Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - nervous about going fixed...

I just recently finished building (read: "watching my bike shop build" since I know nothing about building bikes, but would like to learn...) a new bike to replace my last one that got stolen (the jerks...). I have a Sturmey Archer 3 speed internal fixed hub that is running on a free wheel right now. I have the cog needed to turn it into a fixed gear alllllllll ready to go, but I'm just very NERVOUS about it...

First, I've always thought that single-speed and fixed gear were synonymous...I know better now, but I have never seen anyone riding a 3 speed fixed...

Second, I am worried about not being able to pedal the whole time and flipping my arse over the handlebars when I'm not paying attention...I commute from Brooklyn to NYC (at least 7 miles one way on some days, around 13 miles one way on other days) and...well....I'M JUST VERY NERVOUS ABOUT IT! gah.

Third...actually I dont think there is a third...except to say that I'm just VERY. NERVOUS. about it.

little help?

thaaaaaanks!

i've only been riding fixed since July, coming from single speed cruisers. no big deal. different style, be attentive. pick a quiet area to try it out and have fun....

Use a brake (or two) and you'll be fine.

get veeps and start sup'in sqrls

get used to using foot retention

Just ride for a day or two as a SS so that you can adapt to the new frame and dial in the fit. Then set the rear hub to lock and go for a ride in a minimally populated area. You will feel very comfortable in no time, just take it slow at first.

Riding a fixie is actually quite addictive. I needed to make a 12 mile grocery run earlier today, and I reached for the fixie first thing. Even with 30lbs. of groceries on my back on the way home I had a blast.

I flipped my wheel to fixed after a few weeks on campus, and it was a little scary at first. But, you get used to it quick.

Its a bike.


Ride it,have fun.

use brakes.

Or EFF brakes.


do what you want and all that matters is if you are comfy.

Install the cog, flip the wheel, listen to Ride the Lightning, and get out there.

I actually just went fixed two days ago, i commute 3 miles to work and 9 to school. The first ride i tried to coast a few times other then that it was wonderful. Like everyone said ride a brake and a not such a busy area and you'll be quite comfy in just a few. I already love it such a different feel from my SS which i already loved insanely.

get veeps and start sup'in sqrls

This is the only thing you need to do.

If you're really nervous, I'd recommend going to an empty parking lot to practice or something. Don't get on the road right away because the last thing you want to do is panic in traffic.

I was nervous too, so I practiced in my parking structure. You just want to get used to what the bike feels like, and watch out for standing up on a fixed at first. Get used to foot retention, like with straps, and dismounting. Of course, you want to practice coming to a stop and putting your foot down.

Having a front brake makes learning a lot easier and safer. You'll be much more aware of traffic signals and adjusting your speed because coming to a stop sucks.

If you can, ride your local MUP when it is abandoned. This will allow you get a good feel for the bike while separating yourself from angry motorists.

From the description of your build, my guess is that 718 Cyclery built your bike. Awesome LBS, hands down. Go to Prospect Park and ride. You'll be doing elephant trunk skeeds in no time

I have been riding a fixie since July around (live in Queens). It is my first real bike since I was younger and I am just starting to commute into the city for work (around 11 miles each way). Kilo TT setup with a front brake.

I love the fixie. First day I jumped on it, I was hooked. Once I jump off to ride the MTB, I forget that you can stop pedaling haha.

Good luck with it, I would be surprised if you aren't hooked on it.

After nearly 40 years of riding geared bikes, I built a fg earlier this summer. Most fun riding I've had since my teens. You will absolutely LOVE riding your fixed gear bike. Since I'm always out riding my fixed gear - for training, for long country rides, for errands, my other bikes whisper to one another, "where'd he go" "why doesn't he ride us anymore?"

Yes, use the front brake as you learn. Yes, you will forget for a few times and attempt to coast. Whoa... That habit will quickly be broken...

My guess is that you'll be very happy within the first day, even if still a bit nervous about it. By the end of the first week, you'll be confident.

Good luck,
Phil

Any tips for dealing with hills? Mostly flat in DC, but I live at the top of a short but steep hill. I Haven't flipped my hub to the fixed side since I got my bike, mostly because of that hill. I'm sure going up is no different than riding freewheel. I'm concerned with going down.

