Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Convince me to go Fixie

So I have this Motobecane Nomade... And as I use it for commuting I typically use only one gear and don't see a problem in ridding the bike of the rest of them. And so I pose to you, why should I?

After reviewing the posts in the motobecane conversion thread, it doesn't seem like an easy process and surely one I don't want to do without having a really good reason.

riding fixed will be the most fun you've had on a bike since you learned to ride.

If you don't see a compelling reason to do it, don't. I'm not here to convince anyone of anything.

Maybe so, but what's my motivation in removing excess gears rather than just never changing them...

Obviously on a 25 year old Moto, a little weight shed is negligible.

Maybe so, but what's my motivation in removing excess gears rather than just never changing them...

Obviously on a 25 year old Moto, a little weight shed is negligible.

Well, there you have it. Don't bother changing anything.

The nice thing I've found with shedding the deraileur and all of the shifting cables is that there is a lot less to go wrong, and a lot more to replace. Right now I have a "hobo" single-speed because I'm too poor at the moment to get a fixie. But the thing I've found the nicest is that I only worry about 1 break (front), I don't have to worry about having to adjust the deraileurs, or about cables. I just find that it's easier all around if you only use one gear to just make it a ss.

riding fixed is

1) a better workout
2) more fun

these are facts, everything else is subjective

why should I?


if nothing else, for pie's sake.

The nice thing I've found with shedding the deraileur and all of the shifting cables is that there is a lot less to go wrong, and a lot more to replace. [...] I don't have to worry about having to adjust the deraileurs, or about cables. I just find that it's easier all around if you only use one gear to just make it a ss.

I will say that the deraileurs are already becoming a pain. I'd say that they're state of repair (or lack there of) is half the reason I stay in the gear I'm in. And the entire idea of doing a conversion sounds a little adventurous. In a good way.

riding fixed will be the most fun you've had on a bike since you learned to ride.

troof.

I will say that the deraileurs are already becoming a pain. I'd say that they're state of repair (or lack there of) is half the reason I stay in the gear I'm in. And the entire idea of doing a conversion sounds a little adventurous. In a good way.

The only fun I had was ripping out the cables, pulling the deraileur off, and using my chain tool. It was easy and the most fun thing ever. And it's really amazing at how easily I go in 52x14. I've been in that gearing for a month or so now, and now that I've moved to the city I find that I don't ever need to use any other gears (i just go around the REALLY steep hills). I've ridden Mountain, road, 'cross, recumbant, tandem, single-speed, and fixie. And I've had the most fun with 'cross, single-speed, and fixie. Just may be my personal preferance. maybe they could make a fixie cyclocross bike ???

maybe they could make a fixie cyclocross bike ???

i know someone who does that, and he loves it. i'm going to try racing geared this winter, and if i feel core enough i'll try fixed.

I have to admit though, I'd probably ride a front bread if I went fixie 'cross, I mean, I'm crazy, but not THAT crazy (plus going over fallen logs and stuff technical style/black-diamond style you really need a front break for some of the stuff you do).

That's another I forgot, though it fits with 'cross and mountain, black-diamond riding. Not quite sure if that's its actual name but that's what I know it as, it's all the technical off road riding (jumping from rock to rock, going UP stairs, etc.). Though I stopped that one when I put a nice gouge in my leg (you could see 1" by 2" of the bone in my shin), though amazingly the scar went away after 4/5 years

I have to admit though, I'd probably ride a front bread if I went fixie 'cross, I mean, I'm crazy, but not THAT crazy (plus going over fallen logs and stuff technical style/black-diamond style you really need a front break for some of the stuff you do).

That's another I forgot, though it fits with 'cross and mountain, black-diamond riding. Not quite sure if that's its actual name but that's what I know it as, it's all the technical off road riding (jumping from rock to rock, going UP stairs, etc.). Though I stopped that one when I put a nice gouge in my leg (you could see 1" by 2" of the bone in my shin), though amazingly the scar went away after 4/5 years

trials?

am i mistaken, or is this guy's username a cell phone company's slogan?

i say **** off, and have an opinion of your own. hopefully i don't have to convince you that thats a good idea.

am i mistaken, or is this guy's username a cell phone company's slogan?

i say **** off, and have an opinion of your own. hopefully i don't have to convince you that thats a good idea.

hey now, to quote terror_in_pink; don't hate.

the more peeps we can bring over to our side (or even get on a bike) the happier i am.

am i mistaken, or is this guy's username a cell phone company's slogan?

i say **** off, and have an opinion of your own. hopefully i don't have to convince you that thats a good idea.

Ummmmm, I need a little convincing that it's a good idea to listen to someone who just told someone to **** off.

(And shhhhhhhh .... but it's Motorola ...... :eek: )

why ride fixed? cause it looks way cooler locked up outside the bar/coffee shop, of course.

