Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Looking to ride a fixie.

Hello all.

I've been lurking the forums for awhile now, decided to register, and now have a question. I have been thinking of getting a fixie as a daily commuter, I am completely new to everything fixie, but I used to ride BMX back in the day. I've searched for information, but want some opinions of the avid riders. I'm thinking of getting a Rush Hour or Pista (and if money starts to come my way Pista Concept). I was talking to a friend of mine and said that the Pista Concept has true track geometry and would be sketchy on the road. Would it be completely wrong to use as a commuter although the Concept is mainly for the velodrome? I've also checked out Soma and Surly.

Any advice would help with my deicison. Thanks to all.

lawl

i'd recommend loctite.

Hello all.

I've been lurking the forums for awhile now, decided to register, and now have a question. I have been thinking of getting a fixie as a daily commuter, I am completely new to everything fixie, but I used to ride BMX back in the day. I've searched for information, but want some opinions of the avid riders. I'm thinking of getting a Rush Hour or Pista (and if money starts to come my way Pista Concept). I was talking to a friend of mine and said that the Pista Concept has true track geometry and would be sketchy on the road. Would it be completely wrong to use as a commuter although the Concept is mainly for the velodrome? I've also checked out Soma and Surly.

Any advice would help with my deicison. Thanks to all.


If you've ridden BMX then you probably have the handling skills to ride track geometry. I wouldn't worry about it. Sometimes people refer to the steeper geometry of track bikes as sketchy or twitchy. Thats an exageration. There is a noticeable difference in how they handle. Track frames are more responsive. They turn faster, but they still have fairly stable handling. For instance, riding no handed is not much harder on a track frame than a road frame. If you are a fairly skilled cyclist, the steeper geometry is more fun in urban settings because you can weave and dodge stuff more quickly. The downside of the steep geometry is that it roughens the ride, but again, its not an extreme difference from riding a road frame.

I would recomend a steel bike for commuting (smoother ride, but heavier). Other than that get what fits, forget fashion, and enjoy riding.

They're real easy to ride, man. You just get on and start pedaling.

Build a conversion. If you like it, spend bigger dollars on an out-of-the-box like you mentioned.

...or just enjoy the conversion. There's NOTHING wrong with conversions, don't let anyone tell you different.

I really <3 my steamroller.

if this isn't a troll the pista and the pista concept have the same geometry. The concept is a stupid choice for commuting though because it's fragile.

a conversion is a fixed gear. track bike doesnt make it more fixed. just less suited for commuting. do you want to ride fixed or ride a track bike on the streets?

i can believe this isnt a troll

if this isn't a troll the pista and the pista concept have the same geometry. The concept is a stupid choice for commuting though because it's fragile.

I agree that the concept is not the best choice for a commuter..the lack of brakes being a primary concern. However, i'm not sure that I'd describe it as fragile in comparison to other track or road bikes and not even necessarily more fragile than a conversion...depending on the conversion. Fragile, perhaps, compared to a MTB, or a touring bike, but them's apples and oranges.

Thanks for the replies, I doubt I'd actually get a concept, just think the aesthetics of the bike are nice. If a load of money dropped into my lap, then I would, but no.


do you want to ride fixed or ride a track bike on the streets?

Fixed, but I like how track bikes is more responsive.

You haven't ridden a track bike, how can you like its responsiveness?

More importantly, have you had an opportunity to ride fixed yet? It would suck to drop a few hundred on a new bike if you realized you wanted a freewheel two weeks later.

More importantly, have you had an opportunity to ride fixed yet? It would suck to drop a few hundred on a new bike if you realized you wanted a freewheel two weeks later.

Thats absurd....any fixed gear bike can be almost immediately adapted to a freewheeled bike by installing a SS freewheel, which can be had for ~$20. Freewheels will even work on a fixed-specific hub. For the inexperienced, buying an off-the-shelf fixie is often way easier than trying to build up a conversion. Often people have no idea what gear ratio they want, what geometry is best for them, what type of bars...etc. Its way easier to have someone decide these things for you, ala buying a complete bike, than it is to have to try to decide these thing on your own with little to no experience by building a conversion. Regardless of whether or not you are going to start out with a complete bike or a conversion, your first attempt will undoubtedly be off the mark and upgraded components or possibly a new bike altogether will ultimately become desirable. Depending on how savy and bike-wise you are, a conversion will often cost more than a new bike. At any rate, wait to spend big bucks until you've realy figured out what you want.

Sketchy is in the eye of the beholder.

