Touring on a track frame?
#1
the uncarved block
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Touring on a track frame?
So I have lashed a rack to my 90's Fuji Track with a 40/16 ratio and front and rear brakes. I will be making panniers for the rear end and a small handlebar bag / fanny pack. I have 700x23c Maxxis Detonator tires. SPD pedals are shot so normal shoes in clips and straps. This is a steel frame and although the riding position is uncomfortable, I will be able to ride fast enough to make the trip much shorter. I plan on riding from Savannah, Georgia to Richmond, Virginia to get home for the winter. Am I making a mistake? If you know any good fixed gear touring info please fill me in!
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#5
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I should also add that I have already been doing a lot of "macgyver touring" and I am fully aware of the "correct" way to tour. (1,500 touring miles under my belt so far)
I just don't really like sticking to the rules.... personally, I feel that they get in the way of adventure and true living.
I just don't really like sticking to the rules.... personally, I feel that they get in the way of adventure and true living.
#6
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This is more of an (excuse to travel) kind of a trip. I need to be getting home so I, of course, am going to ride my bike. I am not looking to have fun, at least not enough to justify averaging 10mph. I will save 10mph for my next fully loaded tour, thanks.
#7
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> Am I making a mistake?
Yes, but you knew that before you put the rack on it. You're going out on a limb, it will be uncomfortable, and you will have a memorable experience. What more can we tell you? Touring on a fixie is not unknown. People even do the Paris-Brest-Paris that way.
Yes, but you knew that before you put the rack on it. You're going out on a limb, it will be uncomfortable, and you will have a memorable experience. What more can we tell you? Touring on a fixie is not unknown. People even do the Paris-Brest-Paris that way.
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So please don't give me useless info like, "you are going to be miserable" or "get gears"...
I am smart and I know what I am getting into, I just want to hear from others who have toured on a fixed gear to give me some riding advice or gear info or to let me know that a 40/16 fixed ratio is reasonable. I am not about to go searching for the info i need so I was just hoping somebody would have some good info for me on here. Thanks all.
I am smart and I know what I am getting into, I just want to hear from others who have toured on a fixed gear to give me some riding advice or gear info or to let me know that a 40/16 fixed ratio is reasonable. I am not about to go searching for the info i need so I was just hoping somebody would have some good info for me on here. Thanks all.
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> Am I making a mistake?
Yes, but you knew that before you put the rack on it. You're going out on a limb, it will be uncomfortable, and you will have a memorable experience. What more can we tell you? Touring on a fixie is not unknown. People even do the Paris-Brest-Paris that way.
Yes, but you knew that before you put the rack on it. You're going out on a limb, it will be uncomfortable, and you will have a memorable experience. What more can we tell you? Touring on a fixie is not unknown. People even do the Paris-Brest-Paris that way.
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The only experience I have to add is doing a century on a Track bike. By the end of 100 miles, I was very ready to get off. I can't imagine repeating that again for 5-6 days in a row.
There are better tools for long distance riding.
There are better tools for long distance riding.
__________________
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
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#13
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Oh, by the way, I should have mentioned that, for work, I currently ride over 30 miles a day. On this track bike. My body does not hate me... yoga helps. I could easily double that and feel just fine.
My main concern is important... WILL I CRACK MY FRAME!? This is what poor men think about...
My main concern is important... WILL I CRACK MY FRAME!? This is what poor men think about...
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#15
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I don't really know why you're asking here, you clearly know what you're doing, and have made your decision. Will you crack your frame? Yes. No. We have no idea how much weight you're carrying. You said it's a steel frame though, so I'll go with "no". Unless you hit something.
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Maybe there is not a whole lot of people riding loaded track bikes long distances to give you advice? Could be wrong. I know going up hills in VA with a loaded fixed bike would not be for me. You have the best advice so far. "This is a steel frame and although the riding position is uncomfortable,"
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you're young, you'll be fine.
