Fixed gear for Seniors
#51
Old & Getting Older Racer
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Hi,
I've owned fixed gear bikes since the early 1980s. I only ride them on the track. Here is my current fixie:
I have a single-speed bike that I ride when it rains:
I am interested in a road fixie with a front brake but my garage is too full of bikes right now. My "ultimate" road fixie would have a belt drive and a small disc brake on the front wheel.
Nothing wrong with fixies or most of the fixie crowd. The fixie kids are just a bit different as most of us were when we were their age.
I've owned fixed gear bikes since the early 1980s. I only ride them on the track. Here is my current fixie:
I have a single-speed bike that I ride when it rains:
I am interested in a road fixie with a front brake but my garage is too full of bikes right now. My "ultimate" road fixie would have a belt drive and a small disc brake on the front wheel.
Nothing wrong with fixies or most of the fixie crowd. The fixie kids are just a bit different as most of us were when we were their age.
__________________
Thanks.
Cleave
"Real men still wear pink."
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Thanks.
Cleave
"Real men still wear pink."
Visit my blog at https://cleavesblant.wordpress.com/
Lightning Velo Cycling Club: https://www.lightningvelo.org/
Learn about our Green Dream Home at https://www.lawville.org/
#52
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Bikes: 74 Raleigh Grand Prix fixie,85 League Fuji w/ flat bars, 87 Cannondale ST400, League Fuji Fixie, Raleigh Pursuit Fixie, 93 Cannondale M500, Kabuki Submariner 12, 90 Fuji Suncrest, Peugeot Mixte project
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I'm 62 and just finished my first season riding fixed gear. The bike is none too pretty but has become my favorite ride. I built it just to try fixed gear out and see if I would like it. It's a parts bin special based on a 90's CRMO Taiwan Raleigh with 27" wheels (40 spoke rear). I flipped the bars into the DUI position and installed platform pedals. I run a front brake with a reverse lever on the bar end. I used a BB lock ring with some blue threadlocker to hold the cog on. The gearing is 46/18 and it's good ratio for me. The only parts I had to purchase were the cog, brake lever and antomical seat. I ride Rails to Trails a lot and local streets. The Kenda Knobbies and big pedals are for winter.
Well, I love it. I won't pile on the Zen but it IS a different feel. I got used to it and ultimately prefer the fixie ride. It's smooth and quiet. After the first few hours, your body just gets it. You no longer attempt to coast inadvertently and your legs begin to think in both directions. Yes, you DO become one with the bike. I can't do track stands, skid stops, hops and such. I do a lot more pedaling standing up, though. This bike is right for my age group. We were the counterculture, remember? Iconoclastic bikes make sense, don't they?
I'm in the process of building another one out of an 85 League Fuji, light steel, all silver. This one I will try to make cooler than the first. Not hipster cool, old guy cool. I want to use all the original parts (except freewheel). I saw a picture of an old Diacompe lever cabled in reverse so I'll see if I can make that. The bars will be flipped and clipped Nitto Randonneur which has nice subtle curves. The gearing will be 52/20 to start because the big ring looks vintage cool and the extra teeth all around add to the smoothness. I'll start with the original seat but may change it after the pictures.
I'll post some pictures soon.
Well, I love it. I won't pile on the Zen but it IS a different feel. I got used to it and ultimately prefer the fixie ride. It's smooth and quiet. After the first few hours, your body just gets it. You no longer attempt to coast inadvertently and your legs begin to think in both directions. Yes, you DO become one with the bike. I can't do track stands, skid stops, hops and such. I do a lot more pedaling standing up, though. This bike is right for my age group. We were the counterculture, remember? Iconoclastic bikes make sense, don't they?
I'm in the process of building another one out of an 85 League Fuji, light steel, all silver. This one I will try to make cooler than the first. Not hipster cool, old guy cool. I want to use all the original parts (except freewheel). I saw a picture of an old Diacompe lever cabled in reverse so I'll see if I can make that. The bars will be flipped and clipped Nitto Randonneur which has nice subtle curves. The gearing will be 52/20 to start because the big ring looks vintage cool and the extra teeth all around add to the smoothness. I'll start with the original seat but may change it after the pictures.
I'll post some pictures soon.
Last edited by jodphoto; 12-28-13 at 02:18 PM.
#53
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I'm 62 and just finished my first season riding fixed gear. The bike is none too pretty but has become my favorite ride. I built it just to try fixed gear out and see if I would like it. It's a parts bin special based on a 90's CRMO Taiwan Raleigh with 27" wheels (40 spoke rear). I flipped the bars into the DUI position and installed platform pedals. I run a front brake with a reverse lever on the bar end. I used a BB lock ring with some blue threadlocker to hold the cog on. The gearing is 46/18 and it's good ratio for me. The only parts I had to purchase were the cog, brake lever and antomical seat. I ride Rails to Trails a lot and local streets. The bike is none too pretty but has become my daily ride. The Kenda Knobbies and big pedals are for winter.
