Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Losing the faith

After exclusively riding fixed gear for about 5 years (it was my only bike), the appeal is seriously waning. My fixed gear has gone through many transformations, starting as stock 2003 fuji-track complete. I powder-coated it a lovely shade of kermit green after a year, at which point I also swapped the drop bars for straight bars, which I rode for another year or two. I went from toe clips to clipless and back to gr9s and clips. And now the bike has flat nitto promenade bars and cork grips to match the lovely nitto stem, and an excellent front basket that's large enough to accommodate a twelve pack and some groceries. And over the years I've upgraded just about all the other components too. It's a great bike and I really loved it. But then I purchased a complete Surly Cross-Check early in the summer, and now I find myself picking the Surly 9 times out of 10.

Why?
1. The ride is much smoother.
2. I'm able to ride faster. I realize that basket, promenade bars, cork, etc. won't help me set any speed records, but I can definitely push myself harder on the Surly.
3. It is far more versatile. Call me crazy, but having multiple gears make a lot of sense.
4. What about the Zen moments that supposedly come only with fixed gear riding? Bullsh!t. I find that escaping the city for a fifty or sixty mile ride through hilly farmland is far more enlightening and enjoyable than tooling around in urban traffic. (And relax, I'm not saying that people can't/don't go for long, hilly or mountainous rides on fixed gears. I am saying that for me, it's a far more enjoyable experience with gears.)
5. It's a better commuting machine in every possible way: rear rack mounts? check. full fender mounts? check? appropriate, comfortable geometry? check. multiple gears for varying conditions? check.
6. After many years of fixed-only riding, I'm always pedaling (as if there were no choice) with good rhythm and cadence, which makes me a better, stronger cyclist. But having the OPTION to coast when necessary is a great benefit too, particularly in tight situations, or on really ****ty road conditions.
7. I spend no more time maintaining the gears, brakes, and other additional components on the Surly than I did/do on the fixed gear.

Anybody else go through a similar phase or transition away from fixed? Sure, I still love the simplicity and aesthetic of my fixed gear, but I now struggle to find any other reasons to justify it. It just makes less sense to me these days.

i love riding fixed, i think it's a ton of fun and makes sense for my average daily riding. i really want to get a road bike though so i can get out and do some long rides on weekends. i'm also thinking of trying to get my parents to buy get me one as a graduation present in the spring and take a month or so right after i finish college to take a very long trip.

Limiting yourself to one style of bike in the first place is ludacris. I love riding my fix, but want to get another road bike soon, I have two mountain bikes, one is a single speed. I just love bikes in general, so yes riding one type of bike for many years will get boring. You need to spice things up once in awhile.

ludacris.

Has the whole world gone CRAZY?!

AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO GIVES A **** ABOUT THE RULES?!?!

Geared bikes are awesome and they're much faster than fixed gears.

http://www.visualstatistics.net/East-West/Witch%20Trials/KladivoA.jpg

Just kidding....

ludicrous

Geared bikes are awesome and they're much faster than fixed gears.

No, they're not because [insert utter bull**** about fixed drive-trains "carrying" your legs through the rotation when climbing].

Has the whole world gone CRAZY?!

AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO GIVES A **** ABOUT THE RULES?!?!

Sir, could you please just be honest and mark that frame as a zero? I would appreciate it.

And yeah. The dividing line between the fad guys and the actual cyclists is whether they continue riding after a few years of looking awesome in front of the coffee shop. Often, those people move on to geared bikes because they just make more sense in pretty much every aspect.

And for the people on here who talk about "control," get real. A real cyclist can control a bike with a freewheel.

bikes, in general, are fun
different bikes for different stuff at different times = lots of different kinds of fun

I say more power to you!
Fixed is great for urban commuting, but unless you're trying to up your "cool" points, fg bikes really have no practicality for longer, hillier rides.