Having toured and rando'd a bit fixed (in mostly-flat Britain though) I would give you some advice:
Do not leg brake. your knees will quit before you want to...
lower your gearing. plan to go slow and steady. You will have one optimal speed for the cadence you like- you can calculate this. Shoot for 10-12 mph I'd guess.... 40-16 might be good, I dunno, you know better than I do what is comfortable. But plan for lower than usual gearing on account of the load.
Slow and steady is the name of the game. fixed distance rides are actually really nice because they force you to go evenly the whole time. Don't try to push it.
light as you can.... this is even more important on fixed hills...
stretch well, and do some knee-strengthening stuff like sitting on a chair and lifting your legs...
The fixed-wheel bit is actually much less of a problem than the track bike geometry bit. If you can hang your wheels etc on a road frame you will be much happier... just a thought, in case you know someone to trade with for the holidays or something
Id go with actual bullhorns over drops or flat bars. The drops will be too dropped to be useful anyway, and the bullhorns will help you stretch out. I like profile airwing type ones not necesariily that brand, just that shape...
on that note, borrow a riser dirt drop style or technomic stem if you can. Try to lift the cockpit
anyway, thats my advice take it or leave it. sounds fun (kinda) and im jealous (sorta)
Having toured and rando'd a bit fixed (in mostly-flat Britain though) I would give you some advice:
Do not leg brake. your knees will quit before you want to...
lower your gearing. plan to go slow and steady. You will have one optimal speed for the cadence you like- you can calculate this. Shoot for 10-12 mph I'd guess.... 40-16 might be good, I dunno, you know better than I do what is comfortable. But plan for lower than usual gearing on account of the load.
Slow and steady is the name of the game. fixed distance rides are actually really nice because they force you to go evenly the whole time. Don't try to push it.
light as you can.... this is even more important on fixed hills...
stretch well, and do some knee-strengthening stuff like sitting on a chair and lifting your legs...
The fixed-wheel bit is actually much less of a problem than the track bike geometry bit. If you can hang your wheels etc on a road frame you will be much happier... just a thought, in case you know someone to trade with for the holidays or something
Id go with actual bullhorns over drops or flat bars. The drops will be too dropped to be useful anyway, and the bullhorns will help you stretch out. I like profile airwing type ones not necesariily that brand, just that shape...
on that note, borrow a riser dirt drop style or technomic stem if you can. Try to lift the cockpit
anyway, thats my advice take it or leave it. sounds fun (kinda) and im jealous (sorta)
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I should also add that I have already been doing a lot of "macgyver touring" and I am fully aware of the "correct" way to tour. (1,500 touring miles under my belt so far)
I just don't really like sticking to the rules.... personally, I feel that they get in the way of adventure and true living.
I just don't really like sticking to the rules.... personally, I feel that they get in the way of adventure and true living.
#19
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#21
Pack light, flip your drop bars up, do 75 miles per day, you'll be there in less than a week.
Personally I'd knock that ratio down a bit, but you'll make it.
BTW: What color are the tires?
Personally I'd knock that ratio down a bit, but you'll make it.
BTW: What color are the tires?
Last edited by BigAura; 09-22-09 at 10:46 PM.
#22
#23
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https://pompinos.blogspot.com/
and here's my recent tour on a Quickbeam mostly on 40/16 freewheel.
https://wheelsofchance.org/england-2009/
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you're young, you'll be fine.
Do not leg brake. your knees will quit before you want to... smart
stretch well, and do some knee-strengthening stuff like sitting on a chair and lifting your legs... smart
Id go with actual bullhorns over drops or flat bars. got em
on that note, borrow a riser dirt drop style or technomic stem if you can. got oneTry to lift the cockpit
anyway, thats my advice take it or leave it. sounds fun (kinda) and im jealous (sorta)
Do not leg brake. your knees will quit before you want to... smart
stretch well, and do some knee-strengthening stuff like sitting on a chair and lifting your legs... smart
Id go with actual bullhorns over drops or flat bars. got em
on that note, borrow a riser dirt drop style or technomic stem if you can. got oneTry to lift the cockpit
anyway, thats my advice take it or leave it. sounds fun (kinda) and im jealous (sorta)