Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Singlespeed & Fixed Gear
Reload this Page >

Frame geometry and flat pedals

Search
Notices
Singlespeed & Fixed Gear "I still feel that variable gears are only for people over forty-five. Isn't it better to triumph by the strength of your muscles than by the artifice of a derailer? We are getting soft...As for me, give me a fixed gear!"-- Henri Desgrange (31 January 1865 - 16 August 1940)

Frame geometry and flat pedals

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-20-15, 01:23 PM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 13
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Frame geometry and flat pedals

The general opinion is that Kilo TT is better than many others with similar price. However, I am reluctant to use other than flat pedals and this bicycle has ones with toe clips and straps maybe for a reason.

Here are some geometry differences with Pure Fix size 54cm( that I have) with Kilo TT 55cm, PF first:
Wheel Base: 1007 vs 976
BB drop: 65 vs 60
Trail (about) 68 vs 63
Top Tube 577 vs 560

So, the Pure Fix maybe is a better choice for me because I want to keep my platform pedals and the downhills concern me?
hasp is offline  
Old 06-20-15, 01:25 PM
  #2  
Your cog is slipping.
 
Scrodzilla's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 26,053
Mentioned: 41 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 640 Post(s)
Liked 100 Times in 58 Posts
Scrodzilla is offline  
Old 06-20-15, 01:31 PM
  #3  
Veteran Racer
 
TejanoTrackie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Ciudad de Vacas, Tejas
Posts: 11,757

Bikes: 32 frames + 80 wheels

Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1331 Post(s)
Liked 764 Times in 431 Posts
#KiloTT
__________________
What, Me Worry? - Alfred E. Neuman

Originally Posted by Dcv
I'd like to think i have as much money as brains.
I see the light at the end of the tunnel, but the tunnel keeps getting longer - me
TejanoTrackie is offline  
Old 06-20-15, 01:40 PM
  #4  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 13
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I would like to clarify that I am curious about the frame characteristics in relation to the preference for riding fixed gear bicycles with plain (flat) pedals. The two brands named are accidental.
hasp is offline  
Old 06-20-15, 02:13 PM
  #5  
pro in someone's theory
 
prooftheory's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Las Cruces, NM
Posts: 3,236

Bikes: FTP

Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 72 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Fixed gear bicycles must have foot retention because the pedals are constantly moving as the bike goes forward. Without foot retention your feet will be thrown off the pedals and be unsafe. You should look up the meaning of fixed gear before you shop for a fixed gear bike. Pedals are also easily changed and should not be a significant consideration when purchasing any bike. The geometry is entirely irrelevant.

Last edited by prooftheory; 06-20-15 at 02:27 PM.
prooftheory is offline  
Old 06-20-15, 05:18 PM
  #6  
Pirate/Smuggler
 
jlafitte's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Marigny/Leucadia
Posts: 1,184
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13 Post(s)
Liked 7 Times in 7 Posts
May be premature, but nominating this for thread of the year.
jlafitte is offline  
Old 06-20-15, 05:40 PM
  #7  
Junior Member
 
puckalish's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posts: 20

Bikes: Bianchi San Jose

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
A few thoughts...

1. What prooftheory said... (A) You *need* foot retention with a fixed gear bike (though I'm fairly inexperienced with them, this much is clear from one ride) and you really want it even with a single speed (or any bike) because of the conservation of energy and (B) Buy the bike for the bike. You can always replace the pedals.

2. C'mon, now, folks just *gotta* make fun (like, 80% of the response)? How rude... *wags finger school marmishly*

3. That Mike Tyson image has me in stitches.
puckalish is offline  
Old 06-20-15, 07:10 PM
  #8  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Bangin 314
Posts: 149

Bikes: 2014 Focus Cayo 3.0 / 2000 specialized stumpjumper M4 / 2013 All City Big Block

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
maybe its experience riding but i have zero issues riding fixed with platform pedals. i prefer clips or toe straps though but platforms are easy breezy
xscottypx is offline  
Old 06-20-15, 07:25 PM
  #9  
Fresh Garbage
 
hairnet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 13,190

Bikes: N+1

Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 352 Post(s)
Liked 27 Times in 18 Posts
As stated above, frame geo isn't a consideration for pedal choice. No one here is going to tell a noob to ride fixed without clips/strapz because, as a noob, you might hurt yourself. For freewheel single speeds use whatever you like.
hairnet is offline  
Old 06-20-15, 08:05 PM
  #10  
Senior Member
 
pwebb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: East Bay
Posts: 254

Bikes: Mash Work, Gunnar Crosshairs, Velo Orange Camargue

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
you guys, maybe he's just really into this pair of pedals he has. But everyone is right, that has nothing to do with geometry. It does have to do with color choices and handlebars set-ups though! Pick a frame based on how well it's color will work with your beloved platform pedals as accents. Probably will want to go with a flat bar set up to match those sick flat platform pedals. If you can tie your goofy colored grips in with secondary colors on the pedals then you my friend are truly gifted at building bikes.

see puckalish, we give out advice too!
pwebb is offline  
Old 06-20-15, 08:08 PM
  #11  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 13
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Clear enough, foot retention for foxed gear is preferable and much safer!
However, my assumption is that there are others that do not prioritize the pedal efficiency and the speed, but consider the plain pedals as part of the simplicity and practicality for not thinking about what to put on their feet and because of the numerous stops during their rides. So, now being clear that plain pedals are unwise, any advise for those that still prefer them?
hasp is offline  
Old 06-20-15, 08:15 PM
  #12  
Your cog is slipping.
 
