Single speed or hub

father_jack

Considering a new work bike. Thinking of lower maintenance and running costs. Generally I am fine staying a single gear for work, 42 front, smallest probably a 11 on the rear. Then use two sprockets up. so would that be a 13?

Something like this

http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/urban/urban-cross/day-one

But why is it so expensive? No shifters, no derailleurs, just two rings instead of what- 20?

I would like disc brake but I know they clash with panniers, also find them pretty fiddly to set up (minute distance from pad so have to get it spot on) as I have another bike with cable disc brake.

There's the Alfine model but that has a gear change on the end which seems a bit tricky. The Di2 model seems to have gear change on the hood area.

I'm looking for onroad use, so not MTB gearing in the hub, and 25/28mm tyres not 35mm/rims

craker

I've just bought a Langster, same price though Evans are doing a trade in offer atm and appear to be willing to take anything that was once part of a bike. So I got mine for £500, for a new bike with carbon forks and alu frame and goes like the wind seems OK. No rack mounts or mudguard mounts though (I have afixed mudguards via the usual P-Clips).

FWIW, you can get disk friendly panniers but I don't think that'd work so well on a SS as you're out of the saddle so much? I think the weight is better off on your back... and if I ever have to carry very much I use a sensible bike.

The Langster is geared at 48 x 17 (fixed) which is around 75", were I to buy a freewheel (possible) I might go for 18 teeth to make it a tad more knee friendly.

father_jack

thinking about gear ratios (single and hub) I'll have to work out what ratios I use. Generally (triple) I rarely ever use the granny ring. In fact I think 42t -11/26 would be everything I would need 99% of the time. Somtimes on the roadie I shift to 52.