So today, I went fixed...

[Davywalnuts]

Never ridden on the road with a fixie before, so was very apprehensive about it this morning when I finally finished off enough of the track bike to make it safe on the road.

I don't think I slept well, from nerves and was very jittery to begin with, but once going, was fine, super infact, and am never nervous when cycling. I can see the whole appeal of riding fixed, so smooth and efficent and slight inclines were a breeze. In fact, was quicker in to work than on the road bike and was cruising between 22-24mph no worries.

However, the whole mindset is going to have to change. The approach to traffic, timing of the braking and engaging properly with the pedals. My road awareness dropped, what annoyed me, but I am sure it will get back to normal. The times I have gone to Herne Hill have paid of with good insight. However, my route is mainly fast road and not much congestion, baring when I get to Staines. How do you fixed lot cope, in heavy traffic, stop/starting?? Saying that, my gearing is 48x17, so maybe a bit long for town riding?

Oh, and its not finished.. and the chain is NOT slack...

 

[ianrauk]

You fixie bint. That's a nice colour bike. Blue IS the colour of course

I was watching a fixie fella this morning on my commute.
Decided to follow him rather then overtake and leave him for dust.
His cycling action was very smooth through the traffic and very rare for a fixie rider, he stoppped at reds.

ps
Who is hiding behind the curtains

 

[musa]

Very nice, umm I suppose you just get used to it, like they say when riding clipless think ahead

you have the front brake so just give it a tap nothing more

 

[Davywalnuts]

You fixie bint. That's a nice colour bike. Blue IS the colour of course

I was watching a fixie fella this morning on my commute.
Decided to follow him rather then overtake and leave him for dust.
His cycling action was very smooth through the traffic and very rare for a fixie rider, he stoppped at reds.

ps
Who is hiding behind the curtains

Of course...

Yes, my observation is the same, all very smooth, it all feels, as they say, connected.. Am liking it a lot. Just don't think I will like riding it through London.... The handle bars are narrow, at 40cm, compared with the 42's am used to and the headset feels a bit tight, but I do want to go to bull horns as I am used to riding on the hoods. Think ill use her on the Fnrttc Southend in late June.

And that would be the boogy man.. he stays there till the lights are off and everyone is sleeping...

 

[Davywalnuts]

Very nice, umm I suppose you just get used to it, like they say when riding clipless think ahead

you have the front brake so just give it a tap nothing more

Thanks, yes, you are right, first time clipless was weird, now its second nature. Now its seems I need to plan ahead for how the pedal position will end up too.

Oh yes, wouldn't do it without one, but stopping was very quick with both.

 

[musa]

Thanks, yes, you are right, first time clipless was weird, now its second nature. Now its seems I need to plan ahead for how the pedal position will end up too.

Oh yes, wouldn't do it without one, but stopping was very quick with both.

You'll enjoy it, through London hmm there's that slight hesitation, You thought of adding a freewheel to other side, first bike I got I did this just as extra when fettling

 

[martint235]

So when will the mutant ninja turtle be out to play again then? Not long judging by recent reports of fixie riders!!

 

[redjedi]

Looks good Davy.

You'll soon get used to riding it fixed and if you use it to commute everyday switching back to a geared bike can feel even weirder.
I use mine everyday in traffic and it's just as easy if not easier than a geared bike to negotiate traffic. If I had a lower gear I would do longer rides on it (48x17).

And to get the pedals back into position I like to hold the front brake, push forward lifting the rear wheel off the floor and spin the pedals (not so easy with 2 panniers full of shopping )

 

[Davywalnuts]

You'll enjoy it, through London hmm there's that slight hesitation, You thought of adding a freewheel to other side, first bike I got I did this just as extra when fettling

I do have a 17t token freewheel, but, I am very reluctant to put it in, as so to make me do it, rather than chicken out for the easy route. Am sure ill wear down the brake pads quicker too... But, today was the first time on it and I am still buzzing, so I guess it must be good!

 

[musa]

I do have a 17t token freewheel, but, I am very reluctant to put it in, as so to make me do it, rather than chicken out for the easy route. Am sure ill wear down the brake pads quicker too... But, today was the first time on it and I am still buzzing, so I guess it must be good!

Aye, well your still buzzing I'll leave it at that

 

[Davywalnuts]

Looks good Davy.

You'll soon get used to riding it fixed and if you use it to commute everyday switching back to a geared bike can feel even weirder.
I use mine everyday in traffic and it's just as easy if not easier than a geared bike to negotiate traffic. If I had a lower gear I would do longer rides on it (48x17).

And to get the pedals back into position I like to hold the front brake, push forward lifting the rear wheel off the floor and spin the pedals (not so easy with 2 panniers full of shopping )

Thanks, its been a loooonnnnggggg time coming going fixed, but finally I am there. Am sure the calfs are going to get even bigger...

Yes, you seemed quite adapted on your fixed when i've seen you on it. Strangest part was the feeling of not going fast, but in fact, I was.. You have that?

Yes, tried that this morning.. there goes more left cleats.. I am used to track standing on the roadie at lights, so will need to work on that, possibly.. Yours on 48x17?

And BigM, this Saturday, on the Northampton ride.. but given its an Adam special, ill be using gears...

 

[Davywalnuts]

Aye, well your still buzzing I'll leave it at that

Hehe, like a kid in a sweet shop right now..

 

[Fab Foodie]

When I commuted in London the 42x15 fixed was my weapon of choice. Anticipation is everything. It made me far more aware of what was happening further up the road. My only concern was clipping a pedal if I needed to get close to high kerbs.
Nice bike btw

 

[fossyant]

You'll get used to it. Been commuting fixed now for 3 years. 46 x 16 (about 77")

 

[CharlieB]

That's lovely, Davy.