[SDCBC] re wired mag article on city bikes

[markw]

Big50_1 at yahoo.com wrote:
> Interesting article.  My first two bikes, years and years ago, were three speed "English Racers".  Did a lot of miles on them. Now I ride for the enjoyment of biking, exercise, and seeing different places in SD county.  But once I discovered derailleurs and, better yet, clipless pedals (WOW, using the whole leg/gluts to pedal, kool!!), there wasn't no goin' back!!!  I do see the inexpensive one speed as a bike you can throw in the SUV or hang off the car bike rack so you can park away from a crowded beach or recreational area and easily ride there and back but for more than about 5 miles or so, one speed????  But, hey, whatever excites ya'.
>        

Yup, for someone who lives in downtown SF, or NYC those bikes are great.
 But if you're commute is any distance with hills you need gears.  I
couldn't imagine doing my old commute from NE Santee to Downtown SD on a
single speed.  I just can't see cruising at 22+ on a single speed, or if
it's geared for speed, then you'd be avoiding hills.   Gearing is always
a compromise on those.   I'll take my Aero any day over an SS for the
way I ride.   However, if I lived downtown, a SS (not fixie) would
probably be the grocery getter.  I use an LHT for that now.

Mark