Fixed gear question - descending

[Mark McM]

Originally Posted by pdonk

Think I may add a front brake and cheap tires to the bike next year for outdoor riding.

As others noted, it is ill-advised, and in fact can be quite dangerous, to ride a fixed gear bike on the road without a brake. You never know when a car will put out in front of you, or a child or dog will run out in the road, or even just heading down a hill that is too steep to control your speed.

In addition, riding a fixed gear on the road can even be illegal. According to CPSC regulations, all bikes sold in the US except track bikes (riding in competition on velodromes) must have brakes; so riding a track bike on the road is a bit of a grey area. But local laws may also apply - here in Massachusetts, all bikes ridden on the the must have brakes. One could argue that back pedaling a fixed gear bike is a form of braking, but the braking distance requirements (stop in 30 feet from a speed of 15 mph, an average deceleration rate of 0.25g) may be difficult if not not impossible for a fixed gear bike to meet.

[ridethecliche]

Originally Posted by pdonk

Think I may add a front brake and cheap tires to the bike next year for outdoor riding.

Thanks for the advice. .

Yeah, I was gonna suggest the front brake option. It'll make your life easier and your knees will thank you.

[slowpoke]

Originally Posted by Xrslug

With your foot on the tire. Not fun. I also used a front brake with my fixed gear — nice insurance policy and easier on the knees.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH5W1Z23wPg

[Gummee]

Originally Posted by p nut

If I build another fixed gear, I’ll put on front and rear brakes.

That's exactly what I did with my rain/winter/bad weather fixed gear bike since I'm old and don't bounce any more.

Juin Tech brakes and compressionless housing

M

[Wunder]

Definitely run at least one real brake (front preferable). My fixed gear is set with a 46T in the front and a 17T/15T flip flop in the rear, front rim brake. I mostly use the 46/17 but agree a 46/15 would paradoxically be better in hilly terrain as it's easier to go downhill without a crazy cadence. You should NEVER ride brakeless on open roads, espeically if there are hills.