read my latest blog post
http://audaxing.wordpress.com/2014/06/13/no-known-fix/
http://audaxing.wordpress.com/2014/06/13/no-known-fix/
thinking about trying a fixed gear bike?
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jazzkat
Fixed wheel fanatic.
- Location
- The Cumbrian Riviera
I love riding fixed.
At first I found descending a little awkward, there are a lot of very steep hills here and after experimenting with gearing and just getting on with it I soon got used to it. While I appreciate you might not be willing to 'persevere' after all, its supposed to be fun and if you feel uncomfortable, you feel uncomfortable, but in my opinion it's worth the effort.
Having got used to it, I enjoy riding fixed more than any of my 'normal' bikes. It's made me a stronger rider, it's made me more aware of road, eg rolling up to junctions and judging the traffic (sparse around here) so I don't have to stop, it's quieter, less wear on parts. I've had a few 'moments' meeting vehicles on lanes and you soon get used to keeping pedalling while braking. These days I find riding a geared bike weird and I forget to freewheel most of the time!
Did I mention, I love riding fixed.
At first I found descending a little awkward, there are a lot of very steep hills here and after experimenting with gearing and just getting on with it I soon got used to it. While I appreciate you might not be willing to 'persevere' after all, its supposed to be fun and if you feel uncomfortable, you feel uncomfortable, but in my opinion it's worth the effort.
Having got used to it, I enjoy riding fixed more than any of my 'normal' bikes. It's made me a stronger rider, it's made me more aware of road, eg rolling up to junctions and judging the traffic (sparse around here) so I don't have to stop, it's quieter, less wear on parts. I've had a few 'moments' meeting vehicles on lanes and you soon get used to keeping pedalling while braking. These days I find riding a geared bike weird and I forget to freewheel most of the time!
Did I mention, I love riding fixed.
biggs682
Itching to get back on my bike's
- Location
- Northamptonshire
i keep trying it but just csnt quite get the right bike yet
Archie_tect
De Skieven Architek... aka Penfold + Horace
- Location
- Northumberland
I've also kept having a go but I still hate it... I need to be in control of when I want to pedal and when I don't.
wintergreen
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Sunny Manchester
I have a single speed/fixed bike. I do enjoy riding it but not for any sort of long distances. Mine is mostly used for getting into the city which is about 3 miles each way and other short journeys. It is good fun. The fixed is great for leaving locked up around the city centre as it would be relatively cheap to replace and with Manchester being quite a flat city it makes for a good city bike.
I do admire those who cover long distances riding fixed. As a middle aged man I doubt I will ever get myself into good enough shape to tackle some of the hills I ride once I go a few miles north of where I live
I do admire those who cover long distances riding fixed. As a middle aged man I doubt I will ever get myself into good enough shape to tackle some of the hills I ride once I go a few miles north of where I live
Profpointy
Legendary Member
i love mine. I had one go on a mate's one 30 years ago, and despite a near "off" at first bend I "got" it immediately and understood why you'd want one.
In a fit of insanity, despite being middle aged, unfit, and living in a hilly city I finally got one - a rather nice Condor Tempo. Despite crying out as a stupid purchase I love i and use it virtually every day to commute There's a magic directness about a fixie which is impossible to justify and has to experienced. Nonsense on one level, but if you appreciate the magic, then the magic is real
In a fit of insanity, despite being middle aged, unfit, and living in a hilly city I finally got one - a rather nice Condor Tempo. Despite crying out as a stupid purchase I love i and use it virtually every day to commute There's a magic directness about a fixie which is impossible to justify and has to experienced. Nonsense on one level, but if you appreciate the magic, then the magic is real
Smokin Joe
Squire
- Location
- Bare headed cyclist, Smoker
Back when I started virtually every club rider either had a fixed wheel bike or converted a geared bike into one for the winter. Like many I even rode time trials on one for a time. You've got to understand the purpose of a fixed wheel before you decide if it's for you or not. If you want to ride fast then forget it, they are not fast bikes because you are always in the wrong gear. They are bikes to get you about at a steady pace with a simple drive train that needs little in the way of maintaining and give you a finer degree of control than a freewheel. If you like fast descents or want to stay with the mountain goats on the climbs, or fly along with the local chain gang then forget it. Similarly if you live in a very hilly area unless you are a masochist.
The advantages are light weight and simplicity, you don't even need a rear brake. Disadvantages are lack of versatility, slow descents and limited cornering speeds. The worst thing you can do is get one just because they are fashionable. I enjoyed riding them but I wouldn't have one again because decent quality gear systems are far more affordable now than they were back in my youth so I don't have to worry about winter wear and tear.
The advantages are light weight and simplicity, you don't even need a rear brake. Disadvantages are lack of versatility, slow descents and limited cornering speeds. The worst thing you can do is get one just because they are fashionable. I enjoyed riding them but I wouldn't have one again because decent quality gear systems are far more affordable now than they were back in my youth so I don't have to worry about winter wear and tear.
