Commuting - My wife got me "Fixed" today!

I still can't beleive it! :eek:

We went to the bike shop to find a cargo bag for our jogging stroller and I walked out with a 06 Langster!:D I've been wanting a Fixed/SS for quite sometime and was planning on stripping down the Campione into one this summer.

I was lustfully looking at this bike when my wife walk up and said "Do you want it?" Not clueing in on her intentions, I muttered "Uh-huh" then, to my suprise, she said, "Well, we aren't living on rice, so if you want it, buy it" Startled, I managed "Huh? ... Umm.. Wha? are you serious? I already have 4 bikes, I don't "need" another bike. (Then I realized, hey, wait a minute, why am I trying to convince her that I don't "need" another bike? Just shut up and go with the flow :)) She said, "Why not? if you want it, get it."

The LBS was clearing out thier 06 bikes and it was on sale so .... behold!

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c76/TequilaJoe888/Langster/IMG_3081.jpg

She's got 48 x 16 gearing on both sides of the hub (SS & Fixed) ... maybe a little tough for Calgary terrain considering I live in a suburb called Panorama Hills and commute through areas called Beddington Heights, Huntington Hills, Mayland Hieghts, Pineridge and work in an area called The Foothills Industrial Park. Meh, you get the picture... I wanted a training bike so maybe 48 x 16 will be OK.

I can't wait till the snow melts so I can get out! I'm dialing in the geometry tonight!!!

Thanks for letting me vent my joy!
Cheers!

T.J. (AKA The dude totally in love with his wife)

Your gonna love that bike, Joe !
http://forum.liberaldebatt.com/images/smilies/rocknroll2.gif
You might want to go to a 46x17 or soemthing that will get you around
70 inches, though.....Regardless, you are going to love going simple !!

What were you thinking? You only got a new bike because she's going to use it as leverage when she asks you for a new kitchen, appliances, rugs, dining room, bedroom and/or deck. I've seen this senario play out hundreds of times. I mean you are so screwed that not only will you have to pay for it all, but also have to build, paint, move, repaint, remove, cut, saw, sand, repaint, move it back to where it was, and repaint it too. You won't have time to ride the Langster. Jeeze man, haven't you ever heard that there is no such thing as a free bike.

Look, it's Easter morning... I'll give my best prayers on your behalf. If it will work, this is just the time to do it. But even with divine intervention... you are going to have to spend countless hours giving your opinions on paint chips. Nothing can be done about that.

And next time, before you doing anything rash like that agian, check with us first!

I'm running 48x17 right now on my langster comp. It came with 48x16, which gave me 3 skid patches when skipping to slow down (which I do a lot in the city), whereas 17 gives me 17 patches. 48x15 would give me 5 but I don't really need to maintain 28-30mph for too long here so the 17 works out better.

She's got 48 x 16 gearing on both sides of the hub (SS & Fixed) ... maybe a little tough for Calgary terrain considering I live in a suburb called Panorama Hills and commute through areas called Beddington Heights, Huntington Hills, Mayland Hieghts, Pineridge and work in an area called The Foothills Industrial Park. Meh, you get the picture... I wanted a training bike so maybe 48 x 16 will be OK.



Lol @ me thinking she actually bought it.

Anyway...in the United States anywhere with Heights in it is the ghetto.

I live in Capitol Heights for example...thus named...because their next to the nation's capitol lol...anyway...this whole area is filled with Heights of different sorts...and their all ghetto...even in the other areas...all the Heights are ghetto.

Great bike. The only unaswered question is, what does your wife want to buy.

Or am I being too cynical?;)

Judging from the few responses thus far, 48x17 seems to be the shiz. The 48x16 (80 gear inches) is big especially when I have to do a big climb up to my suburb. It could put some hair on my chest or make me cry like a wee girl... well see next week I suppose.

Thanks for the input.

Consider putting 16 on one side and 17 on the other.

unkchuck & CB HJ,

You guys really know women and should set up a web site called "www.Advice for the easily manipulated men.com" I just caught her in the office looking at the new Chariott jogging strollers. Those things retail for over $700 for the base unit and $200+ for the front wheel or bike adaptor!! :eek:

This is way more than what I paid for the Langster! :mad: I knew it was too good to be true but am happy with my new Fixie.

