Fixie for the commute?

[Yazzoo]

I'm still undecided, following on from this thread - https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/not-sure-what-im-looking-for-help-please.186616/

It has been suggested to me that as my commute is short and flat a fixie/single speed may be the way to go - cheap, less maintenance, less to go wrong potentially etc!

My concern is that I'll need a rear rack and mudguards - I've seen a fixie with guards (think they were clip on) but not sure about rack - does anyone know of any that have proper fittings? I need to carry a laptop and lots of paperwork etc so needs to be a proper rack really. Do any fixies come with rear rack mounts?

 

[Lonestar]

I ride fixie but if you are worried about maintenance then single speed is a better option.(IMHO)
I've got a rear clip on mudguard but nothing on the front.No space on my for a rack but I use a rucksack.

 

[Yazzoo]

If it's not too personal a question. . . . do you not get a sweaty back cycling with a rucksack?

 

[Spike on a bike]

I don't have a fixie but I do use a rucksack for commuting and I do sometimes depending how cold it is

 

[vickster]

My Pearson single speed will take a rack and mudguards were I to choose to add them

I wouldn't ride with a laptop in a rucksack, I don't want to risk my neck or back in a fall

You don't need rack mounts to mount a rack on a steel or all bike, you can use p clips, like I have on the px

 

[Kaatje]

I think (and this is just my opinion) in general clip on mudguards are best for fixies. This is because on a semi regular basis the chain will need to be tensioned by pulling the wheel back and fixed mudguards could make it more awkward to achieve. Some bikes come with a fitted chain tension adjuster, a screw that mean you don't always have to pull the wheel back.

 

[Yazzoo]

ah thank you all, more to think about lol!

 

[mcshroom]

If you are wanting a rugged fixie with clearance, and room for a rack/guards, then the On One Pompino is a pretty good choice: -

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CBOOPOMPKOJ/on-one-pompino-drop-bar-urban-bike

I have a Trek 4th District which has 25mm tyres, guards and a rack, but they stopped making those a few years ago unfortunately so not much help

 

[vickster]

This is the current Pearson offering, not cheap but you get something a bit special IMO

http://road.cc/content/news/75439-just-pearson-cycles-once-more-unto-breach

The steel version is available
http://www.pearsoncycles.co.uk/pearson-now-you-see-me-27#

 

[Yazzoo]

oh that is nice, but like you say, not cheap - must restrain oneself!

 

[Lonestar]

If it's not too personal a question. . . . do you not get a sweaty back cycling with a rucksack?

No.I sweat like firk anyway but not so much there.

 

[swee'pea99]

I'm slightly baffled. Most fixies are just old steel frame bikes with gears removed and wheels re-dished. All the usual fittings for thing like mudguards and racks are still as they were. I suppose brand new ones might be different. But if you have basic mechanical skills and a bunch of spanners, converting an old bike is not at all difficult, and it's much more satisfying than just going shopping.

 

[vickster]

But if you have basic mechanical skills and a bunch of spanners, converting an old bike is not at all difficult, and it's much more satisfying than just going shopping.

I disagree...this may be a gender thing...I think the OP is of the fairer and superior sex too

 

[Yazzoo]

I'm slightly baffled. Most fixies are just old steel frame bikes with gears removed and wheels re-dished. All the usual fittings for thing like mudguards and racks are still as they were. I suppose brand new ones might be different. But if you have basic mechanical skills and a bunch of spanners, converting an old bike is not at all difficult, and it's much more satisfying than just going shopping.

hi, I'm the most un-mechanically minded person you'll ever meet....

...although whilst rustling around in my hand bag at a bar the other night I did manage to produce a 13mm spanner so maybe there's hope for me yet!

 

[Yazzoo]

I disagree...this may be a gender thing...I think the OP is of the fairer and superior sex too

Quite right @vickster!

If I thought i had a clue what I was doing mechanically I'd like to build my own but I'd prob find myself with a restraining order from the LBS or knowledgable club guys pretty soon