The Joy of Riding a Single-Speed Bike
Single-speed bike is a bicycle with a simple, single-gear mechanism. While its simplicity may appeal to many, riding a single-speed bike also requires a certain sense of adventure. I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a try, and here are a few reasons why:
1. A Deeper Understanding of Cycling
Riding a single-speed bike allows you to gain a better grasp of the fundamental dynamics of cycling. Without the aid of gear shifting, you're left to rely solely on your own strength and the bike's momentum. This naturally leads to a deeper appreciation of rhythm and inertia. For mountain bikers, in particular, this experience can be invaluable. When navigating trails, constant movement and instinctive reactions are key—and a single-speed bike helps refine these skills.
2. Training Through Limits
A single-speed bike imposes limitations that challenge you to push beyond them. Whether it's climbing steep inclines or maintaining speed, the lack of multiple gears demands not just physical effort but also mental fortitude. This isn't just about building muscle; it's about developing resilience and determination. Some might see this as a pointless challenge, but I see it as an opportunity for personal growth through cycling.
3. Pure Fun
Single-speed bikes can be surprisingly fun. While they might not be for everyone, those who find joy in their simplicity often discover a unique sense of creativity and freedom. The challenges and rewards of riding a single-speed bike create a cycling experience unlike any other.
4. Low Maintenance Costs
With their straightforward design, single-speed bikes are incredibly low-maintenance. Rain or shine, you can ride without worrying about complex mechanisms breaking down. Regular care is minimal—just keep an eye on the chain and brake pads, and you’re good to go. This makes them ideal for busy lifestyles or riders who want to keep maintenance simple.
Why We Ride
People ride bikes for countless reasons: fitness, commuting, recreation, and more. But at the heart of it, the common thread is fun. While a single-speed bike might not suit everyone, those who embrace it can find endless enjoyment and creativity in its simplicity.
Take a ride on a single-speed bike and explore a new dimension of cycling. Within its straightforward design lies the potential for boundless enjoyment and personal discovery.
Visit Us for Expert Bike Repair and Service in Henderson, Auckland
Located in Henderson, Auckland, our bike repair shop specializes in bike repair and bike service. Whether you need a quick tune-up or a full overhaul, we provide expert care for all types of bikes, including single-speed and electric bikes.
To celebrate our grand opening, we’re offering free services during our launch event! Don’t miss this opportunity to get your bike in top shape. Additionally, we offer electric bike rentals—perfect for exploring the beautiful surroundings of Auckland while enjoying an eco-friendly ride.
Conveniently located within the sports center near the gym, coffee shop, and running track, our shop is here to meet all your cycling needs. Stop by today and let us help you enjoy a hassle-free and thrilling ride. Discover the joy of cycling with our professional services and rentals!
Road Bike vs. Gravel Bike: Which Should You Choose?
Road Bike vs. Gravel Bike: Which Should You Choose?
Road bikes and gravel bikes may look similar at first glance, but they are built for distinct purposes and offer different riding experiences. For someone new to cycling, I would personally recommend starting with a gravel bike. Why? Because it opens up a world of possibilities.
Key Differences Between Road and Gravel Bikes
Tire Clearance
Gravel Bikes: Designed to accommodate wider tires, gravel bikes can handle various terrains, from smooth roads to rugged trails. This versatility allows riders to explore beyond paved surfaces, venturing into gravel paths, dirt roads, or light off-road conditions.
Road Bikes: Road bikes typically have narrow tires, optimized for speed and efficiency on smooth pavement. While excellent for racing or long-distance road rides, they are less adaptable to rougher terrains.
Frame and Mounting Options
Gravel Bikes: Gravel bike frames often include additional mounting points for racks, bags, and other accessories. This makes them ideal for bikepacking, commuting, or touring.
Road Bikes: Road bikes are streamlined for performance, with fewer mounting options and a focus on minimizing weight and maximizing aerodynamics.
Purpose and Riding Style
Gravel Bikes: Built for versatility, gravel bikes allow you to explore a wide range of terrains. Whether it’s a casual ride through the countryside or an adventurous off-road trip, gravel bikes are the jack-of-all-trades.
Road Bikes: Designed for speed and efficiency, road bikes excel in racing or fast-paced group rides on smooth pavement. However, their specialization limits their use on diverse terrains.
Why Choose a Gravel Bike?
For beginners or riders looking for flexibility, gravel bikes provide a more diverse and forgiving experience. You can:
Ride on various surfaces, from tarmac to gravel paths.
Equip your bike for commuting, bikepacking, or weekend adventures.
Enjoy a comfortable and stable ride, even on uneven or rough roads.
When to Choose a Road Bike?
If your primary goal is speed, racing, or long-distance riding on smooth roads, a road bike might be the better choice. Road bikes are purpose-built for performance, making them ideal for riders focused on efficiency and competition.
