Gears, freewheel or fixed?

As the technology on bikes keeps pushing the boundaries with Sram XX 10speed mountain bike equipment,  plusher suspension travel and more bling being added every year we are seeing a return to simpler cycling. With the cost of chain and cassette rising more bikers are turning to single speed mountain bikes and hybrids for their winter miles. This week we have built a On One steel 29er as a single speed rear conversion with a difference. The rear hub (Hope Pro 2) has a single 18 tooth sprocket instead of a 9 speed cassette but in place of a disc on the other side is a fixed sprocket instead.

Fixed or freewheel you choose!!

Now having ridden fixed on the road for several years I am not sure how it will work off road but it definitely will be interesting to try. It might be wise to get the customer to sign a disclaimer on collection or get the video camera out.

Having ridden both the Demo Bikes with full suspension and lots of gears most of 2010 I have been drawn into the retro steel bike with single speed as well. Its much easier to maintain and when you get used to not being able to change gear and having to spin/grind depending on the terrain its actually quite good fun. There are plans for a club 24 hour mountain bike this year as a team of three so the single speed may get used in anger at Fort William.

My P7 in winter mode hub gears next and slick tyres for a touring holiday in scotland.