Why YOU might want to ride a single speed bike!

[@cyclingzen824]

Very nice build. I'm one of those guys who grew up riding a single speed and I'm always amused when people comment they're only suited to short distance, flat terrain.

[@colindoesstuff2095]

Thank you! Must have been awesome to grow up riding one!

[@shawnpritchard366]

I ride my rigid single speed mtb in the woods with lots of hills for many, many miles a day. There is no need for gears.

[@tulliopadovese5019]

@@shawnpritchard366 Just the right ratio.

[@chadkline4268]

​@@shawnpritchard366explain: no need for gears.

[@scstinger5]

@@shawnpritchard366 Totally agree! About a year ago I purchased a nice enduro bike, yet I find that I ride my $350 single speed the majority of the time lol!

[@stevekelly6544]

Single Speeds rule, I love having one- I have a Ribble Urban 725s (unfortunately discontinued this year) and it’s the one bike I don’t have to ever take to a bike shop for service, because I can do it all myself, and it’s the one bike in my stable that will always work, and is ready to go at moments notice. Riding single speed will also help build leg strength, and help you develop better bike skills, in particular keeping the proper momentum and pace when approaching hill climbs. Super fun bikes for urban riding and just joy riding gravel or whatever, and can handle wet weather better, not having a group set to worry about damaging. Everyone should have one!

[@addvurtbikes]

Best bike!

[@colindoesstuff2095]

I will take a look at those Ribbles!

[@addvurtbikes]

@@colindoesstuff2095the urban 725s is no longer for sale unfortunately, and they currently don’t have any other bikes without gears :(

[@stevekelly6544]

@@addvurtbikesRibble made a mistake by discontinuing the Urban 725, it’s great bike.

[@colindoesstuff2095]

​@@addvurtbikes oh no! I'm still interested in looking at what they were as they sound like great bikes, and who knows, maybe there are used ones around if I ever wanted to purchase one!

[@karl662]

It's good to know that there are those who prefer "simple." Good solid steel frame (I like lugged, but whatever), and classic look and color (love the fenders). This is indeed a cool looking bike.

[@PRH123]

Point 4 would be "weather proof" (or weather resistant). Especially if you commute everyday you don't have time to clean your drivetrain daily, and if you dont clean it, it degrades to the point where it gets unpleasant and unsafe. With an ss, a quick wipe of the chain and cog with a rag and a couple drops of oil when you get home in the evening is all you need to stay in spec. It's clear from those nice deep fenders that water is your enemy, but a single speed is your friend :)

[@colindoesstuff2095]

That is such a good point! Thank you for adding this

[@johnhatfield1070]

Single speeds are the more sensible option for the “Steady Eddie.” Old school fixed with rim brakes. I did Portugal end to end on a 48/22. Unless your local area is dead flat don’t try to be a 48/15 hero. Will make you an overall better rider!

[@colindoesstuff2095]

I'm definitely not a hero haha

[@mohongzhi]

single speed, and plus full fenders, and plus a kick stand, it's all about a bike. Just enjoy riding, just enjoy the view... We are the age that when we are young everyone riding this kind of bike.

[@colindoesstuff2095]

It is all about a bike

[@zeruiahwild1]

As someone trying to start an instagram and possibly a youtube channel you're very inspiring. I have both a project car and two bikes so it is daunting to make content but your content is nice and inspiring to keep creating! Keep it up man hope to see you keep growing in this channel!

[@toddmcdonough]

Surly makes such nice bikes. My first was a Pack Rat. Now I also have a Straggler which (of course) is set up completely different from yours. It has yet to evolve to its final form. My favorite part of your build is the stack of coins under your stem. And your gray tires. And bell. The end.

[@colindoesstuff2095]

Those are actually just silver stem spacers! 5mm ones, I didn’t have any bigger than that 😂

[@malcontent_1]

I've been riding a Wabi Classic pretty much daily since 2016. Over time I've upgraded several parts to make it my own - love this bike. _It suits _*_me_*_ perfectly_ & it just works.

[@colindoesstuff2095]

So glad to hear it!

[@frankducett9]

You definitely got the desired simple look in that bike. Good job.

[@colindoesstuff2095]

Thanks!

[@fuzzyvibe99]

Loved the video. I subscribed as well. Cant wait to see what the future holds

[@colindoesstuff2095]

Thank you!

[@DIY-DaddyO]

Single Speeds Rule! I even converted my 3 speed to a single after destroying my Sturmey Archer. You just select the right gear ratio for say your commute. Low enough to climb the steepest bit, then let gravity take you down. With a geared bike, eventually you'll run out, so why not keep it simple.

[@colindoesstuff2095]

I feel like I have my ratio pretty dialled for my commute

[@DIY-DaddyO]

@@colindoesstuff2095 Sweet, enjoy the ride.

[@mohongzhi]

Very true. I just change my geared cassette from 11-25 to 11-28 (with 48T chain ring) because i think i am running out of just one more gear with these bridges. But I ride 50/18 single speed same route never think gear ratio is not perfect.

