Frame geometry and flat pedals
#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?
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?
#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.
#5
pro in someone's theory
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.
#7
Junior Member
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.
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.
#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
#9
Fresh Garbage
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.
#10
Senior Member
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!
see puckalish, we give out advice too!
#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?
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?
#13
pro in someone's theory
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.
#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
#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
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.
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.
#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
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.
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?
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?
#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...
#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
#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
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?
#22
pro in someone's theory
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?
#25
Senior Member
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.