MTFU or move to freehub

[gaz]

Had the fixed for a few days and done about 20 miles on it. much fun

Had a few of the old freewheel moments, and my first clipless moment in 5 years

My main issue so far is clipping in as i set off. I'm trying to use SPD-SL pedals and it's causing a slight issue, i've nearly got it nailed down to a tee but still had a few issues when setting off in heavy traffic, can be a bit daunting

Should i man up and ride fixed to work tomorrow into central london at rush hour for the first time, or should i flip it to the freehub side.

 

[4F]

Man up.

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

man up.

 

[3narf]

You'll probably be fine as you'll be concentrating so much.

However, I wouldn't feel peer pressurised into riding fixed if you don't want to! It might be fashionable but there's no advantage to it, especially where traffic is concerned.

 

[Zoiders]

You'll probably be fine as you'll be concentrating so much.

However, I wouldn't feel peer pressurised into riding fixed if you don't want to! It might be fashionable but there's no advantage to it, especially where traffic is concerned.

I am sorry but I have to disagree with that completey.

Riding fixed teaches you to look ahead and plan your braking and road use better, you can make much better progress on rolling/flat terrain and it also forces you to spin and not coast so you are getting a better quality work out from shorter rides, they also climb much better as well as being better for use on ice and snow.

If you do struggle getting away at the lights then simply gear down slightly or work harder, it's only been 20 miles after all.

Freewheels defeat the object, you may as well just go geared if that's going to be the choice for urban riding.

 

[gaz]

It's not the gearing that is the problem. It's clipping in with road cleats whilst the pedal is turning.

 

[palinurus]

It takes more than 20 miles to get comfortable riding fixed.

 

[Zoiders]

Then simply go over to SPD.

 

[3narf]

How can a fixed gear bike climb better?

No advantage. The freewheel was an advance in bike technology.

 

[3narf]

I can see how it would make you fitter / a better rider, but that's only because it's harder work.

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

How can a fixed gear bike climb better?

No advantage. The freewheel was an advance in bike technology.

no dead spot. mine is defo better at climbing. except where i'm just as quick walking.

 

[3narf]

What's a dead spot?

 

[wheres_my_beard]

Start the cleat grip tension as loose as possible to start with, for easy entry and exit to begin then increase tension over a few days/ weeks to the point you feel comfy.

Like with most things, practice makes perfect. Practice clipping and unclipping as you ride along. People have been using toeclips on fixed gear bikes are ages and get the hang of flicking the pedal around to get the foot in; so, stick with it.

I would think that single entry pedals are not really not neccessarily the easiest to use option for fixed, maybe a double sided pedal system (SPD) or a four way entry system like Eggbeaters may be better. I used Eggbeaters and I much prefer them to SPD's because you pretty much can't fail to get the cleat connected first time.

There's no shame in going back to freewheel riding but...

Mount That Fixie, U.You know you want to. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it.

 

[gaz]

17 miles down. It was fine, getting used to clipping in with SPD-SL's.
I did order some usual style SPD's and may well switch to them and see if it's a little better

 

[4F]

spd's here