One Gear, Endless Adventure: A Beginner’s Guide to Single Speed Mountain Biking
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by too many gears, shifters, and maintenance hassles on the trail, single speed mountain biking might be the breath of fresh air you’ve been looking for. With just one gear and a whole lot of grit, single speeding strips mountain biking down to its purest form—simple, challenging, and wildly rewarding.
Whether you’re converting an old hardtail or diving into the sport with a purpose-built rig, this guide will walk you through everything you need to get started—from choosing the right gear ratio to mastering momentum on climbs. And when it comes to quality components, Endless Bikes has your back with American-made single speed cogs built for performance and durability. Let’s get rolling.
Why Try Single‑Speed Mountain Biking?
- Simplicity and low cost: Single‑speed bikes slash mechanical complexity—no derailleur, cables, or shifting—making them cheaper, lighter, and easy to maintain.
- Skill building: Relying on one gear forces you to focus on body positioning, pace, and reading terrain, which improves climbing, cornering, and overall technique.
- Pure fun factor: Riders rave about the minimalist, mindful experience—clear drivetrain noise, clean looks, constant challenge.
Choosing Your Gear Ratio
Your single speed gear ratio defines your riding experience. A few starter picks:
- 27.5″ / 26″ wheels: Try 32 T front chainring with an 18–20 T rear cog.
- 29″ wheels: 32/18 common; harder climbs may benefit from 20–22 T rear cog.
Tips from seasoned single‑speeders:
“32/18 most commonly … 32/21 for marathon XC”
“34 × 19 (~1.8:1) is fast without being too steep”.
Endless Bikes offers cogs precisely engineered to fit these ratios—made in the USA with precision and durability.
Getting Started: Setup & Maintenance
Option A: Convert an old hardtail
- Strip off gears, install a single‑speed spacer kit to align the cog on a cassette hub.
- Fit shorter chainring bolts if you’re using a mid-ring.
- Add a chain tensioner if your frame lacks horizontal dropouts or tensioning system.
Option B: Buy a purpose‑built SS frame
- Many frames come with horizontal dropouts or tensioners built in.
Wheels, braking & drivetrain
- Choose durable sealed‑bearing hubs, solid rims, and puncture‑protected tires for trail reliability.
- Mechanical disc brakes are highly recommended for consistent stopping in trails.
- Use a high‑quality single‑speed chain, and ensure chainline is straight to reduce wear.
Essential Gear for Safe Riding
- Helmet: A modern MTB helmet with good coverage is essential (MIPS preferred).
- Gloves & pads: Full‑finger gloves, knee and elbow pads help with grip and protection, especially on rough terrain.
- Shoes & pedals: Grippy, stiff soles (e.g. Five Ten Freerider Pro or plastic flat pedals with pins) offer stability and control.
- Repair kit: Multi-tool, spare tube, pump, chain lube, and patch kit are must‑haves.
Developing Riding Skills
Momentum & Climbing
- Single‑speed climbing is all about cadence management. Spin up the grade at ~90 rpm, and avoid over‑torquing. If stalled, choose an easier line or hop off and jog upward.
- To maintain momentum, pace yourself uphill and use descents as recovery zones. Good body position and scan-ahead are vital.
Trail body position & handling
- Use attack position: elbows bent, hips back, eyes forward. Shift weight as needed—forward for climbs, centered on flats, backward when descending.
- Keep your wheels grounded to stay in control and improve technical riding.
Cornering & line choice
- Look ahead at your target line, not your front wheel or obstacle. Stay smooth and avoid frequent braking mid-corner.
Ride frequently & with community
- Join a local group or club, or ride with experienced friends. It’s safer, more fun, and full of learning opportunities.
Progression Plan for Your First Month
| Week | Goal |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | Start on easy green trails with 2‑3 mile rides. Focus on pedaling, posture, and finishing climbs. |
| 2–3 | Introduce modest blue trails. Practice cornering, pace control, and staying off the brakes. |
| 3–4 | Try steeper trails or extended climbs. Experiment with slightly easier gearing if needed. |
| Ongoing | Choose End‑Of‑Ride skills challenges, join group rides, and track improvements. |
Why Choose Endless Bikes Cogs?
- American-made quality: Built with precision and durability to stand up to trail grind and mud.
- Wide gearing options: Available in popular sizes (18T, 19T, 20T, etc.) for various wheel sizes and terrains.
- Compatible with most single‑speed setups—cassette hubs, freewheels & conversion systems.
Pair one of our cogs with a good chain tensioner and precise chainline adjustments, and you’re looking at a drivetrain built for consistent, low-maintenance performance.
FAQs: Beginner Questions
Q: Can I ride a single‑speed in hilly terrain?
A: Yes—just choose a lower gear ratio. Many beginners recommend 32 × 17 or 42 × 16 depending on terrain. Be prepared to hike-run steep sections; that’s part of the journey.
Q: What if I get stuck on a climb?
A: Don’t stress. Try changing your line or throttle pace. If all else fails—dismount and run. Riding single‑speed is as much mental training as physical.
Q: How often should I maintain my drivetrain?
A: Keep chain, bearings, and brakes clean. Inspect chainline regularly and re‑tension after muddy rides. If chain slack or misalignment occurs, address it immediately.
Final Thoughts
Single‑speed mountain biking is a bold, simplified, and skill‑building way to ride. It strips away complexity so you can focus on control, fitness, and trail reading. From the mental edge of climbing with only one gear to the silent hum of a clean drivetrain, every ride feels honest—power-for-power, line-for-line.
By starting with durable gear from Endless Bikes, especially their precision‑made cogs, you get a drivetrain engineered in the USA to complement your single‑speed experience.
Ready to try it? Start small, ride smart, and welcome to a whole new kind of mountain biking—one gear, endless adventure.