A single speed will make you a stronger rider and improve your MTB skills [TrailTalk Series]

Рет қаралды 6,977

Күн бұрын

Who I am as a rider today has a lot to do with the many years I spent on the singlespeed. It will improve your mountain bike skills and make you are stronger rider both physically and mentally.
These days more and more people are moving to e-bikes, but I would like to suggest trying the opposite. Having only one gear allows you to focus on the task at hand and forces you to get your head up to plan your next move. And because it is inherently harder, it will get you up off the saddle and into good body position.
Single speeding will teach you how to control and work the bike underneath you. And because you will most likely be on a hardtail, you will learn how to use your arms and legs as suspension to maximize traction. Pushing a harder gear will also build up your strength and make you tougher mentally. Finally, if you are pressed for time, I can’t think of a more efficient workout.
If you feel I missed anything, or you have a question you would like me to answer for the next TrailTalk, let me know in the comments below.
#SingleSpeed #MTB #MTBTips #MTBAdvice #MountainBiking
ADDITIONAL INFO:
Check out Slanted Ground. Josh is doing amazing stuff in the MTB community and has some awesome merch. So go and show your support here: slanted-ground.com/
Featured Bike: Carver Ti 420
carverbikes.com/frames/titani...
Footage notes: Most shots were taken at Mt Penn in Reading PA, Brandywine Creek State Park in Delaware, and Smedley Park in Springfield PA.
If you have any feedback or questions leave them in the comments below. And if you liked the video and you want to see more content like this, feel free to check out my other videos on Trail Sage. Thanks
Help support the channel at:
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Table of Contents:
0:00 Intro
0:59 How I got into single speeding
2:57 What are the advantages?
6:35 Why did you go back to gears?
8:12 Final thoughts and wrap up
9:34 Bloopers

Пікірлер: 121

@johnnypedals 6 ай бұрын

Great video. You are spot on about Single Speeding. I've been back on mine lately. Really keeps me focused and I love the challenge of cleaning a tough rocky climb that would be relatively simple on my full suspension bike . Also for some reason the single speed always puts the biggest smile on my face LOL

@TrailSage 6 ай бұрын

I totally agree. Riding the SS always brings a smile to my face too. Excellent comment Johnny.

@ShadLife Ай бұрын

I have 3 main types of MTBs. A full suspension bike, hardtail with gears, and a hardtail singlespeed. Every time I ride my Singlespeed it feels so pure to me. I absolutely love it!

@TrailSage Ай бұрын

Yes!!! I have a similar lineup and I totally agree. Thank you for the feedback.

@UltraTrailSteven 6 ай бұрын

Single speeding seems so difficult! But I can see how it makes you a better rider!

@TrailSage 6 ай бұрын

You know how punchy the east coast jank can get Steven, it is absolutely brutal, lol.

@tonyboughman8050 Ай бұрын

This is the best single-speed MTB video I have found on the internet - Thank You! I love the SS but for my recent multi-week road trips where I'm trying to ride several hours every day and see as many black diamond trails as possible, I'm trying to conserve energy so I take the full suspension bike with the magical multiple gear ratios. Now that I returned home, I can hit the trails hard and go for butt-kicking short rides and get that full-body workout. I'd love to see more content and learn about your particular single-speed bikes and the trails where you like to ride them. Thanks again!

@TrailSage Ай бұрын

Right on Tony. Thank you for the kind words. As luck would have it, I'm currently working on a SS episode for next weeks Ride and Laugh Podcast. If you get a chance check it out. www.youtube.com/@RideLaughPodcast/

@TrailSage Ай бұрын

Oh, and if you are not into Podcasts I do have another video on my SS here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/l7OppK2Xx6icZHk.html

@anthonyharris483 16 күн бұрын

Converted my steel Voodoo Bizango to a drop bar single speed and it's amazing especially with the Reynolds 853

@TrailSage 16 күн бұрын

Right on Anthony! I love hearing that. Thanks for watching and commenting. My buddy Dan and I just did a whole podcast episode on Single Speeds, check it out if you get a chance. We love to hear your feedback. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bq6oftF3ut7Yn6c.html

@keosoutdooradventures 6 ай бұрын

Single speed has taught me alot on improving my riding.

