Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - took first track bike ride

Never rode a fixed gear before but went to LBS for a new jersey shirt after blasting around downtown Cleveland today and just had to try out a track bike because of this forum (gee thanks I have enough bikes!). Tried the Fuji (cheaper one)$550. They told me "Ya know these aren't for everyone and we don't stock too many of them." Took it around the parking lot, then started to smile. I asked if I could leave and go somewhere on it, they said sure like why would I want to ride it. It was so cool, what a blast! . I think I'm a gonner..... Spent over an hour on it, would get off, talk and just had to get back on. Wondered, maybe you could help me out there. Im use to a Trek 52cm road bike and the track bike I tried was 56cm, they had to lower the seat and the top tube was up into my, well you know..... but the reach felt right. Is a track bike a less stretched out position? They told me the seat tube is a steeper angle, so I thought maybe it is. . Slowing down seemed to come easy to me, I even locked up the rear wheel, but I can tell I might kill myself the way I ride if I dont get a brake for the front, they even suggested it. Is there something else I can check in this price range that you guys think is better bang for the buck? ty..or even more of a track bike geometry?

[QUOTE=ClevelandGuy]
I would go for a smaller frame if you had to lower the seat that much. The reach can be adjusted by stem length increase. Either of those bikes would be fine for an inexpensive first bike that you don't have to replace anything to ride. If you have a bit more money you could get a frame and install better parts but you would be into the 800-1000 plus range to really see some improvement. Some of the other fellows on this forum ride other inexpensive bikes and could give you some of their recommendations.

fixedgearhead

The Bianchi Pista will make you a better lover.

The Bianchi Pista will make you a better lover.

LIIIES!!!!

My pista is on order. Cleveguy, we will have to compare!

You should post the stock components. What shop did you hit? Downtown?


The Bianchi Pista will make you a better lover.

I ordered from century, also. I like the steel, man. It was 3 weeks the third of May, but bianchi is notorious for slooow delivery. didn't see any fujis, but I ride 49-51. I actually ordered the 49 but they did not believe it would fit me, so they order a 51 also, just in case. I anm so sick of too big frames. i'd rather work with the stem, etc..... The difference in the top tube is only 1 cm, tho, I think.

You can not have too many bikes....


Centruy Cycles. Where did you order yours? So how long is the wait. Did you try out
the Fuji? Like I really should get ANOTHRE bike, but I'm tempted. Since Im temped I probably will find myself getting it.

i started riding brakeless and i think riding brakeless, while hard to comprehend at first, has many merits. for one, i now ride with more rhythm and never stop pedaling. on my geared bikes, it's usually stop and go. on my fixed, i keep pedaling and have a smooth flow. it also has taught me to be far more observant of my surroundings and way more defensive when i do ride. if your area is pretty flat, i'd give it a whirl or at least have a front brake for emergencies. only thing is, i'd be afraid of having the front brake cause more problems if i fully grabbed the brake in a tight spot.

The Bianchi Pista will make you a better lover.
What about with people?

When you have a Bianchi, you don't need people.

When you have a Bianchi, you don't need people.
damn, that's a lot of Phil Wood's waterproof to have to go through

You know what they say. "Phil Wood's or chaffed wood. Your choice."

You know what they say. "Phil Wood's or chaffed wood. Your choice."

Shouldn't this discussion be taking place on the owie thread?

Things have devolved here to an alarmingly low low.

Shouldn't this discussion be taking place on the owie thread?


Technique my boy! Technique!


Things have devolved here to an alarmingly low low.

What did you expect?

Things have devolved here to an alarmingly low low.
shut the hell up

']shut the hell up

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And still no.







































































































And yet no again trixie.

You two are sooooooooo cute.

You two are sooooooooo cute.

Ahem.

Adorable.

Get it straight.

In addition, from this point forward, anyone calling me 'cute' or 'adorable' or anything of the sort should use an exclamation point that has a heart for the dot. Suffer...