Any tips for dealing with hills? Mostly flat in DC, but I live at the top of a short but steep hill. I Haven't flipped my hub to the fixed side since I got my bike, mostly because of that hill. I'm sure going up is no different than riding freewheel. I'm concerned with going down.
Keep your brakes on and ride the same way you do now, perhaps with a bit more caution. You'll likely eventually have no problem resisting for the way down the hill the more you ride fixed.

So many responses! You guys are da best.

I have brakes, will defnitely be keeping them on for at least the beginning...baby steps, you know...I have the 3 speed internal hub (has anyone ridden a fixed, but geared bike?), but I have been mainly using the highest gear mostly because I feel like whenever I go lower than that, I'm spinning too fast, but not really moving that fast. I feel like it's just a short jump to single speed...

BigglyPuff and BMW, I'm definitely going to try it out at the park for a bit (TODAY, maybe!)...my LBS is holding the cog for me and theyre going to teach me how to change out the freewheel, but they dont open until noon.

Phil_Gretz, your other bikes are sad. But that actually brings up a good point I was going to ask...at some point...in some other forum somewhere...I'm looking for parts to build up my very own, very first single speed bike...I'll likely keep it until forever because it will be my first one and I'm sentimental and keep everything...I know that there are bike builders who just sit and build bikes just because they love it...but what do they DO with all those bikes they build?

OH and BMW...how did you know it was 718 cyclery?? That place is literally my favorite and their new space looks bah-NANAS now...I'm thrilled for them because their other location was nice, but this is so much better for them! I'm going to check out their grand opening party on Saturday! I lurv them.

Will post progress about the ride! and about finding out what an elephant trunk skeed is!

Second, I am worried about not being able to pedal the whole time and flipping my arse over the handlebars when I'm not paying attention...

I just made the switch in October. On my initial ride, I did what you're worried about 2 or 3 times. I didn't fly off the bike. It was awkward, but I stayed on. The worst case was pushing hard to get through a green light before it changed, which I did. Once I was through the intersection I eased up and (stupidly) stopped pedaling. My right leg fully extended, the crank came back and lifted my arse off the seat before I realized what was happening. Then I realized what was happening and started pedaling again.

In a few hundred miles since then, I've done it maybe once or twice more, no big deal.

I was very concerned about riding fixed in a group ride. It was actually easier. I was talking to folks around me and barely thought at all about my speed; my legs just took care of it, whether speeding up or slowing down.

I've ridden geared bikes a couple times since converting my SS to FG, and once you get used to FG, it is probably at least as unnerving to get back on a bike that freewheels than it was to get on a FG bike for the first time. Once you get used to FG, it really is more comfortable. I think there are two reasons for this: 1. You control speed more seamlessly. There isn't any of this speeding up by pedaling, then braking to slow down. You do both by pedaling. 2. You can use the entire rotation of the crank for balance. On a freewheel bike, you can only really lean into the cranks on the forward part of the rotation; if you lean back, the pedal "slips." And if you're in too low of a gear, you can't even really put too much weight on the forward part of the stroke. On a FG bike, you can use both legs for balance simultaneously.

Once you get used to FG, your legs begin to automagically do a lot of the thinking for you. When you go back to freewheeling, there is actually a lot more coordination to consciously think about.


One bit of advice, though.... don't depend solely on backpedaling to stop. Modulating your speed a bit? Yes. But if a car pulls out in front of you, USE your BRAKES. I've had people tell me that they can stop a lot faster on a FG bike even with using handbrakes, but I think that aspect of riding fixed is a skill that takes some time to develop.

Now get out there and ride.

I knew it was 718c cause they are the only shop in your neighborhood (probably the whole city) enthusiastic about working on vintage bikes and do conversions. 9th Street Cycles and the (newly opened) Bicycle Habitat sling new bikes. I haven't been to their new space. Thanks for reminding me about the launch party, I will try to stop by as well.

It'll be like learning how to ride a bike all over again. You'll get the hang of it, just take it slowly. After a while your legs will get used to not having to stop. Hill climbing is a lot easier with fixed cuz there's less to think about, just beast your way up it. On the way down, you'll have your front brake and legs (or three brakes assuming you have a back brake as well) so just take your time with things.