Thats absurd....any fixed gear bike can be almost immediately adapted to a freewheeled bike by installing a SS freewheel, which can be had for ~$20. Freewheels will even work on a fixed-specific hub. For the inexperienced, buying an off-the-shelf fixie is often way easier than trying to build up a conversion. Often people have no idea what gear ratio they want, what geometry is best for them, what type of bars...etc. Its way easier to have someone decide these things for you, ala buying a complete bike, than it is to have to try to decide these thing on your own with little to no experience by building a conversion. Regardless of whether or not you are going to start out with a complete bike or a conversion, your first attempt will undoubtedly be off the mark and upgraded components or possibly a new bike altogether will ultimately become desirable. Depending on how savy and bike-wise you are, a conversion will often cost more than a new bike. At any rate, wait to spend big bucks until you've realy figured out what you want.

I was referring to the fact that if he changes his mind, he will have to drop the $20 for a freewheel, and potentially have to drill the fork/frame, and add at least one brake (depending on what bike is gotten). If the brakes aren't sitting around that's more $$$. Sure, it's not a lot of money, but it is a huge nuisance which would be avoided by feeling it out in advance. It just seems silly to buy new stuff fixed and add extra menial expenses if you haven't eliminated the possibility that fixed may not be your preference.

get a bianchi san jose

unicycle

I was referring to the fact that if he changes his mind, he will have to drop the $20 for a freewheel, and potentially have to drill the fork/frame, and add at least one brake (depending on what bike is gotten). If the brakes aren't sitting around that's more $$$. Sure, it's not a lot of money, but it is a huge nuisance which would be avoided by feeling it out in advance. It just seems silly to buy new stuff fixed and add extra menial expenses if you haven't eliminated the possibility that fixed may not be your preference.


Yes, I see your point, but for most people the only way to try out riding fixed is to dive in and buy or build a bike. When I started, I didn't know anyone riding fixed. the only fixed experience I had was test riding a Pista (didn't buy it). The only way to determine if I would really like it was to get a bike for myself. Not everyone has to opportunity to borrow a bike for an extented period of time to make up their mind. At any rate, a stock bike versus a conversion doesn't change that issue at all. If you eventually decide that fixed is not for you, converting to a freewheel bike is only a ~$20 to convert to SS....not a big deal assuming that you have brakes to begin with. Anyone starting out riding fixed should run brakes, and there are plenty of fixies that come stock with brakes or at least are drilled for brakes (not the Pista Concept, from what I understand).

The Pista doesn't make any sense in this regard because its basically marketed to people who will ride it on the street, and it even has a fixed/free flip flop hub, but its not drilled for a rear brake. (Is that still the case?). That makes no sense to me. Who's going to ride a freewheel bike with no rear brake? Most importantly, if you are a beginner, at least get a frame and fork drilled for brakes. The Pista is not the only game in town and most beginner track frames are drilled for brakes.

get a bianchi san jose
i did this and i'm pretty happy

Yeah, my cousin has a fixie so I did hop on it before deciding to research getting one. About the responsiveness, I don't know how responsive the bike is, but I like the idea that I would have a lot more control through traffic to dodge. And of course I would use a front brake until I get comfortable without one.

The fixie bike I rode was a Nishiki.

And for the idea of buying a bike over $1,000 is ridiculous and was wondering if it was a big difference between the pista and the concept.

And for the idea of buying a bike over $1,000 is ridiculous and was wondering if it was a big difference between the pista and the concept.

The Pista is probably better for the street because its drilled for a front brake, but you should consider other fixies...there are way betters options (with track geometry) for a similar price.

Yeah, my cousin has a fixie so I did hop on it before deciding to research getting one. About the responsiveness, I don't know how responsive the bike is, but I like the idea that I would have a lot more control through traffic to dodge. And of course I would use a front brake until I get comfortable without one.


And this ability to dodge traffic would come from riding track geometry? That's ********. Your skill as a rider will, 9.5 out of 10 times, determine your ability to successfully ride in traffic. The other .5 comes from your front brake.

Front brakes are cool even if you are comfortable without one.

And this ability to dodge traffic would come from riding track geometry? That's ********. Your skill as a rider will, 9.5 out of 10 times, determine your ability to successfully ride in traffic. The other .5 comes from your front brake.

I know to depend on the bike as the only means to get through traffic would be idiotic and it is myself that gets me through traffic, but wouldn't a more responsive frame aid my efforts?

What other companies would be good recommendations to look into?

I know to depend on the bike as the only means to get through traffic would be idiotic and it is myself that gets me through traffic, but wouldn't a more responsive frame aid my efforts?

