|
|
|
|
|
|
#1
09-01-2019, 09:17 AM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Fixie fascination...
I have really been enjoying my new SS bike.
It came with a flip-flop hub so today I decided to flip the flop and go fixie. Ok that was close  My first lift off came about a mile from my house when my legs decided to stop go in circles. I almost shot off the bike.My next pavement eating experience came when I took my first corner at speed. Thank god for high bottom brackets. My last near get-off was when squirrel ran out in front of me  So what is the fascination on the street? And how do the messenger types stop without brakes? The only real positive is that it felt easier to pedal as each pedal is served on a platter for the next push. 
|
|
#2
09-01-2019, 01:00 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
THey just counter pedal, once you have been doing it for a while the legs are strong enough and is not problem to stop quick.
If you need to stop right away just bunny hop the rear wheel and counter pedal, the bike will skid and will stop even faster. THe technique using fix gear definitely is different to anything else but you will get used quick. I would advice you to go to your parking lot and do a lot of standing in one place, that will get you used to the stopping and going, same with practicing moving the handlebar because feet and handlebar position you have to have that synchronized as much as possible. Fix gear will help you a lot with the pedaling technique, makes you better. Hope this helps.
|
|
#3
09-01-2019, 02:38 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
It takes a while to get used to and you really need to have the right gear ratio or it sucks. I’ve ridden a lot of miles on a fixed gear but it’s not for everyone. How to stop without brakes? Basically you skid and eventually ruin your tire. I knew and used to ride with a lot of brakeless riders that were very skilled but they went through a lot of tires. One guy I knew would slide the back end of the bike back and forth completely locked up for 100ft at a time to stop down steep hills. I know it’s dumb but he made it work so it’s possible if you’re good enough, but 99% of riders aren’t skilled enough for brakeless.
|
|
#4
09-01-2019, 02:56 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Thanks guys. I am surprised how much it took me out of my comfort zone. I am not sure I will stick with it. The corners are the biggest negative for me.
We are also pretty hilly around here and winding up my legs like an egg beater seems silly.
|
|
#5
09-01-2019, 03:10 PM
|
||||
|
||||
|
track bikes are so cool.
|
|
#6
09-01-2019, 04:07 PM
|
||||
|
||||
|
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
|
|
#8
09-01-2019, 04:18 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Quote:
|
|
#9
09-01-2019, 04:37 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Welcome the to the world of fixed gears!
I'm one of those strange humans who actually likes the feel of a fixed gear more than a freewheel. I've never quite put it into words, but there is an element of control and "one-ness" with the bike that nothing else quite gets close to. Learning how to spin without spinning out or bouncing is a life lesson that really makes you smooth (or you find yourself in a ditch!). Keep those gears low and knees happy! Front brake is mandatory for the road if you want to live to an old age. Four fixed gears in my stable, two from my coaches when I was a kid at the St. Louis Cycling Club. All get used... 1924 DOT Bike (Chester Nelsen Sr.'s Olympic Training Bike) 1946 DOT Bike (Chester Nelsen Jr's Olympic Training Bike) 1984 Gitane Kilo (Their el-chepo club model) 2009 Bianchi Pista Chrome (With a gazillion miles on it - daily trainer) Enjoy! Joel
|
|
#10
09-01-2019, 07:12 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Quote:
I guess you just need to slow for corners to avoid pedal strike?
|
|
#11
09-01-2019, 07:19 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Quote:
...and learn where your pedals are going to hit BEFORE it becomes a problem. I found out the limit on my CX bike last Wed... Better to learn in practice before you find it on the road. M
|
|
#13
09-01-2019, 08:35 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
I still ride my fixed gear occasionally. I used to ride it quite a bit as it was my only road bike. I did several century rides and lots of grueling mountain climbs. The bike is so simple. Clean lines. No cables going to the back (just one for the front brake). Love it. Give Wabi bikes a look.
|
|
#14
09-01-2019, 10:09 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
I rode my fixed 42x17 from Menlo Park to the Stanford mini-loop yesterday. Sure, climbing wasn’t ideal and I had to control my speed on descents with my legs and front brake. But there is nothing I enjoy more than the connected feeling of one gear with no coasting.
Last edited by scottcw2; 09-02-2019 at 12:02 AM.
|
|
#15
09-01-2019, 10:43 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Fixed is way more fun in the city with fat tires.
The Scorcher will teach you.
|
 |
|
|
Hybrid Mode
