[labrat_62]

I will be in staying in san fran for the next 5 days in the tenderloin area (going to a conference somewhere downtown) and am debating on flying my fixie with me for fun/transportation while I am there. Is it worth having the bike? I am used to some hills, but will those kill me?

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[jeffremer]

http://p.vtourist.com/2177344-Dont_call_it_Frisco-San_Francisco.jpg

Tip #1, don't call it "san fran", or "frisco", or any other name people think is cute. It's either "San Francisco", or "The City".

As far as hills, don't worry about it. Sure there are plenty of hills, but nothing that you can't mash up for a few blocks or find a way around. It's definitely worth having a bike, but it could be worth just renting a road bike for the week (if flying your bike out is going to be a hassle).

The Tenderloin and the surrounding area all the way down Market is relatively flat. That area is sort of in a small valley surrounded by Nob Hill and Russian Hill to the North, Telegraph Hill to the North East, Mt. Davidson and Sutro to the South West, Bernal Heights to the South East, etc...

[labrat_62]

right

[SesameCrunch]

Don't know how strong you are on the bike. Downtown is relatively flat, but if you plan to do some sightseeing rides, you'll have hills.

What I do know is that riding in SF area is all about the hills. A fixie might eliminate some routes from consideration. If you have a geared bike, why not bring that and give yourself the flexibility?

PS: I remember seeing videos of the pros on the Tour de California having to zig zag up some of the hills here. If that doesn't scare you, bring the fixie for sure.

[ConstantRider]

This map (http://www.sfbike.org/download/map.pdf) shows you everything -- the bike routes, the grades of streets, where the bike shops are, etc.

[ahpook]

re: the subject, isnt that a bit like bringing coal to Newcastle? :)

make sure to bring a strong lock or two if you care about bringing it back home with you.

[Gee3]

The Tenderloin (TL) isn't that great a neighborhood. The bike may help you escape the bums, druggies and thugs. But unless you can secure your bike in your room I'd be careful with a bike.

I see fixies everyday on my way to work dowtown. So you should be cool. You can go down Market Street towards the Embarcadero and ride along the piers to the wharf and Ghirardelli Square. It's pretty flat that way.

Good luck!

[pelikan]

Bring it, nothing but skinny jeans on fixies in the city. You will fit right in, and it is a great way to get around. Most of the places you'll want to visit as a tourist can be gotten to w/some wiggle around the hills. Just please bring a good U-Lock.

And the 'frisco' thing is largely a generational thing. If Herb Caen means something to the people you see, don't use Frisco unless you wanna make their black clothes wet w/sweat. ;) We use Frisco more often than not, but I grew up in parts of the city where most of our parents were born here too. I don't think I saw the Marina till I was in my teens!