Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - First time on Fixed Gear Bike (long)

A few weeks ago a purchased a old fuji road bike, i stripped it down and ordered a suzue hub wheel with some generic rims a dura-ace cog, and a surly lockring. I waited about 4 days for the wheel while i cleaned up the bike and when i went to pick up the wheel i was told the distributor couldnt get it and he got me a Surly Hub w/Mavic rim, and double butted spokes, brass nipples etc. He charged me 110 for the wheel, he said that was pretty much his cost. I figured i would use the original front rim so i wouldnt have to mess with the brakes.

I decided to keep the front brake on, and the old drop bars which are way to small, i want the cowhorn type. The back of the bike is superlight from the nice ri and the front weighs a freaking ton.

After a long day at work, 2 hours of school, and some other general aggrovation i decide to skip dinner and build it up. i found an old bmx chainwheel i had to use but its a bit out of round, ill need to replace that first but it works.

The first block i rode, i ws like wow this is easy it's like a regualr geared bike. Then came the first turn on my corner, my legs wanted to coast and that was a scary feeling, the front pad was rubbing and i attempted to fix it and without realizing it i tried to coast again.

The only thing that makes me nervous is what if i need to stop quick, whats the best way? I have only ridden for about 10 minutes so maybe the fear wil subside.

I am just using platform pedals for now, i ordered clips and straps for further use. What makes me most nervous is turning, do pedals ever hit while you turn, is there a secret to this.

Where can i get a cheap 700cc front road wheel?>

Nashbar has Mavic MA3/Sora for $55. I'm not a great judge of prices but I've seen Weinman rims on Quando hubs for $40 at the LBS. Quando hubs?

when i first started riding fixed, i didn't use toe clips for about a month, and i had both front and rear brakes. i remember feeling exactly the things you described. it takes a little time to get used to. i'd say put the rear brake back on until you get the clips and straps AND learn how to skid. it shouldn't take very long.

pedal striking = BAD! i did it once and thankfully i didn't go down, but it scared the bejesus out of me.

there really isn't any trick to turning, just don't lean too far over. most folks on fixies use 170 or 165mm crankarms. there's a HUGE difference in feeling between 165 and 170. that 1cm of difference (overall) might not seem like a lot, but spinning tighter circles feels a lot better. it takes a pretty tight turn to pedal strike though, even with 170s. umm...put the cranks in the vertical position and lean the bike over until the pedal hits the ground, then look at the angle. or sit on the bike and do the same thing (while supporting yourself either with a hand on a wall, or without your feet on the pedals). this might give you an idea of how it feels to lean over that far.

i have an MA3 laced to an STX paralax hub that i paid $132 for new. it's all silver, with brake scuffage on the rim. other than that it's in perfect condition. you could probably get the mate for your rear surly for around the same price. surly front hub is like, $50-60, i think, plus spokes at $10-15 plus an MA3 at $40 is pretty comperable.

(all prices are estimates and do not reflect ACTUAL bike shop prices)

Where can i get a cheap 700cc front road wheel?>

I use the one from my other road bike. I can't ride both at once, so it's easy.

Of course this advice means nothing if you've got no other road bike. :D

how do i skid????

It's easier (safer probably too) with straps or clipless, but unweight the back wheel by leaning forward, and stop the pedals by pushing back/ locking your knees.
IMO its really a technique for emergancy stops, showing off, or fun for people who like to buy lots of tires.

Here's a link for more info on skidding and other tricks:
http://www.63xc.com/gregg/101_1.htm

..if I had a proper track setup (i.e. lockring instead of loctite ;) )..I think I'd be more into skidding..

You pretty much can't skid (at speed) with flat pedals. You need to be able to yank up on that front leg.

Practice modulating your speed with your legs. Go slower than you would on your coaster bike. Keep your head up and slow down early.

Wear a helmet.

When you figure out skidding, give that lockring another good crank down. If it's at all loose, skidding will pop it off. Even if you're lucky and don't get hurt, the feeling is like taking a dump in your pants.

Pedal strike sucks. Did it once in a turn, and basically just pulled out of the turn a bit to get more space. The worst was when I was squeezing past cars and hit a pedal on the curb. I don't even know how I got out of it, but it seemed like just a little skid and then I went on my way with a big adrenaline rush.

Good luck out there. Take it slow.

You need to ride for a little more than 10 minutes to get used to it. Maybe after you have 15 or 20 minutes under your belt you will be in the groove. :) You can stop quite quickly if your feet are securely attached to the pedals (ie. get clipless pedals), it's just a matter of cranking back hard. With platforms of course you need a brake. You can skid with platforms if you want to, but you will have to have all your weight over the handlebars (think doing a push-up on the bike). For a skid that will actually be affective in stopping the bike you will need to be attached to the pedals. My best piece of advice is to just be cautious. As you feel awkward riding fixed now, soon you will jump on a freewheel and it will be the weirdest feeling because you will be used to fixed gear. :)

-Jason

As you feel awkward riding fixed now, soon you will jump on a freewheel and it will be the weirdest feeling because you will be used to fixed gear. :)


The sketchiest feeling is that panic when I try to slow my freewheel bike by backpedaling... Freakin' scary when the freewheel kicks in and that panic hits for just a sec. :)

-alex

Welcome Grasshopper, you have a long journey ahead. Do not be troubled by moving to fast, allow the bike to move through you. Learn the lesson of the Shau-Lin pedal strike, many times have tacoed a wheel (okay once). I'm too old to skid, and track standing? I still haven't mastered, but controling speed and timing lights I've got down to a science. The weight up front I solved with a carbon fork. I tried clips but couldn't get the damn pedal to flip and pedal and put my foot in without coasting so I gave up.

Good luck and again welcome.

one thing i have learned to do on my fixed gear is just pick a line and stick it. it is almost like mountain biking, but i don't have brakes on my fixie right now and have been learning without them. one thing i am ALWAYS doing is looking ahead and finding emergency lines and/or possible routes if a light changes. i have had the coasting experience a few times, but my legs are pretty used to it now. if it's flat where you live, it's far easier to practice. fortunately, i know just about every single flat route from place to place here even though berkeley has plenty of hills.

hey...stinkyonions! we should ride sometime. i also might be working at velo sport soon...i hope.

OK, stupid basic question, but I'm new to fixed lingo... What's a pedal strike?

ZK

it's when your pedal and the pavement get intimate. only happens when turning. if it happens when you're going straight you've got bigger problems to worry about

it's when your pedal and the pavement get intimate. only happens when turning. if it happens when you're going straight you've got bigger problems to worry about

Thanks.

ZK