'Fixed' bikes...

[domtyler]

Out of my three bikes, a 2006 Focus Cayo, winter bike made of various parts and every accessory going and my Dolan fixie, only one makes me feel excited every time when I come to ride it, and that is the Dolan. Just such a sheer joy to ride, not sure whether it is just because it is fixed wheel but that is definitely a major part of it.

 

[Fab Foodie]

marketing, a trend started by couriers? I'm 47 and have had a fixed in my collection since I was 14 - long before the current fashion started - I did race the track as a youngster and there was a general practice of riding fixed in the winter for 'clubmen'.

Good for climbing (look at the national hill climb results), maintaining momentum in a head wind and great for commuting. Far less maintenance, less to go wrong, and less to be tampered with when you leave it outside work all day

Been 'fixing' since 1983...oh, those retro couriers eh!
But, the recent "Courier Chic" thing has lead to an explosion in the popularity of fixed bikes, no doubt. IMO it's a good thing, more people experience what many of us discovered a long time ago. 5 years ago, to see another fixie was a rarity, now they're everywhere and people love them...and so they should. It's simple pleasure.

 

[Landslide]

I think it's jumped the shark...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/New-Track-Bik...ryZ33503QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Dayvo]

Been 'fixing' since 1983...oh, those retro couriers eh!

Yeah, what is it with those couriers who claim to have 'encouraged' the fashion/become the trend-setters of cycling?

My very first bike was a fixed-wheel from 1963.
It was red, with a yellow saddle, and I was three-years-old!

 

[yello]

:But, the recent "Courier Chic" thing has lead to an explosion in the popularity of fixed bikes, no doubt

Too right! And I count myself amongst that number of trend followers when I bought my Pompino around 3 years ago. If it hadn't been for the 'noise' then I wouldn't have even thought about it. Though, in honesty, my first fixed experience (ignoring the tricycle!) was 34 years ago when I had a go at grass track... and really couldn't get on with.

 

[Dave5N]

It won't develop his social skills, though!

I hope you mean Bonj and not me...

 

[Dave5N]

It's a serious offer by the way. You could have a good day on the track, try some sprints, group riding, even Keirins or at least Derny paced riding.

 

[NickM]

...only one makes me feel excited every time when I come to ride it, and that is the Dolan...

Come on, be honest - it's the frisson of fear associated with the nagging thought that you might forget to keep pedalling, isn't it?

I've sold my fixie - I reckon you need to ride them all the time for that remnant of doubt to go away, and I didn't want to.

 

[Dayvo]

I hope you mean Bonj and not me...

Well, if the cap fits . . . !

No, of course I meant bonj!
Unless you have a habit of upsetting all and sundry.