How to Climb Hills on single speed bikes | Wabi Classic

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  • Опубліковано 22 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 97

  • @RustedBeef
    @RustedBeef 4 місяці тому +8

    I totally agree and love your video. Singlespeed is my favorite way to ride, especially on gravel, because it's so durable. Throw in big tire clearance and tubless tires, and it's a bomb proof bike.
    For rolling hills or when coming up to a monster, I like to reach top speed and coast into them, then delay pedaling until the moment you can safely do so without spinning out. Maximize momentum with minimum effort 👌

    • @tommilano5431
      @tommilano5431  3 місяці тому +1

      Thank you! Rollers can be easier if you have momentum. It's all about technique, but I've come up to stop lights on steep hills, and this kills your momentum. The only real way is to go out and get stronger :)

  • @carlpentney290
    @carlpentney290 2 місяці тому +5

    Thanks for sharing. I ride 48/18 on largely flat terrain. Key thing for me is steady consistent cadence. That's where the strength and fitnes gains rather than yomping up hills.

    • @tommilano5431
      @tommilano5431  2 місяці тому

      You're welcome! I was on 48/18 for a while, it's a nice ratio. Close to my 46/17 that I currently run.

  • @jotcarey
    @jotcarey 4 місяці тому +5

    I used drops with my track bikes for 40 years, racing and training. Then I installed bullhorns and TT brake levers. Far better for climbing leverage than drops.

    • @tommilano5431
      @tommilano5431  4 місяці тому +1

      The bullhorns have great leverage. I only like compact drop bars with the hooded brake levers. They aren’t comfortable brake less or with top mount levers.

  • @resynthesizer4565
    @resynthesizer4565 4 місяці тому +4

    Used to ride SS MTB. It was all about momentum. You need to add energy to the bike on the downhill and let it carry you back up. Also, you need to attack everything when climbing. Put energy into the bike on the run up. Once the energy is gone, however, it's the slow motion grind. I was always out of the saddle on the climbs. On moderate grades (6% or so, fire road) it was possible to find a sweet spot and relatively higher RPM. Maybe 60-75 ish. I ran 2:1, or just under. 32:16 or 32:18. My go to after work was a fire road where I climbed a couple thousand feet. When fit, I could match or beat my time on a geared bike.

    • @tommilano5431
      @tommilano5431  4 місяці тому

      Yes, momentum is key! And you just get stronger after a while.

    • @akatgif
      @akatgif 4 місяці тому

      Yam momentum for a couple hundred feet only

  • @event4216
    @event4216 Місяць тому +2

    Another 48/18 here, riding it fixed, everywhere - city and out. To me biggest thing ever has happened was when I started physio and my glutes started to grow and that changed everything. Well, of course glutes are only part of equation as other muscles incl. core also strengthen, but since then I've started to ride hilly areas with longer and repetitive hills and truly enjoy it. I'm kind of surprised how differently legs work now, steadily maintaining torque with no need to stand on pedals. Body is a biggest upgrade. One speed, two legs, heaps of fun.

    • @tommilano5431
      @tommilano5431  Місяць тому

      48/18 is a nice ratio, similar to my 46/17! It's crazy how on a single speed you can feel your progress by not having to stand up as much on your local climbs, something I've experienced as well!

    • @event4216
      @event4216 Місяць тому +1

      I already had decent 48T ring so it was easier to swap out cog as 17T was more demanding on knees and later I was too used to it. Also, I was attracted by Sheldon Brown's take on even ratios and chain wear. Probably I'm overthinking it.

  • @maxwellmcdowell3744
    @maxwellmcdowell3744 4 місяці тому +2

    Owned that Wabi ,and I have to say it's truly a beautiful . It's fast and super light. Going uphill was never an issue .In fact, it was the opposite.Down hill and flats. The lack of gearing was the end of my relationship with this bike . I truly hope wabi makes a real rode bike one day .

    • @tommilano5431
      @tommilano5431  3 місяці тому +2

      Agree. The bike flys uphill especially with their sub-15 wheels and lightweight race tires! The issue with single speed is they can only be geared easy or hard. I don't mind losing the ability to pedal over 25 miles an hour as I'm riding in stop and go lot's of times.
      Wabi did make a geared Lighting RE years ago. I wish they would bring something like that back, it would give it ultimate versatility!

    • @redkeyspoke
      @redkeyspoke 3 місяці тому +2

      Soma has some similar options for geared bikes, or Ritchey if you got the cash.