Where I used to live, I commuted with an old myata ten speed. It was great for the area I lived in. But now living in more urban areas I prefer my fixed. But if I'm planning on doing longer rides outside of the city, it's the 10 speed for me.

I want so many different bikes. I love my fixie (sue me), but I really want something more versatile. I was thinking of making a geared CX or touring bike my next purchase. Something I can ride year-round and longer distances over more varied terrain.

Also, I'm dying for a niner. I want to hit the dirt so badly sometimes...

To me there is no riding that's better than riding a road bike on hilly, traffic-free, scenic roads. In second place is track racing, which nowadays is the only time I ride a fixed-gear.

My commuter bike started off as a fixed-gear, then became a brakeless fixed-gear and is now a single speed. It's set up so it's comfortable for short rides around the city and not much else (I shudder even thinking about taking it on a long ride in its current setup).

I want so many different bikes. I love my fixie (sue me), but I really want something more versatile. I was thinking of making a geared CX or touring bike my next purchase. Something I can ride year-round and longer distances over more varied terrain.

You should seriously consider the surly cross check. I was looking for exactly the same things as you, and that bike fits the bill. Check it out (http://www.surlybikes.com/crosscheck_comp.html). It's like a swiss army knife of bikes: great for commuting, great for extended touring (full rack and fender mounts, and wide-wheel friendly), and good for racing too.

my single speed is great for around-the-city riding, cruising, and commuting. my geared roadie is great for long rides, out in the country, or a challenging workout.

there's a mutiny aboard this ship, gentlemen.

You should seriously consider the surly cross check. I was looking for exactly the same things as you, and that bike fits the bill. Check it out (http://www.surlybikes.com/crosscheck_comp.html). It's like a swiss army knife of bikes: great for commuting, great for extended touring (full rack and fender mounts, and wide-wheel friendly), and good for racing too.

It's a contender. I love Surly, and was considering a Steamroller when I was building up my fixie. Decided on the Angus instead because of the price, tubing and colour. A great bike, but I find myself unable to subject it to the rigours of a Toronto winter.

ludicrous

ludicrous?

You should seriously consider the surly cross check. I was looking for exactly the same things as you, and that bike fits the bill. Check it out (http://www.surlybikes.com/crosscheck_comp.html). It's like a swiss army knife of bikes: great for commuting, great for extended touring (full rack and fender mounts, and wide-wheel friendly), and good for racing too.

Not to mention the fact that you can throw some fat ass tires on there and take her down some single track. My CC loves 700x45's.

I think unless you're actually doing Cyclocross the Pacer is a better bet for touring/road riding, rack and fender mounts, and ability to use road brakes.

I was able to find a built Pacer and actually did a compare/contrast on the two. In the end, I still got a Cross Check. For me, the only big selling point on the Pacer was the road brakes. The Cross Check had better clearances, felt more comfortable, was actually available as a complete with warranty, and would have ended up cheaper since I wouldn't have had to buy all of the parts separately.

There's also the fact that the CC isn't really that great for cyclocross anyways.

Man, this thread makes me feel all backwards now. I like my fixed for commuting, but I'm jonesing for a more relaxed around towner. Oh well as far as I'm concerned the only way to truly lose the faith is to stop riding bikes...or switch to recumbents.

Recumbents are badass too. There's nothing like driving 35mph down a woodsy back road and watching a recumbent pass you like you're standing still.

I was able to find a built Pacer and actually did a compare/contrast on the two. In the end, I still got a Cross Check. For me, the only big selling point on the Pacer was the road brakes. The Cross Check had better clearances, felt more comfortable, was actually available as a complete with warranty, and would have ended up cheaper since I wouldn't have had to buy all of the parts separately.

There's also the fact that the CC isn't really that great for cyclocross anyways.

