Commuting - Fixed Gear commuters show'n'tell

It seems like there are a ton of fixed gear commuters on the forum. So, lets share our rides! Here's mine all loaded down from an overnighter at the office. More pix in my signature. Its at 62" or so with my studded nokians on it in this pic. It was a beast all loaded down like that, but it was fun to ride.

What made you all decide to ride fixed for a commuter?

For me it was the simplicity and durability, and the fact that I was getting VERY sick of shifting.

Anyhow here's the cheesy phone pic of my bike all loaded down:

Here's the univega (the blue one in case you can't see) I've been comuting on all winter. Mostly ran 46x16 all winter but I just flipped the wheel to the 17.

And the raleigh we just built for my girlfriend. She's just getting into it but already loves the bike.

Where I live, it's flat as can be, so there's little need for multiple gears. Aside from that, I don't like derailleurs. Dished wheels bother me. And don't get me started on coasting!

See pics linked to in signature.

Nice lugs spider-man! I haven't got pics of my Rob Roy yet cuz I don't have a digital camera. Just picture a blue Rob Roy w/ a honeycolored Brooks B17 and blue deep v's.

here's my daily rider. 52x20 nishiki conversion done by jon grinder @ http://grinderbikes.com .. since I got it last October i replaced the 27" 18-tooth suicide hub with a IRO fixed/fixed wheelset laced to velocity aerohead..running 28mm conti top touring 2000 tires. sks fenders to match the retro-chrome thing. i love not having to clean the derailleur every other week to keep it running nicely, and its a blast to ride.

err.. dont have any good pics actually. here's an old one , i'll snap some tomorrow and update.

http://explosive.net/albums/biking/00001_G_002.sized.jpg

http://tomtheisen.com/images/P1230236-640.jpg

2006 Raleigh Rush Hour with Soma Wheels and a new fork and bars courtesy inattentive driver's insurance. 48x15. 12w halogen cygolite.

here's my daily rider.
http://explosive.net/albums/biking/00001_G_002.sized.jpg
What would Ralph Nader say about that unsafe-at-any-speed, fixed gear, exposed gear teeth/direct drive chain mechanism?

Here's how I've been running around lately. Work is only 1/2 mile away so I use this for errands and some nice rides in addition to getting to work some of the time. (I walk other times.) I put it together mainly for fun ... but it's so nice to ride that I keep picking it for trips. The handlebar bag holds a few things and then I just use a messenger bag if I need more.

I ride a 2006 Fuji track bike, don't have pictures yet. The only stock parts are frame and fork I sold all the other parts with my old conversion frame. I am running a 45/16 and a 14t cog on the other side of my hub if Im feeling fast. I have nitto horns RB 009s, nitto drops B123's chrome 39 cm, nitto road bars w/ cloth tape, and risers with Ourys that I switch up depending on the mood. I run 32 spoke wheels, nashbar hub in the back, schwinn panther sealed high flange in the front, no name semi aero all black rims. I have Sugino 75 cranks with a 45t ring and mks track pedals the cheaper ones with metal clips and leather straps. Oh and a shimano STX headset, sealed for under 20 bucks aint bad. I use a Jandd messenger bag, Iniki or Andrew depending on what I need to carry. I commute a mile each way to teaching, and then 15 miles each way to the bikeshop over the summer and the camp I work at. I also use the bike for errands.

I've been riding this to work for a couple weeks now. It's so flat in Sacramento that I realized I was riding to work and back in pretty much one gear anyway. This is a converted 1988 Trek 660. 42/16 gearing. I got the frame second hand and bought a new rear wheel. Pretty much everything else is from the spareparts bin. I'm especially proud of the mismatched bartape. It really says "cheap bastard," don't you think?

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y18/CalOso/Trek660fixed.jpg

Right now, "Old Blue" sports fenders and a Cygo-lite. It's an ideal commuter for me: high quality, low cost, low maintenance, low theft attractiveness.

I roll 44x17 with this............