    • @davidbee9563
      @davidbee9563 2 місяці тому

      @@tommilano5431 You can buy a detachable hanger that works with track drop outs. The problem is the 120 spacing does not leave room for a freewheel. And there are no guides for the cables.
      I had a Bombtrack Arise with adjustable drop outs and a hanger. You could run SS, Internal gears or a derailleur. And disc brakes. There are SS mountain frames with similar designs.

  • @kevwashi
    @kevwashi 3 місяці тому +2

    Enjoyed this video, Thanks. My city is fairly hilly, so I've been using 42/18 on my single speed road bike.

    • @tommilano5431
      @tommilano5431  3 місяці тому +1

      Glad it was helpful, that’s a good gear for the hills!

  • @robertcatuara5118
    @robertcatuara5118 4 місяці тому +6

    My rear derailleur cable broke while riding in Big Bear CA. (TofCalifornia fame). I had the pleasure of riding a single gear back to my car.

    • @tommilano5431
      @tommilano5431  4 місяці тому

      That sucks. I've heard on mechanical systems the shifters fray the cables after a few thousand miles. Might be worth it to check and/or replace the inner cable every few months.

  • @DIY-DaddyO
    @DIY-DaddyO 4 місяці тому +3

    I run 32/16 on my mountain bike. It's right for my area and level of fitness. I can switch it out to a 42/16 if i feel like punishing myself. Compared to a geared bike i find i feel more confident on a single speed when standing on the pedals. They're great fun.

    • @tommilano5431
      @tommilano5431  4 місяці тому +1

      That's a nice spinny gear! Single speeds are special, as you just pedal forward and go. When I'm on a geared bike, I am always trying to "hunt" for the right gear, but on a single speed I don't do that!

    • @DIY-DaddyO
      @DIY-DaddyO 4 місяці тому

      @@tommilano5431 That's so true, you just... Go. Happy riding ✌️

  • @Bloq7
    @Bloq7 3 місяці тому +1

    Fantastic video. I picked up a single speed recently and learned a lot from this. Going to enjoy the bike at its stock ratio of 46x16 for a few weeks and then start experimenting. Thank you!

  • @Destide
    @Destide 2 місяці тому

    Great info covered everything. For all year riding I love my Moab 3's solid sole, waterproof and warm pair with some race face MTB pedals, go straps or point your pull foot down

  • @RedLevine498
    @RedLevine498 4 місяці тому +1

    Good stuff. I ride single speed too but addicted to comfort. 44x19 on 38's in Adidas Busenitz. I would put the 38's back on the Thunder so you have something different and more comfortable for short trips and errands.

    • @tommilano5431
      @tommilano5431  4 місяці тому +2

      Thanks! I put 38s on the thunder for gravel, same gear ratio as you. It was nice for that. For the road, I like 28s, or maximum 32s. They roll much faster.

  • @stuartfreedman6854
    @stuartfreedman6854 4 місяці тому +2

    Very thorough. Well done.

  • @davidrobinson9507
    @davidrobinson9507 4 місяці тому +4

    Not to sound instructional, but ;
    If you ride single speed, and you don't have clip-in pedals, any single speed is a multi gear bike.
    The secret?
    Use shoes which have a proper cycling stiff sole, no cleats, and grippy tread. When you climb, if you position your foot just a few millimetres back, you effectively change gears because you are changing the length of the linkage in your machine. Longer ankle to pedal spindle, more leverage, lower gear. I'm really surprised how this isnt talked about more. I have roughly two good foot positions rear of my regular position, i.e. ball of the foot directly over the spindle, and it helps that the bottom of my show has a saw-tooth pattern so I can actually settle my foot in a notch of the tread and it's stable.
    For the duration of the climb, you simply apply the advantage that the longer foot linkage gives you and it feels exactly like you just down shifted two or three sprocket teeth.
    Go ahead and try !
    My shoes btw are non-expensive but solid and supportive proper cycling shoes, not vans or other skateboard type sneakers.
    There you go, single speeders. You're already all 3-speeders. Or more.
    Cheers, from canada,
    Veteran roadster

    • @tommilano5431
      @tommilano5431  3 місяці тому +3

      This is actually good advice! I'll have to try it out next time I go for a ride. I don't pay much attention to my footing on my SS bikes, since I am running flat pedals and vans sneakers. My feet probably "auto-calibrate", but I'll have to pay attention next time!