@TrailSage 6 ай бұрын

Right on Keo! Thanks for watching and commenting.

@tdurotduro8699 6 ай бұрын

Amen brother. Still riding SS and still learning.

@TrailSage 6 ай бұрын

Yes!!! You are the man Tom. The SS on Mt Penn is no joke!

@MikeinCC 15 күн бұрын

I rode SS about 6 years into mountain biking. Always curios about it and I was hooked. I have a f/s NICE geared bike 4 years on, but I kinda prefer my SS.

@TrailSage 15 күн бұрын

There is just something about the SS right?!?! Thanks for the comment Mike. If you are interested my buddy Dan and I just did a podcast episode all about single speeds. You can watching it here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bq6oftF3ut7Yn6c.html

@raoultittel 10 күн бұрын

Another vid to convince me to build a single speed out of my old steel framed mtb.

@TrailSage 10 күн бұрын

I think you will enjoy it Raoul. Give it a shot and LMK what you think. My buddy and I did a whole podcast episode on single speeds, if you are interested check it out here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bq6oftF3ut7Yn6c.html

@ckMTB 6 ай бұрын

Single speed is a good thing, but not easy, especially on gnarly terrain. Thanks for the video Sage, that was very interesting mate. Ride on🤙

@TrailSage 6 ай бұрын

Thanks Christoph. This bike has made me the rider I am today. I hope people will watch this and get into single speeding too.

@kenny_kaos 6 ай бұрын

I'm also a recovering single speeder and I agree with this whole video!

@TrailSage 6 ай бұрын

Thanks Kenny. Where's your favorite place to take the SS?

@MTB-Portugal 6 ай бұрын

Whether about trails, product reviews, or TrailTalk, your videos are on another level. Congratulations my friend. RideOn.

@TrailSage 6 ай бұрын

You are much too kind Luis! Thank you for being such a great friend.

@secretsquirrel3793 10 күн бұрын

Superb film. I love the entheusiasm and the plethora of advice and experience. I'm lucky enough to ride both a hardtail simglespeed snd a full sus bike on hilly (not mountainous) trails. A few thoughts: I have faster, more expensive crashes on the full sus. I'm a physically stronger ride than those i ride with so the SS is a leveler on the climbs and keeps my interest. SSing is great for core strength. I have a longstanding lower back injury and the additional core workout keeps everything toned and aligned. The SS is a pressure relief tool: if I'm slower than my mates, hey what do you expect? If i can keep up I'm a minor celeb! I can ride the same trails on the SS and full sus and have a totally different ride, so effectively i have twice the variety in my.local trails. Happy Singlespeeding all!

@TrailSage 10 күн бұрын

I love everything about this comment, you absolutely nailed it. I especially like the "minor celeb" part, lol. Thank you for the wonderful feedback. Sage

@foymtb2861 6 ай бұрын

This is so awesome! Really brings you back to the solid basics but giving you the strength and skill with it. Not a SS but still climbing local trails on my DH bike sure does makes it feel like it lol

@TrailSage 6 ай бұрын

Thanks Brandon. I can't imagine climbing on a DH bike. That will build up your strength for sure!

@mtbikesam68 6 ай бұрын

Been on a single speed now for almost two years. I recently completed the BT Epic in Missouri on mine, 50 miles, did a 5:19:05, my second best time out of five finishes! Single speeding has changed my on-the-bike thinking to be more positive about challenges on trail. I would rather have each pedal stroke count, so I look forward to the efforts, spinning when the going is easy seems like a waste! Another cool thing is you can build a REALLY LIGHT single speed bike. Great video, thanks!

@TrailSage 6 ай бұрын

Thanks for the comment and congrats on BT Epic. I can't imagine doing 50 miles on a SS. Kudos Sam!