[@pchykins6680]

I totally agree...it doesn't matter what bike, how cheap, or how old, for as long as you enjoy riding it, then there's no need to buy very expensive super bikes unless you're paid to race, of course.

[@waysidetimes9226]

Love the Straggler. Mine is the same color. Easily the best bike I've ever ridden, although my single speed is a very close second!

[@colindoesstuff2095]

imagine the power of that combination 🤯

[@krissifadwa]

That ending is hilarious haha but yeah-the single speed bikes are the best.

[@emilyspeidel4038]

Thanks for promising to be better next time, accountability is so important

[@colindoesstuff2095]

Thanks! 😃

[@ronarmstrong835]

The ultimate winter bike.

[@colindoesstuff2095]

I’m a bit biased but I agree :) belt drive would make it even slightly more Ideal

[@hananas2]

Dude I'm currently in the process of converting my chlorine dream Straggler 56 (exactly like your frame) to single speed belt drive. I converted it to belt drive with a Shimano geared hub before, but the hub was pretty inefficient, needed expensive aftermarket drop bar levers with terrible ergonomics and when it started to pour all its oil on my garage floor I decided to get rid of that and get a pair of Mavic allroad wheels to set it up single speed. Hopefully later this week my last few parts will be arriving and after a few months of being out of order I'll have my belt drive straggler back, lighter and more efficient than before. I'm so looking forward to it! Decided to go with a 46/20 ratio, slightly lighter than the 42/17 ratio I've had on previous single speed bikes, because my straggler gets loaded up with an Ortlieb bag almost every day. P.S. converting a Straggler to be belt compatible is relatively straightforward. Cut a section out of the seat stays, braze in a coupler, repaint the brazed area. done.

[@colindoesstuff2095]

That’s awesome! I would be very keen to have a belt drive single speed

[@tobinsparling]

pretty bike 😍

[@weezersthebluealbum9479]

I’ve been riding a single speed for a bit over six months now and I’m really not sure if it’s for me, it’s light and requires very little maintenance but those are the only advantages for me, it has no utility for actually carrying my stuff, I always find myself sweating bullets when I just need to pop to the shop for something and hills are just the biggest pain. I’m thinking about switching to a more Dutch style 3 speed bike just so starting off in traffic and going uphills won’t be the end of the world for me.

[@colindoesstuff2095]

Totally valid! 3-speed sounds nice

[@discipulusepictetus5742]

Can you believe? I watched your video and built my own single speed bike from old mtb, and it's amazing) I'm only thinking why i haven't done this earlier😁

[@colindoesstuff2095]

Wow, that’s so cool! So glad to hear it

[@discipulusepictetus5742]

It's interesting to know, how much does your bike weight?

[@yardsalecycles]

I always make sure I have a single speed built up and ready to ride ... I agree always in the wrong gear lol

[@vincentbulloch9784]

Sound effects go hard in this one

[@colindoesstuff2095]

So glad you like them! I do too

[@a.i.l.u.3485]

I have a Cannondale Single speed, I wish I had room for fenders. I love it. I have to say though, your bike is absolutely beautiful.

[@colindoesstuff2095]

So kind of you to say that, thank you!

[@malcontent_1]

Check out the *SKS Raceblade Pro XL* clip-on fenders, which fit on an extraordinary number of 700C bikes, incl. tight tolerance racing bikes.

[@a.i.l.u.3485]

@@malcontent_1 Great tip, appreciated 👍

[@WalksInCamera]

Well the video was about the bike, so you got the camera spot on! Cool bike btw. I ride a Specialized Langster with a flip rear wheel offering a fixed option.

[@colindoesstuff2095]

Haha I suppose you are right! Thanks. I’ve never heard of the Langster!

[@PhilOsGarage]

I built a single speed from parts I had sitting around. Perfect for short urban trips.

[@colindoesstuff2095]

Ideal :)

[@tommybengali]

i was thinking of getting a single speed to do rounds around my local park for exercise.. do you think that's a good idea? or should i be looking another type of bike. I'm not looking to spend some crazy amount. I found one on amazon under 300. let me know your opinion

[@colindoesstuff2095]

If you can, buy a bike from someone local/a shop - either used or new. That way if it ever needs work you can bring it in to a place that can help you fix it! The simplicity of a single speed is great, if you don’t mind working hard when going uphill!

[@kathiravanvinod8661]

Nice video .. how about 34T and freewheel 24T . Is it good for flat and hilly area ..

[@greeneking77]

Nice bike. What size chainring and freewheel are you running? Also I was curious why you run an 8 speed chain vs a single speed chain? The only thing I can think is to save weigh but the build doesnt look like a weight weenie build

[@colindoesstuff2095]

Thanks! 39-16. I had this chain from a previous build, so I just used it! Hard to make a Surly build super light ;) but that was not my intention either

[@renevanderlinde6221]

ROCK ON SINGLE SPEEDS/ FIXIE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@steve00alt70]

My single speed that can be converted into a fixie has good old fashioned rim brakes

[@rachelrichardson8196]

Your bike is great

[@colindoesstuff2095]

I think so too 🥰

[@CarlinTran]

Sweet bike dude. I'm looking for more motivation to ride my single speed.