    • @davidrobinson9507
      @davidrobinson9507 3 місяці тому

      @@tommilano5431 also, if you have a bigger gear single, like 40 x 15 or something, you can spin a bit faster by moving your feet forward a touch, and that gives you a shorter linkage, and higher gear.
      My shoes, I got for free while cleaning out a deceased friend's entire workshop of bikes, but they're good, solid touring shoes with a tread that kind of notches into a series of fore and aft positions.
      Don't tell the cycling equipment companies. They'll come out with a sliding shoe mount or some damned contraption.
      Experiment! Also check out different crank arm lengths. Those are really overlooked. I used to time trial on 175's, now I love a 165. Much more comfortable. Tighter, more controlled circles. Happy trails!

  • @jackcarter233
    @jackcarter233 14 днів тому

    Urban Tactical Touring on a rigid disc 29 MTB SS is my favorite

    • @tommilano5431
      @tommilano5431  12 днів тому

      Sounds like a great choice. No Derailers to worry about!

  • @KansaiSprockets
    @KansaiSprockets 4 місяці тому +1

    Hello Tom. Thank you for the upload. The bicycle featured here sits slightly northwards of 10kgs?

    • @tommilano5431
      @tommilano5431  4 місяці тому +1

      9.3 kg with no accesses attached, rear fender removed. This is with 2 bottle cages, plastic pedals, and a super heavy brooks saddle. Getting lightweight bottle cages and a lighter saddle would probably get it closer to 19 lbs.

  • @zensenpai6669
    @zensenpai6669 4 місяці тому +4

    I have a vintage steel bike that is a single speed. It is geared in 52/18 which has a decent amount of top end speed and helps me get stronger.
    Not too heavy but not too easy either. It's great for the city like New York since it's mainly flat.

    • @tommilano5431
      @tommilano5431  4 місяці тому +2

      That's a steep ratio for me! I like to spin. But yes, NYC is mostly flat, and I imagine after riding SS for a bit it becomes easier and easier. I've seen Terry B go over the queensboro on a track bike with similar gearing to you and he stayed seated the entire time.

  • @tongotongo3143
    @tongotongo3143 13 днів тому

    Can you just from your road bike remove front and back derailleurs, shorten chain, put on desired gear sprocket, and use it as a single speed bike? Thank you.

    • @tommilano5431
      @tommilano5431  10 днів тому

      You can. You'll want to make sure that the chain line is as straight as possible, and of course choose a gear that you're comfortable with. You can get spacers to turn your multi speed cassette into just one cog on there, I would save the other cogs in case you want to change the ratio.
      I've never done this, but the pro is that you can always go back to gears if you miss them. Plenty of guides online for you to check out.

    • @tongotongo3143
      @tongotongo3143 10 днів тому

      It doesn’t work without additional chain tensioner. Or you can just keep the rear derailleur, change gear to your desired gear, and ride your bike without changing gears:). But that wouldn’t be a single speed, you just ride your bike and don’t change gears on purpose like a protest against modern bike industry. It would be even more complicated if as a mistake you bought a bike with electronic gear shifting.

  • @sandydennylives1392
    @sandydennylives1392 2 місяці тому

    The frame is critical, ya just have to go above 4130 steel. In the UK you can only get a forest of these or go to one shop and get a M-M ish single with heavier wheels and CF forks for £1.7K so more exp than a Wabi, which you can't get here.

    • @tommilano5431
      @tommilano5431  2 місяці тому

      That’s a bummer. Agree anything 4130 or above is lighter and has great ride quality.

  • @Vinstreakk13
    @Vinstreakk13 Місяць тому

    My current bike has 44 in front and 18 at back , the gear ratio is 2.44 , tyre is 38 c but i also have a pair of 28c . is 2.44 bad enough that i need to get some new parts?

    • @tommilano5431
      @tommilano5431  Місяць тому +1

      Try the 2.44 and see how you like it. I tend to like gears that are a bit lower, especially on single speeds. Makes acceleration and hill climbing easier, and you can still coast downhill. Spin to win!

    • @Vinstreakk13
      @Vinstreakk13 Місяць тому

      @ Thanks a lot 😁

  • @biker683
    @biker683 4 місяці тому

    Good stuff. No drama.

    • @tommilano5431
      @tommilano5431  4 місяці тому

      Thank you, that's what I'm going for here!