Also you should make sure to always...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unkIVvjZc9Y

It's not like you're going to snap your leg off because you forgot you can't coast and have to pedal one legged all the way home.

It's not like you're going to snap your leg off because you forgot you can't coast and have to pedal one legged all the way home.

Well, actually it is, but we don't want to scare him ;)

So... what do they DO with all those bikes they build?

Some I give to friends. Most I sell and make a few dollars, which pay for tires and consumables on my other bikes. A few, I keep.

Be conscious of "pedal strike" when making tight turns, as your inside pedal will pass through its lowest position. So, you'll have to get a sense of how much inward lean is too much, and how to use the periodicity of the pedals to your advantage when turning quickly. You'll get the knack...

So many responses! You guys are da best.

I have brakes, will defnitely be keeping them on for at least the beginning...baby steps, you know...I have the 3 speed internal hub (has anyone ridden a fixed, but geared bike?), but I have been mainly using the highest gear mostly because I feel like whenever I go lower than that, I'm spinning too fast, but not really moving that fast. I feel like it's just a short jump to single speed...


Brakes are nice to have. I've heard mixed opinions on the S3X hub. Not sure if I would trust it as my only means of stopping, especially in an urban setting (shear a key in the hub or toss/break a chain and your SOL). Plus, if you ever end up in fender-bender/tangle up with a car/pedestrian, having a "legal" bike may keep you out of legal troubles.

Be conscious of "pedal strike" when making tight turns, as your inside pedal will pass through its lowest position. So, you'll have to get a sense of how much inward lean is too much, and how to use the periodicity of the pedals to your advantage when turning quickly. You'll get the knack...

The severity of pedal strike is dependent on bottom bracket height and crank arm length. That is why track bikes have higher bottom brackets and shorter crank arms. If the OP is running longer cranks on a road frame, he will need to be very careful when cornering. All of my fixed gear bikes have 165mm cranks and are built on track frames with high bottom brakets. I have a single speed bike with a road frame and 170mm cranks, and have accidentally had pedal stike in a turn when I forgot to coast with the inside pedal up.

My advice:

Don't be nervous. It's like riding a bike...

I'm kinda in the same boat. Just put a flipflop wheelset on my beater single speed and rode it a tiny bit tonight as it was raining and dark. Tomorrow brakes are going on that thing. Then we're going on an adventure. But so far even when I forgot to pedal the worst that happened was I popped out of the seat and then caught the pedal on the downturn. Straps are a nice invention.

The severity of pedal strike is dependent on bottom bracket height and crank arm length. That is why track bikes have higher bottom brackets and shorter crank arms.

Also lean angle, which is dependent on speed. The faster you go, the more you can lean in a corner and the more likely you are to strike a pedal.

My advice:

Don't be nervous. It's like riding a bike...

That!

And don't worry about all the pedal strike stuff :P If it happens you'll live.

Here's a guide to riding fixed that I wrote for my bike club at school. Been riding fixed for two weeks, but my learning curve is very steep... can do seated skids and no hand track stands now.

Tutorial (?):
Baby steps! Transition is important.

1. Pick one gear, and stick with it.
Whether mountain bike or road bike, there usually is one gear that most people are constantly in / switch back and forth from most frequently. Pick that gear or a suitable gear for everyday riding (middle sprocket, small cog on most bikes) and stick with it for a couple weeks. Do NOT touch those shifters!

2. Do not coast.
The "wtf" factor of fixies, according to people who don't know how to ride fixies, is the inability to coast. It makes sense, then, to try riding your bicycle without coasting. On your next trip to the store or school or work, try to constantly keep pedaling. You can coast at corners, but over time, try to take those corners so that your pedals are always on the move.

3. Use foot retention systems
Clips or clipless, use some sort of foot retention system. For reference, most fixie riders go with clips / straps.
Fixed gear riding is easier and makes you feel more connected when your feet are one with the bike.
Grab a cheapo pair from your LBS used bin or your local co-op, or buy your friend a beer and get convince him to upgrade to new straps and give you the old ones. You can upgrade these later. You've got to be able to strap in fairly comfortably. Keep in mind that your pedals will be moving constantly on a fixie. Regardless of bike set-up, most people will forget that their foot is attached and fall a couple times. It's usually less painful to do this on a free wheeled bike.