@nathansaenz6599 16 күн бұрын

Just stay in one rear gear on the cassette and stick with it. Then shift another day. Best of both times.

@TrailSage 16 күн бұрын

That will certainly give you a taste of what single speeding is like. Great point Nathan.

@ericbeech2652 Ай бұрын

I'm having mosaic build me a custom ss gravel bike to match my ss mtb! I love everything about single speeds. The biggest benefit is the smile it gives me!

@TrailSage Ай бұрын

I love that Eric. I feel the same way every time I ride my SS. Thanks for commenting!

@TrailTales 5 ай бұрын

Nice Sage... I single speeded for and (off)-season and internittantly there after... I think (for me anyways) is the purety of it. The bike is near on silent... And you're always in the wrong gear... And once you accept that... Your brain just kinda switches over to getting on with the task at hand... With almost no maintenance... :D

@TrailSage 5 ай бұрын

That would explain why you are so talented on the bike Phil ;) Thank you so much for sharing your feedback brotha.

@PinkyFingerPedalStrike 5 ай бұрын

I've been on my SS a fair amount recently. Great fun...and they're fast as hell! Love this style of video BTW. Great story telling, editing, music choice...really enjoyed it.

@TrailSage 5 ай бұрын

Right on, thanks Sammy. I appreciate the feedback.

@albert85b 2 ай бұрын

5:14 I love watching you surf that rock.

@TrailSage 2 ай бұрын

Right on, thx Albert. That slab is called "Sam Malone" at Mt Penn, and it's one of our favorites!

@splooshmtb 6 ай бұрын

Most of the strongest riders I've ridden with come from SS racing so definitely see the relation there... but most of them also have blown out knees😂. I don't think i could do it so kudos to you for getting back to it every now and then.

@TrailSage 6 ай бұрын

I think if I had kept riding solely on an SS I would have suffered the same fate, lol. Plus I just enjoy freeriding more these days. Thanks for watching Zane

@TheRideAbides 6 ай бұрын

Awesome video! Love seeing that old footage. So much fun! Rich was an absolute beast on his ss. All those guys were really strong. It definitely shapes how we ride. I still love ss too. *What this video doesn't talk about is Sage tackling SUPER difficult tech on that old geo hardtail/ss. SO impressive!!

@TrailSage 6 ай бұрын

I really miss those days with the crew. So thankful that we still continue to push each other to this day. As for the old geo, oh man, you ain't kidding. Time for an upgrade! lol. Thanks for the kind words brotha

@FoCoFlowShow 6 ай бұрын

I know you’re right … but also… I hated everything about riding SS … maybe I’ll give it another go one day.

@TrailSage 6 ай бұрын

lol, I love this response. I have a love hate with my SS sometimes too. Thanks for watching Forrest.

@TheDustyDutchman 3 ай бұрын

Great video! You are spot on about going SS. I went through a very similar mountain bike evolution that led me to many years of single speeding. It's crazy how fast you learn to be a better rider when you're riding single. I learned how to squeeze every bit of momentum through corners and rock gardens. Also it makes mountain biking even more of a full body workout, there is so much more upper body work involved. I tell people all the time: If you want to be a better rider, go buy a single speed!

@TrailSage 3 ай бұрын

Heck yeah JT! I knew there was a reason I liked you ;) I found you from Johnnies channel and then I heard you might be on B&E MTB so I thought I would check you out. Love your content brotha. Looking forward to seeing more from you.

@TheDustyDutchman 3 ай бұрын

@@TrailSage haha we single speeders gotta stick together! Thanks brother and likewise!

@solobellimino2356 2 ай бұрын

Nice video. More than simply just having one gear. Everything about your biking changes. It literally took a 100ft ride to switch all my bike to SS over a decade ago. It's just not in me to go back to gears. It's absolute freedom.

@TrailSage 2 ай бұрын

Yes, I know what you mean! Thank you for watching and the feedback.

