Is riding fixed gear as hard as I imagine it to be? What about fast descents?

[Deleted member 1258]

They're just a little different to a bike with a freewheel. These days I use one as my winter bike, before I retired I commuted on a fixed for many years. On a fast descent I'm comfortable up to 30-35 mph, if you get out of your comfort zone just drag a brake. Once I've stopped I just grab the nose of the saddle lift the back slightly and rotate to where I want it for starting off. Personally I find them great fun.

 

[smutchin]

Personally I find them great fun.

Same here. I got into riding fixed at a time when I'd lost my cycling mojo and just wanted to try something a bit different. It did the trick perfectly, helped me rediscover my love of riding a bike.

It may well be an anachronism but I really don't care. I also have a carbon bike with 22-speed Di2 and hydraulic disc brakes. I also have a unicycle. Variety is the spice of life.

 

[S-Express]

It's a matter of opinion. Those who ride fixed regularly will disagree. If you have never done so you won't know until you try.

Obviously I wouldn't expect 'fixed aficionados' to agree. It's still undeniably an anachronism though. Some people still love riding penny farthings as well...

 

[Ian H]

I also have a unicycle.

Any long rides?

 

[swee'pea99]

Outside of the velodrome, fixed wheel is nothing more than an anachronism. Sorry, but it is.

Aye. As are record players and 35mm cameras. And yet some people still love 'em. There's nowt s'strange as folk, eh?

 

[smutchin]

Any long rides?

I almost made it to the end of the drive once.

 

[Ian H]

Obviously I wouldn't expect 'fixed aficionados' to agree. It's still undeniably an anachronism though. Some people still love riding penny farthings as well...

simplicity isn't anachronistic.

 

[DCLane]

Anyone want one. Mine is now surplus to requirements.

If it'd fit me, possibly. I'd like to try it rather than just on the occasional track session.

 

[smutchin]

Obviously I wouldn't expect 'fixed aficionados' to agree. It's still undeniably an anachronism though. Some people still love riding penny farthings as well...

For that matter, diamond-frame uprights are an anachronism. Imagine what bikes would look like nowadays if it weren't for the UCI...

 

[I like Skol]

It's good training and ideal for commuting. Going downhill takes a bit of practice. Simplicity also cuts maintenance time.

Anyone want one. Mine is now surplus to requirements.

If you weren't such a short-arse I wouldn't mind borrowing it for a while to see what it is like (you know I would look after it like it was my own ). @potsy also has one that he isn't using anymore, why can't I have some mates that are a 'normal' height?

 

[DCLane]

If you weren't such a short-arse I wouldn't mind borrowing it for a while to see what it is like (you know I would look after it like it was my own ). @potsy also has one that he isn't using anymore, why can't I have some mates that are a 'normal' height?

They are normal. It's you that's the odd one out

 

[S-Express]

simplicity isn't anachronistic.

Not in itself. But a fixed wheel bicycle is.

 

[S-Express]

For that matter, diamond-frame uprights are an anachronism.

Actually, they're not. Not until they are replaced with something demonstrably better.

 

[Ian H]

Not in itself. But a fixed wheel bicycle is.

No doubt someone will agree with you.

 

[smutchin]

Actually, they're not. Not until they are replaced with something demonstrably better.

Hmmm, let me see if I can rack my brain to come up with an example of something that is demonstrably better than a traditional diamond-frame upright, but I admit it'll probably take me hours and hours. In the meantime, here's a pic of a man in a pointy hat to keep you amused...