Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - How tight is too tight?

So I did some modifications on the geometry of my winter fixie, most notably turning the threadless stem upside down. This drops the top of the bars by 2 or 3cm, and increases the reach by 3 or 4cm. Feels fine, a lot more like the Bianchi track bike I was riding.

The thing I noticed tonight was that my knees were coming up to the same level as my elbows when I was riding in the drops. This didn't happen on the Bianchi. The frame is a little small for me to begin with, but is this something that I should be worried about? Most of my riding is just sprints from A to B, so it seems like it might actually be a good thing... It seemed to make a big difference heading straight into the wind...

Now you're making use of the largest muscle in your body, your glutes.

I'm around 5'8" and prefer a slightly too small frame, I'm currently building up a 53cm summer fixie. I tend to ride bullhorns most of the time, as these offer better and easier stretch on a small frame. In any case, you should be fine.

So I did some modifications on the geometry of my winter fixie, most notably turning the threadless stem upside down. This drops the top of the bars by 2 or 3cm, and increases the reach by 3 or 4cm. Feels fine, a lot more like the Bianchi track bike I was riding.

The thing I noticed tonight was that my knees were coming up to the same level as my elbows when I was riding in the drops. This didn't happen on the Bianchi. The frame is a little small for me to begin with, but is this something that I should be worried about? Most of my riding is just sprints from A to B, so it seems like it might actually be a good thing... It seemed to make a big difference heading straight into the wind...


Is it low like my LEVEL, HereNT? Sometimes it will be close due to the steep angles of the frame. It happen to be when I was a messenger. It bother me for awhile til I just made minor adjustments.

S/F,
CEYA!

it is never too tight. (especially your pants)

ive got a question about tight frames too. im riding a probably-way-too-small cinelli track frame. i replaced the steel fork with a CF one and my toes clip my front wheel if i turn sharply. im not sure if it did this with the original fork since i never rode with it, but it looks like it would have done the same thing. is this a common prob and can i fix it with a different fork?

ive got a question about tight frames too. im riding a probably-way-too-small cinelli track frame. i replaced the steel fork with a CF one and my toes clip my front wheel if i turn sharply. im not sure if it did this with the original fork since i never rode with it, but it looks like it would have done the same thing. is this a common prob and can i fix it with a different fork?

Toe overlap is a common problem with track bikes. The question really is, does this happen at high speeds or only at very low speeds? If it is happening at pretty high speed then you may want to consider shorter cranks(if you are using anything larger than 165mm) or chopping off your toes.

Otherwise, I don't think a new fork can do that much for your overlap.

tip your toes up if you're turning and going really slow.

yeah, i talked to the guy at the lbs yesterday, he said the same thing. ill just have to adjust my riding style. its not really an issue unless im weaving through traffic when its jammed so im going pretty slow. ill just try not to catch my toe and get run over. if i can remember to keep the pedals up or down then ill be fine. if i cant then ill crash and die.

Overlap's a good thing. Means you've got a real tight snappy ride. With a little experience you won't have to think about it anymore and then you'll be really happy. Forget stopping on a dime, how about turning on one?

i love my overlap.

yeah, im sure i'll get used to it and if i dont i'll just crash and die. it is a very tight frame. i cant even fit my finger between the front wheel and the downtube. its good fun to be able to weave in and out of cars packed bumper to bumper. they sit there like suckers and i keep on rollin. ill see if i can just go forever without buying a car.