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@robin
sure but this is about the benefit of as over fixed. I agree that for longer rides and downhills gears are the way. Ok case in point: threre is a long smooth hill right by me that I tear down every morning. Every few hundred meters there are speed bumps. Fixed I have to slow right down before rolling over them because at speed my feet still turning my balance gets a little thrown off. SS I can straighten my legs and absorb them, the same goes for curbs, unexpected pot holes etc. All in all on London streets where quite often you do have to stop and start often and the roads are lumpy SS is just a smoother faster ride (for me). I'm sure with practice I will be able to maintain speed and control wobbles better but I equally donn see the point of forcing that change when cycling in London is at the moment just that bit more enjoyable SS. In addition to this having a SS setup has many of the maintainance bonuses that a fixed ride has and is just a simpified riding experience. I have built up a lot of strenght riding ss over geared.