  • @48ford8n
    @48ford8n 4 місяці тому +1

    Curious, why is the seat post bent backwards?

    • @tommilano5431
      @tommilano5431  4 місяці тому +2

      This is a Thompson seat post that has a "setback". Basically, it puts the saddle further back. Helpful for me as it gives me a bit more room on the bike without having to go up one size.

    • @48ford8n
      @48ford8n 4 місяці тому

      @@tommilano5431 I thought maybe it was to increase setback, but I wasn’t aware of that style of seatpost. Thanks for the info!

  • @BenjaminSmith2
    @BenjaminSmith2 Місяць тому

    I get your point about brake less fixed riding. But once you get used to it it's safer than just a coaster brake, because applying back pressure on the pedals provides greater control than the on/off feeling of a coaster brake. Not that I'm encouraging anyone to try it 😅

    • @tommilano5431
      @tommilano5431  Місяць тому +3

      I do understand that. My question has always been - What happens when the chain breaks when you need to stop shortly? It's a single point of failure. Connecting a front brake with a top mount lever is just piece of mind, and can easily be removed for racing on the track. You don't really have to use it, just leave it on for emergencies.

  • @deltafour1212
    @deltafour1212 4 місяці тому +3

    Had a single speed growing up. Pushed the bike up steep hills and spinning out going down steep hills. Discovered the 10 speed and all those single speed issues eliminated and I never looked back.

    • @tommilano5431
      @tommilano5431  3 місяці тому +2

      If you were spinning out, it sounds like you had a fixed gear. Gearing down would have solved this issue, since you'd be able to coast downhill, then changed the gear to a harder gear after a few months as you got stronger.

    • @deltafour1212
      @deltafour1212 3 місяці тому +1

      @@tommilano5431 Nope. Had a single speed. I didn't want to coast downhill but go as fast as I could. I was peddling faster than the bike could keep up.

  • @Johann-4354
    @Johann-4354 Місяць тому

    Your seatpost is bent. // Brakes--on a fixed gear?

    • @tommilano5431
      @tommilano5431  Місяць тому

      Thompson set back seatpost, it’s designed like that. Yes, fixed gear on the street needs brakes, even just a front brake for emergencies. If your chain snaps with no brakes, not going to be a good day. I like both front and rear brakes.

    • @Johann-4354
      @Johann-4354 Місяць тому

      @tommilano5431 Understood. But lame for a fixed gear.

  • @akatgif
    @akatgif 4 місяці тому +1

    Wind often makes single speed riding a terrible chore.
    One of my bikes is a road bike with a 9speed rear derailleur and a single chainwheel on the front. I used to ride a fixed gear track bike to work..... riding the single-speed is just too much of an arduous task most of the time. Will my 9-speed very easy to maintain and so much better than a single speed

    • @tommilano5431
      @tommilano5431  3 місяці тому +1

      The 1x systems seem like a great compromise for something like commuting! If you were on a track bike, I'd make a guess that you were geared too high and didn't run brakes. This would make any hill a chore, and if one were to choose an easier gear ratio with a freewheel, and run both brakes, it would make it a lot easier. Nice thing about single speed is you can gear them lower than a fixed gear since you can stop pedaling downhill.

  • @wocag
    @wocag Місяць тому

    I'm riding 52 by 19 on single speed and 53/15 on fixed. In my city, there are 2 hills I can't climb on my fixie yet, but that's okay... I like challenges.😁👍

    • @tommilano5431
      @tommilano5431  Місяць тому

      Ooof. Well, you will get stronger faster than I will!

  • @havefunandbikestuffOver40
    @havefunandbikestuffOver40 4 місяці тому

    Nice refreshing review. I dig it

  • @Svobodastical
    @Svobodastical 2 місяці тому

    so can I actually do long distance biking with a single speed?

    • @tommilano5431
      @tommilano5431  2 місяці тому

      You can. Just make sure the bike fits you well and is comfortable, and you have the correct gear ratio and fitness to cover the terrain that you are planning out.

    • @crominion6045
      @crominion6045 Місяць тому

      Look up Markus Stitz for some inspiration.

  • @PeterMielke
    @PeterMielke 4 місяці тому

    Why deal with clipping in and out when you can simply track stand? 😉

    • @tommilano5431
      @tommilano5431  4 місяці тому

      I've done this, but especially with the road shoes I've fallen, lol!