Fixed has re-invigorated my riding. I feel like I did back in '68 when I
came down and saw my blue Stingray under the Christmas tree :D

Damn you, damn you all...I've never thought myself as being subject to peer pressure, but everyone singing about their love of fixed gear bikes has me plotting a new project.

I admit with only a 5 mile commute I am usually thinking of ways to make it harder rather than easier. Maybe this is the next level in this masochistic pursuit.

^^^^ There lies a cunundrum, ergo :roflmao: !!
Making it harder will actually make it easier ! :eek:
When you get your gearing sorted it will actually become .....easier.
Cant explain it but you will see :D

Do you guys have "track" hubs, or just use loctite on a freewheel hub?

^^^^I think what you are describing is a suicide hub.
That name alone sort of sums up most peoples thoughts on
loctiting :eek:

you might want to go the cheepo route to see if you like it
or not....here are two threads to start you off.
Deft use of the 'search' function on the Fixed/SS forum will provide you
with anything you need to know !!!

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=168778

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=175047&highlight=hipster

Do you guys have "track" hubs, or just use loctite on a freewheel hub?
hahahaha, my evil plan is working! :p

The *right* way to do it is to get a specific hub. They come in all sizes from track width (120mm) to the one I have, which is for mountain bikes (different chainline) at 135mm.

Damn you, damn you all...I've never thought myself as being subject to peer pressure, but everyone singing about their love of fixed gear bikes has me plotting a new project.

I admit with only a 5 mile commute I am usually thinking of ways to make it harder rather than easier. Maybe this is the next level in this masochistic pursuit.
Quick and easy solution - tie bricks to your pedals, strap a cinder block to the handlebars, and adjust the rim brakes so that they always rub the wheel. Cheap, and should produce the same effect that comes from deliberatly making the ride more difficult just for masochistic pleasure.

Quick and easy solution - tie bricks to your pedals, strap a cinder block to the handlebars, and adjust the rim brakes so that they always rub the wheel. Cheap, and should produce the same effect that comes from deliberatly making the ride more difficult just for masochistic pleasure.

Sounds like fun too...

Sounds like fun too...
All one needs then is to ask for strong headwinds in both directions to be a very special type of fun seeking bicycling commuter.

^^^ Why are you even responding to this thread ?
This unnecessarly wrong and negative stuff is contributing
how ?

Rykoala could be dropped from an airplane ... he already has enough panniers for parachutes.

I am in shame for my chitty FG, I will not post a pic of it.

sighs :(

Do you guys have "track" hubs, or just use loctite on a freewheel hub?

No loctite, suicide hub, on 85 gear inches, front brake, 25 mm tires.

I'm working on getting very, very, strong legs .... not for everyday use though ;)

Here is mine:

1986 Schwinn World Sport 58cm.

Dotek BMX 165mm cranks.
Sun 27" rim with Suzue FG hub.
3TTT Pista drops.
no-name alloy seatpost, ebay mercier seat.
DA 15t cog - 1/8
40t chainring ( soon to be changed for a 1/8 bmx 40t chainring).
KMZ 1/8 bmx chain.

zip ties galore !

ENJOY !

http://nitrousworld.com/images/bicycle_pics/Schwinn/yellow/MVC_002F.JPG

Quick and easy solution - tie bricks to your pedals, strap a cinder block to the handlebars, and adjust the rim brakes so that they always rub the wheel. Cheap, and should produce the same effect that comes from deliberatly making the ride more difficult just for masochistic pleasure.

You're joking, but I have considered loading paniers with rocks as a training aid.

I think the fixed gear adds something more weight can't. You have to apply backwards force on the pedals to avoid spinning too fast on steep downhills. Also, more weight doesn't prevent coasting. In fact, I think it encourages coasting.

My only hesitation with fixed gear is some minor perceived safety issues. I think the original freewheel design was called the "safety bike" for a reason. I'm not saying they are unsafe. I'm just trying to think through all the potential issues beforehand. I don't use clips or straps on the pedals now. It might be required with a fixed gear in order to avoid losing control. Not sure how you re-engage our feet to moving pedals.

