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Racing offroad on a single speed

jwillia852's picture
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started by jwillia852 on September 9, 2009

Any of you off roaders ever race an Xterra on a single speed mountain bike? I am contemplating running in an offroad Duathlon in October but I only have a single speed mountain bike. The bike leg is only 5.5, miles flanked by two 1.8 mile runs, so I don't think it will be too bad... I'll probably do it, but I am interested to whether any of you have tried it?

Jeff

Tags: Xterra, MTB
Toothless's picture
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Toothless posted 10 weeks ago.

I haven't, but I know a guy (Boulder coach Scott Fleigleman) who placed 2nd in the Steamboat Springs pentathlon short-course a few years ago on a single speed mountain bike. He might have done better (1st) with gears but I didn't hear him complain afterward.

orangedog's picture
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orangedog posted 10 weeks ago.

A number of races in AZ have 'Single Speed' divisions alongside AGs/Cats - lot of single speed riders in the area put up impressive times on race day.

Not sure about XTERRA events, but for someone just out for fun at a race I don't see why not.

If you can handle 5.5 miles on single speed already, no reason not to race that way.

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tri-ac's picture
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tri-ac posted 10 weeks ago.

what gearing would you use for that?

orangedog's picture
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orangedog posted 9 weeks ago.

here's an overview on the topic (although it may not have any new info for you...)

Surly Single Speed Info

I don't ride single speed, but I have picked up on the fact that those who do ride SS in the area often switch out their gearing depending upon the trail they plan on hitting - which makes sense, but it seems to be a very individualized decision.

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skills>> spirits>> speed>>

jwillia852's picture
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jwillia852 posted 9 weeks ago.

I normally run a 32 chainring - and 18 cog, but I also have a 16 and a 20 to choose from. Do you think a 1:2 would be a better run-bike-run option?

Jeff