T.J.

Consider putting 16 on one side and 17 on the other.

16 fixed & 17 freewheel or the other way around?

Wow, the 07 and 06 langsters look a lot different.

I may be screaming ss/fixed newbdom here, but as I perused the specialized website I noticed the highest-level langster retails for...3800 dollars! What is one paying for on a ss/fixed that is worth so much? Surely not components?

Of course, maybe it isn't that odd when I'm comparing it to 5000 dollar geared road bikes. I guess it works out... never mind...

:o


I'm building up my first ss but it's going to be mountain bike-ish. My reasoning is mainly cost, and I'll be moving to Missoula MT soon. The city is quite flat, though it is surrounded by mountains.

16 fixed & 17 freewheel or the other way around?
Whichever one works best for you. It is an individual thing.

Lol @ me thinking she actually bought it.

Anyway...in the United States anywhere with Heights in it is the ghetto.

I live in Capitol Heights for example...thus named...because their next to the nation's capitol lol...anyway...this whole area is filled with Heights of different sorts...and their all ghetto...even in the other areas...all the Heights are ghetto.

EDIT: Since we are marrried, its "our" money. Its was just nice to buy a bike without the "you already have 4 bikes, why do you need another?" B.S.

Pineridge & Forestlawn is considered the "hood" in Calgary. Since the Oil business is booming, Calgary real-estate value has doubled over the last 3 years. You can't buy a single family home in Pineridge for less than $250 000 CDN. Average home values in Calgary is now $375 000

unkchuck & CB HJ,

You guys really know women and should set up a web site called "www.Advice for the easily manipulated men.com" I just caught her in the office looking at the new Chariott jogging strollers. Those things retail for over $700 for the base unit and $200+ for the fron wheel or bike adaptor!! :eek:

This is way more than what I paid for the Langster! :mad: I knew it was too good to be true but am happy with my new Fixie.

T.J.
I would still take that deal for getting a new bike without any " What do you need another bike for?":D

I would still take that deal for getting a new bike without any " What do you need another bike for?":D

True dat! :D

I just caught her in the office looking at the new Chariott jogging strollers. Those things retail for over $700 for the base unit and $200+ for the front wheel or bike adaptor!! :eek:

This is way more than what I paid for the Langster! :mad: I knew it was too good to be true but am happy with my new Fixie.

T.J.

Look at it this way: she's wanting to buy something that'll help her to stay in shape. Do you want her IN shape, or do you want her OUT of shape? ;) At least she's not wanting to blow some cash on something that has NO benefits for you, right? If she really doesn't need the new jogging stroller you could always tell her that it makes her butt look big. :D

Congrats on a nice bike!

Look at it this way: she's wanting to buy something that'll help her to stay in shape. Do you want her IN shape, or do you want her OUT of shape? ;) At least she's not wanting to blow some cash on something that has NO benefits for you, right? If she really doesn't need the new jogging stroller you could always tell her that it makes her butt look big. :D

Congrats on a nice bike!

I was just going to point this out! Not only do you get a bike that you've admittedly lusted after, BUT your wife isn't seeking to buy a couple of pairs of shoes, she's going for something that will keep her in shape, and get the baby out in the fresh air. It sounds like a good situation all around to me.

East Hill

Awesome TJ! It looks Wicked!

Better to have the wife get you "Fixed" like that rather than *snip, snip* :lol:

Enjoy :beer:

Sweet Ride TJ. I had to swap the gearing on my Redline 9.2.5 down to compensate for my advancing years:eek: ;) I think I have it at around 68" fixed and 74" freewheel...can't remember what it worked out to, but it made the bike much more enjoyable for me.

Aaron:)

I would put the 17t fixed and 16t free. Cause freewheel's when you need a little more top end going down hills.

EDIT: Since we are marrried, its "our" money.

OK, now everybody that's heard that line, please raise your hand :)

I would put the 17t fixed and 16t free. Cause freewheel's when you need a little more top end going down hills.