Conclusion
Both road and gravel bikes have their strengths, and the right choice depends on your goals and preferences. For those new to cycling or seeking variety, a gravel bike’s versatility makes it an excellent starting point. For seasoned riders or those with a clear focus on road cycling, a road bike delivers unmatched performance on pavement. Whichever you choose, the most important thing is to enjoy the ride!
Why Do We Ride Bikes?
Setting and Achieving New Goals
If you have a new purpose or goal in mind, cycling can help make it tangible and achievable. Whether it’s improving your speed, tackling longer distances, or simply enjoying more scenic routes, setting specific objectives transforms your rides into a fulfilling journey. The key is to define clear, realistic goals and break them into smaller, actionable steps.
Cycling not only supports these goals but also adds a sense of accomplishment and progress to every ride. By aligning your rides with your aspirations, you can turn each pedal stroke into a step closer to achieving what matters most to you.
Why do we ride bikes? It’s a question with countless answers, but after riding various bikes for many years, my simple reason is this: because it’s fun.
From childhood to now, bikes have always been a source of joy for me. There’s the thrill of riding fast, the adventure of exploring new places, and even the satisfaction of commuting to work on two wheels. Each type of ride brings its own kind of fun.
There’s also a deeper sense of purpose and accomplishment. Setting goals—whether it’s to ride faster, climb higher, or simply enjoy the process—makes cycling even more rewarding. The pursuit of these goals feels primal, connecting me to a sense of pure, instinctive joy.
Cycling isn’t just a sport or a mode of transportation; it’s a way to create meaningful experiences. And at the heart of it all is the simple, undeniable truth: riding a bike is fun.
Why You Should Understand Bike Geometry
Why You Should Understand Bike Geometry
Let’s talk about bike geometry and fitting in a simple way. Bikes come with various numbers and standard values, but why should you care about them? The short answer is: knowing them helps you understand your bike better and enjoy riding even more.
1. Why Should You Know About Bike Fitting and Geometry?
Every bike is designed for different riding positions and purposes. Additionally, each bike has specific standard measurements (e.g., top tube length, head tube angle, seat tube angle, etc.).
Understanding these standards offers several benefits:
You can clearly identify what kind of bike you’re riding.
You can determine if your bike fits your body well or if adjustments are needed.
It helps when choosing a new bike or applying custom fittings.
2. Why Might You Need Changes?
Depending on your riding style or goals, you might need to adjust your bike setup. For example:
If you want more stability in handling.
If you aim for more efficient pedaling.
If you want increased comfort for long rides.
To make these changes effectively, you need to understand your current setup. This way, you have a clear reference point for what to change and how to adjust. Changes not only improve functionality but also make riding more enjoyable and tailored to your needs.
3. Why Are Standards Important When Changing Bikes?
When purchasing a new bike or upgrading, knowing your current bike’s setup is invaluable.
You can compare the geometry of your current bike with potential new bikes to see how similar or different they are.
You can choose a bike that matches your desired performance (e.g., speed, stability, comfort).
Example: If you feel the top tube on your current bike is slightly short, you can look for a new bike with a slightly longer top tube to improve fit.
Example: Comparing Two Bikes
Currently, I ride a Soma Double Cross 54 (2016), and my previous bike was a Ritchey Swiss Cross. These two bikes are generally similar, but there are notable differences in the seat tube and chainstay lengths. These differences alter the size and dynamics of the rear triangle.
What’s the impact of these differences?
A longer chainstay typically provides greater stability and comfort, especially on long rides or rough terrain.
A shorter chainstay can make the bike feel more responsive and agile, which is ideal for quick turns or racing.
By comparing these two bikes, I can better understand how geometry affects handling and performance, helping me choose or adjust a bike to match my riding style.
Conclusion
Having a basic understanding of bike geometry and fitting allows you to get the most out of your current bike and set clear benchmarks for future upgrades or changes. It’s a great way to align your riding style and goals with the perfect setup, ensuring you enjoy every ride to the fullest!
gravel bike and tyres
I’ve recently made the switch to commuting on a gravel bike, covering about 13 kilometers each way along the cycle lanes. Occasionally, I’ll take the bike out for some off-road gravel riding, a concept I truly enjoy. Gravel bikes sit in a unique space between road bikes and mountain bikes, and while they may seem ambiguous, the versatility they offer with different setups is what makes them so interesting to ride.
Recently, I decided to change my tire setup. I moved from a 41c to a combination of 35c and 38c tires. I swapped out the treaded tires for a slick option, and the difference is noticeable—rolling feels faster and smoother, making for an easy and efficient commute. It’s great for the road, but I’ll need more time to see how these tires perform on gravel surfaces.
With gravel bikes, the freedom to customize your setup based on your riding needs—whether commuting, bikepacking, or gravel racing—adds a whole new layer of fun. I’m looking forward to testing the versatility of these 35c and 38c slick tires both on gravel trails and in my daily commute around Auckland.
Surly Knard 41c.
Panaracer SS Plus 35c at Back, 38c at Front