Well if you did a side-by-side comparo, then you've got to go with that. I had half the parts lying around so the build made more sense for me. Besides the weight, I've never heard anyone complain about any of their Surly purchases. I expect to be riding my Pacer into retirement age.

http://www.geocities.com/rcgilmore3/RuntRecumbent.jpg

Don't get me wrong, the Pacer's great. I just liked the CC better.

I haven't ever found a Surly that I didn't like. My next purchase is going to be a Karate Monkey. Then I'm honestly probably going to sell all of my bikes aside from the two Surlys and be happy for a long long time.

Variety is the spice of life. I can't wait to get a road bike... I've done a century on my fixed gear and plenty of long road rides with hills. It's great training but not fun at all on the descents, especially if they're curvy.

I don't really think road bikes make more sense as a commuter/lockup/all-weather bike though. That's where fixed gears shine.

I used to think that too. Then I moved to Seattle.

Variety is the spice of life. I can't wait to get a road bike... I've done a century on my fixed gear and plenty of long road rides with hills. It's great training but not fun at all on the descents, especially if they're curvy.

I don't really think road bikes make more sense as a commuter/lockup/all-weather bike though. That's where fixed gears shine.

Fortunately, I'm able bring my CC into my office year round, and for the times that I need to lock it up in the city or country, I feel slightly better having added locking skewers to the front and back wheels. And if you're a commuter looking to add a great rack/bag/pannier setup for geared or fixed bikes, I recommend the topeak (http://www.topeak.com/products/Bags/MTXTrunkBagDXP) system. The bags slide on and off with ease.

I see no loss in faith (whatever that really means).

I can say that I generally like riding my road bike better than my FG (that could also do with the fact that my road bike is a much higher quality machine), but each bike has its own character and rides in different ways. But I have two "interfaith" reasons why I like riding my fixed-gear: 1. (Speaking now like a good roadie) Riding a fixed gear with 82 gear inches to work and back everyday is good training. 2. (Now speaking like a FG "hooligan') Riding my fixed gear turns more good-looking gals' heads than riding my road bike.

I seriosuly thought about selling all of my other bikes when i started riding fixed...that lasted several years until i got back on a road bike and realized how much stronger and effiicient I became becuase of soley riding fixed...now I have trouble deciding which bike to ride again...these types of problems, i do not mind having

I used to think that too. Then I moved to Seattle.

Funny because it's pretty agreed upon that SF is the track bike epicenter.

But yeah hills in the city are fun on track bikes... long winding hills in the country with little to no shoulder and blind curves, not so much.

it's all about variety. it's easy to lose sight of what makes fixed gears (or geared bikes) fun and advantageous when you only ride one or the other.

Recumbents are badass too. There's nothing like driving 35mph down a woodsy back road and watching a recumbent pass you like you're standing still.

I spent some time on a Volae Club that convinced me of the same.

Recumbents are badass too. There's nothing like driving 35mph down a woodsy back road and watching a recumbent pass you like you're standing still.

I'll be sure to let you know when that happens. I know they are fast but all the ones around here are ridden much slower than me and I'm not particularly fast.

I see no loss in faith (whatever that really means).

I can say that I generally like riding my road bike better than my FG (that could also do with the fact that my road bike is a much higher quality machine), but each bike has its own character and rides in different ways. But I have two "interfaith" reasons why I like riding my fixed-gear: 1. (Speaking now like a good roadie) Riding a fixed gear with 82 gear inches to work and back everyday is good training. 2. (Now speaking like a FG "hooligan') Riding my fixed gear turns more good-looking gals' heads than riding my road bike.

Ladies love my fixed gear. And if they don't... f-in skanks.

http://www.visualstatistics.net/East-West/Witch%20Trials/KladivoA.jpg

Just kidding....

I lolled.

