Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Should I take the plunge??

I currently own 2 fixed gear bikes and a mountain bike. I am now suddenly finding a desire to have a roadbike with gears---mostly to do group rides. I can get a great deal on a Trek 1500 and can use my tax refund to fund the purchase. My problem is that I can't justify owning 4 different bike, esp. when two of them basically serve the same function. Should I blow the dough on the roadbike? If I do, will my skin suddenly molt and be replaced with lycra? Will I start weighing myself every morning and shaving my legs?WIll I feel compelled to buy a beamer with a roof rack to transport my new ride? If I do morph into a roadie, which fixie do I get rid of? My Pista is precious b/c it was my first and is amazingly fast. My IROSE holds a special place in my heart because I selected all the components and put most of it together, and is a better "cruising" ride? The torture! Will I even ride fixed anymore if a jump into roadie world?

Why not gear one of the fixed gears for the roadie rides? Out of my group, 3 of us ride fixed... one of us ONLY rides fixed. It's really only a problem on windy days... you tend to be at a bigger disadvantage than the geared guys/gals.

do it. you won't stop riding fixed.

/end thread.

Buy the Trek. Sell your front wheel for an Aerospoke. Add a top tube pad. Wear a messenger bag and use your rear brake to pull awesome skids.

Seriously though if you just want something geared there are other options to consider...internal geared hub on one of your track bikes? That way you can ride your favorite bike on group rides.

i have two road bikes, and soon to be 3, maybe 4 fixed gears. it's just a matter of setting them all up to be slightly different. one road bike is race and training only. one is for casual rides in sneakers.
one fixed gear is set up as a TT bike. one is a riding around campus/to the store bike. one is bad weather.
i ride them all. sometimes i ride two or three of them a day.

Just do it! The 'you only miss the gear when its windy' argument is bull. Riding a roadbike is just very different. i just trained three hours on my roadbike in a group. It's fun! Just as much fun as riding through the city on a fixie. But different.
See it as an extra. And why can't you justify owning 4 bikes? Is it because of the misses? ;)

i think everyone should try as many different forms of riding as possible and just go with what they like. if you decide gears aren't for you just flip it and buy some new parts for your other bikes. don't be afraid of falling into a stereotype, cause guess what - if you're riding fixed you're already there man.

you could also build up a conversion frame with a nexus or 3spd hub and keep the no-derailer aesthetic, gain a hub brake, and more flexibility. personally, i think a porteur style bike with integral front rack and a nexus would be grand.

i suddenly own way more track bikes than i ought to, and i would looooove to get a decent road bike. track bikes are great. i can't imagine city riding on a road bike and i'm dying for track season to start, but there are soooo many applications i can think of where i'd want a road bike. travelling is a huge factor, but so is the potential for road racing.

its about time i got a road bike! it doesn't have to be, but it most definitely can be an entirely different world of cycling. i say go for it man. the worst that could happen is you sell it in a few months and get more track bike stuff ;)

I would round out the stable with the Trek. Road riding can be a lot of fun, and there is no need to wear team kit or shave your legs if you don't want to. More bikes will reduce the signs of aging... ;)

Its either a new bike or the HD TV. Somehow spending 1K on a bike isn't bothersome, but I simply cannot bring myself to spend 1K + on a TV (and new dvd player, cables, cords, HD cable, etc., etc.). Plus, if I get the tv i would stay home all the time to watch it. I figure with 4 bikes I've never got an excuse NOT to ride.

I had the bike that you're considering.... the components leave something to be desired. the frame is nice though.

omg

get a road bike

lose a fixed gear

problem solved

omg

get a road bike

lose a fixed gear

problem solved

r u on livejournal?

stanzas make

the most mundane
writing look

poetic

i dunno wut livejounral is

srry dood

there is only one

danza

i obey

http://bp3.blogger.com/_Ne5Lb2SiFHg/RhVuqOCYz3I/AAAAAAAACl0/09ZYaw0kX08/s400/tony+danza.jpg

If I do morph into a roadie, which fixie do I get rid of? My Pista is precious b/c it was my first and is amazingly fast. My IROSE holds a special place in my heart because I selected all the components and put most of it together, and is a better "cruising" ride? The torture! Will I even ride fixed anymore if a jump into roadie world?

You could still be a roadie and ride fixed. I do it, so can you.

No, you shouldn't get a road bike.

Yes, you should get a road bike.

by the way, welcome back bonechilling. ;)

bonechilling i bought a G9. you are jealous

dear skanking biker.

i am taking my own advice and buying a road bike myself. i might even ride it with jeans and a messenger bag! i'll post back if/when the deal goes through. i'm super excited.

and Fetch, I'M jealous that you bought a G9. i still really want a G7. ...but i'm buying a road bike instead!

Why not gear one of the fixed gears for the roadie rides? Out of my group, 3 of us ride fixed... one of us ONLY rides fixed. It's really only a problem on windy days... you tend to be at a bigger disadvantage than the geared guys/gals.

While that may be great in Houston, it's not as good a solution in places with hills (though it may be erfect where the op is)