Since reading Dave Cooper’s article, ‘The guy that rode over the Himilaya’s on a singlespeed ..and lived’ in issue two of ‘One Mag’ the idea of cycle touring on my fixie has been itching about in the back of my brain. Meeting Canadian Dave and hearing of his fixed touring exploits over the Otways and across the Central Plateau only further fuelled the fire… and now the question that constantly bugs me is: “could you cycle tour on a fixie across New Zealands South Island?”
I emailed Dave McCaig for his opinion on the subject and he suggested ‘no’.. Nigel Rushton, the author of ‘Pedallers Paradise – NZ’s South Island’ reckon’s maybe, pending the pedaller’s sanity (or lack there-of).. Seeking further opinion, I searched old Sheldon Brown’s site for guidance. Here’s what I found:
“Singlespeed touring is not as goofy an idea as it might sound at first blush – if you’re not in a hurry and value simplicity and reliability, a singlespeed is eminiently tourable. Yes, you might have to get off and walk up a few hills, but that’s hardly a tragedy, in fact sometimes it can be a nice change of pace! If you are in a hurry, why are you on a bicycle?” – Sheldon Brown.
wisdom from the grave…
Sheldon Brown is a god
Hold on, aren’t you always in a hurry Ben? Haha.
Also, check the brakes on that bike. Holy amazing! Must have been some gnarly descents.