fixed/single...idiots guide please ?

[JohnRedcoRn]

i'm curious about these bikes. were all bikes like this then did someone invent gears ? are they a specialised interest bike? are they just really for pootling around town on the flat ? are they the sort of thing my dad wouldve rode to the pit and back - big leather seat and (i think) caliper brakes) and the old policemans bikes ?

may be just a bloke thing but i'm fascinated and keen to learn about old bikes, all the diferent types and the evolution, mechanics etc. the lightness of my bike amazes me when i remember my last one as a lad in 70's - 80's) any good websites (nowt too dry and academic!)

 

[ColinJ]

i'm curious about these bikes. were all bikes like this then did someone invent gears ? are they a specialised interest bike? are they just really for pootling around town on the flat ? are they the sort of thing my dad wouldve rode to the pit and back - big leather seat and (i think) caliper brakes) and the old policemans bikes ?

may be just a bloke thing but i'm fascinated and keen to learn about old bikes, all the diferent types and the evolution, mechanics etc. the lightness of my bike amazes me when i remember my last one as a lad in 70's - 80's) any good websites (nowt too dry and academic!)

Google is your friend !

 

[MessenJah]

were all bikes like this then did someone invent gears ?

almost, yes

are they a specialised interest bike?

in some cases (for example fixie fashionistas, NJS track component collectors), yes, but other cases (for example track racing, commuting in holland, cycle couriers), no.

are they just really for pootling around town on the flat ?

yes and no, it depends entirely on the person.

are they the sort of thing my dad wouldve rode to the pit and back...?

I don't know your dad so I can't answer that.

 

[JohnRedcoRn]

fashionistas ? is that like gentleman cyclists who sit upright, pedal slowly, wear trousers with clips, good quality brogues, tweed or mohair jacket and a stonking great handlebar moustache ?

i was thinking of starting a club like this

 

[Andy Pandy]

i was thinking of starting a club like this

Can I join?

 

[JohnRedcoRn]

yes, all gents welcome. sorry ladies, but we're going all 'olden days' here ; you girls will have to have your own club - long skirts and basket on the front of the bike, he he.
no lycra, its not decent

 

[Oddjob62]

Bike question? Just ask Sheldon
http://sheldonbrown.com/fixed/index.html

 

[iand]

fashionistas ? is that like gentleman cyclists who sit upright, pedal slowly, wear trousers with clips, good quality brogues, tweed or mohair jacket and a stonking great handlebar moustache ?

i was thinking of starting a club like this

This is for you then
http://www.thechap.net/

 

[cadseen]

A fixed is for life ! not just christmas

 

[hubgearfreak]

is that like gentleman cyclists who sit upright, pedal slowly, wear trousers with clips, good quality brogues, tweed or mohair jacket and a stonking great handlebar moustache ?

i was thinking of starting a club like this

http://www.tweed.cc/