No but I did on an urban folding bike, 7 speeds but none of them worth a damn for going uphill, especially with bags on the bike. Didn't bother me much, I just walked up the hills. I wasn't in any hurry. The bike was a Dahon Route I bought in Tokyo and I rode it around Japan for 6 weeks. No panniers, just a backpack on the back and a bag full of camera gear in a basket on the front.
@@jodyssey9921 Aww I love that. The spirit of not rushing and taking your time to enjoy the journey is really what it's all about :) Sounds like a great trip!
I've done a smaller tour on my fixed gear from my home to Port Burwell and back. 320km. The single speed simplicity worked well for me. Yes, some hills needed to be walked, but in the end it's ok to take a break from pedaling. I have a Wabi Thunder that has mounts for front and rear racks. If you are looking for a 3rd wheel for a summer tour, I'm in the GTA.
@@stinkypete3900 Sounds like a great tour! And so helpful you have mounting points :) That's awesome -- nothing planned yet but we'll keep ya posted ;)
I'm 59 turning 60 next month. My ride of the day can be setup as a fixie or single speed. I do have a brake on one wheel, so I prefer the single speed configuration. My legs have far too many miles on them to count. For me this bike is no different then multi geared bicycle I have owned. I've always rode in one gear anyway. If the hill is too steep get off and walk. The beauty of traveling slow is it's not point A to point B, it's the enjoyment and experience of seeing what's in between A and B. If all you want to do is get to the destination, take a train, plane or automobile. You're missing the whole point of bike touring. Just my two cents.
I started single-speeding this summer. Mostly, I do between 7 and 13 miles. It is an amazing workout - low impact, HIIT given the hills around my house, easy out the back door and go, etc. My bike is an old 29er mountain bike. I picked one gear, and have not changed it since June. I was surprised that I dont have to walk any hills from single-speeding. (I did not think that I could do some of the hills around here without changing gears, and would have to walk. I just stand up, which is a great part of the work out.) It is slower, I think. But, It is a much better workout, which is why I do it.
I’m 66 and ride fixed. I did portugal end to end on a 34/15. The ride was supported so all i had to do was pedal. Have just done the length of Britain but chose the single speed option different bike but similar ratio 48/22. Trick is to keep up the momentum and anything over four per cent get out of the saddle. 940 miles in 14 days, pushed once on a seventeen percent when traffic made zig zagging impossible. Sense of achievement is immense, something I didn’t feel when I did French end to end on a full carbon road bike!
Planning on touring through Italy and France in September on a single speed (All City Nature Boy, flat bars, more of a cross/gravel bike). I decided to do this to minimize weight, simplify the boxing/disassembly/assembly, and because I love riding this bike! I have 3 bikes, one of which is a long-distance touring bike (Surly Long Haul Trucker) which I have ridden throughout the Western US, mountainous terrain. But I will be riding along rivers and the Adriatic coast, and it will be mostly (all?) flat so thought the All City would be a better fit. My bags will be similar to yours--frame bag, 14L seat bag, and a harness system to hold a dry bag up front. I also plan on packing minimally, although I will take a UL tent and sleeping bag. So, thanks for the confirmation this can work! I was going to rent bikes when I got to Italy for the flexibility but I think this will be almost as flexible but perhaps more reliable and definitely more fun to ride than a heavy touring bike!
I only ride single speed now, partly because 14years ago I was broke and out of school with no job and a massive loan. I did an 80 mile trip 5 years ago and the only disappointment part was that it took me 10:30 hours in a ride that should taken 8 hours according to Google.
Way to go! Congrats on your first bike tour! I love how you felt guilty about your sweetie hauling all the food :) You got over that, right? There are so many benefits of touring or bikepacking single speed: Far fewer drivetrain issues, no time wasted worrying about being in the optimum gear, lower cost, and less weight, to name a few. Most of all, you can focus more on the experience and less on the bike. Woohoo!