Good exercise, better control. Downside - can't coast ever again.

One does not need convicing to try going fixed.

Dolface said it. Most fun you'll have since you learned to ride a bike. Its great. I rode single speed for a few months before going fixed. Fixed is more fun, and more challenging.

i wholeheartedly agree w/ dolface. THE MOST fun since your mom/dad let go of the seat and you learned to ride a two wheeler. not even really an opinion, it's the truth.

Do It, U Won't Regret It. I Promise. I Guarantee It! Or Ur Money Back :p

Can't believe no-one's said it yet -

Riding Fixed Makes You A Better Lover!

so you can spend every free moment here...on this forum...with the rest of us. And see how much choice we really have. Once you come here you will never leave. Do you think 'they' let us leave? When we go back to our geared bikes 'they' make us forget how to ride them. Then we are forced to get better parts for them and they even arrange for overseas mariages (ebay and eframe bank)

You come here and soon somewhere in your home, you will notice a nursery of pedals, chainrings, cogs, tires, chains and countless other "beginings" of them.

almost forgot to mention an odd fascination with pastrys, though some would argue its not really a pastry. The momement it ends up on your head it will have already been to late.

You've been warned!

Can't believe no-one's said it yet -

Riding Fixed Makes You A Better Lover!

he speaks the truth.

chicks dig guys on fixies. especially their hot legs.

Beautiful pic in your avatar.
v.

So I have this Motobecane Nomade... And as I use it for commuting I typically use only one gear and don't see a problem in ridding the bike of the rest of them. And so I pose to you, why should I?

After reviewing the posts in the motobecane conversion thread, it doesn't seem like an easy process and surely one I don't want to do without having a really good reason.

Ah you're in Norfolk.Me too! I say DO IT! We need more fixie freaks around town.

Well, I think you've got me convinced. The Moto, or atleast something, is getting a fixed-gear. You are a strange bunch of people though...

Well, I think you've got me convinced.

just keep in mind that once you go fixed, there's no going back...

real blood in, blood out stuff...

shh wait.....


i've said too much already.....

Well, I think you've got me convinced. The Moto, or atleast something, is getting a fixed-gear. You are a strange bunch of people though...

Did you really need to be convinced?

Did you really need to be convinced?

Not really, but before I joined the ranks as an fg rider, I think I wanted to see what made you guys tick.

I still don't think I have the slightest clue...

So I have this Motobecane Nomade... And as I use it for commuting I typically use only one gear and don't see a problem in ridding the bike of the rest of them. And so I pose to you, why should I?

After reviewing the posts in the motobecane conversion thread, it doesn't seem like an easy process and surely one I don't want to do without having a really good reason.

Because Motobecanes are lovely
http://photos14.flickr.com/18354652_a677b843b4.jpg

It shall serve you well...

just keep in mind that once you go fixed, there's no going back...

real blood in, blood out stuff...


I dunno about that.. I have yet to shed any tears when I throw the singlespeed wheel on the back.

http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/2004/c/kresge23.jpg

It will make your bike happier!!!

Fixed gear bikes go a lot faster than the average bike, its fun to catch up to cars and go faster.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/fixed-testimonial.html

These guys convinced me when I was as hesitant as you are. Converting to fixed was the best cycling decision I've ever made, and riding to work (15 miles each way with challanging hills) is the happiest part of my day. Go for it all the way financialy and emotionaly. Riding fixed is far beyond what anybody can tell you, its so good you really can't find any words to explain it. I pledge to buy your fixie from you incase you're not happy with it(provided its the right size). My geared Peugeot is collecting dust now even though I used to like it more than the Raleigh.

I pledge to buy your fixie from you incase you're not happy with it(provided its the right size).

60cm. Though, I'm thinking I need a back-up bike anyway.

I'm 6'1 so 60cm sounds lovely. We can start negotiating now before you get too dependant on your daily fix.

I'd have to agree with the fun part! I rode around in the my underwear today in the pouring rain, just because I felt like it. I never really thought to do something like that until I had a fixie, and then I just wanted to ride around on it no matter what.

So much fun!

peace,
sam

I rode around in the my underwear today in the pouring rain, just because I felt like it.


LOL if an outsider heard u say this they'd probably think you lost ur mind, only a fixie owner knows how sane you are.

We need not to convince you. You need to convince yourself you are worthy to ride such a animal.



S/F<
CEYA!
This is my bike, there are many like it but this one is mine.

LOL if an outsider heard u say this they'd probably think you lost ur mind, only a fixie owner knows how sane you are.

I'm so sane that I blew all their minds! Or we are all insane in the same way. Either way, I'm having a good time, so no sweat. :) Thanks for the support.

peace,
sam