Question for all those experienced SS riders

[Raab]

So I am sold on the idea of building up a SS as I already have an extra bike gathering dust in the garage but now my question is the following: Due you use your SS as training devices and still compete on gear bikes for stage races?

 

From what I have gathered SS results in a complete mindset change relating to how you cycle and thus I am curious if competing on a geared bike would impair all the lessons learned through training on a SS.

 

I am probably over-thinking this.

[divernick]

You might abandon your geary.

 

SS teaches you about momentum and riding with a smooth style which will translate to any bike you ride.

It'll also make you fitter and stronger.

[Wyatt Earp]

So I am sold on the idea of building up a SS as I already have an extra bike gathering dust in the garage but now my question is the following: Due you use your SS as training devices and still compete on gear bikes for stage races?

 

From what I have gathered SS results in a complete mindset change relating to how you cycle and thus I am curious if competing on a geared bike would impair all the lessons learned through training on a SS.

 

I am probably over-thinking this.

 

Compete solely on the SS unless its a stage race and my partner is on a geared bike.

[Eldron]

You might abandon your geary.

 

SS teaches you about momentum and riding with a smooth style which will translate to any bike you ride.

It'll also make you fitter and stronger.

 

+1 - what he said.

 

I ride my SS for fun and race my blinged out geared 29er hardtail for time.

 

My (completely non scientific) experiences are this:

 

The SS teaches you to think ahead - a good trait for any bike.

SS makes you "hard" - also very good for any bike.

SS seems to make me climb better.

SS makes you smile a lot - a good life skill!

[BLACKvoodoo]

Also makes you look like this

[Iron]

i have officially spent more time/milage on my SS since i got it about 15odd months ago than i have on both my road bike a geared bikes together.

[Hairy]

My first ever SS was "commuter project", but in time though the SS concept has changed. Bikes have been built and sold along the way to the point now where I am 80% happy with the SS as she is (She rides and stops, what more could I ask) and she has been getting more trail time than my Shova.

 

Get on the SS, ride it and let the journey begin. You will know in time how and where you will ride the SS.

 

On my first long SS MTB ride (everybody else was racing) I was so anxious before the event as attempting this without gears seemed daunting.

 

Later in the ride my fears were unfounded as when the trail was just to steep to climb I would get off and push. I also found that overall I only lost max 15min on my geared buddy who came to the ride with "Epic Fitness" and a geared dually. Sure it hurt like hell on some of the longer harder climbs, but I also stopped often to take pics and just enjoy the ride.

 

So in closing. Get on the bike and ride it. She will tell you what she wants and you had better listen.

 

H

[Raab]

Thanks lads!

Now i just need to get a tensioner and attempt the conversion, so pshyched!!