I enjoyed hearing first hand experience on fixed gear; i too have a high end fixed.. For the past 6 yrs or so i do 40klm rides 3 seasons out of the yr.
I'm intending to go about 2000km on a 3 speed soon (25kg before luggage). The lack of gear ratios is not something that concerns me. A tip regarding carrying a tent - consider using a tarp, perhaps also with a hammock, this gives you a lot more options and is lighter, does take a bit more learning and practice though.
I would try a 1:2 gear ratio for touring. In my experience it gives you a more relaxed pace on the flats (about 15-22 kph) and it will also work for the moderate hills.
A bike trailer particularly a single wheel bike trailer will allow you to carry more items that are necessary for your tour, and you can make the single speed bike peddle and climb hills easlier by replacing the stock rear cog with a bigger rear cog(e.g. 22T, 24T or even a 26T). A single wheel bike trailer has less friction than a two wheel bike trailer and it also tracks better and based on the model it is lighter. Replacing and installing a rear cog is very inexpensive.
I’ve the exact same bike and am think of doing some bike touring on the wild Atlantic way west coast Ireland....I’m fully prepared to do some hike-a-bike! Peace Cheers for the info
I've thought about touring on a single for a long time. But, alas, at 76 years old, I don't think I'm strong enough anymore. Like your friend, I like the simplicity behind it.
How about a small gear ? If you have a geared bike try sticking in a low gear like 42 x32 this is considered a granny gear , but might still roll along flat at 6-10 mph ? Or even a lower gear if needed ,it'll still be decent speed and work for most hills , coasting downhill. Give it a try for a few runs see how it works ? Then match the gear that might work ? Most single/ fix are aimed at fit youngsters at around 70 inches gear 42x17 x wheel diameter. Half that will be very easy gear on flat and low enough for modest hills simply freewheel downhill? Anyway good luck .
Not a fan of a fixie, but do remember that in the old days the rear wheel had 2 sprockets - one on each side. With a quick release, and a chain of a proper length, the wheel rear wheel can be easily flipped before and after the hills. I would consider the number of teeth on the chainring and 2 sprockets to result in a "bit underdrive" and "bit overdrive". Not the best option for all terrain, but still better than a single default gear ratio.
I have somewhat of the same setup. Not different gear ratios though. One side is fixie while the opposite side is single speed.....one sprocket, but is freewheel. On the fixie configuration I really have to pay attention and react accordingly. Setup as the single speed the one brake I have actually becomes functional.
Bikepacking with an SS vs normally daily use SS, go for a slightly lower gear than you normally use. The extra weight and wind age of all the bikepacking gear, will mean you need that easier gear. I normally run 38/16 on my SS gravelbike, but need to run 36/16 when bikepacking.
Nice video. Even though I am fortunate enough to own a lot of great bikes, I am always a bit bummed when the "right tool for the job" is NOT my single speed Wabi. If the ride is flat-ish, it's the single for me!
Personally I would never take a single speed with drop bars touring. At least with straight bars and bar-end grips you can more easily get out of the saddle and rock the bars for added climbing power so not everything is on your knees.
Personally, I rode 46/16 to Montreal and will say that there were some times that I wished I had a lower ratio for the hills. And never really any times I wished I could go faster on the flats. But probably whatever is comfortable for you to ride currently would work great.
I think gear inches is a more accurate measurement. 55 gear inches for gravel and loaded riding is my sweet spot, no more than 60 for riding fast unloaded. Less than 50 might leave you spinning your brains out
May I know whether Michael is planning to upgrade/buy another bike with gears ? I am in dilemma between buying a single speed bicycle or with gears ? Thanks alot. I enjoyed watching your video
Hey! Yes Michael did later get a gravel bike that he will be using for bike touring. He still uses his single speed for commuting but as we have our eye on some mountainous tours, the single speed didn't feel like the right tool for those jobs. His general sense has been that the single speed was great for a flat tour with light gear (and what he would prefer for that type of tour as he enjoyed the simplicity and the feel of the ride) but that for a more mountainous route and/or if more gear is needed, a bike with gears would be preferred. Hope that helps!
