Introductions - Howdy from Chicago

Hello all,

I'm a recent transplant from smoldering Las Vegas, NV to Chicago. I have ridden for fun and commuted on my 1991 GT Performer since I got it for Xmas that year. I've always loved tooling around with the GT and other assorted BMX and freestyle bikes that crossed my path. So, when I moved to Chicago and saw all the messengers with their gear free road bikes and brakeless trackbikes I had the biggest surge of bike excitement since I was a kid and coveted that Dyno Vertigo with the mags at my LBS. Through the information in the Singlespeed/Fixed Gear forum on this message board, sheldonbrown.com, and a frame or two from workingbikes.org I am now hooked on single speed road bikes and working my way up to going fixed.

Great resource and nice to meet you all!

[edit]
Thought I'd add a list of my bikes:

- 1991 GT Performer
- 1975 Motobecane Mirage (Budget SS)
- 1986 Fuji Pulsar (Another Budget SS and my all weather bike)
- 1948 Repco Path Racer (Just got ahold of this frame and am going to do it up nice and fixed)

- Dave

I'm a recent transplant from smoldering Las Vegas, NV to Chicago. when I saw all the messengers with their gear free road bikes and brakeless trackbikes I had the biggest surge of bike excitement since I was a kid. I am now hooked on single speed road bikes and working my way up to going fixed. Dave

I'm too scared to try a fixed gear bike, because I might like it too much. If I lost my gears, it would be even harder for me to make it to work on time. I'm always almost late. Being a simple guy, though, there is that appeal. Ritt

I'm too scared to try a fixed gear bike, because I might like it too much. If I lost my gears, it would be even harder for me to make it to work on time. I'm always almost late. Being a simple guy, though, there is that appeal. Ritt

As long as you choose your ratio correct, you shouldn't have a problem, considering where we live (flat land). I run one of 3 ratios 40/15 44/16 48/16, 72, 74.25, 81 gear inches. I don't have any problem cruising around this town as fast or faster than my geared bikes. I say try the FG thing, if you aren't sure, PM me I will let you try out one of my/my wife's bikes depending on your size....


Nice to have you join us Calc...

Phil

(P.S. look for me in the FG/SS area, if you couldn't figure that out already)

(P.S. look for me in the FG/SS area, if you couldn't figure that out already)

I was just ogling your new wheels... so nice!


iceratt - i'm running 42/16 with a freewheel and it gets me around pretty nicely i think. i can't say that i'd miss the gears if i had them. i'm late all the time too but it's because i like being on the bike so much i end up taking the long way!

Dave,

Welcome to the forum from another Chicagoan. I work in the city but I do my riding in the suburbs where I live. I've also just started riding a fixed gear and I'm enjoying it...usually riding during solo rides. I built up an IRO frame running a 46-18T. I find it just fine fo the terrain and distance I ride. I'm just looking out the window right now and the city is so beautiful in the summer. I'm calling it an early day today so I can ride when I get home.

LuisB