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Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Newbie to fixed needs help!

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ajhuffman1

01-25-05, 03:52 PM

Hello, I am new to BF and I recently recieved a fixed from a buddy.... He built it and it seems to "spread out" for me.... I am thinking I need to shorten the neck and a more forward seat post. Any ideas? Also, any hints on going up and down hills with a fixed? I recently moved from the fairly flat central Ohio to the frozen tundra of snow covered Upstate NY (Syracuse) Thanks! -Tony

gotambushed

01-25-05, 04:03 PM

check the colorado cyclist's Fit guide here: http://www.coloradocyclist.com/BikeFit/index.cfm

the "neck" your referring to is called a Stem, shorter ones are readily available, as are different angles of drop/rise
most seatposts are straight, you should be able to slide the seat forward an inch or so on its rails,
also, if it has drop bars on it, bullhorns or straight bars might make it more comfortable
hills, i don't use any special technique, just get up and pedal,
going down, you better be able to spin fast or your legs are gonna get tired quick

gotambushed

01-25-05, 04:17 PM

in my opinion, http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm
is a better fitting guide,
i forgot about it,
also,
read this on sheldon's site
http://sheldonbrown.com/kops.html

ajhuffman1

01-25-05, 04:26 PM

Thanks! I have professionally fitted race bike.... my fixed is larger than my race bike... the fixed will be my commuter and I was thinking that a shorter stem would help... and I have been contimplating bullhorns as I have drops... thanks!

manboy

01-25-05, 09:59 PM

As already mentioned, you can get a shorter stem so you won't have to reach as much.

For going down hills, don't try to go too fast too soon. When you ride a fixed fast down a hill, it feels like you're "floating" on the pedals and doing it requires a lot of concentration to make everything smooth. Basically you just concentrate on what the joints in your ankles and knees are doing, and you just move with the pedals so your butt remains perfectly still on the seat. I know that sounds stupid, but you'll get it if you bomb some hills. Also, don't be afraid to use the brake.

For going up hills, just grit your teeth and ride all out like you're charging an opposing army somewhere in Mongolia.