FIRST rule to ride a single in a touring - be in shape Second: Choose the right ratio for your trip Third: Just don't try to carry extra weight.stay in hotels.
nice! haven't toured, but have wondered about it. I live in a fairly hilly area and ride fixed (50 x 16 in summer when I'm fitter, 48 x 16 otherwise), and love it... there ar some lumps I can't ride up, so, as you say, just get off and push. no problemo! I'm 77, so maybe I should look into this while I'm still young.... （⌒▽⌒） thanx for the chat.
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Have you ever bike toured (or thought about bike touring!) on a single speed?
No but I did on an urban folding bike, 7 speeds but none of them worth a damn for going uphill, especially with bags on the bike. Didn't bother me much, I just walked up the hills. I wasn't in any hurry. The bike was a Dahon Route I bought in Tokyo and I rode it around Japan for 6 weeks. No panniers, just a backpack on the back and a bag full of camera gear in a basket on the front.
@@jodyssey9921 Aww I love that. The spirit of not rushing and taking your time to enjoy the journey is really what it's all about :) Sounds like a great trip!
I've done a smaller tour on my fixed gear from my home to Port Burwell and back. 320km. The single speed simplicity worked well for me. Yes, some hills needed to be walked, but in the end it's ok to take a break from pedaling. I have a Wabi Thunder that has mounts for front and rear racks. If you are looking for a 3rd wheel for a summer tour, I'm in the GTA.
@@stinkypete3900 Sounds like a great tour! And so helpful you have mounting points :) That's awesome -- nothing planned yet but we'll keep ya posted ;)
Every bike ride is on a single speed...until you shift 😉
I'm 59 turning 60 next month. My ride of the day can be setup as a fixie or single speed. I do have a brake on one wheel, so I prefer the single speed configuration.
My legs have far too many miles on them to count. For me this bike is no different then multi geared bicycle I have owned. I've always rode in one gear anyway.
If the hill is too steep get off and walk. The beauty of traveling slow is it's not point A to point B, it's the enjoyment and experience of seeing what's in between A and B. If all you want to do is get to the destination, take a train, plane or automobile. You're missing the whole point of bike touring.
Just my two cents.
I started single-speeding this summer. Mostly, I do between 7 and 13 miles. It is an amazing workout - low impact, HIIT given the hills around my house, easy out the back door and go, etc. My bike is an old 29er mountain bike. I picked one gear, and have not changed it since June. I was surprised that I dont have to walk any hills from single-speeding. (I did not think that I could do some of the hills around here without changing gears, and would have to walk. I just stand up, which is a great part of the work out.) It is slower, I think. But, It is a much better workout, which is why I do it.
Just like bondage; there's always someone out there who enjoy the pain.
Nobody liked or responded to this comment? I love it!
😂 someone likes to party
I’m 66 and ride fixed. I did portugal end to end on a 34/15. The ride was supported so all i had to do was pedal. Have just done the length of Britain but chose the single speed option different bike but similar ratio 48/22. Trick is to keep up the momentum and anything over four per cent get out of the saddle. 940 miles in 14 days, pushed once on a seventeen percent when traffic made zig zagging impossible. Sense of achievement is immense, something I didn’t feel when I did French end to end on a full carbon road bike!
Super cool! Thanks for sharing!
have you written or documented these feats at all? would love to read more
Single speed is King!
Thank you for a very cute, lovely and honest video. Good for you, guys!