................. Not sure how you re-engage our feet to moving pedals.


If you use clips, you never take your feet out of them ... so hopefully you won't be in that situation.
But if you really need to get on the pedals while spinning, just slap your feet back on like a regular bike and keep going..

Eventually you'll slow down enough to flip the pedals over and get your feet into the clips. lol

Not sure how you re-engage our feet to moving pedals.

Have huhenio take a video of how he does it. Having been on a very hilly ride with him on his fixed gear bike, I can say that I witnessed an impressive method of coasting on a fixed gear. I remember him calling it the "meat grinder" or something to that effect. It's a little rough on the chain stays though.

Use clipless pedals and run brakes. That should alleviate any safety concerns. And whatever you do, do not try to coast.

Use clipless pedals and run brakes. That should alleviate any safety concerns. And whatever you do, do not try to coast.
Does he use brakes or just do the Kevin Bacon dismount at 30 mph in the event of an emergency?

Does he use brakes or just do the Kevin Bacon dismount at 30 mph in the event of an emergency?


lol !!

That would be immediately followed by a glorious faceplant ! =)

KB rocks !

fordfastrr: you are the man !!
That yellow bike rokks !! The lite set-up is 100% punk rokk !!

sqeakywheel: I put a fake (F ront br AKE)on mine and glad I did.
On one of my first rides it snowed about 6" while I was in work so I
removed my clips for the ride home. I came to my first down hill that
was clear and started to pick up speed and sure enuff, my feets came off
the pedals and there was no way I was going to get them back on
for a while.:eek::eek::eek:
Yes.....the image of this is every bit as bad as it might seem :roflmao:.
I was very glad I had my fakie !! I have hills -o-plenty to work on my downhill
technique here but I was even thinking of putting some tiny BMX flatland pegs
on the rear axle nuts for bigger downhills Huhenio stylee :D

It does take a little while to get used to it...you have to remember that
you cannot stop pedaling at all or the bike will remind you most
unpleasantly that you better get back on it ! :eek: My first real "Uh-Oh"
was doing a look-a-round to check passing traffic. Yikes !! Keep pedaling !
But, as I said before, now that I am getting used to it it is becoming more
fun every day. The positives of no gears for my commute right now far
outweight the negatives so Im gonna stick with it for a while.

anxiously awaiting a redline 925 so i can play in fixed / ss world. i thought about a conversion, and searched out a few deicated fixed / ss bikes, but the redline seems the best bang for the buck.

my commute is only a mile, but it will also be my town bike, and a diversion from my "road" bike. i'm actually really really excited to ride something "simple". i plan on street shoes, maybe a basket or moving my panniers from my touring rig. just looking forward to riding like i did when i was a kid, nor gears, no gear, just go ride, to get somewhere.

I roll 44x17 with this............

Fixed has re-invigorated my riding. I feel like I did back in '68 when I
came down and saw my blue Stingray under the Christmas tree :D

I love the license plate. Where did you find it? I want to put one on my 520... and to be honest, it would be fun to put one on my roadie, brevet, long distance bike.

Seeing that green plate when I'm out and about on the road for work travel is such a refreshing sight.

bmike
"I love the license plate. Where did you find it?"

I got it at K-Mart in the Diamond Run Mall in Rutland. Ive seen
them in other places too. I used some other letters that I had lying
around because the ones that come with it are black and real big.
The white stick-ons can be gotten at any craft / hobby shop.
Where are you in the Republic ??? If you cant find one PM me and
Ill send you one out !!!!!
Some of the stuff I write in these forums I dont know if its too wise
to advertise its me, though :roflmao::roflmao:

ok, so this is the only picture i could find of my fixie in it's current setup. an 80's red schwinn paramount frame 46x18 with some cut down riser bars.

me before an alleycat, feuling up on an "energy drink" (my bike is the red one right beside me)

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c164/bikehigh/DCP_1341a.jpg

and you simply gotta see huhenios coating technique, it is insane, but the only way i could see to keep up with freewheeled folks in the hills.... i am not ready to try yet.

me before an alleycat, feuling up on an "energy drink" (my bike is the red one right beside me)

and you simply gotta see huhenios coating technique, it is insane, but the only way i could see to keep up with freewheeled folks in the hills.... i am not ready to try yet.