Scrodzilla's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 26,053
Mentioned: 41 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 640 Post(s)
Liked 100 Times in 58 Posts
I think I just shook my head for a solid five minutes.
Scrodzilla is offline  
Old 06-20-15, 08:28 PM
  #13  
pro in someone's theory
 
prooftheory's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Las Cruces, NM
Posts: 3,236

Bikes: FTP

Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 72 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
My advice for people who want fixed gear but no foot retention is to find a high bridge to jump off of, as that will be much simpler and far more dignified.
prooftheory is offline  
Old 06-20-15, 08:29 PM
  #14  
Uninformed Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Union County, NJ
Posts: 1,117

Bikes: Dolan Pre Cursa, Cannondale R400

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by hasp
So, now being clear that plain pedals are unwise, any advise for those that still prefer them?
Yeah, get platform pedals that accommodate straps. Then get straps.
Jared. is offline  
Old 06-20-15, 09:03 PM
  #15  
Senior Member
 
Huffandstuff's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,776
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 16 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Honeycrisp apples are by far the best apples in the world.
Huffandstuff is offline  
Old 06-20-15, 10:46 PM
  #16  
Veteran Racer
 
TejanoTrackie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Ciudad de Vacas, Tejas
Posts: 11,757

Bikes: 32 frames + 80 wheels

Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1331 Post(s)
Liked 764 Times in 431 Posts
I like camomile tea.
__________________
What, Me Worry? - Alfred E. Neuman

Originally Posted by Dcv
I'd like to think i have as much money as brains.
I see the light at the end of the tunnel, but the tunnel keeps getting longer - me
TejanoTrackie is offline  
Old 06-21-15, 01:24 AM
  #17  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 129
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Huffandstuff
Honeycrisp apples are by far the best apples in the world.
I'll have to look for those. Gala apples are the only decent ones I've been able to get around here.

In other news, my faux chicken shawarma marinade is getting pretty good but I'm still tweaking. I also need to find a proper chili sauce.
tomatsu is offline  
Old 06-21-15, 05:05 AM
  #18  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 516
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 71 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 12 Times in 10 Posts
+1 for Gala apples

Originally Posted by hasp
Clear enough, foot retention for foxed gear is preferable and much safer!
However, my assumption is that there are others that do not prioritize the pedal efficiency and the speed, but consider the plain pedals as part of the simplicity and practicality for not thinking about what to put on their feet and because of the numerous stops during their rides. So, now being clear that plain pedals are unwise, any advise for those that still prefer them?
Your options in order: pedals with clips and straps > bmx pedals and velcro straps > any pedal without straps, but with brakes > any pedal, no straps and no brakes, worn out shoes, possible scrapes and injuries.
hardboiled718 is offline  
Old 06-21-15, 07:15 AM
  #19  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 13
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Looks like I've touched the nerves to some, unintentionally of course. If I need to apologize - I will as soon I know to whom and for what. Anyway, many mass-produced fixed gear bikes are sold with pedals without foot retention, and so far the feedback I have is that their frame geometry doesn't matter...
hasp is offline  
Old 06-21-15, 07:23 AM
  #20  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 152
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by hasp
so far the feedback I have is that their frame geometry doesn't matter...
Why would frame geometry matter for whether or not you need foot retention?
Euthyphro is offline  
Old 06-21-15, 08:36 AM
  #21  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 13
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Euthyphro
Why would frame geometry matter for whether or not you need foot retention?
It is clear that I need food retention but I do not want it. I will try once more time and hopefully the discussion will not veer off towards pedals, brakes or helmets - for those who (foolishly and irresponsibly) do not use foot retention, what kind of frame geometry they should consider for feeling more safe going downhill?
hasp is offline  
Old 06-21-15, 08:46 AM
  #22  
pro in someone's theory
 
prooftheory's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Las Cruces, NM
Posts: 3,236

Bikes: FTP

Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 72 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Frame geometry is irrelevant. Might I suggest just going single speed and having two brakes? Do you understand the difference between fixed gear and single speed?
prooftheory is offline  
Old 06-21-15, 08:49 AM
  #23  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 152
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Can't tell if trolling.
Euthyphro is offline  
Old 06-21-15, 09:25 AM
  #24  
Fresh Garbage
 
hairnet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 13,190

Bikes: N+1

Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 352 Post(s)
Liked 27 Times in 18 Posts
hairnet is offline  
Old 06-21-15, 09:42 AM
  #25  
Senior Member
 
TenSpeedV2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 4,347

Bikes: Felt TK2, Felt Z5

Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 943 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 20 Times in 20 Posts
Riding a fixed gear bike without foot retention is plain stupid. OP - you need to research less, and ride more. Get your fixed gear, go without retention. Be sure to have good health insurance for post crash medical attention. After that, you will know what you need and what you don't need, and how it doesn't relate to frame geometry.
TenSpeedV2 is offline  


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.