I'd go with a 17 free, it's more of a too tired to pedal, bonked, get me home thing.

Look at it this way: she's wanting to buy something that'll help her to stay in shape. Do you want her IN shape, or do you want her OUT of shape? At least she's not wanting to blow some cash on something that has NO benefits for you, right? If she really doesn't need the new jogging stroller you could always tell her that it makes her butt look big.

Congrats on a nice bike!



I was just going to point this out! Not only do you get a bike that you've admittedly lusted after, BUT your wife isn't seeking to buy a couple of pairs of shoes, she's going for something that will keep her in shape, and get the baby out in the fresh air. It sounds like a good situation all around to me.

East Hill

Ummm.... I failed to mention that we already have 5 strollers. According to her....

Umbrella stroller - quick & easy to travel with.
Evenflow Travel System - Car seat & stroller combo
Graco stroller - my sister's old stroller that was given to us. (never used)
Chico baby buggy - you know the ones with spring suspension?
Dreamer Design Manhattan - jogging stroller that was bought 1 month ago

She say's that she wants the Chariott stroller for the hand brake and suspension. Also, she wants to buy the bike attachment so we can all go out for rides. This was the thing that made it OK for me. Also, since we had the baby, she has been a bit "fluffy" in parts..... I suppose if I can have 5 bikes she can have 6 strollers. :)

Cheers!

T.J.


EDIT: Still totally in love with my wife despite the the fact that she MADE me buy myself a Fixie.

Awesome TJ! It looks Wicked!

Better to have the wife get you "Fixed" like that rather than *snip, snip* :lol:

Enjoy :beer:

Thanks ViperZ.... when are you geting yours? Umm.... I mean the bike.... not the other thing :D

It'd be really cool to follow another on of your build threads and this time, of a fantastic track bike.... you know you want one.....

I think I have it at around 68" fixed and 74" freewheel...can't remember what it worked out to...

I would put the 17t fixed and 16t free. Cause freewheel's when you need a little more top end going down hills.

I'd go with a 17 free, it's more of a too tired to pedal, bonked, get me home thing.

Aauggg... confused!

Must.... research..... fixie .... forum.....
Must.... find.....perfect....ratio....
Must.... grow goatie..... and get courier bag......
Must.... get..... some..... ink done...

She's got 48 x 16 gearing on both sides of the hub (SS & Fixed) ... maybe a little tough for Calgary terrain considering I live in a suburb called Panorama Hills and commute through areas called Beddington Heights, Huntington Hills, Mayland Hieghts, Pineridge and work in an area called The Foothills Industrial Park. Meh, you get the picture... I wanted a training bike so maybe 48 x 16 will be OK.


What's gear do you use the most on your geared bike? Take that ratio, and go just a teeny bit higher for the fixed side.

On the other side, use the largest freewheel that will fit without lengthening the chain.

I would put the 17t fixed and 16t free. Cause freewheel's when you need a little more top end going down hills.

Funny, I'd have the smaller gear fixed. I don't ride singlespeed, but if I did it would be to gear down to climb some hills, and then be able to coast down the other side.

Anyway, to the OP, 48x16 is a big gear - bigger than most are comfortable pushing on the street.

Aauggg... confused!

Must.... research..... fixie .... forum.....
Must.... find.....perfect....ratio....
Must.... grow goatie..... and get courier bag......
Must.... get..... some..... ink done...
Nah...just go to Sheldon Brown's website and use the gear calculator and read the article on skid patches:D

Aaron:)

I ride a 48 x 18... (KHS flite 100). It came 48x16, but I found I was not spinning enough. The 18 has been great. I do group rides with it, I have done a couple of centuries, I have done killer hills (not a pretty sight)... and I have only the 18. I have a new (last year) wheel on the back that is rigged for fixed/fixed, but the otherside remains cogless.

The only hard part about riding the fixie is going down steep hills--that's where the front brake comes in... I get to the point that I am spinning at 130 or so rpm, bouncing out of the saddle--not a good feeling.

enjopy...

train safe--

Not all of us have goats, and ink. I started riding fixed 8 years ago, I wanted to build a tall bike, but couldn't find someone to weld frames for me, so I tried fixed, and have been fixed ever since, the best commuter out there. I do have a couple geared bikes, but most are fixed, or track, and they are a blast. Congrats!