4. Ride a fixie / SS!
Not what it looks like. This is only if you have a friend that has a fixie / SS. Get a feel for it - Numbers 1-3 were simulations of what it would be like to ride an actual fixie. SS is the closest you can get to a fixie, I suppose.

Conversions are a hassle, especially if you ride fixed for a week and want to switch back. That's a lot of work. If you're buying a new bike, you're going to have to give it away or sell it. Though... in your case with 3-speed hubs, I don't know how that will work.

5. Enjoy!
Now you can ride your own fixie. Enjoy the stealthyness of fixies and pimp it up! Come back to this forum for some advice later on.

Other thoughts:
RUN BRAKES. As other people said, brakes are CRUCIAL in the learning stage. You can pop out no brakes later if you get that comfortable, but if you're riding in traffick, I recommend you run at LEAST a front brake. It's the smart thing, and in most states, it's required by law.

I've never seen geared fixed gears before. Is that even possible? It's an internal hub shifter so I'm not sure how chain tension / all that jazz will work. Be careful and don't do anything crazy for the first couple weeks.

If you want to go brakeless, keep in mind that in the *fingers crossed* case of derailment or other object in your drive terrain (jeans, perhaps?), you lose 100% of your braking ability. You fall in traffic with your feet still in the pedals... that's not a good thing.

Hope this long tutorial helped!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeaT02eYYdc

If you can ride a bike, you can ride a bike fixed. Honestly. It was awkward going around turns fast for like one day.

Went on my first real fixed ride today. About 10 miles. Just take it slow and cautious at first and try not to forget to stop pedaling. Worst thing that happened to me was some mild pedal-strike. It was fun and odd and I'm not sure if I'm hooked yet. We'll see how this goes, but it's nice to know I have a freewheel on the other side.

So many responses! You guys are da best.

I have brakes, will defnitely be keeping them on for at least the beginning...baby steps, you know...I have the 3 speed internal hub (has anyone ridden a fixed, but geared bike?), but I have been mainly using the highest gear mostly because I feel like whenever I go lower than that, I'm spinning too fast, but not really moving that fast. I feel like it's just a short jump to single speed...

How many teeth does your chainring and cog have? If the lower gears on your SA hub feel too easy, get a smaller cog to raise them up. Use this gear calculator to see how different chainring/cog ratios affect the gearing. www.sheldonbrown.com/gears



Phil_Gretz, your other bikes are sad. But that actually brings up a good point I was going to ask...at some point...in some other forum somewhere...I'm looking for parts to build up my very own, very first single speed bike...I'll likely keep it until forever because it will be my first one and I'm sentimental and keep everything...I know that there are bike builders who just sit and build bikes just because they love it...but what do they DO with all those bikes they build?




The rule on owning bikes is N +1 with N being the number of bikes you currently own. Just as you wear different clothes for different situations, there is a bike for every occasion. Hang them on the wall, from the ceiling, etc. Ask the Classic and Vintage forum how they manage their stables; some of them have dozens of bikes. I have just 8 now but have had over 12 before. They come and go.


Some other tips for riding fixed: When looking over your shoulder at traffic or that cute girl on the sidewalk, don't forget to pedal. People will often coast in that situation but on a fixie, that'll get you thrown out of the saddle. Also, take corners easier until you get the hang of them because you can't coast and if you lean too far over(going too fast) you'll have a pedalstrike and that can lead to a bad day.

Thanks for all the input, it's really nice to have kind of a running list of things to be careful of when going fixed for the first time...I didnt even KNOW about the pedal strike thing!

pkpyro, that was a very helpful tutorial...thanks! I'm definitely going to invest in straps...and I have been trying to continually pedal on my commutes, though like you said, the corner thing is a little tricksy and I have a hard time maintaining my pedal stroke through turns.

And bbattle, I would never have thought about the looking over your shoulder thing (though, as a single lady of the hetero persuasion, I would probably be checking out the single fella...or lets be honest, his bike...). And I didnt think about getting a smaller cog to raise up the gears a bit...I think the fixed cog has the same number of teeth as what I have on the bike right now, so maybe I'll invest in a smaller cog and see what happens.

