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| Editor's Note |
| Issue Intro |
| Feedback |
| Junk Drawer |
| Spiel |
| Features |
| Centerfold |
| Listening Booth |
| Taproom |
| Events |
| Links/Resources |
| Merchandise |
| Contribute/Contact |
| Back Issues |
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l, shpl) Informal n.
- A lengthy or extravagant speech or argument usually intended to persuade.
intr. & tr.v. spieled, spiel·ing, spiels
- To talk or say (something) at length or extravagantly.
The Opinion area. You've got it, I've got it, find it here.
What you got to say??? Send YOUR spiel to: riderx@singlespeedoutlaw.com
Spin The Crank
Regular readers may remember a bit of commentary I made in Issue #2 about Single Speeds and an article in a computer programming magazine. At least one of our readers wrote to the author of the article, Elden Nelson. Elden in turn sent a response to us. When I first got it, I dug right in, frantically typing a rebuttal point by point, intending to send it him, as well as publish it here. After thinking about it, I decided to let it end here and let Elden have the last word. So, here's his response. Readers can make their own judgements.Hi,ed note: it appears Elden has sold the ChesterI just noticed you referenced an article I wrote a while back on being a "Techno-Retro-Grouch." Here's what you said:
Enter the twilight zone on this one. I get this magazine called Visual Basic Programmer's Journal. Start flipping through it and notice a picture of this editor type looking like Zap (from Mountain Bike magazine) in a suit. Then I read his rant and he's using Single Speed Mountain bikes as an analogy to programmers who don't want to embrace new technology. Seems he thinks single speeds need to use outdated geometry and heavy parts. Sounds like he just doesn't get it and probably doesn't have the strength or skills for our sport known as SS. Read his article and see if you agree me. I'm guessing he just wanted to spend half of his column letting everyone know what a cool mountain biker he is. While you're at it, maybe you should shoot him an eMail on your thoughts about the column. He does have his eMail address posted and would like feedback on the column. Probably not expecting it from a bunch of single speeders though. Might be fun. Here's the rules if you send him an eMail: 1. Read the article first 2. Respond to what's in the article. I'm sure he would think this web site is low tech in a retro-grouch sort of way. Well, it was designed that way.
Here's my reply.
1. I look like Zap in a suit? Uh, no. I had a goatee (a very ordinary one, nothing like something Zap would grow) at the time the photo was taken (doesn't everyone have a goatee once in a while?), and I'm guessing that's where you got the idea I look like Zap. Do you think everyone who has a goatee looks like Zap, or were you just trying to align me with the opposition?
2. I'm using Singlespeeds as an analogy to programmers who don't want to embrace new technology? You should read more closely. I'm using mountain bikers who won't try something new just because it's new as an analogy to programmers who won't try something new just because it's new. My foray into this mindset happened to be with a singlespeed, but it could just as easily been with some other kind of bike.
3. I'm just letting everyone know what a cool mountain biker I am? No, when I want to let people know what a "cool" mountain biker I am, I write a story for a mountain biking magazine.
4. I don't have the strength or skills for your sport? I guess the only way we'd know for sure who was stronger was if we had a race. I'll tell you what: I'm racing the Leadville 100 and Brian Head 100 this year. Why don't you show up and we'll compare finishing times. FWIW, I did race and complete the Leadville 100, the Brian Head 100, and the Cascade Creampuff last year, which means 3 mountain centuries in 6 weeks.
5. I don't get singlespeeds? Maybe not, but I'm trying, and I bet I understand them better than a lot of people. Check out www.mattchester.com. I built and maintain the site for Matt Chester, who makes terrific singlespeeds (one of which I own, and which is absolutely NOT a retrogrouch bike).
Elden
Sound Off
Each issue we ask a new question and want to hear what you have to say about it. You know what they say about opinions, everybody's got one.This issue's question: What's the best type of single speed hub: freewheel, SS cassette, or converted cassette?
Mouth off your opinion at: riderx@singlespeedoutlaw.com
Last issue's question was: Has single speeding become mainstream?
Here's what you had to say:
SingleSpeeds are now recognized by the mainstream, but not RIDDEN by the mainstream. The mainstream is lazy. They don't want to stand up and hammer or think about momentum when confronted by a hill, they need the comfort of 22X34. The romanticism of the SS has reached the mainstream. That is why there are some many "ridden once" SS's on Ebay and when you talk to people on the trails they are like "yeah my old bike is a single speed now", but they are on a 24 speed Gary Fisher. Maybe these romantic warriors try it because they see what they are searching for in single speeders faces, but when they they jump on a singlespeed they just don't get it. It takes a certain person to ride a singlespeed and as long as the track bike remains the bike of the week we are probably safe.
Robbie Leary
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