Thanks for watching and for the kind message 😄
Planning on touring through Italy and France in September on a single speed (All City Nature Boy, flat bars, more of a cross/gravel bike). I decided to do this to minimize weight, simplify the boxing/disassembly/assembly, and because I love riding this bike! I have 3 bikes, one of which is a long-distance touring bike (Surly Long Haul Trucker) which I have ridden throughout the Western US, mountainous terrain. But I will be riding along rivers and the Adriatic coast, and it will be mostly (all?) flat so thought the All City would be a better fit. My bags will be similar to yours--frame bag, 14L seat bag, and a harness system to hold a dry bag up front. I also plan on packing minimally, although I will take a UL tent and sleeping bag. So, thanks for the confirmation this can work! I was going to rent bikes when I got to Italy for the flexibility but I think this will be almost as flexible but perhaps more reliable and definitely more fun to ride than a heavy touring bike!
Oh wow Ben! That sounds like such a cool adventure! I hope you have an amazing time 😄
It sounds interesting...but I think the big hills would suck. I like the idea of the simplicity of single speed and the reliability.
I only ride single speed now, partly because 14years ago I was broke and out of school with no job and a massive loan.
I did an 80 mile trip 5 years ago and the only disappointment part was that it took me 10:30 hours in a ride that should taken 8 hours according to Google.
Way to go! Congrats on your first bike tour! I love how you felt guilty about your sweetie hauling all the food :) You got over that, right? There are so many benefits of touring or bikepacking single speed: Far fewer drivetrain issues, no time wasted worrying about being in the optimum gear, lower cost, and less weight, to name a few. Most of all, you can focus more on the experience and less on the bike. Woohoo!
Haha he is a sweetheart ❤ thank you for sharing your experiences with single speed bike touring/bikepacking Alex!
I enjoyed hearing first hand experience on fixed gear; i too have a high end fixed.. For the past 6 yrs or so i do 40klm rides 3 seasons out of the yr.
I'm intending to go about 2000km on a 3 speed soon (25kg before luggage). The lack of gear ratios is not something that concerns me.
A tip regarding carrying a tent - consider using a tarp, perhaps also with a hammock, this gives you a lot more options and is lighter, does take a bit more learning and practice though.
There truly are so many interesting options -- thanks for sharing Graham!
I have a Big Agnes ul bike packing tent. Packs up small and super lightweight. Highly recommend.
Michael actually JUST bought one of those! Thank you for mentioning!
That's a nice tent..
I would try a 1:2 gear ratio for touring. In my experience it gives you a more relaxed pace on the flats (about 15-22 kph) and it will also work for the moderate hills.
Love this! So informative and you two are ADORABLE together! 💕
Aww thank you!! ❤
A bike trailer particularly a single wheel bike trailer will allow you to carry more items that are necessary for your tour, and you can make the single speed bike peddle and climb hills easlier by replacing the stock rear cog with a bigger rear cog(e.g. 22T, 24T or even a 26T). A single wheel bike trailer has less friction than a two wheel bike trailer and it also tracks better and based on the model it is lighter. Replacing and installing a rear cog is very inexpensive.
I’ve the exact same bike and am think of doing some bike touring on the wild Atlantic way west coast Ireland....I’m fully prepared to do some hike-a-bike! Peace Cheers for the info
Oh wow, that sounds incredible! Have a beautiful time!
I've thought about touring on a single for a long time. But, alas, at 76 years old, I don't think I'm strong enough anymore. Like your friend, I like the simplicity behind it.
How about a small gear ? If you have a geared bike try sticking in a low gear like 42 x32 this is considered a granny gear , but might still roll along flat at 6-10 mph ? Or even a lower gear if needed ,it'll still be decent speed and work for most hills , coasting downhill.
Give it a try for a few runs see how it works ? Then match the gear that might work ? Most single/ fix are aimed at fit youngsters at around 70 inches gear 42x17 x wheel diameter. Half that will be very easy gear on flat and low enough for modest hills simply freewheel downhill? Anyway good luck .
@@robduncan599 Makes sence.
There has been a couple riders ride single speeds on the Tour Divide bike race.
Yeah!! So impressive!
