMX' Lesson number 1 - a bit of weight on a downhill with 1 gear isn't a bad thing Lesson number 2 - 32*18 works just fine Lesson number 3 - so much cadence will show up any not so 'good quality' shorts The plan is to make that our normal Sunday ride for the next while till Crater Cruise at least .... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest agteros Posted September 4, 2011 Share I actually enjoyed it! 60k's just over 3 hours ..... Dangerous Dan "PPP ride done, nearly unscrewed my hips trying to catch you on the downs" Victor "Sanchez' Nunes (Nitro) after hearing we did it 'that's a long way on a BMX' Lesson number 1 - a bit of weight on a downhill with 1 gear isn't a bad thing Lesson number 2 - 32*18 works just fine Lesson number 3 - so much cadence will show up any not so 'good quality' shorts The plan is to make that our normal Sunday ride for the next while till Crater Cruise at least .... You'll make me start taking components off the Ralley to get the SS finished! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NotSoBigBen Posted September 4, 2011 Share You'll make me start taking components off the Ralley to get the SS finished! Do it dude, you know you want to come ride with us Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest agteros Posted September 4, 2011 Share Do it dude, you know you want to come ride with us Headset and BB is being fitted tomorrow Only thing in my way to an interim SS is a 30mm seatclamp. Not sure I want to spend >R200 for a Hope which I will not keep (Apparently no white / green available locally) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NotSoBigBen Posted September 4, 2011 Share Go buy a hose clamp for now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest agteros Posted September 4, 2011 Share Go buy a hose clamp for now sheesh that DOES sound desperate! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NotSoBigBen Posted September 4, 2011 Share It's not a 'single' speed I have three gears 'sit, stand and walk' - alrighty then LOL! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest agteros Posted September 4, 2011 Share It's not a 'single' speed I have three gears 'sit, stand and walk' - alrighty then LOL! Only one speed: FORWARD! Methods employed are not important Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the nerd Posted September 4, 2011 Share My brother and I ride SS at rietvlei every weekend, I have a merida converted and my Bro a Giant XTC SS. When you ride again we can meet up. Send me a PM and we there! I now only ride an SS i have no other bike, its awesome. I cant ride everything but i sure as hell try ha ha! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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