Seriously, though, the practicality of having gears is why I'll never have just a FG/SS. I like being able to coast, and I like being able to maintain a given cadence regardless of how fast or slow I'm going. I also like being able to adjust my drivetrain on the fly, the way I would in a car or on a motorcycle. In general, gears are awesome.

http://www.visualstatistics.net/East-West/Witch%20Trials/KladivoA.jpg

Just kidding....

whatever--- just try to put a derailleur near my single speed heart:eek:

I only have a converted fixed gear at the moment, but when I move out of the city (and get back my security deposit) I'm going to sell it. Then I'll buy a 29er (possibly a SS, though I'm undecided right now) and build my Alien up when I get that. I think fixed gears are a part of my future but it's not going to be exclusive (woah, it almost sounds like I'm talking about a girl).

When I moved to a mountaneous area, I went through a brief fixed hiatus. I rode a ton of road and mountain bike during my "break". I have two fixed gears, and gradually started riding more and more. I added a tooth to make the climbs easier--- then realized I was suffering more on the descents than the climbs, so I dropped two on the cog and added two on the ring to run about 80 gear inches. I am feeling the love again--- and am a bit worried about winter when I must ride mountain bike to fit studded tires.

I really like the variety. The mountain bike is great for pulling the kid trailer. The road bike is great for epic rides out in the hills. The fixed gear gets me to and from work. It all fits together.

Same thing happened to me recently; rediscovering the joy of a road bike. I ride my road bike almost exclusively now, and I turned my tarck'd out fixie into a single-speed grocery-getter; traded the bullhorns for nitto promenades and threw on some racks and fenders.

it's all about variety. it's easy to lose sight of what makes fixed gears (or geared bikes) fun and advantageous when you only ride one or the other.

Well said. It's hard to believe that I went so long with only a fixed gear, but it totally satisfied my needs and interests, which were largely short in mileage and flat in terrain. Now that my interests are shifting toward longer, hillier, farther, I'm delighted to have a more fitting machine.

But it still feels great--and it always will--to throw a 12 pack in the front basket of my FG and right across town to a friends house.

Blasphemy! I love it.

my single speed is great for around-the-city riding, cruising, and commuting. my geared roadie is great for long rides, out in the country, or a challenging workout.

You don't need a roadie for a challenging workout. Ever done intervals on a singlespeed?

I'm a polytheist myself. I have faith in all my lovely bikes.
Ciocc fixed gear
Raleigh record ss
Vision R64 recumbent
Bridgestone Picnica SS
Pinarello Surprise road
Bianchi SS mtb

I don't really think road bikes make more sense as a commuter/lockup/all-weather bike though. That's where fixed gears shine.

Well...i guess that all depends on the distance and terrain you're commute is.

2. (Now speaking like a FG "hooligan') Riding my fixed gear turns more good-looking gals' heads than riding my road bike.

The girls that comment on my fg/ss are usually fat skanks with crummy tattoos and really ratty clothes. And the girls that notice my roadie are slim, fit, and wearing lycra.

I've never had the faith.:D I built my fixie up as a winter commuter, complete with muguards and dynohub lighting system. I enjoy riding it and its is comfortable to ride on 50km rides and it is good training. It's too short in the wheelbase (it's based on a locally made copy of a non-folding Raleigh 20) to climb easily.

I enjoy taking my roadbike for a spin when the weather is fine, or taking my old three-speed when I want to just cruise. And of course when I want to do a really long comfortable ride, I ride my recumbent.

It is nice to be able to pick and choose a bike for how I'm feeling on any given day. It means I don't get bored with cycling. It does of course mean that I always seem to have at least one bike needing some work and attention.:rolleyes:

The girls that comment on my fg/ss are usually fat skanks with crummy tattoos and really ratty clothes. And the girls that notice my roadie are slim, fit, and wearing lycra.

Dude, you gotta move to So California.

But it still feels great--and it always will--to throw a 12 pack in the front basket of my FG and right across town to a friends house.

got a photo of your basket? (or link?) i'm curious to see how it works, i'm considering getting some sort of basket/rack for grocery runs but would want something fairly easy to take on/off for commutes.

cheers