What other companies would be good recommendations to look into?


A more responsive frame is going to perhaps make it more fun to get through traffic, but its not going to save your ass in an emergency.

Redline,
Fuji,
Surly,
Jamis,
KHS,
Soma,
Kona,
Specialized,
Cannondale
+ others that I can't remember at the moment.
There is a huge thread about low end fixies somewhere in this forum..its called somthing like "a discussion of fixed gear budget frames" or something similar to that..try searching for it.

edit: I forgot to include IRO in the above list

I was talking to a friend of mine and said that the Pista Concept has true track geometry and would be sketchy on the road. Would it be completely wrong to use as a commuter although the Concept is mainly for the velodrome?

The Pista and Pista Concept have the exact same geometry.

http://www.bianchiusa.com/07_pista.html
http://www.bianchiusa.com/07_pista_concept.html

They have lots of other differences, but the geometry is identical.

The Pista and Pista Concept have the exact same geometry.

Thanks, so the differences are carbon fiber and $600.

Thanks for all the companies, I'll look into them and search for the thread.

IMO.... If it is a commuter and you plan to haul more than a bag/backpack, go for a conversion. Find a road bike that fits, ride it around town for a while and figure out what gear ratio works, get a track cog/bb lockring, slap it on a wheel, throw on a new chain and enjoy. If you plan to ride often (sprinkles, rain, snow, sleet, hurricanes), slap some fenders on it and invest in some blinkies. All can be had for under $200 if you look hard and aren't too picky about weight/looks. I would save the track bike for the track.

my winter commuter/beater cost about $20 minus the rear wheel, which bounces between bikes.

http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/1920/bikecopywu8.jpg

Thanks, so the differences are carbon fiber and $600.

Thanks for all the companies, I'll look into them and search for the thread.

well, a little more than that. the concept is an aluminum frame, and a light (thin-walled tube) one at that, and therefore susceptible to more significant damage from the inevitable dings and such that "daily-drivers" are prone too.

the steel of the regular pista will also lend a more forgiving ride over rougher surfaces, which is a benefit for a commuter bike, and it's tougher overall, more able to withstand being locked to sharp-edged poles and such. it's also cheaper, obviously, and not such a blow if you do screw up and damage the bike in some way.

i personally really like the steeper, twitchier geometry of track bikes for street use, and i firmly believe there is no better bike set-up for riding in traffic than a fixed wheel, as you have instant modulation of your speed in a way that a freewheel and brakes can't provide. so for me a track bike is an ideal set-up. i suspect that if you're used to bmx you'll find the transition very natural, as a small-framed, relatively steep-angled, 20"-wheel bike is also very responsive, in the way that an old tourer or junker 10-speed won't be.

there are several other options for comparable bikes too, and they're covered comprehensively on this site.

lastly, don't be discouraged by the ridiculous attitudes and superiority of some of the condascending pricks on this site. most of them have been riding fixed wheel bikes for mere months, are way too caught up in the idea that simply riding around on one makes them in some way cooler than the rest of the population, and furthermore know less than nothing about them, or any other type of bike for that matter. sort the wheat from the chaff when it comes to advice on what type of bike might be more suitable for you, and try as many as you possibly can. then trust your instincts, and enjoy riding whatever you select. it's only bike-riding, and it's fun.

+1 for Jamis Sputnik it's a blast and if you can find one lightly used, probably cheep too, no fender or rack mounts on the down side though...

I'll take all your suggestions and weigh out my option before purchasing or converting a bike. I've been reading sheldonbrown for a couple days now, polishing up on my knowledge before impulsively choosing a bike. Or, I could just convert my bmx to a fixie. But I enjoy the freewheel on the bmx too much.

I would like to pretty much give up my car and ride a bike, save money and save environment. So, any weather I would ride.

eddiebrannan, thanks for the advice to ignore the negativeness i'd receive. Everyone on here's been helpful.

Or another question I should ask is: what brands should I avoid?

Or another question I should ask is: what brands should I avoid?

Or another question I should ask is: what brands should I avoid?

Beyond the junk in Walmart, Target, etc. theres nothing you should necessarily avoid. Just be informed before you buy and you'll be OK.

Beyond the junk in Walmart, Target, etc. theres nothing you should necessarily avoid. Just be informed before you buy and you'll be OK.

Haha, thanks, that's like going to Toys'R'Us to buy a skateboard. Or going to McDonald's for a nutritious meal.

Or, I could just convert my bmx to a fixie.

That would be HARSH.

Riding fixie is best done while seated. I can't see this happening on a typical BMX for basic transportation.