This is a very informative video! I bike tour on my fixed gear with breaks. It is so much fun, very simple! #OneGearNoFear
Cool!! Thanks for the lovely message :)
I ride a fixed gear for commuting and touring
Wow! Happy riding! 🙌
Not a fan of a fixie, but do remember that in the old days the rear wheel had 2 sprockets - one on each side. With a quick release, and a chain of a proper length, the wheel rear wheel can be easily flipped before and after the hills. I would consider the number of teeth on the chainring and 2 sprockets to result in a "bit underdrive" and "bit overdrive". Not the best option for all terrain, but still better than a single default gear ratio.
Keep in mind that a fixie is not the same as a single speed.
I have somewhat of the same setup. Not different gear ratios though. One side is fixie while the opposite side is single speed.....one sprocket, but is freewheel.
On the fixie configuration I really have to pay attention and react accordingly.
Setup as the single speed the one brake I have actually becomes functional.
Bikepacking with an SS vs normally daily use SS, go for a slightly lower gear than you normally use. The extra weight and wind age of all the bikepacking gear, will mean you need that easier gear. I normally run 38/16 on my SS gravelbike, but need to run 36/16 when bikepacking.
Nice video. Even though I am fortunate enough to own a lot of great bikes, I am always a bit bummed when the "right tool for the job" is NOT my single speed Wabi. If the ride is flat-ish, it's the single for me!
That is super cool to hear! Thank you for sharing Brian!
So what was Michael's gear ratio?
Was your bike set as a fixed gear or single speed. 🤔
Personally I would never take a single speed with drop bars touring. At least with straight bars and bar-end grips you can more easily get out of the saddle and rock the bars for added climbing power so not everything is on your knees.
Sounds tough on a single speed, unless you really have that weight dialed. Cool video. Just subbed.
Yeah there's lots to consider for sure. That's awesome, welcome!!
I did a 200km Day with a singlepeed lightly loaded
Wow - nice!
sheee ca pedale fort
May the God of wind always be with you.
What is the single speed gear ratio that you would recommend
Personally, I rode 46/16 to Montreal and will say that there were some times that I wished I had a lower ratio for the hills. And never really any times I wished I could go faster on the flats. But probably whatever is comfortable for you to ride currently would work great.
I think gear inches is a more accurate measurement. 55 gear inches for gravel and loaded riding is my sweet spot, no more than 60 for riding fast unloaded. Less than 50 might leave you spinning your brains out
Was he riding a fixed gear bike or singlespeed (as in free wheel with the ability to coast down hills)?
The bike has the ability to do both but he was doing single speed :)
May I know whether Michael is planning to upgrade/buy another bike with gears ? I am in dilemma between buying a single speed bicycle or with gears ?
Thanks alot. I enjoyed watching your video
Hey! Yes Michael did later get a gravel bike that he will be using for bike touring. He still uses his single speed for commuting but as we have our eye on some mountainous tours, the single speed didn't feel like the right tool for those jobs. His general sense has been that the single speed was great for a flat tour with light gear (and what he would prefer for that type of tour as he enjoyed the simplicity and the feel of the ride) but that for a more mountainous route and/or if more gear is needed, a bike with gears would be preferred. Hope that helps!
@@SheelaghDaly just bring extra gears change them out when the terrain changes that is what I do
FIRST rule to ride a single in a touring
- be in shape
Second:
Choose the right ratio for your trip
Third:
Just don't try to carry extra weight.stay in hotels.
Nice bro!…
nice! haven't toured, but have wondered about it. I live in a fairly hilly area and ride fixed (50 x 16 in summer when I'm fitter, 48 x 16 otherwise), and love it... there ar some lumps I can't ride up, so, as you say, just get off and push. no problemo! I'm 77, so maybe I should look into this while I'm still young.... （⌒▽⌒） thanx for the chat.
That's super cool! Thanks for sharing :) Happy riding!
Sit, Stand, Walk. You'll figure the rest out.
so adorable, it looks like you're gonna jump each other bones any minute :) :D
Why