Fixie

[HLaB]

Our company is starting the cycle to work scheme and I'm thinking of adding a new steed to my stable a Spesh Tricross single. What's people's experiences of of fixed geared bikes, particularly with reference to steep hills, i.e (Edinburgh)

Is there any other alternatives I should be considering, as the only spesh dealer in http://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/ is 17.2 miles away (as the crow flies), not ideal

 

[Landslide]

Noticeably lighter, and I find the lack of thought ("what gear should I be in?" etc) very enjoyable.
I ride mine around Sheffield (not known for its flatness), and you get used to it pretty quickly. The flywheel effect seems to help going up hill, the worst bit for me was getting used to my legs going round like one of Fred Dibnah's steam engines! I use a 39:15 ratio which gives me a ear of ~68".

 

[Twenty Inch]

Hills become easier - paradoxical but true. You either get up them in the one gear you've got, or get off and walk. I haven't had to walk up any of the hills on my way home, although it's come close.

They make you a stronger, more fluid rider all round. Try one out if you can before you buy.

 

[goo_mason]

Our company is starting the cycle to work scheme and I'm thinking of adding a new steed to my stable a Spesh Tricross single. What's people's experiences of of fixed geared bikes, particularly with reference to steep hills, i.e (Edinburgh)

Is there any other alternatives I should be considering, as the only spesh dealer in http://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/ is 17.2 miles away (as the crow flies), not ideal

A fixie up Dundas Street will be fun

 

[kyuss]

I get on fine around Edinburgh. It's much easier than climbing in a similar gear on a freewheel. There aren't many long hills in Edinburgh really so I've found i can normally power up them without to much trouble, though the slog up to Hillend from the bottom of Morningside Road the other day wasn't much fun.

For what it's worth I'm running a 72" gear, which a few folk have said is a bit big for a hilly city, but what goes up has to come down.

 

[beancounter]

It's much easier than climbing in a similar gear on a freewheel.

How can it be? A 72" gear is a 72" gear...

bc

 

[beancounter]

Easier, because with a fixed wheel the momentum of the bike pushes you along.

Ok.......

......not that I have a lot of momentum going up hills.

But thanks for the information.

bc

 

[joebe]

How can it be? A 72" gear is a 72" gear...

bc

Because apparently fixies are better at everything, didn't you know?

I've fallen out of love with mine as the novelty value's worn off, it just knackers my knees, it's not as maneuvable though traffic and finally the fame is a tad small for me. As a result it hasn't been used since last winter and will soon be appearing on Ebay.

Any one out there want an '06 Bianchi Pista, 81'' gearing, bull horn bars, spd pedals, Bonty Hardcase tyres?

 

[beancounter]

Sorry Bean let me expand on my original post.

With a fixed wheel, as the rear wheel goes round the pedals turn as well so there is no coasting on a fixed wheel like you can do with a freewheel.

So as you are going up a hill not only are you using your legs to turn the pedals but also the rear wheel turning is helping you turn the pedals as well...

Google Sheldon Brown and follow the links to find out more about the wonderful world of fixie!

Thanks, although I did understand your original post...(I do know what a fixie is, though I've never ridden one, hence my ignorant original question).

bc

 

[4F]

Because apparently fixies are better at everything, didn't you know?

I've fallen out of love with mine as the novelty value's worn off, it just knackers my knees, it's not as maneuvable though traffic and finally the fame is a tad small for me. As a result it hasn't been used since last winter and will soon be appearing on Ebay.

Any one out there want an '06 Bianchi Pista, 81'' gearing, bull horn bars, spd pedals, Bonty Hardcase tyres?

What size is the frame ?

 

[joebe]

51

 

[Destry]

Look after your knees!

If you are either heavy or strong, I would seriously advise against a fixie or singlespeed. Pushing big gears will knacker your knees, and they don't repair easily!

Gears allow you to spin the cranks at a cadence that suits your level of strength and fitness, whatever the road conditions at any given time. This is the key to fast, efficient cycling.

Gears don't really add that much weight and in my experience, once set up, hardly ever go wrong. I don't see the desperate need to get away from them, particularly not when I see single-speeders heaving around as they try to pick up speed after a junction, or spinning like crazy as I cruise past in top gear...

And this stuff in a previous post about the rear wheel on a fixie helping you pedal... With respect, it is not possible for a rear wheel to help you pedal. Momentum, or gravity, or a passing bus can help, but a rear wheel is just an arrangement of inert matter. A fixie is a fantastic training bike because it forces you to pedal the whole time, plus in the specialised conditions of an indoor sprint it gives an experienced rider tremendously precise control and allows you to save precious grams into the bargain. But an everyday commuter bike it is not!

The fixie/singlespeed fad is great because it is bringing lots of beautiful old steel frames back into circulation, but seriously, geared bikes are much more versatile and efficient.

 

[Nick1979]

51

Too bad it is too small for me (but is it? I ride a 53 Bianchi frame)!! Do you have a picture?

 

[joebe]

I'll try and sort a picci out, though I may need to take my Fizik World Champ saddle off first. I normally ride a 52 or 54, but find the pista just a tad too small.

Oh, it's also got a Cateye computer (including Cadance sensor)

 

[fossyant]

I just fancy a fixie - Pearson Touche with Halo track wheels and guards - for work...... the scheme comes in soon, and that discount just has to be used......