I have always had cheap heavy geared mountain bikes, most recently, a $50 job, bought off the side of the road, and it did the job just fine i thought. But the thing is, I didn’t really get a sense of joy riding it. I think hunching over the handle bars and having an uncomfortable back position probably had something to do with it. I dont think my bottom appreciated being the principal shock absorber.

I recently upgraded to a single speed upright vintage inspired new bright sunshine yellow bike with cushioned wide leather seat, higher handlebars, and it has absolutely inspired me in a completely different way. The best way I can describe the feeling is as is I am riding a comfortable lounge chair through the landscape, surrounded by mountains, birds, clouds, people.

The single speed indeed has been a revelation. It has very much improved my endurance and muscle tone (legs, buttock, abdominals, arms etc), and there is no way out when you reach a hill, pump those legs, stand up, work hard at the right times, put the puffing effort in, and I’ve found it such a natural way to ride. Like walking up a hill, it’s harder, but it’s natural, and worth it. Your body has to do the work, and it readily adapts to the challenge.

But the best feeling is the freedom, the natural flowing feeling of effort and then cruising, it makes it interesting, you feel a great achievement My happy yellow bike seems to attract so many positive comments from passers-by. So if anyone sees a happy girl cycling along the Captain Cook Highway to Palm Cove, that’s me!

To be honest, the relaxed freedom, the slowness of appreciating the details of the landscape sailing by, the birds that flurry upon your path, the youthful fun escape of hopping on the bike for an explore (with a rewarding meal or ice tea at the journey’s end) is the most exciting revelation of this newfound biking. I’m sure the utter class and comfort of the single speed upright has been most responsible for this.

We work, we earn money, we can spend money so frivolously, and what do we have to show for it. I can honestly say that my bike is the best $500 i have spent in a LONG time. I love it.

Katherine

I love your blogs! I usually check in every day or so to read about your latest discoveries and insights.

I don’t understand why other people need to post angry comments on your site. I didn’t realise how upsetting single speed bikes could be to some people!

If you don’t like what Sarah has to say go read another blog (there’s plenty out there) and leave your sour comments there.

Also I really appreciate a point that is expressively, eloquently and politely made – it’s a shame that some people fall back on the use of things like “inverted commas” as a substitute for engaging discussion.