@jiml2563 2 ай бұрын

You should setup a Single Speed Sunday through BAMBA on the new flow trails at Blue Marsh. Great video on local trails.

@TrailSage 2 ай бұрын

Right on Jim! We used to hit Blue Marsh on the SS all the time.

@UnlikelyReply 6 ай бұрын

I like the idea of the low maintenance and building strength but most steep climbs without low gears and cadence would be impossible where I ride. I do however believe there should be more options for cutting down the 12 speed standard. Like a 8 speed with a 51/52 tooth.

@TrailSage 6 ай бұрын

I agree. Some more gear options would be nice. I currently run an 11 speed, but often wish for a 10 or 9 with the same ratio.

@Ryland_28 6 ай бұрын

Hmmm! This is something to consider; especially since it'll be more manageable financially, rather than another Full Sus. 😊 By the way, that was hilarious at the end. "help him while i record this please' 😂

@TrailSage 6 ай бұрын

It will be way more manageable especially once you consider the lack of maintenance needed to up keep a SS. As for the blooper, I still crack up about that to this day. Thanks for watching.

@michaelvonwahlde 5 ай бұрын

Now go back to Trumbull with the single speed. That's the jam.

@TrailSage 5 ай бұрын

Oh man, that would be a challenge for sure. I wish it was local to me, otherwise I would def try it. Thanks for the comment Mike.

@scstinger5 5 ай бұрын

Good video! I have so much more fun on my single speed than my geared bike. But, I can definitely ride further on my geared bike. I also noticed my ride times (on the same trails) are a lot faster on my single speed??

@TrailSage 5 ай бұрын

Thank you for the kind words. Yeah, depending on the trail I have had the same experience. It has to be the right climbing grade for me, lol.

@kjwagoner 6 ай бұрын

Ditto, SS is something I crave after every season of racing gears

@TrailSage 6 ай бұрын

Love it! I imagine it's a great tune up for when race season starts. Thanks for the comment.

@Runnerrwe 5 ай бұрын

Great discussion. I like single speed. I got use to it in BMX racing as a young rider. I have thought about buying a used cyclocross bike to use for gravel riding. This was suggested by others. I also feel the same about shocks. I prefer no shocks. I think the handling is better.

@TrailSage 5 ай бұрын

Hey Richard. Yeah, you def feel a better connection with the environment when you simplify the ride. Although, with some of the rocks on my local trails, suspension is welcomed, lol.

@albertocastillo4572 6 ай бұрын

Carver Gnarvester, I build one for me great bike I use it Single speed in spring and fall and then add my gears for the summer season really versatile bike

@TrailSage 6 ай бұрын

The Gnarvester is a great bike. I have the 420 and I still love it. Although the old geometry is a little frustrating at times. Thanks for watching Alberto

@NomadTerraCrawlers 5 ай бұрын

ah yes. Back in the days when people just pedaled one way. Modern machines offered too much aid. But of course, it all depends on the level of self discipline. Thanks for sharing your story.

@TrailSage 5 ай бұрын

I think that's why I love trail running so much. It's nothing but you and the mountain. Thanks for watching Simon!

@mattvanderwalt6220 6 ай бұрын

Great video. Been single speed MTBing since 2002 :-) Though actually had tried to make an SS in '94... Its so much more fun than riding gears - none of the heavy thinking and usually the geared guys end up confused why you're at the top of the hill waiting for them.

@TrailSage 6 ай бұрын

Right on Matt. That is a long time on the SS, super impressive. I def been on both sides of those hill climbs, lol.

@mattvanderwalt6220 6 ай бұрын

@@TrailSage Where I lived at that stage SS technology just wasn't available - Had Sheldon Brown's site. About the time I started building my first (after 2 years of collecting the parts) a local mag did a story on some guy who had just completed a build and was able to contact him. Parts were difficult to get hold of - cassette spacers scrounged from old cassettes after filing down rivets. Had to get my chainrings laser cut (still have one or two of those). Even had to get a chain tensioner custom made... My local bike shop thought I was so nuts they let me use their tools and quite often would end up sitting in the middle of their floor beating on that bike. Steep learning curve - but it set me up. Have built loads over the years. Great hearing about the group you had/have - When I lived in the UK ended up part of a 3-4 group was awesome, even managed to convert the one rider to SS - miss that alot actually - only get to ride with my kids these days.