[@colindoesstuff2095]

Thanks! I hope you find it!

[@CarlinTran]

@@colindoesstuff2095 What a coincidence, my single speed is also a Surly, a Surly Steamroller. I just got a replacement saddle for it this morning. Will install it tomorrow and hope to go for a short spin before the weekend is over.

[@Hambonebodi]

Why are fixies crazy? Crazy fun 😂, I love both, just simply bicycle.

[@chadkline4268]

Why do you replace your chain?

[@colindoesstuff2095]

Through use it becomes worn. Replacing the chain before it gets *too* worn out can extend the life of your chainring and cog

[@chadkline4268]

@@colindoesstuff2095 yes, but I am wondering what becomes worn, or how you declare it is worn. Does it stretch so much that it can't go around the cogs smoothly? Did you ever think about removing a link instead? I ride 1000s of miles per year, and usually something else happens before I ever have to replace a chain or cogs. Like bike theft 🙃

[@_starhelix]

The bike is not the only beauty in this video. Just saying ❤ 🚴

[@prison9865]

Happens to best of us😁

[@dhruv78]

🎉 low maintenance is most fun

[@colindoesstuff2095]

It’s a beautiful thing to not have to think about much other than pedalling and braking

[@bobikbobikowy5458]

Might be good for hipsters, for me it would be impossible to get to work on that thing because i have 15% hills on the way. And that make this bike not universal and not practical.

[@colindoesstuff2095]

That’s steep!

[@bobikbobikowy5458]

@@colindoesstuff2095 yep even with gears its painfull :p

[@philiprayner]

how can you climb hills with a single speed bike and keep up with your friends you ride with multi speed bikes?

[@colindoesstuff2095]

I go faster uphill than most people with gears!

[@K1989L]

Single speeds and especially the fixed gear bikes will teach you to spin. Most average joe's that aren't cyclist often just grind way too hard gear.

[@nightmarevstplugin3944]

Use 22 teeth freewheel

[@colindoesstuff2095]

Yeah when I replace my drivetrain I might, with a 54/55t up front!

[@MarkGeuel]

wanna go even further with simplicity and beauty? ...go brakeless fixed gear!!

[@colindoesstuff2095]

right 😅

[@jerbear7952]

Hey man a word of advice that you didnt ask for. Don't blow your shot. If your video isn't good there isnt a next time. If you didn't get the shot, you don't have a video, you have a practice run. You have the beginnings of a good presence on camera though. I hope you stick with it.

[@colindoesstuff2095]

the feedback and encouragement is appreciated! Thank you

[@addvurtbikes]

I agree that it’s worth to improve what you can before publishing, but I also think that KZbin will always be able to successfully push good individual videos, even if the previous one wasn’t as good. I think the only real problem with this one is that you start with the bad head cut angle, and also bring attention to it. Most people watch the bike. If you had made a new shot the next day where you just kinda introduce the video with your face clearly visible, and then move into this long shot, it would be totally fine. And it basically still is fine :) nice video, single speed bikes are great!

[@bookle5829]

Talking bike 🗣🗣

[@colindoesstuff2095]

Haha!

[@chacmool2581]

...and endure being out of gear 98% of the time? Yeah, I need and want that as much as a case of rabies.

[@colindoesstuff2095]

fair!

[@2Truth2you]

Reason 4: The Earth is flat?

[@colindoesstuff2095]

🤯

[@Fifty8day]

I’ll say one thing head room . 😮 I think a reshoot would have made this video 100 times better .

[@colindoesstuff2095]

I appreciate the feedback!

[@thomashammack7743]

Put a bmx chain on it

[@fnk101]

Hi What will a BMX chain do more or better ??

[@borissamokhvalov6351]

Cheaper does not mean better. Just cheaper.

[@colindoesstuff2095]

Sometimes it can mean both!

[@caramizaruandrei6322]

Cheaper can also mean efficient.

[@longebane]

@@caramizaruandrei6322 efficient doing most peddling out of gear?

[@alexwang9704]

where is your head

[@colindoesstuff2095]

I know 🤦‍♂️

[@mofumofutenngoku]

3 reasons why YOU WILL NEED to ride a multi speed bike. 1. hill 2. hill 3. hill Dumb video. You will eventually need to have a multi speed bike for whatever reason. Having multiple bikes is a pain and expensive. If you want the simple feel of a single speed then just get a one by. They are simple and reliable, and the derailleur doesn't get misaligned as much as 2 by or 3 by's do. I have rode my simple one by mountain bike cross country hundreds of miles in a single trip, single speed can't do that. I haul stuff on the back up to 70 pounds and ride up steep hills, single speed can't do that. I use my bike for everything, commuting, groceries. If I had a single speed I would be screwed. And NO, it's not electric.

[@colindoesstuff2095]

Thanks for your feedback!