Bikes: single or multi speed?

[Packoderm]

There are some really good deals on craigslist for single speed cruiser bikes - especially ladies cruisers. I really cannot remember if I shifted gears much on the playa. What say you on this matter?

[lucky420]

My cruiser has 3 speeds and on the playa last year the gears seemed to get mucked up. I don't know alot about bikes but I would go with single. Less mechanics to muck up.

[jkisha]

Single speed cruiser gets my vote.
I take my 10 speed, but i never shift gears. (it's the only bike I have and I hardly ride it anymore except for BM)

[Snow]

single speed works just fine. Gears you probably won't shift much. Get whatever is best deal or fits you best in the end.

[mudpuppy000]

Single speed is probably fine. I use a mountain bike but only shift gears if I want to go fast or if I hit a playa dune.

[daft]

I like to ride around and never use the top end but I use all the other gears. made up some fur covers for the frame.

[oneeyeddick]

Whatever bike you choose, fat tires are always better!

[EspressoDude]

gears are nice depending on the wind...if it's blowing the way you want to go..or not

[essjay]

Single speed should be fine, but you'll also be alright if your bike has gears. My playa bike is an 18-speed, and it has made it through six years on the playa. I WD-40 the chain each year and I have had no problem shifting out there.

[gyre]

Bad playa and wind needs more gear.

A low single gear is too low in good conditions.

Hubgear is a great solution, like the rest of the world uses.

[CapSmashy]

Given the playa updates we have been getting this year, a single speed cruiser should be fine. As mentioned, might be a little daunting in a stiff head wind, but otherwise, you should have no worries.

[Asherbeez]

Go with a slack geared (easy to pedal) single speed and big tires ran a little flat. The easier gearing helps with the wind and the random playa dunes. You wont be flying across the playa but what's the rush?

[Playa+Tom]

A single speed should be adequate for all your needs. The playa should be fairly hard this year so there will be less need for higher or lower gearing. Make sure your tires are decent, have a spare tube or two. Do not use WD40 to lube your chain, it will wash out the existing lube in the chain then dry out leaving you with an unlubricated chain. Instead use a dry lube available from bike stores, it is basically parrafin in a liquid carrier, the liquid evaporates leaving the wax to lube your chain and not attracting dust. When you get home hose off the playa dust and use WD40 (which displaces the water) on the moving parts, then use a good lube when things dry.

[mudpuppy000]

A single speed should be adequate for all your needs. The playa should be fairly hard this year so there will be less need for higher or lower gearing. Make sure your tires are decent, have a spare tube or two. Do not use WD40 to lube your chain, it will wash out the existing lube in the chain then dry out leaving you with an unlubricated chain. Instead use a dry lube available from bike stores, it is basically parrafin in a liquid carrier, the liquid evaporates leaving the wax to lube your chain and not attracting dust. When you get home hose off the playa dust and use WD40 (which displaces the water) on the moving parts, then use a good lube when things dry.

Bring some dry lube to the playa also. I usually have to re-apply it every couple of days.

[Korwedge]

Can someone explain which gears to put the chain on when converting an 18-speed bike into a single speed?

3 gears at the pedals and 6 at the rear wheel. Which combination would be best, especially considering there won't be as many dunes as the last couple years.

[gyre]

Do you know how to do this?

[Korwedge]

Do you know how to do this?

Yes, I did it with my 18 speed bike last year. I'd like to use a different gear ratio this year.

[Canoe]

BRAKES!!!

Don't believe anyone who says you only need one brake as you're only going 5 mph and just stop peddling and you coast to a stop.
That's fine, but many time someone would dart in front of me and with only one brake it was close some times. With the hard playa this year (reports of far less "sand" drifts), highly recommend you have both a front and rear working brake.
The Reno Kiwanis Burn bikes come with only one brake, and two brakes is a premium bike.

[Hoolie]

Can someone explain which gears to put the chain on when converting an 18-speed bike into a single speed?

3 gears at the pedals and 6 at the rear wheel. Which combination would be best, especially considering there won't be as many dunes as the last couple years.

If you're talking about gear ratios, it all depends on what size chainrings/cogs are on your bike. Typically, I go with middle chainring up front to middle cog in back. That tends to make a nice, midrange gear. Also, the ideal setup on a single speed bike is for the chainline to be as straight as possible from front to back. Makes for the most efficient pedaling.

As to the thread question, single speed has always been my preference on the playa. The simpler your setup, the less likely you will experience problems.