@TrailSage 6 ай бұрын

@@mattvanderwalt6220 Yes! I love it. Thank you for sharing Matt

@rockingwithben 6 ай бұрын

i ride a single speed formar fixed gear and i love it and still get the km on

@TrailSage 6 ай бұрын

Right on Ben! I've never tried a fixed gear, it sounds tough

@lostman65 5 ай бұрын

i started SS'ing around 2004 or so. it was my only bike. i raced XC with it a bit, but rode it every ride. i got a new chameleon back in 2018, and swapped the gears in an out during the season. finally, last year i went full gears, and promised that i would never go back to SS. last month i got a my first full suspension, now i'm not even sure i will ever go back to hard tail. you can probably tell this dangerous path i am heading... 😀

@TrailSage 5 ай бұрын

lol I know what you mean Leo. You will on a e-bike next swearing to never go back to analog ;) Thanks for sharing.

@andysnyder465 6 ай бұрын

I made the switch to SS about two months ago. It definitely makes you choose your lines and gives you more strength.

@TrailSage 6 ай бұрын

Way to go Andy! Is that your only bike now or do you still have a geared option?

@andysnyder465 6 ай бұрын

I have a Vitus Escarpe ( the Virus) 29 full suspension . I live about 15 minutes from Michaux. Lately Ive just been riding the single (Santa Cruz Chameleon).

@jackcarter233 6 ай бұрын

All I ride is single speed. So fun!

@TrailSage 6 ай бұрын

Right on Jack. #SS4life!

@s14tat 6 ай бұрын

A heavier gear also acts as a firm platform that you can push into to maneuver the bike. That is what i learned when i was running a single speed and i was actually faster on it.

@TrailSage 6 ай бұрын

Excellent point! I totally agree. Thank you for the great comment.

@danwebber9494 25 күн бұрын

Do you need a single speed? No. You need three. Gravel, fixed and mountain. Plus a geared bike for long easy days.

@TrailSage 24 күн бұрын

lol!!! I like the way you think Dan.

@MTMXBL 6 ай бұрын

i ride singlespeed......albeit in Whistler Bike Park :p

@TrailSage 6 ай бұрын

Yes!!! I love it.

@breathestrongcycling3672 6 ай бұрын

Shaved leg roadie in the conversation...we are notoriously snobbish and judgmental so going single speed takes me out of all that BS, at the cafe i'm veiwed as the nut in the street you don't make eye contact with....makes having my espresso much more peaceful 😆

@TrailSage 6 ай бұрын

If you don't want to be bothered then single speeding could be the answer because nothing says crazy like a dude pushing one gear through the mountains, lol. Joking aside thank you for watching and commenting.

@job2ef Ай бұрын

Sage, Did you ride with the Philadelphia mountain bike meet-up?

@TrailSage Ай бұрын

Yeah. I rode with that group a lot when I was first getting started. But that's going back almost 12 years ago. Where you in that group? Did we ride together?

@job2ef Ай бұрын

@TrailSage I'm Rick, I rode Core Creek a few times with you and Omar. It's been a minute. I'm 61 now and still riding SS...lol. Videos are great, man!

@TrailSage Ай бұрын

@@job2efRight on Rick! Good times for sure. Thanks for stopping by and saying hello. Hope to see you on the trails again.

@petedog9581 6 ай бұрын

The arms and legs are the suspension and the fork/shock are the assist. I challenge myself by not changing gears on certain trails. Any bike can be a single speed. Whenever I ride w single speeders, I'm always waiting. Lol.

