Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Going back to freewheel

I flipped my wheel yesterday for the first time since going fixed (only for the last couple of miles, I was knackered from the heat). Have to say, freewheeling for the first time again was a very strange feeling. I kept thinking my legs were going keep moving if I stopped pedalling. And I tried to back-pedal when I slowed down. Weird. But I did keep pedalling where before I would have coasted, and my spin seemed much smoother, so fixed definately seems to be a good thing :) Yay for fixed gears.

Now flip that bugger back over and repent!

I rode an old road bike for a week or so when I broke a spoke. I flew through two stop signs before I realized that I can't brake with my legs anymore. I never got used to the lag before the pawls engage in the freewheel and I never figured out how to get into the toe-clips smoothly b/c the cranks kept flipping around whenever I put any upward pressure on them.

I love the fact that I learned how to ride again (after 15yrs) on a fixed.

tim

Everytime I ride one of my (broken) bikes I feel as if the chain has fallen off. I also pull the brake lever harder now, almost went over the bars this weekend. I would suggest avoiding a broke at all costs ;)

Don't worry, I'm going back to fixed.

Sometimes "Broken" bikes can be fun though, I have quite a few bikes lying around my house, mostly fixed. I try to ride each one at least a couple of times a year, if even to the bar with friends. Something relaxing about getting hammered and coasting your way home at 2am....