Well, I love it. I won't pile on the Zen but it IS a different feel. I got used to it and ultimately prefer the fixie ride. It's smooth and quiet. After the first few hours, your body just gets it. You no longer attempt to coast inadvertently and your legs begin to think in both directions. Yes, you DO become one with the bike. I can't do track stands, skid stops, hops and such. I do a lot more pedaling standing up, though. This bike is right for my age group. We were the counterculture, remember? Iconoclastic bikes make sense, don't they?
I'm in the process of building another one out of an 85 League Fuji, light steel, all silver. This one I will try to make cooler than the first. Not hipster cool, old guy cool. I want to use all the original parts (except freewheel). I saw a picture of an old Diacompe lever cabled in reverse so I'll see if I can make that. The bars will be flipped and clipped Nitto Randonneurs which have a nice subtle curves. The gearing will be 52/20 to start because the big ring looks vintage cool and the extra teeth all around add to the smoothness. I'll start with the original seat but may change it after the pictures.
I'll post some pictures soon.
Well, I love it. I won't pile on the Zen but it IS a different feel. I got used to it and ultimately prefer the fixie ride. It's smooth and quiet. After the first few hours, your body just gets it. You no longer attempt to coast inadvertently and your legs begin to think in both directions. Yes, you DO become one with the bike. I can't do track stands, skid stops, hops and such. I do a lot more pedaling standing up, though. This bike is right for my age group. We were the counterculture, remember? Iconoclastic bikes make sense, don't they?
I'm in the process of building another one out of an 85 League Fuji, light steel, all silver. This one I will try to make cooler than the first. Not hipster cool, old guy cool. I want to use all the original parts (except freewheel). I saw a picture of an old Diacompe lever cabled in reverse so I'll see if I can make that. The bars will be flipped and clipped Nitto Randonneurs which have a nice subtle curves. The gearing will be 52/20 to start because the big ring looks vintage cool and the extra teeth all around add to the smoothness. I'll start with the original seat but may change it after the pictures.
I'll post some pictures soon.
Do post some pics. I'm looking forward to seeing them.
Your reaction is exactly what I try to explain to people. There is nothing I like better than a ride on my fixie on a warm, humid summer night.
As far as the "hipster thing", I think that kind of died off. The Hipsters, at least in my area, would seem to have moved on to something else.
#54
~>~
Yes, and I'm a bit older, been at it for >40 years.
Riding fixed gear on the road was what club cyclists did in the winter "back when", it was the norm.
Still at it today regardless of season.
It's certainly not crazy by any means for a person of a certain age but it does require commitment to technique and proper kit, but promotes an efficient fluid pedaling technique not possible w/ FW riding.
Good on you, welcome to FG cycling.
Read Sheldon Brown on FG road stuff:
https://sheldonbrown.com/fixed/
-Bandera
Riding fixed gear on the road was what club cyclists did in the winter "back when", it was the norm.
Still at it today regardless of season.
It's certainly not crazy by any means for a person of a certain age but it does require commitment to technique and proper kit, but promotes an efficient fluid pedaling technique not possible w/ FW riding.
Good on you, welcome to FG cycling.
Read Sheldon Brown on FG road stuff:
https://sheldonbrown.com/fixed/
-Bandera
Last edited by Bandera; 12-27-13 at 07:26 PM. Reason: Sheldon
#55
Beicwyr Hapus
Rode one 40+ years ago as a training bike on weekly 50 mile, hilly rides and said never again when I stopped cycling.
Reading these posts, and now I'm thinking - maybe I'll build one up!
Reading these posts, and now I'm thinking - maybe I'll build one up!
#56
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I'm 62 and love riding fixed; unadulterated fun, track stands and all. Hilly around here so I ride 70 or so gear inches.
#57
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At age 73, I've recently taken my Bianchi Pista off the wall, where it has been hanging for a long time, and done two 25 mile rides on 48X18 or 69 gear inches, which is the gearing I used to use during winters in my youth in England. I find I spin out at 23.5 mph, so I might go to 71 inches, 48X17 to be better able to contest the occasional sprint with our group of oldies. It certainly is a pleasure to ride a fixed gear again.
#58
just another gosling
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I've had two friends "ejected from the saddle" and sustaining serious injuries. They both said, "You spend your whole like perfecting your reactions on a freewheel bike. On a fixie, those reactions are dangerous." OTOH, I like riding SS with a freewheel. You can still pedal downhill, you don't have the problem of the pedals driving your legs around, which leads to knee problems for the inexperienced, and you don't get injured. OTOH, there's no training effect which translates to improved performance on a geared bike.
#59
~>~
Learning the techniques early and using them often on a properly equipped machine is certainly best, but I don't see why anyone who is serious about cycling can't adapt to it. It does take commitment.
-Bandera
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I am 60 I bought a fixie right before the cold weather. I rode it about 8 times 20 miles at a time. What a blast. Cant wait for it to be dry outside so I could ride it again.
