Fixed gear century
#26
~>~
Old school technique that works well to get the legs going 'round and work out the soreness.
-Bandera
#27
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,629
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3871 Post(s)
Liked 2,568 Times
in
1,579 Posts
That's why I chose mine for today's commute -- my first ride after PBP.
#28
~>~
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,522
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1422 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
5 Posts
I did the 100 miles of Nowhere century a few years back at the Frisco Velodrome.
That's 644 laps.
I rode my track bike with no modifications. If I did it again, I think I'd put on regular handlebars and stem.
I got pretty sore riding in the drops and the tops of the bars were too angled forward to hold comfortable for very long.
We started out pace lining, but as the morning went by, we got strung out more and more. Still managed to do it in about 5 hours.
That's 644 laps.
I rode my track bike with no modifications. If I did it again, I think I'd put on regular handlebars and stem.
I got pretty sore riding in the drops and the tops of the bars were too angled forward to hold comfortable for very long.
We started out pace lining, but as the morning went by, we got strung out more and more. Still managed to do it in about 5 hours.
#30
Buddy
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Toronto
Posts: 684
Bikes: 80s Gardin. Green fixed-gear. POS mountain bike.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Makes sense that fixed is good for a recovery ride. The question is whether riding fixed vs. geared on any particular ride is actually easier. Somehow I think we're overlooking the benefit of resting while coasting on a geared bike.
#31
~>~
FG Simulation
I have a 20mi loop that I've been riding for years FG and I have a log of times.
This AM I shifted the CF Merckx into the 70GI I ride fixed and set off to simulate a FG ride (yes, I get bored).
Despite 33 years of technical progress hindered by derailleur gimcracks hung uselessly for today's simulation my time was exactly in line w/ a 10 ride FG average.
Proving nothing except it's difficult to be 100% concentrated on keeping the cranks going w/ a FW in place and I am easily amused.
I have a 20mi loop that I've been riding for years FG and I have a log of times.
This AM I shifted the CF Merckx into the 70GI I ride fixed and set off to simulate a FG ride (yes, I get bored).
Despite 33 years of technical progress hindered by derailleur gimcracks hung uselessly for today's simulation my time was exactly in line w/ a 10 ride FG average.
Proving nothing except it's difficult to be 100% concentrated on keeping the cranks going w/ a FW in place and I am easily amused.
#32
Pirate/Smuggler
#33
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,629
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3871 Post(s)
Liked 2,568 Times
in
1,579 Posts
Thanks! I usually try not to brag, but don't often get the chance to throw something like that out there, either.
#34
Senior Member
#35
Senior Member
I'm a fixed gear randonneur.
I did a 600k this past weekend to complete a triple SR series for the season.
(I missed out on PBP)
Riding fixed does not make distance harder or easier...just different.
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: ATX
Posts: 1,795
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 324 Post(s)
Liked 251 Times
in
105 Posts
As already mentioned, nutrition and hydration are going to be key. I feel that they are the biggest factors for a successful century. Until recently I never really paid much attention to either of those during my daily rides, but I was still able to push through. When I did my first century I made sure to hydrate starting the day before. Then hydrated plenty during the ride and maintained an hourly intake of calories from the snacks provided at the rest stops. I was really surprised at how easy it was to complete 100 miles. I never felt drained or unsure about finishing. Prior to that my longest ride was 50 miles. Find a good, comfortable pace and try and have someone to shoot the **** with and it'll be over before you know it.
#38
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,629
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3871 Post(s)
Liked 2,568 Times
in
1,579 Posts
#39
canis lupus familiaris
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 2,254
Bikes: En plus one
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Thanks! I haven't done a proper writeup yet, but posted a bunch of thoughts and a picture (that my sister took at the finish) here: https://www.bikeforums.net/long-dista...l#post18108298
#40
Fresh Garbage
Thanks! I haven't done a proper writeup yet, but posted a bunch of thoughts and a picture (that my sister took at the finish) here: https://www.bikeforums.net/long-dista...l#post18108298
#41
canis lupus familiaris
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 2,254
Bikes: En plus one
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Congratulations again on a great ride, particularly since it was your first time and thanks for sharing. I particularly enjoyed this bit.
#42
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,629
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3871 Post(s)
Liked 2,568 Times
in
1,579 Posts
Yeah! Having hundreds, maybe thousands, of people cheering you on really helps with morale and finishing. Do it if you can!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
KarlRoberts
Singlespeed & Fixed Gear
13
09-04-15 12:50 PM