As a fellow Calgary SS rider, 48x16 is a bit on the steep side for your commute. I started out on a 39x14, then went to 42x14, then 42x16 and currently 50x18. The 42x14 was a lot of work to climb with, but produced nice speed on the flats. The 50x18 is a good compromise, as it allows me to climb with relative ease and I can still sprint to 40+ km/h. Try the stock gears for a couple of rides and see how you do. If you need freewheels, Campione on 12th Ave. has them for less than $10. That's where most of the couriers get their gear from.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gears/

Funny, I'd have the smaller gear fixed. I don't ride singlespeed, but if I did it would be to gear down to climb some hills, and then be able to coast down the other side.

Anyway, to the OP, 48x16 is a big gear - bigger than most are comfortable pushing on the street.

Yeah I guess my philosphy's a little bit backwards. I like to keep pushing on the other side, so having a higher gear coming back down is better for me.

You have no idea how apropos your subject line really is. She's got you by the balls now... :p

EDIT: Since we are marrried, its "our" money. Its was just nice to buy a bike without the "you already have 4 bikes, why do you need another?" B.S.

Pineridge & Forestlawn is considered the "hood" in Calgary. Since the Oil business is booming, Calgary real-estate value has doubled over the last 3 years. You can't buy a single family home in Pineridge for less than $250 000 CDN. Average home values in Calgary is now $375 000

wow...I just hope the layout of the single family homes doesnt look like someone took five dice and rolled them onto the craps table.

Nice! You were out maneuvered by your wife, but who cares, at least you got a nice bike! The usual thinking is to go one tooth up on the freewheel side and use it as your bailout gear. So if you're 17t fixed, you go 18t free. Personally, I haven't even used my freewheel and it's been over a year now. I'd jus thread another fixed cog on the other side and be done w/ it.

Get the Surly dual-cog, have your choice, Harris sells them.

Joe,

That bike is SEXY!!!

Fixed bikes usually are.

16 fixed & 17 freewheel or the other way around?

Run fixed/fixed. I would throw on a fixed cog on the free side....perhaps an 18 or 19.

Awesome looking bike, just go out and ride the darn thing... I was a bit naive when I got my fix. DUH, I guess 45X14 sounds good... It's my main ride to work in Manhattan. Only been dropped once on the 59th St Bridge by someone on another fix who looked like he was running a 53X12.

Lived in Cliff Bungalow for a while back in late '70s, biked all over Calgary.

ps: make sure you tuck your shoe laces in.

Aauggg... confused!

Must.... research..... fixie .... forum.....
Must.... find.....perfect....ratio....
Must.... grow goatie..... and get courier bag......
Must.... get..... some..... ink done...

You're entering the fixie world in style. Looks like a sweet ride.

Soon you'll stop wearing lycra and Sidis and instead wear shants (manpris?) and whatever flat sole shoes look the rattiest and most ghetto. You'll also stop using the handbrakes, because skidding looks cooler and all the kids are doing it (even though your legs and knees are screaming for you to be gentler to them). You'll sling that mess bag over your shoulder, giving you license to weave through traffic like you've never done before. You'll approach stoplights with something resembling a trackstand, all the while hoping for the light to turn green soon, because you're about to lose it. I know, because all this has happened to me. Hello, my name is ECDkeys, and I'm a poser. (All: "Hello ECDkeys....").

Seriously, have fun on that bike. If you're anything like a lot of us, it will be the bike you ride the most.

I fear the day I need permission to get a bike

She doesn't bother me about the bikes if I don't bother her about the handbags

Aauggg... confused!

Must.... research..... fixie .... forum.....
Must.... find.....perfect....ratio....
Must.... grow goatie..... and get courier bag......
Must.... get..... some..... ink done...

Only if your bike was a conversion with $1500 worth track components on a $20 yard sale Peugoet frame.

