I don't understand SS bikes
- Thread starter Xiorell
- Start date
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Benthedoon
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Colchester
I have the option of both and much as I found fixed enlightening it's not for me on my commute, I have a few speed humps to deal with and it wasn't 'til I rode fixed that I realised I coast over big bumps - don't find that out when you're riding fixed, it doesn't end well.
If I was a city dweller then it would be fixie for commuting no question.
If I was a city dweller then it would be fixie for commuting no question.
skudupnorth
Cycling Skoda lover
- Location
- Astley,Manchester
Even resonable hills are do'able on the fixed and yes going down them is "interesting" ! laughed about the going over speed humps ! I've done that on my first few and nearly launched myself over the bars !
brockers
Senior Member
- Location
- hollowed out volcano
Amen to that ! I've had a fixed pub/shopping/intense workout bike for years and I've never understood that 'harmony' thing either. Always struck me as a bit pretentious to be honest. Riding fixed is just different, that's all. (Sorry, yes I know the topic is SS !). I need 42x18 to get up some of the short sharp hills around here too, which means pedalling like a clown on the flat . Actually, I'm a bit over this fixed fashion, and reckon I'll be sticking cheap gears back on for the autumn and winter. I'm mid 40's now and have to start thinking of my knees !
Xiorell
Über Member
- Location
- Merthyr, Wales
Hmm, interesting.
I don't think I'd go buy one yet, but I might be tempted to make a Single Speed when I find my fixer-upper bike I'm looking out for, and see what it's all about.
I don't think I'd go buy one yet, but I might be tempted to make a Single Speed when I find my fixer-upper bike I'm looking out for, and see what it's all about.
fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
Going down them on the other hand ...
You just need a fire extinguisher at the bottom !
There are very few zealots out there who ONLY ride Fixed-Gear or ONLY ride Single-Speed.
I live in a fairly hilly part of the Welsh Marches, so there are routes I'd rather not do on a Fixed-Gear.
I can get over the Malvern Hills on my 69" fixed-gear road bike, but it's not as much fun as it might be.
At the end of the day, it's just another flavour of Ice Cream.
I adore Pistachio, but will happily eat lots of other flavours too... preferably in huge quantity.
I think an absence of gears on a bike is huge fun, but there are rides I'd rather have lots of gears for.
My elder son (15) thinks the whole notion of riding fixed-gear is nuts.
He's quite right, but setting fire to rolled leaves and inhaling the smoke is also nuts and I used to do that 20 times a day... and loved it.
Turning grape juice into alcohol, bottling it and drinking it some years later is also nuts.... but I get quite excited about doing that... well, the last bit.
Where would we be without things that are seemingly nuts?
I wrote that with a triumphant flourish, but reading it back I think I've just blown my case for the defence clean out of the water...
I live in a fairly hilly part of the Welsh Marches, so there are routes I'd rather not do on a Fixed-Gear.
I can get over the Malvern Hills on my 69" fixed-gear road bike, but it's not as much fun as it might be.
At the end of the day, it's just another flavour of Ice Cream.
I adore Pistachio, but will happily eat lots of other flavours too... preferably in huge quantity.
I think an absence of gears on a bike is huge fun, but there are rides I'd rather have lots of gears for.
My elder son (15) thinks the whole notion of riding fixed-gear is nuts.
He's quite right, but setting fire to rolled leaves and inhaling the smoke is also nuts and I used to do that 20 times a day... and loved it.
Turning grape juice into alcohol, bottling it and drinking it some years later is also nuts.... but I get quite excited about doing that... well, the last bit.
Where would we be without things that are seemingly nuts?
I wrote that with a triumphant flourish, but reading it back I think I've just blown my case for the defence clean out of the water...
PoweredByVeg
Über Member
- Location
- Lingwood/Norwich
I'm a veggie and I wish I had a single speed to go with my other bikes
cyberknight
As long as I breathe, I attack.
- Location
- Land of confusion
[QUOTE 1387267"]
Gears are for wimps.
[/quote]
I think that is a bit of a knee jerk reaction unless of course you were just being flippant.
dependent on your terrain,load carried and other factors i am sure i cant think of this early dictates whether you would be better with gears or single speed.
If you live in a flat part of the country and do not carry heavy loads then a SS would be perfect
If you live in hillier areas and carry a lot then gears are a lot more useful to keep you in the efficient rpm range.
I would never consider using a SS for my commute as it is very hilly around here and i can be carrying another 20 llbs of stuff on a bad day but that is just me.
Gears are for wimps.
[/quote]
I think that is a bit of a knee jerk reaction unless of course you were just being flippant.
dependent on your terrain,load carried and other factors i am sure i cant think of this early dictates whether you would be better with gears or single speed.
If you live in a flat part of the country and do not carry heavy loads then a SS would be perfect
If you live in hillier areas and carry a lot then gears are a lot more useful to keep you in the efficient rpm range.
I would never consider using a SS for my commute as it is very hilly around here and i can be carrying another 20 llbs of stuff on a bad day but that is just me.