#61
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I've had two friends "ejected from the saddle" and sustaining serious injuries. They both said, "You spend your whole like perfecting your reactions on a freewheel bike. On a fixie, those reactions are dangerous." OTOH, I like riding SS with a freewheel. You can still pedal downhill, you don't have the problem of the pedals driving your legs around, which leads to knee problems for the inexperienced, and you don't get injured. OTOH, there's no training effect which translates to improved performance on a geared bike.
It's important to be safe but interested riders should give FG a try. Having access to a paved bike path was helpful. This somewhat featureless ride was a good place to become accustomed to FG and building up body memory to prevent mistakes.
The logical pros and cons about FG bikes become less tangible when you are riding one. I never think about cadence or pedal stroke or any of the performance factors an avid cyclist might ponder. I'm just a 62 year old kid out playing on my bike, again.
Also, the lack of technology on a FG leaves room for personal cool looking builds.
Last edited by jodphoto; 12-28-13 at 03:45 PM.
#62
~>~
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Educate me please:
>I see what seems to be different kinds of bike referred to as "fixies". Just what is a fixie, really?
>If no brakes how do you stop he bloody thing? I know as a kid I had a single speed bike with a coaster brake (pedal forward to go. stop pedaling to coast, pedal backwards to stop). But, no brake at all???
>I see what seems to be different kinds of bike referred to as "fixies". Just what is a fixie, really?
>If no brakes how do you stop he bloody thing? I know as a kid I had a single speed bike with a coaster brake (pedal forward to go. stop pedaling to coast, pedal backwards to stop). But, no brake at all???
#64
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Skid stopping, by its very nature, is less efficient than a caliper brake on the front wheel, and by definition involves a degree of loss of control. If you're riding a fixed gear to "look cool" you may find it appropriate, if not adequate. But a front caliper brake is highly advisable. There's no law requiring you to use the caliper if you're inclinded to the "coolness" of a skid stop, but having it available may save you from serious injury or death at some point.
#65
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Skid stopping, by its very nature, is less efficient than a caliper brake on the front wheel, and by definition involves a degree of loss of control. If you're riding a fixed gear to "look cool" you may find it appropriate, if not adequate. But a front caliper brake is highly advisable. There's no law requiring you to use the caliper if you're inclinded to the "coolness" of a skid stop, but having it available may save you from serious injury or death at some point.
#66
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Skid stopping, by its very nature, is less efficient than a caliper brake on the front wheel, and by definition involves a degree of loss of control. If you're riding a fixed gear to "look cool" you may find it appropriate, if not adequate. But a front caliper brake is highly advisable. There's no law requiring you to use the caliper if you're inclinded to the "coolness" of a skid stop, but having it available may save you from serious injury or death at some point.
I certainly respect your choice to ride with a brake as I respect a young persons choice to ride without one.
Last edited by howeeee; 12-29-13 at 03:44 PM.
#67
~>~
I understand that Bicycle Polo is an activity involving bicycles that is also not Cycling.
Although I have no interest in either activities: their rules, culture or equipment may they have a rollicking good time at it.
When current fads fade away serious club cyclists and devotees of obsolete kit will carry on as they always have, a minority of road riders committed to FG on machines not fundamentally different than the 1930's RRA in the pic.
The 50+ demographic of this sub-forum may be it's strongest bastion.
-Bandera
Last edited by Bandera; 12-29-13 at 03:56 PM. Reason: 50+
#68
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
I'll take your word for it that these folk are engaged in a different activity than Cycling using FG machines.
I understand that Bicycle Polo is an activity involving bicycles that is also not Cycling.
Although I have no interest in either activities: their rules, culture or equipment may they have a rollicking good time at it.
When current fads fade away serious club cyclists and devotees of obsolete kit will carry on as they always have, a minority of road riders committed to FG on machines not fundamentally different than the 1930's RRA in the pic.
The 50+ demographic of this sub-forum may be it's strongest bastion.
-Bandera
I understand that Bicycle Polo is an activity involving bicycles that is also not Cycling.
Although I have no interest in either activities: their rules, culture or equipment may they have a rollicking good time at it.
When current fads fade away serious club cyclists and devotees of obsolete kit will carry on as they always have, a minority of road riders committed to FG on machines not fundamentally different than the 1930's RRA in the pic.
The 50+ demographic of this sub-forum may be it's strongest bastion.
-Bandera
The kids tell me I should ditch the cottered (track) crank and those stainless Dunlop wheels to lighten it up.
#69
~>~
#70
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
It is also a very tough bike by virtue of those Dunlop wheels which are very well made and the oil lubricated hubs are as smooth as butter on glass.
#71
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I have been riding fixed for 20+ years. It is a great training device and gives you a change in training. You have to remember not to stand and coast at RR crossings, ouch. I am now riding a custom Ron Cooper track bike at least one day a week. And I am 70 and can still hold 20 on a 70 inch gear.
Jmorgan
Jmorgan
#72
~>~
Go Beryl Burton style!
-Bandera
Last edited by Bandera; 12-30-13 at 09:12 AM.
#73
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#74
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