First ride out on my skip wrecked fixie

[ClichéGuevara]

Salvaged an old racer from the tip to convert to a fixie. I've greased it up and stuck a fixed wheel on it. It's still a wreck, but it's rideable, although the bottom bracket's still got a bit of play.

I had a quick ride round on it for the experience, trying a few varied stretches, including some very gentle uphills and downhills.

It's going to take a while to get used to, so I'd be interested in any tips or pointers on techniques. One thing is, I've seen clips of people skidding to a halt, but when I tried it just about bucked me off the bike and tried to snap my leg.

Another question is, is there dignified a way of getting your feet back on the pedals if the slip off downhill? I must have looked a proper wally, or maybe a tad kinky, with the pedals slapping my feet. :-)

 

[fossyant]

Ah....

First don't try leg braking. There is a technique, they usually hop the back wheel first then lock it, just don't try just to lock the wheel without hopping (i.e. wheel on road), you will pop a kneecap down the road. I can leg brake, but not skid. I don't bother leg braking much - it's not so good for the knees.

Feet on pedals - I only ride clipless. You need as a minimum the fixie straps - it's like a diagonal strap that fits flat pedals. Don't ride fixed without. I use Deore XT SPD's to secure my feet.

I commute on fixed with panniers - the bike is designed for racks and mounts. Have done for 6 years. Hills aren't an issue - the fixed gear helps, but you need to plan the effort.

Love it for the simplicity.

PS use 2 brakes though. Traffic is too unpredictable to go brakeless. Actually I use 3 brakes, two mechanical, and one set of legs. Stops super fast.

 

[ClichéGuevara]

Cheers, I figured there must be more to the braking than I thought. I've kept a front brake, so I guess I'l have to think about sticking the back brake back on. Shame as I was going for as minimalist as possible.

I'll look into the straps. Because of the bottom bracket issue, and a possible chafing from the existing front chain ring, I'm looking to change it all anyway, so new pedals will be coming anyway.

My plan is to ride this skip wreck to get a better idea of what I want.

 

[ClichéGuevara]

Well, it's all functional now, even if it looks 'distressed'.

I've had a few little rides round with uphills, down hills and head winds and I'm keen to ride it more, so I guess that's a good sign.

My plan was to do it on the cheap. I guess, I'm learning the lesson most people do, that alright, I'll have my own unique bike and the pleasure of building it, but cheap's not exactly apt.

I've some techniques to acquire, like how to snatch a breather on the move, but that's just another in the list of justifications for getting out and pedaling.

If anyone reading is in two minds about building one, my advice is, just do it. It's one thing to read others experience, but they'll tend to be the mechanics, rather than the soul.

 

[Andy_R]

Ah..............................................
PS use 2 brakes though. Traffic is too unpredictable to go brakeless. Actually I use 3 brakes, two mechanical, and one set of legs. Stops super fast.

That's a legal requirement anyway.....

 

[ClichéGuevara]

See, there's my ignorance. I just assumed that having seen a fair few with just front brakes, the fixed wheel counted as a second.

Having had a few rides round, I can see the failing in my logic and will be putting a back brake on, for my own safety and peace of mind if nothing else.

I guess it should have been obvious to me, but thanks for the heads up.

 

[palinurus]

See, there's my ignorance. I just assumed that having seen a fair few with just front brakes, the fixed wheel counted as a second.

I think it does. I just use a front for my commute bike- the route is always similar and undulating with no big hills. If I was riding somewhere with big descents I'd feel better with front and rear brakes though.

 

[palinurus]

Here's my fixed pro-tip. After a few days- hours even- you stop forgetting to keep pedalling- except when something unexpected happens, like a car pulls out on you or you see a parakeet or maybe a badger. Then a while after that you become completely used to it. After a few years you'll have a dream that you are riding your fixed gear bike and you stop pedalling and - nothing bad happens! it's just like there was a freewheel! and the cog doesn't unscrew or anything- it's all fine.

The next day your bike will kick you.

 

[Andy_R]

See, there's my ignorance. I just assumed that having seen a fair few with just front brakes, the fixed wheel counted as a second.

Having had a few rides round, I can see the failing in my logic and will be putting a back brake on, for my own safety and peace of mind if nothing else.

I guess it should have been obvious to me, but thanks for the heads up.

If you can brake with your fixed wheel, that counts as a brake. If you can't then you have to have some other mechanical means of stopping the wheel. The guff is in here