Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Fixed Gear Curiosity

Ok I am curious about "fixed gear" bikes. What is the reason for a fixed gear bike? Is it for exercise, for fun, or just an retro thing like the old steel bikes and clubs?

Inquiring minds want to know.

I do it because it impresses urban chic ladies with bohemian flair.

Thats the only reason...oh its pretty trendy and I'm all about that. Its the "in" thing according to Esme Squalor

Ok I am curious about "fixed gear" bikes. What is the reason for a fixed gear bike? Is it for exercise, for fun, or just an retro thing like the old steel bikes and clubs?

Inquiring minds want to know.

yes on all 3 counts.

i am also a low end yuppie in denial, according to details magazine.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/136/330380611_dbb1d36c3c_o.jpg
(img found by dracvamp)

what does it mean if you read Details magazine?


was this just the SF edition?

OMFG! I am like totally having my 1/3rd life crisis right now!!!!!11!!! aaaaaaagh!

to the OP: www.sheldonbrown.com.

i gave an my fixed old bridgestone to a friend who needed a ride.....he gave it back to me and said it was broken

its from the limited mash edition details.

its from the limited mash edition details.
you are most definitely the best!

I think the real reason I enjoy riding fixed is all the cool comments and attention I receive when I pose at local coffee spots. I never park my bike with the drivetrain facing a wall or storefront. Display your bike.

Sure, I ride my fixed bikes more than a just a few measely miles. I've ridden centuries and double centuries on them too....but why on a fixed?.....I could have done these long distance rides so much easier on my geared bike. Again, it's all the attention.....and they're worth it. Perhaps I didn't get enough attention as a child? I really don't know.

Oh, like others will tell also you, chicks dig fixed gear.

that diagram comes in 4 different colorways. match your reading material to your dunks! new era sticks on the cover.

that diagram comes in 4 different colorways. match your reading material to your dunks! new era sticks on the cover.

weird. mine had a carbon five-spoke cover.

cadence and simplicity.... but that's just me

Well...
I'd rather not have to deal with the problems deraileur's pose when they **** you over.
It makes me look forward to riding in the wet, rain, hail and snow because there's no way more fun to get around, bicycle wise.
It's really fun to do skid stops and a zen feeling to balance the perfect, undisturbed trackstand.
The more you forget about your bike and just realize you're 'there' while riding, the better.
I like the simplicity of it, maintanence is low end.
They are aesthetically pleasing.
It's a pretty good work out, and definitely better then a single speed.
Once you start riding them seriously, you feel like the chain has just snapped everytime you go back to a freewheel and coast.
If you're lucky to have an undisturbed hill in front of you, it turns into the most fun, scariest thing ever when you simply pull up on the pedal clips because you accelerate so fast it's scary.
It's a completely different way of riding and adds a breathe of fresh air to your regular riding commute to work / school / the grocery store.
Great for cadence.
If you ride with no brakes, you become very creative in how you ride and quickly realize that you are all you have so you better learn to skid as good as a messenger.
It's fun and fulfilling.
And it's a conversation piece which is an added bonus.

i gave an my fixed old bridgestone to a friend who needed a ride.....he gave it back to me and said it was broken

hahah.... and you said..." no, it's fixed" and he looked at you like you were crazy?

I am totally new to it. I still am riding a single speed road conversion. I am selling my mountail bike, poor thing look so sad just sitting in my basement. Real FG frame is on its way.

But I am from NYC. Worked in Manhattan all my life, where you see the difference. The FG cyclist are in much better shape physically, than the geared cyclists. You can see the churning, push-pull workout they get from the bike. It is a full body workout. You are locked into a commitment from the moment you take off until you dismount. You cannot be a poser. I hate posers!

That's what convinced me that I wanted to ride FG.