@TrailSage 6 ай бұрын

I love the idea of challenging yourself on rides by not switching gears. Nice work Pete

@petedog9581 6 ай бұрын

@@TrailSage I have a 29er Stumpy FSR 29er, rigid fatbike, and 29er hardtail. Riding the rigid fatbike makes me remember my fundamentals and keep proper body position over terrain. That is how all noobs should start IMHO. The bike is a tool to execute a job. The rider is the difference. SS will definitely make you stronger and learn track stands, endos, manuals, punches, and lunges. These are trials moves and they ride SS bikes. Nice vid!

@TrailSage 6 ай бұрын

@@petedog9581 Fantastic line up of bikes. And I totally agree, beginners could totally benefit from under-biking.

@Ferrari255GTO 6 ай бұрын

Alright, i stay in 5th and don't shift, got it! *The chain on my DH bike: oh fuck!

@TrailSage 6 ай бұрын

That is certainly one way to do it, lol

@Ferrari255GTO 6 ай бұрын

Wait, but some of the benefits and things it forces you to learn are also related to hardtails, nevermind a fully rigid bike

@TrailSage 6 ай бұрын

Very true. A lot of the things I covered can also be achieved on a hardtail regardless of gears. And you certainly don't need to be fully rigid to appreciate a single speed. Thanks for the comment.

@stefanhansen5882 19 күн бұрын

I found this fascinating. However, I am confused about how you seem to contrast a single-speed with a full-suspension. Single speed is about gearing, not suspension, so what's up with that?

@TrailSage 19 күн бұрын

Hey Stefan, I'm sorry if I confused you. Of course single speeding is about pushing one gear. Most are either rigid or front suspension. I have seen a few examples of full suspension single speeds but that is rare. My buddy and I just did a whole podcast episode on this very topic. If you are interested you can watch the video version here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bq6oftF3ut7Yn6c.html It's not just two talking heads. I put a lot of b-roll in so it's just as fun to watch. Oh, and it's full of humor and great stories.

@stefanhansen5882 19 күн бұрын

@@TrailSage I'll have a listen. :)

@TrailSage 19 күн бұрын

@@stefanhansen5882 Cool. We'd love to know what you think.

@AdamFoster 6 ай бұрын

I feel like this really depends on where you are riding and the terrain that is available to you. If you have massive climbs to deal with on every single ride, is this still true?

@TrailSage 6 ай бұрын

I totally agree Adam. My local trails are pretty steep and rocky which makes single speeding difficult on some trails. But choosing the right ratio will help a lot. When I started I did a 32x20 then as I got stronger I moved to a 32x18. These days I am running a 32x19 since I don't get on the SS that often.

@AdamFoster 6 ай бұрын

@@TrailSage I'm already running pretty high with a 32-11 in the back for the climbs that are here. And the trail that is locally, a very technical climb, that felt way too high because it was just that steep and techy. If I was still not in the Rockies, I'd have done this already, but damn it seems almost not reasonable here.

@AdamFoster 6 ай бұрын

Correction: 32 30 for lowest gear

@TrailSage 6 ай бұрын

@@AdamFosterOMG a 32 x11 would have been insane, lol. Joking aside, I understand Adam. Like I said, I agree, single speeding might not be a good option for everyone.

@joeMopar412 6 ай бұрын

Just curious, what's the budget to go single speed?

@TrailSage 6 ай бұрын

Hey Joe, If you have a hardtail with sliding drops the cog and chain are about $50. If you need a EBB or chain tensioner then it might be $300. Of course if you have a bike shop do it then there will also be a service cost, but I have no idea what that would be. Hope that helps.

@joeMopar412 6 ай бұрын

@@TrailSage Ok cool! Sounds like it's not too crazy expensive to give it a try. May start off with cheap components and upgrade as needed. Thanks!

@TrailSage 6 ай бұрын

@@joeMopar412 Love that idea Joe. Please let me know how it goes.

@joeMopar412 5 ай бұрын

@@TrailSage A lot of people forget, bikes didn't always have gears. What doesn't kill you makes you harder to kill! 😁