Trevor Meyer tried it for a while back in 2000 or so. But, he used it for flatland tricks only.

http://www.skatelog.com/photos/xgames/1997-02-345x400.jpg

http://expn.go.com/athletes/bios/MEYER_TREVOR.html
"Three time XG Flatland gold medalist, Trevor Meyer is back in 2002.. He stopped riding the unconventional direct-drive system and has returned to freecoaster."

By "direct-drive" they mean fixed-gear.

That would be HARSH.

Riding fixie is best done while seated. I can't see this happening on a typical BMX for basic transportation.

Trevor Meyer tried it for a while back in 2000 or so. But, he used it for flatland tricks only.

http://www.skatelog.com/photos/xgames/1997-02-345x400.jpg

http://expn.go.com/athletes/bios/MEYER_TREVOR.html
"Three time XG Flatland gold medalist, Trevor Meyer is back in 2002.. He stopped riding the unconventional direct-drive system and has returned to freecoaster."

By "direct-drive" they mean fixed-gear.

Hes got a radially laced rear wheel....

That would be HARSH.

Riding fixie is best done while seated. I can't see this happening on a typical BMX for basic transportation.

Trevor Meyer tried it for a while back in 2000 or so. But, he used it for flatland tricks only.

http://www.skatelog.com/photos/xgames/1997-02-345x400.jpg

http://expn.go.com/athletes/bios/MEYER_TREVOR.html
"Three time XG Flatland gold medalist, Trevor Meyer is back in 2002.. He stopped riding the unconventional direct-drive system and has returned to freecoaster."

By "direct-drive" they mean fixed-gear.

Haha, that's awesome, but definitely not a commuter. I love the freewheel; I assume it is a lot easier to pull off tricks than with a fixie bmx.

I love the freewheel; I assume it is a lot easier to pull off tricks than with a fixie bmx.


Certainly that is true for some tricks. But with a fixed gear there are other tricks or variations on tricks that you could do that would be may harder or even impossible with a freewheel.

Certainly that is true for some tricks. But with a fixed gear there are other tricks or variations on tricks that you could do that would be may harder or even impossible with a freewheel.

Yup!

http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/2004/g/skid10.htm

http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/2004/g/skid10.htm


That bike is a pedal strike waiting to happen

http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/2004/g/skid10.htm

Haha, that is gnarly. Okay, most definitely I won't convert my bmx to a fixie.

get a bianchi san jose


I got one for Christmas and got to ride it fixed today. I did 30 miles with SPD's. Went to look over my shoulder to check traffic, tried to coast- nope! keep pedalling. A couple of more times I needed to adjust my shorts, thought I'd coast- nope! Other than that, it was fine. I did have to use the brakes when going down one hill; I was spinning out of control(>130rpm) and bouncing in the saddle. Didn't try trackstanding; too much traffic. I just slowed to a crawl like I do on my roadie until traffic cleared and then moved on. The 2007 San Jose has the flip-flop hub; I believe it's 16 fixed, 18 free. Saddle wasn't as comfortable as my Selle Italia Filante. Brakes worked fine. A good workout; I tried to stay above 90 on my cadence. The route was nearly all flat with just a couple of hills; one had me mashing up it at about 5 mph then feathering the brakes all the way down so I wouldn't be bouncing in the saddle like I did on the other hill. Peeled the decals off the wheels and removed the reflectors. Added a stainless steel bottle cage.


2007 Bianchi San Jose
http://homepage.mac.com/bbattle/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2006-12-29%2011.09.05%20-0800/Image-BDA278DC976F11DB.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/bbattle/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2006-12-29%2011.09.05%20-0800/Image-BDA2693C976F11DB.jpg

Mario Cippolini, eat your heart out
http://homepage.mac.com/bbattle/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2006-12-29%2011.09.05%20-0800/Image-BDA24470976F11DB.jpg

Good quality steel tubing
http://homepage.mac.com/bbattle/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2006-12-29%2011.09.05%20-0800/Image-BDA25920976F11DB.jpg

The San Jose looks awesome, plus it represents my city.

I'll look into that for my first fixie. Haven't came across it at my bike shop, but I'll look around my area.

The San Jose looks awesome, plus it represents my city.

I'll look into that for my first fixie. Haven't came across it at my bike shop, but I'll look around my area.


I'm glad you found something. Good choice. Bianchi make excellent entry-level (read:affordable) bikes.

Bianchi make excellent entry-level (read:affordable) bikes.

They also make some super ridiculous priced bikes as well. Yikes.