derrick
The Glue that binds us together.
- Location
- On the edge of London
Been on the fixie since september, just love it, have front and rear brakes, good luck with yours.
first time fixed gear
- Thread starter getinthevan
- Start date
Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.
D
Deleted member 1258
Guest
Another one with two brakes on his fixed here, as others have said the gearing is a bit high, I run 44x18 on mine, 65 inch gear.
derrick
The Glue that binds us together.
- Location
- On the edge of London
I'am running 48x 14 now, still playing around with that though, i think i have it right for my commutting.
D
Deleted member 1258
Guest
Thats a huge gear, is it totally flat round by you?
derrick
The Glue that binds us together.
- Location
- On the edge of London
Yes pretty flat route there are a couple of small bumps, have tried a 17, 15, 13, tooth on the back am now on a 14, the seventeen i just seem to be spinning to much, will see how it goes when the other half gets back on her bike, was going to have a few runs on the fixie with her, that way she should keep up.
ayceejay
Guru
- Location
- Rural Quebec
After I fractured my pelvis and was in the rehabilitation stage I needed to regain my strength and my confidence, balancing and stopping suddenly were the biggest obstacles or worries. I have always ridden fixed for at least part of the season so I spent some weeks with my fixed bike fixed to a trainer and this proved to be a success: can I suggest that you do the same thereby bypassing the thing that rightly worries you while building up strength and flexibility.
Scilly Suffolk
Über Member
Spin to win!
One of the reasons racers switch to fixed in the Winter, is to up their cadence; it's also more mechanically efficient and easier on your knees.
derrick
The Glue that binds us together.
- Location
- On the edge of London
It's more fun on the rollers.
OP
OP
getinthevan
Member
- Location
- North West, UK
Just a quick update if anyone is interested/bothered.
Been riding the bike for about 6 weeks now, and I'm a lot more confident on it, also my ankle is about 90% now, which is good!
I found myself never ever using the rear brake, so I've took it off. I've learnt to control most of my speed using my legs, I hardly use the front brake tbh, unless i need to stop quicker. Don't worry though, I'm not stupid enough to take that one off!
I didn't like the bars much, so I've cut the drops off and flipped them into bullhorns. (no point buying a set when i can make my own with what I've got!)
The bike feels really comfortable to ride now.
Oh and i took advantage of a but of snow a few days ago and learnt how to skid stop in it. i can almost do it in the saddle now, but not quite there yet!
I'll post a pic of the bike later on
Been riding the bike for about 6 weeks now, and I'm a lot more confident on it, also my ankle is about 90% now, which is good!
I found myself never ever using the rear brake, so I've took it off. I've learnt to control most of my speed using my legs, I hardly use the front brake tbh, unless i need to stop quicker. Don't worry though, I'm not stupid enough to take that one off!
I didn't like the bars much, so I've cut the drops off and flipped them into bullhorns. (no point buying a set when i can make my own with what I've got!)
The bike feels really comfortable to ride now.
Oh and i took advantage of a but of snow a few days ago and learnt how to skid stop in it. i can almost do it in the saddle now, but not quite there yet!
I'll post a pic of the bike later on
Just a quick update if anyone is interested/bothered.
Been riding the bike for about 6 weeks now, and I'm a lot more confident on it, also my ankle is about 90% now, which is good!
I found myself never ever using the rear brake, so I've took it off. I've learnt to control most of my speed using my legs, I hardly use the front brake tbh, unless i need to stop quicker. Don't worry though, I'm not stupid enough to take that one off!
I didn't like the bars much, so I've cut the drops off and flipped them into bullhorns. (no point buying a set when i can make my own with what I've got!)
The bike feels really comfortable to ride now.
Oh and i took advantage of a but of snow a few days ago and learnt how to skid stop in it. i can almost do it in the saddle now, but not quite there yet!
I'll post a pic of the bike later on
I have only used my rear brake a couple of times in the 5 years I have been riding fixed but boy was I pleased it was there to use.
fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
derrick
The Glue that binds us together.
- Location
- On the edge of London
I like the bull horns on mine, perfect for commuting.
OP
OP
getinthevan
Member
- Location
- North West, UK
heres the bike.
bars cut into bulls with new tape, and an ass saver on the back of the saddle.
bars cut into bulls with new tape, and an ass saver on the back of the saddle.
Boris Bajic
Guest
I found myself never ever using the rear brake, so I've took it off. I've learnt to control most of my speed using my legs, I hardly use the front brake tbh, unless i need to stop quicker. Don't worry though, I'm not stupid enough to take that one off!
I didn't like the bars much, so I've cut the drops off and flipped them into bullhorns. (no point buying a set when i can make my own with what I've got!)
The bike feels really comfortable to ride now.
I'll post a pic of the bike later on
I built my fixie without a rear brake some years ago and within a week had put it back on. If you do any faster descents (30mph+ feels pretty fast fixed), then it is not a bad idea to have two brakes.
I rarely use my rear, but on a fast descent it's noce to know it's there. My gearing changes, but is in the 65-69" area, which means descending at 33-35mph is realistic. At those speeds it is nice to have that extra bit of retardation when you feel the need.
As to home-made bullhorns, I did the same thing. They are OK, but I do think it was a better ride before I took a hacksaw to them.
Keep enjoying the bike!
