I'd known for ages but finally got to the end....

I have just about read everything on 63xc and now i'm sad. I've been looking at it for a few years on and off but recently got into reading it proper.

http://www.63xc.com/acorson/singlespeeding.htm

the internet is a wonderful thing.

I know - 63xc was great and I was sad when it finished. Still a great resource for loads of stuff. I'm getting inspired to do some SS mountain biking next year. Might try fixed depending on how SS goes (haven't done any offroad riding for years and was never any good at it).

It's time to fit some 32c's on the bike and slope off into epping forest.

I've got two options - 32s on my Bob Jackson frame or another option I'm more excited about. I've got a Specalized bike (the cheapest mountain bike) that I converted to SS several years ago and set me on the path to FGs etc. At the moment it's 48/18 with slightly sloping vertical dropouts so don't need a tensioner. Gonna get a 22 sprocket off a cassette and find a 44 tooth chainring so that I have a double SS: 48 and 44 up front, 22 and 18 out back. Should give a road gear and an offroad/polo gear with the same chain length so no need for tensioners. Then I can buy some massive tyres and learn how to mountain bike again.

That article that you linked to was good to reread. I liked this quote particularly

"Yes, you'll awaken some people who will understand it and embrace it, but you'll also get the opinionated attention of unwanted wankers. "

I'm currently in the middle of a fixed / free offroader myself.
Check for posts in the middle of January (When it's finished) as I'll be whoring the whole offroad riding thing on here as a few people have expressed interest.

Maybe a cinder track ride sometime? out of london and up to high beech for lunch, turn around and come back.

WHADDAYA RECKON?