  • @lakepointmachinery1942
    @lakepointmachinery1942 3 місяці тому

    What width bars?

    • @tommilano5431
      @tommilano5431  3 місяці тому

      These are 44cm. I measure at a 42cm, but I prefer the slightly wider 44cm. More room to push the bike side to side, easier to breathe, and doesn't feel as cramped. Easier to steer as well.

  • @erichawkins7427
    @erichawkins7427 4 місяці тому

    I run straps on my track bike..I wear Adidas indoor soccer shoes...perfect..

    • @tommilano5431
      @tommilano5431  3 місяці тому

      Nice! Straps didn't work for me, but I found them very comfortable and it was convenient to not have to wear special cycling shoes!

  • @LeoBell-lr6rj
    @LeoBell-lr6rj 4 місяці тому +1

    You can ride up mountains on any bike It's just the difficulty of doing it especially a single speed it's not rocket science 🤯

  • @harveybirdman593
    @harveybirdman593 2 місяці тому

    When you talk about this you say it’s a coasting bike but then you say it’s a Wabi. Isn’t Wabi a Fixie (fixed gear bike)?

    • @tommilano5431
      @tommilano5431  2 місяці тому +1

      You can run the Wabi as either a fixed gear or a single-speed coasting bike. Fixie is a term for the bike when you run it with a fixed gear cog, but typically single speeds can coast.

    • @harveybirdman593
      @harveybirdman593 2 місяці тому

      Oh I had no idea that’s an option. Do you have a video on Fixie vs coasting one gear bike? Why would you want one over the other etc. if not, I’m sure many of us would appreciate it!
      Great video btw

  • @hernehill6282
    @hernehill6282 4 місяці тому +10

    Why use specify gear ratios instead of gear inches? Gear inches is much more precise and direct.

    • @bruceclark5627
      @bruceclark5627 4 місяці тому +1

      You're not taking into account tire size.

    • @hernehill6282
      @hernehill6282 4 місяці тому +3

      @@bruceclark5627 I am, using standard formula: number of chainring teeth divided by number of cog teeth multiplied by diameter of wheel.

    • @bruceclark5627
      @bruceclark5627 4 місяці тому +2

      @@hernehill6282 WELL...... If we're gonna geek out over this, let's do it properly 😁,......you didn't measure the true size of the tire when Inflated to a specific PSI,at a specific altitude and then account for barometric pressures.

    • @tommilano5431
      @tommilano5431  4 місяці тому +5

      All good points. Reason I used ratios is that it's easier for people to understand, as it's simpler. I did mention this is assuming one is using 28mm or 32mm tires, and that if you run 23mm or 38mm tires it will affect your gearing.

    • @hernehill6282
      @hernehill6282 4 місяці тому +1

      @@tommilano5431 I hear ya. For me, I can visualize gear inches (as 18 or 108 inch wheel diameters) much more easily than I can visualize ratios.

  • @jeremyemilio9378
    @jeremyemilio9378 4 місяці тому +1

    Nothing will really help climbing anything above 25 percent

    • @tommilano5431
      @tommilano5431  3 місяці тому

      That would be tough even on a geared bike!

  • @microfx
    @microfx 4 місяці тому +2

    Let me save you the time watching this and give you the answer right away: You don't. You drive it on perfectly leveled roads

    • @CanItAlready
      @CanItAlready 4 місяці тому +6

      Must be nice to live in a place that's completely flat. Scratch that. It sounds boring. With no uphills, there's no coasting downhill.

    • @jepulis6674
      @jepulis6674 4 місяці тому +2

      Cmon. 48-17 is nice for 200km rides if no crazy head wind.

    • @Charusel
      @Charusel 4 місяці тому +2

      some folks who bike aren't in some internationally renown metropolis where movies are filmed. Some of us are in working class states where this concept hills that you can't avoid are a thing. It's why geared by bikes became popular.

    • @tommilano5431
      @tommilano5431  4 місяці тому +1

      All good points. For recovery rides or easy rides, it's easier to stick to flats. But some people live in hill country, so they don't have a choice but to deal with hills.

    • @microfx
      @microfx 4 місяці тому

      @@tommilano5431 yeah then buy some gears!!

  • @neusprach
    @neusprach 3 місяці тому

    Thanks for sharing!

    • @tommilano5431
      @tommilano5431  2 місяці тому

      You're welcome! Thanks for watching