Fixie fascination...

[duff_duffy]

Now here is how you ride a fixed gear! Very cool tricks ~
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgF_j1FPxhk

[GOTHBROOKS]

coolest trick you can do on a track bike is go fast.

[redir]

Originally Posted by David Kirk

During my youth I had a number of years when my only road bike was not really a road bike but was instead a track bike....fixed gear and no brakes. I commuted 20 miles each way quite often and in time you get the feel for it and stop getting tossed over the bars when you forget that you can't ever just stop pedaling....ever.

I was in my 20's and being young I was also stupid and full of testosterone and I took odd pride in this being my only road bike. I get tempted at times now to build another fixed gear bike and one thing's for sure - it would have brakes!

dave

Exact same for me too. when I was about 19 I think I got a Panasonic Track bike from my roomate who was a messer in NYC. IT was such a beautiful bike and the first real bike I ever owned. I didn't really even know any better and he taught me how to stop without brakes but I had some scary moments for sure

IDK if anyone mentioned this already but... THey make brakes that clamp to your front fork for track bikes that do not have brake bosses. That is what I use currently and with that you can ride down any hill no worries. Just Google "Kerin Brake."

[bigman]

this thread inspired to ride my Ritchey breakaway fixie this evening
Thx

[citycyclist247]

It is so fun. It makes you more proactive vs reactive. I’ve ridden with no brakes once to get to shop so they could install the brake. I ride with a front brake.

Also don’t recommend going full speed in traffic. Have done it a few times. It’s exhilarating but if someone else makes a bad decision(u turn, change of lane) it can go bad.

[K3RRY]

It’s cool for tricks, but I don’t see much benefit other than that.

[YesNdeed]

Originally Posted by duff_duffy

Now here is how you ride a fixed gear! Very cool tricks ~
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgF_j1FPxhk

Really is amazing.

[scottcw2]

Originally Posted by K3RRY

It’s cool for tricks, but I don’t see much benefit other than that.

It teaches a smooth pedal cadence, using your legs, not just brakes, to modulate speed, how to anticipate and avoid hazards. Those are just a few of the many benefits not related to tricks.

[K3RRY]

Originally Posted by scottcw2

It teaches a smooth pedal cadence, using your legs, not just brakes, to modulate speed, how to anticipate and avoid hazards. Those are just a few of the many benefits not related to tricks.

Cool. Makes sense. Would you say it’s better to learn on a fixie first then a regular freewheel bike?

[citycyclist247]

Originally Posted by K3RRY

Cool. Makes sense. Would you say it’s better to learn on a fixie first then a regular freewheel bike?

I think that the average person will ride freewheel before riding fixed. Learning to ride is much easier on a freewheel. Once you get the balance down you can go to fixed. Riding on both will help someone as a cyclist and human being overall.

[scottcw2]

Originally Posted by K3RRY

Would you say it’s better to learn on a fixie first then a regular freewheel bike?

Is this a serious question?

[K3RRY]

Originally Posted by scottcw2

Is this a serious question?

Lol. I can see how it can come off as a joke but I am serious.

Maybe I should have reworded it: “Would it be beneficial to train on a fixie for roadies?”

[citycyclist247]

Originally Posted by mtechnica

175mm cranks on a fixie is a really bad idea

It is, 170 and under is the way to go.

[scottcw2]

Originally Posted by K3RRY

Lol. I can see how it can come off as a joke but I am serious.

Maybe I should have reworded it: “Would it be beneficial to train on a fixie for roadies?”

Yes. I believe some pros use fixed gear bikes to train, Lance for sure. I use mine for shorter (~15 mile) rides to keep my pedal stroke smooth.

[GOTHBROOKS]

165s were way too short for my long legs. i have 175 campy bmx cranks on my track bike now.