I'm definitely going to practice a bit before taking it out onto the open road for a commute...Theres a park a few blocks from my bike shop that I can tool around in for a bit and then head home.

I also appreciate the "It's a bike...just ride it." sentiments...Sometimes I over-think things and then talk myself out of things...a lot of times, I'm a lot more successful if I just DO IT instead of TALKING about doing it...

I also appreciate the "It's a bike...just ride it." sentiments...Sometimes I over-think things and then talk myself out of things...a lot of times, I'm a lot more successful if I just DO IT instead of TALKING about doing it...

Girl, I do this too. I am the Queen of Overthinking Things. I did it about riding fixed (it's no big, you can do it, just DO IT) and I did it about trying cyclocross. Every time, afterwards I think "why did I make such a big deal out of this?"

JUST RIDE YO BIKE. You will love it.

I did it about riding fixed (it's no big, you can do it, just DO IT)

I had the same thing. Especially since I had just gotten on campus, so not being able to coast when I was weaving through people and such. You get used to it, and it becomes not a big deal after only a short time.

So... I started riding fixed gear about a week ago. I was getting really sketched out riding down hills with sharp turns at the bottom. I didn't want to get going too fast to slow myself and hit some gravel or a some small child wandering into my path - so I wussed out and installed a front brake.:(

I feel like it was the responsible thing to do for myself and others. I just can't skid yet with my noodle legs and 48/15 gearing.

Maybe once I get more comfortable with it I will ditch the brake.

so I wussed out and installed a front brake.:(


Nothing wuss about it. Good for emergencies and if you ever get smoked by a car, your bike is "legal". Don't let anybody tell you different. If someone looks down on you for running a brake, ignore them.

Just installed a back brake to match the front one today. Safety is cool.

I actually took off my back brake when I converted to fixed. I feel that my feet act as the brake in the rear and the back brake would be redundant. Symmetry is also cool though.

I had a pista for awhile and it was really fun. I sold it and still miss it. I have tens of thousands of miles over the past twenty years on geared road bikes but other than my beach cruiser I had more fun on the fixie than anything else. It's not really a problem riding fixed. My body adjusted in about 5 minutes but I did almost get launched in the first corner because I wasn't given any warning and wasn't bright enough to think about how you go on autopilot and coast around corners.

I'm finally looking to get back into it. Thought about picking up the new Pista - I like Bianchi (long story - distant relations from Italy) and I'm an old dude so I'm not really into what's cool. That Kilo TT does look nice and it's $300 cheaper.

I just put on clipless pedals and ride the things stock anyway so it doesn't matter. You'll love it.

Just installed a back brake to match the front one today. Safety is cool.

I run two brakes as well.

FYI...You have to be aware that if you are flying down a hill and you use the rear break even a slight amount of back pressure on the pedals can send you into a skid. This would not be good if you are leaning into a turn and don't expect it.

Word. Always **** around in a parking lot on your new setup before going into the real world.


Symmetry is also cool though.
Ha. I so almost typed that too.

Definitely invest in some pedal straps for retention. Also rock a brake until/if you feel you are up for brakeless. Might be a good call to wear a helmet too

[QUOTE][I've heard mixed opinions on the S3X hub/QUOTE]

The first set of Hubs had problems, SA was fast to replace the internals if you asked. Been riding a s3x for 2 years daily, a mix of 10 milers and all day rides. I'm approaching 50 so the 2 lower gears help with aging knees. As mentioned before the learning curve for riding fixed is steep. Just get out and do it, be cautious and in no time it will become second nature.

That!

And don't worry about all the pedal strike stuff :P If it happens you'll live.

Sometimes.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/779119-nervous-about-going-fixed.../images/misc/quote_icon.png Originally Posted by trevor_ash http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/779119-nervous-about-going-fixed.../images/buttons/viewpost-right.png (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/779119-nervous-about-going-fixed.../showthread.php?p=13449450#post13449450)
That!

And don't worry about all the pedal strike stuff http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/779119-nervous-about-going-fixed.../images/smilies/tongue.gif If it happens you'll live.




party1234 (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/779119-nervous-about-going-fixed.../member.php/226580-party1234)

Sometimes.


but you'll never be the same again