Don't worry. The Langster still displays enough common sensibility that you are still at home with the roadie-commuter crowd.

It's a bike that says "I ride fixed gear because of it's training benefits and the pedaling discipline I wish to develop so that I can do better in road races and criteriums. I also needed something to commute in the rain with."

Anyway...in the United States anywhere with Heights in it is the ghetto.

I live in Capitol Heights for example...thus named...because their next to the nation's capitol lol...anyway...this whole area is filled with Heights of different sorts...and their all ghetto...even in the other areas...all the Heights are ghetto.
I strongly beg to differ. Coming from the upscale neighborhood of Shaker Heights, just outside of Cleveland.
Heights refer the land just above the flood plain of the major river. When the land was settled the flood plains had rich soil but of course flooded, so the heights were settled while the flats were farmed. The fact the Washington has several "Heights" communities that are ghetto does not make it so for every city.
As for the OP. Nice bike. I agree that 48x17 will be a little better than 48x16. I swapped out the 16 on my Mercier Kilo TT (KHS Flite 100) for a 17 and it works well. However this is not my everyday bike. My regular commuter has a 42x16 for a little easier pedaling.
Craig

Strange... I went from a chrome metro to an adventure racing type fully vented backpack when I got my langster comp...


You're entering the fixie world in style. Looks like a sweet ride.

Soon you'll stop wearing lycra and Sidis and instead wear shants (manpris?) and whatever flat sole shoes look the rattiest and most ghetto. You'll also stop using the handbrakes, because skidding looks cooler and all the kids are doing it (even though your legs and knees are screaming for you to be gentler to them). You'll sling that mess bag over your shoulder, giving you license to weave through traffic like you've never done before. You'll approach stoplights with something resembling a trackstand, all the while hoping for the light to turn green soon, because you're about to lose it. I know, because all this has happened to me. Hello, my name is ECDkeys, and I'm a poser. (All: "Hello ECDkeys....").

Seriously, have fun on that bike. If you're anything like a lot of us, it will be the bike you ride the most.

Hey fellas, Thanks for all of the input.... it looks like I've got some experimenting to do this week. I can;t wait.

I just got back from Banff where I took my wife hiking and for a nice dinner. Crazy. She duped me and I'm thanking her... its strange how women can alter your mind isn't it?

Not all of us have goats, and ink. ....Congrats!

Ya, I was just messin' ;) Thanks!

T.J.

:beer:
As a fellow Calgary SS rider, 48x16 is a bit on the steep side for your commute. I started out on a 39x14, then went to 42x14, then 42x16 and currently 50x18. The 42x14 was a lot of work to climb with, but produced nice speed on the flats. The 50x18 is a good compromise, as it allows me to climb with relative ease and I can still sprint to 40+ km/h. Try the stock gears for a couple of rides and see how you do. If you need freewheels, Campione on 12th Ave. has them for less than $10. That's where most of the couriers get their gear from.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gears/

Hey pinkrobe,

I was hopin' you'd drop by; if anyone knows riding Fixies in Calgary it'll be you. I rode around my nieghborhood for 10 minutes before heading off to Banff. 48 x 16 is a BIG gear. Its 78.8 inches according the Sheldon. It looks like the big melt today may have cleared out the MUP so I will ride the Langster to work tommorow. I'm a bit intimidated with the ride home. I have a couple big climbs at the end of my commute up to my house in Panorama Hills. I've hammer up the slopes in 53x20ish on the roadie so there may be a few tears shed on the way up. If you see a guy walking his Langster up Harvest Hills Blvd , Country Hills Drive or Panorama Hills Drive, it'll be me. :(

Thanks for pointing me to Campione. I forgot about them. Bowcycle wants $35 to order in a Surly cog.

Cheers bro. :beer:

T.J.

You have no idea how apropos your subject line really is. She's got you by the balls now... :p
:roflmao:

Yeh, and I took her out for day in the mountains and a nice dinner. :o

:beer:

TJ

ps: make sure you tuck your shoe laces in.

Check.. thanks

Strange... I went from a chrome metro to an adventure racing type fully vented backpack when I got my langster comp...
Why the switch?