Fixies

[scouserinlondon]

I'm new to cycling and don't want to get shot down for my obvious ignorance. But I'm a bit confused as to the attraction of single speed and fixies.

There seems to be two types of user. Super, uber fit courier types, who are stick thin and has hard as a coffin nail.

Everybody else....

Are fixies a fashion statement or are they for the true athlete?

Please don't beat me up for asking.

 

[RedBike]

They're not really for the beginner if thats what you mean; but suprisingly unless you're in hilly terrain they're not that much harder or slower than 'normal'.

 

[swee'pea99]

They're not slower at all. In fact, given that most are built round good frames, with very little on them other than a couple of wheels and a saddle, they're faster.

 

[Yellow Fang]

I think they're a bit fashionable. Couriers used to cycle them and the chic caught on. I may be wrong, but I think the couriers used to build their own fixies out of old track bikes. I doubt the new fixies with the coloured wheel rims are bought by couriers much.

 

[MajorMantra]

Are fixies a fashion statement or are they for the true athlete?

Both, and everything in between.

Matthew

 

[scouserinlondon]

[quote name='swee'pea99']They're not slower at all. In fact, given that most are built round good frames, with very little on them other than a couple of wheels and a saddle, they're faster.[/quote]
but I spose you have to get a decent one or all the weight benefit is lost in big heavy steel.

 

[Molecule Man]

Lots more about fixies here.

 

[Dan B]

[quote name='swee'pea99']They're not slower at all. In fact, given that most are built round good frames, with very little on them other than a couple of wheels and a saddle, they're faster.[/quote]
Which is why you see them consistently winning against geared bikes in races

 

[swee'pea99]

Which is why you see them consistently winning against geared bikes in races

You do when I'm on my commute.

More seriously, in a straight head to head between a fixie and a good racer over a racing distance, the racer will win. You run out of gear, and there's only so fast you can spin your legs, and for so long.

But for the kind of riding I do - urban routes measured in hundreds of metres rather than 10s of Ks - the fixie is indeed faster, simply because you're in the gear you would be in anyway, 90% of the time, and you're carrying less weight.

Oh, and to answer the earlier post, steel doesn't need to be heavy. Most fixies are made out of steel that isn't. (Reynolds 653 inmy case, eg)

 

[RedBike]

Which is why you see them consistently winning against geared bikes in races

They do reguarly do very well in time trials. Somewhat irronically particularly hill climbs.

I've even noticed that my fixie is slightly QUICKER riding to work than my geared bike. I've always put this down to the fact the fixie encourages me to try harder on the hills. There's no sitting back and lazily spinning up anything.

Would I race on the fixie though? No way.
Any sort of gearing that would keep me up with the peleton when they fly down a hill is going to leave me well and truely over-geared for sprinting out of those slow bends or up that climb. I wouldn't stand a chance of keeping up.

 

[fossyant]

There are the trendy fixies, then the more utilitarian ones like this.....

Which is basically a road bike without gears, and has guards - it's my work bike for all weathers. I live in a hilly area, and so long as you pick an appropriate ratio you are fine. They are harder to ride in hilly areas, but are great for building fitness and spinning flexibility. I can climb drags as fast as my road bikes, but down hill is a little limited to about 33mph, but that's fine on my commute as the cars slow you down....

It weighs a respectable 8kg's though (with guards and pedals).

Other big advantage is lack of gears for maintaining. I get in from wet rides, wipe chain, re-oil, then wash the bike.....easy (but this lot will tell you I like a clean bike ).

Certainly not for beginners, but they don't half get you fit.

 

[Rhys_Po]

What make is that? Carbon forks and seatpost? Steel lined track dropouts? Looks very, very similar to my Pearson Touche. Although I believe red is a far more aerodynamic colour than blue.

 

[zimzum42]

My fixie's basically a road bike with no gears, have got it set up a bit like a TT bike at the mo, but Singapore's so flat you don't really need gears anyway.....

 

[User482]

Single speed, I can just about understand if you live somewhere fairly flat. But IMO, fixies are pretty dangerous for urban use.

 

[zimzum42]

I can see why you might think so, but only if you're riding brakeless, which is fairly idiotic...

I don't notice any loss in braking power through having only the front brake...