Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Repetetive yes, but I need input like Johnny 5!

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dropnroll
06-27-04, 11:32 AM
More and more I've been interested in riding fixed. The benefits - smoother form, cadence, closeness to the bike and road, increased control - all this sounds great to me. I singlespeed now, and it's a blast and i love it for just having fun, but sometimes i want to focus on the ride. When I'm going down a small hill, sometimes instead of tapping out and coasting, cause you'll spin like a fool, I want to pedal with the bike. All this being said, I'm looking into buying a track bike. Here's the deal. I've mostly ridden compact geometry, once or twice i'll ride a buddie's road bike, which is pretty traditional, but that's about it. I just want to know if this transition, to track geometry, is gonna be real difficult. I live in NYC and everyone keeps saying that track bikes are good for city riding. But I hear they're "twitchy". Is this something that'll be hard for me to get used to, considering my history? Does this affect handling on the variable surfaces of an urban city like NYC, say riding over tiny potholes (i avoid them in general, but sometimes you can't miss em)? I'm probably buggin, but I feel like it'll be hard for me to handle, but on the other hand I feel like it'll only help my riding, handling, form, etc., and it's something I really wanna do. So there I am.

I'm looking into the IROs, Mark V and Jamie Roy. Which would you recommend for my type of riding? I guess, what would you recommend period. Sorry for so many questions, but you guys are a load of info.
Thanks again.

Tami

jitensha!
06-27-04, 12:43 PM
it's not that hard of a transition. i'd been off a bike for about 3 years or so before i started riding fixed (on a true track bike) earlier this year. it's got a 74 degree head angle and 75 degree seat angle. as far as being "twitchy" or whatever, i don't really see it. it does react a lot quicker. i'm almost at the point where i can steer with my hips as much as my hands.

given a choice between the two Iro frames, i'd go for the Mark V, cos it's steel and has more of a track geometry (steep angles, high bottom bracket). personally, i'd sooner buy a Soma Rush tho, cos i don't like the 1-1/8" head tube on the Iro's.