I have two. but they do not fall into the "trendy" category. Sensible handlebar width, mudguards, dynamo, lights, rack, brakes back and front, gearing in the low to mid 60s, they are practical, low maintenance and great fun to ride.
Last October, I put together my "winter" fixed, a skip rescue gas pipe special 1970s 10 speed low end road bike, cottered cranks, steel wheels, a touch on the heavy side and running a 62" gear ratio. It cost peanuts to build (I doubled the price by fitting a Lidl pannier rack!), in the great scheme of things , it is a heap of shoot, yet in many ways, it's become my favourite bike. I took the advice of an old club cyclist I know in going for such a low gear ratio and I really have learned how to spin, it's quite easy on all but the steepest hills, insane but great fun on the way back down and I have reached a stage where I can comfortably maintain 19-20 mph (22.5 on a really good day) on the flat which I think is just over 100rpm cadence. I never use the high gears on my geared road bikes anymore, it's really is easier and more efficient to spin (this coming from a former grinder).
As it's worthless, I never need to worry about it getting nicked or damaged or don't feel the need to clean it. I just get on it and ride and "Mickle method" the chain when it looks dirty. To me it is the ultimate in practical, low cost, low maintenance human powered transportation. The trendy fixed gear brigade would laugh at it but that's their problem, not mine.
Last October, I put together my "winter" fixed, a skip rescue gas pipe special 1970s 10 speed low end road bike, cottered cranks, steel wheels, a touch on the heavy side and running a 62" gear ratio. It cost peanuts to build (I doubled the price by fitting a Lidl pannier rack!), in the great scheme of things , it is a heap of shoot, yet in many ways, it's become my favourite bike. I took the advice of an old club cyclist I know in going for such a low gear ratio and I really have learned how to spin, it's quite easy on all but the steepest hills, insane but great fun on the way back down and I have reached a stage where I can comfortably maintain 19-20 mph (22.5 on a really good day) on the flat which I think is just over 100rpm cadence. I never use the high gears on my geared road bikes anymore, it's really is easier and more efficient to spin (this coming from a former grinder).
As it's worthless, I never need to worry about it getting nicked or damaged or don't feel the need to clean it. I just get on it and ride and "Mickle method" the chain when it looks dirty. To me it is the ultimate in practical, low cost, low maintenance human powered transportation. The trendy fixed gear brigade would laugh at it but that's their problem, not mine.