WuT !! No Ortliebs !!
:roflmao:

I'm gonna cover all the latest fads by converting my mtb into a fixed gear touring bike. I already got the rack.

It does take a little while to get used to it...you have to remember that
you cannot stop pedaling at all or the bike will remind you most
unpleasantly that you better get back on it ! :eek: My first real "Uh-Oh"
was doing a look-a-round to check passing traffic. Yikes !! Keep pedaling !



Yikes is right! The other day I tried to bunny hop a pothole and forgot the Prime Fixie Directive. I didn't get bucked off but it wrenched my back and shoulder. I've been sore for a couple of days.

DON'T STOP PEDALING!

Here is mine in its current configuration. About to tear it down and grind off the cable guides and down tube shifter bosses. 48*17

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e289/SpydaMike13/100_2976.jpg

Here's some current pics from the way in this morning, just before it started raining.

I'm gonna cover all the latest fads by converting my mtb into a fixed gear touring bike. I already got the rack.

I'm way ahead of you ;)

I think the original freewheel design was called the "safety bike" for a reason.

Actually, it was the first fixies that were called saftey bikes, because the weren't the big wheeled penny farthings...

I'll try to get some pics of mine up later on today.

You're joking, but I have considered loading paniers with rocks as a training aid.

Consider a unicycle. Fixed gear, reliable, minimal maintenance, few parts (no frivilous steering or braking mechanisms), good workout. Makes almost as much sense as a two wheel fixed gear bike for commuting. For an even better workout consider solid rubber tires; even more reliability and less to go wrong.

I'm trying to decide which of my dad's oft-repeated sayings is most appropriate here.

"Don't knock it until you've tried it."

or

"If you don't understand it, I can't explain it to you."

Consider a unicycle.

did you ever consider buying a clue, or just leaving us the f*ck alone???

do you think your funny? :rolleyes:

...

I don't believe you actually like to bike.

I'm way ahead of you ;)


I'm thinking about doing what you did with this one. I trashed the drive train through no maintenance and now it's in pieces on my living room floor (I have a patient wife that I'm taking advantage of).

And yes I'm a bit of a tall dork. Plus it has 26x1 tires on it in that pic.


SS/Fixie
Repair drivetrain
SS/Fixe
Repair drivetrain
...


http://www.sterling-ranch.com/Trek850/Side01.jpg

Consider a unicycle. Fixed gear, reliable, minimal maintenance, few parts (no frivilous steering or braking mechanisms), good workout. Makes almost as much sense as a two wheel fixed gear bike for commuting. For an even better workout consider solid rubber tires; even more reliability and less to go wrong.

does someone piss in your coffee every morning?

don't let threadsh*tters ruin your day!


anyways, this here's not a very good picture, but it is of the current street/work bike

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/5486/gtword5ex.jpg (http://imageshack.us)




"energy drink"

hey max-a-mill, was that pic taken at 12 monkeys?

does someone piss in your coffee every morning?

Maybe if we ignore him, he'll go away. Besides he just made it to my ignore list.

I'm thinking about doing what you did with this one. I trashed the drive train through no maintenance and now it's in pieces on my living room floor (I have a patient wife that I'm taking advantage of).

And yes I'm a bit of a tall dork. Plus it has 26x1 tires on it in that pic.


SS/Fixie
Repair drivetrain
SS/Fixe
Repair drivetrain
...


http://www.sterling-ranch.com/Trek850/Side01.jpg

Its got vertical dropouts so going fixed might be a bit of a pain, but single speed with a tensioner would be very easy! I say go for it. Buy a bmx cog and some spacers and a tensioner and go to town!