Fixed bike thoughts

[Profpointy]

I once had a go on a fixie, around 30 years ago, and after a couple of "wobbles" I knew I wanted one, despite it seeming daft on so many logical reasons. Well, nearly 30 years on I did get one. It cried "spupid purchase" - middle aged bloke, somewhat unfit, not cycled for a good while and to top it all, living in a hilly city - and I ended up dropping £1100 odd on a Condor, albeit with an element of "cycle to work" tax fiddle. I got the hang of it riding from Clerkenwell to Ealing and had no trouble since - and instantly knew it was a great purchase. Although fixieness is a good part of the pleasure, it must be said the Condor (Tempo) is a lovely bike, which fits me perfectly, so at least some of the appeal is that it's a nice bike regardless of transmission. I've commuted - short but hilly 7miles on it around 80% of the time - but been off games for a fortnight now after an "off" - harrumph !

Mine is (nice) steel framed, mudguards, pannier rack both brakes, brooks saddle etc. all of which I regard as essential

Anyhow, a long winded post to say go for it !

Enjoy

 

[MrGrumpy]

the price on those are certainly on the up, bought my first one in 2007 for £400, which was subsequently replaced under warranty for this years model. Are they now over £500?? Don't seem worth the money now.

 

[PpPete]

Have you ever ridden a fixie for any length of time? If you haven't I'd advise you do so to find out if it suits you or buy a cheapie converted.

's what I did. £80 Reynolds 531 frame off fleabay, wheels and bits and bobs from the "stock" in the garage. £2.99 fixed sprocket.
Liked it, and I've never bothered buying a "proper" fixie.

One of my sons is a keen cyclist and I've just done a similar one for him.....a few years back he wouldn't have been seen dead on anything but his MTB at school, now road bikes are the "in" thing and the fixie trend is just taking off.

 

[AndyPeace]

Have you ever ridden a fixie for any length of time? If you haven't I'd advise you do so to find out if it suits you or buy a cheapie converted.

I'm lusting for a shinny new bike mate I do think a fixie will suit me and it's an easy 'extra' bike to justify but I think your right, so I'm going to convert the bike in my icon as a taster, ride it till xmas then give it away to my nephew.

 

[Ian H]

's what I did. £80 Reynolds 531 frame off fleabay, wheels and bits and bobs from the "stock" in the garage. £2.99 fixed sprocket.
Liked it, and I've never bothered buying a "proper" fixie.
.

That is a proper fixed-wheel.

 

[AndyPeace]

Well I got around to converting the Old Blue Bike to fixed. It's intended as 'just for fun' and will be passed on to my nephew, if I haven't concluded it's a total death trap. Had a quick spin and it feels great so far. One problem I knew about and have yet to sort is the rear wheel OLD which is 130mm on the frame, put 5mm spacers either side of the locknuts as a temporary measure but will try to sort this out properly tommorow.