Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Touring
Reload this Page >

Touring on a track frame?

Notices
Touring Have a dream to ride a bike across your state, across the country, or around the world? Self-contained or fully supported? Trade ideas, adventures, and more in our bicycle touring forum.

Touring on a track frame?

Old 09-22-09, 06:45 PM
  #1  
the uncarved block
Thread Starter
 
openmindedgent's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: on the road
Posts: 240

Bikes: '13 Surly Troll (touring), '74 Peugeot PX-10E (fixed gear), '94 Mongoose Rockadile (trail)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
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!
openmindedgent is offline  
Old 09-22-09, 07:45 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
gregw's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 988
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
gregw is offline  
Old 09-22-09, 07:57 PM
  #3  
the uncarved block
Thread Starter
 
openmindedgent's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: on the road
Posts: 240

Bikes: '13 Surly Troll (touring), '74 Peugeot PX-10E (fixed gear), '94 Mongoose Rockadile (trail)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by gregw
elaborate please... i do better with actual criticism
openmindedgent is offline  
Old 09-22-09, 07:57 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
c_m_shooter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Paradise, TX
Posts: 2,087

Bikes: Soma Pescadero, Surly Pugsley, Salsa Fargo, Schwinn Klunker, Gravity SS 27.5, Monocog 29er

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 186 Post(s)
Liked 234 Times in 166 Posts
Originally Posted by openmindedgent
I will be able to ride fast enough to make the trip much shorter.

No you won't. Not that you can't ride faster, but it won't be any fun. Expect to average 10mph. Drop your gearing and take your time to enjoy the ride.
c_m_shooter is offline  
Old 09-22-09, 08:01 PM
  #5  
the uncarved block
Thread Starter
 
openmindedgent's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: on the road
Posts: 240

Bikes: '13 Surly Troll (touring), '74 Peugeot PX-10E (fixed gear), '94 Mongoose Rockadile (trail)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
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.
openmindedgent is offline  
Old 09-22-09, 08:05 PM
  #6  
the uncarved block
Thread Starter
 
openmindedgent's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: on the road
Posts: 240

Bikes: '13 Surly Troll (touring), '74 Peugeot PX-10E (fixed gear), '94 Mongoose Rockadile (trail)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by c_m_shooter
No you won't. Not that you can't ride faster, but it won't be any fun. Expect to average 10mph. Drop your gearing and take your time to enjoy the ride.
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.
openmindedgent is offline  
Old 09-22-09, 08:06 PM
  #7  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 1,505

Bikes: Specialized Tricross Sport 2009

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 15 Post(s)
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
> 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.
stevage is offline  
Old 09-22-09, 08:08 PM
  #8  
the uncarved block
Thread Starter
 
openmindedgent's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: on the road
Posts: 240

Bikes: '13 Surly Troll (touring), '74 Peugeot PX-10E (fixed gear), '94 Mongoose Rockadile (trail)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
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.
openmindedgent is offline  
Old 09-22-09, 08:10 PM
  #9  
the uncarved block
Thread Starter
 
openmindedgent's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: on the road
Posts: 240

Bikes: '13 Surly Troll (touring), '74 Peugeot PX-10E (fixed gear), '94 Mongoose Rockadile (trail)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by stevage
> 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.
There we go... got any good fixed touring literature or websites devoted to this?
openmindedgent is offline  
Old 09-22-09, 08:35 PM
  #10  
pan y agua
 
merlinextraligh's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Jacksonville
Posts: 31,273

Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike

Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1428 Post(s)
Liked 697 Times in 353 Posts
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.
__________________
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.
merlinextraligh is offline  
Old 09-22-09, 08:50 PM
  #11  
the uncarved block
Thread Starter
 
openmindedgent's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: on the road
Posts: 240

Bikes: '13 Surly Troll (touring), '74 Peugeot PX-10E (fixed gear), '94 Mongoose Rockadile (trail)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by merlinextraligh
There are better tools for long distance riding.
I am fully aware... It is just a pity I cannot afford these things (at least not in the immediate future)
openmindedgent is offline  
Old 09-22-09, 08:54 PM
  #12  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 7,143
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 261 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times in 10 Posts
Why not just buy a used Sturmey Archer 3 speed hub off Ebay and have a wheel built. At least you'll have one low gear.
Dahon.Steve is offline  
Old 09-22-09, 08:54 PM
  #13  
the uncarved block
Thread Starter
 
openmindedgent's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: on the road
Posts: 240

Bikes: '13 Surly Troll (touring), '74 Peugeot PX-10E (fixed gear), '94 Mongoose Rockadile (trail)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
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...
openmindedgent is offline  
Old 09-22-09, 08:56 PM
  #14  
the uncarved block
Thread Starter
 
openmindedgent's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: on the road
Posts: 240

Bikes: '13 Surly Troll (touring), '74 Peugeot PX-10E (fixed gear), '94 Mongoose Rockadile (trail)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Dahon.Steve
Why not just buy a used Sturmey Archer 3 speed hub off Ebay and have a wheel built. At least you'll have one low gear.
sounds great if you have extra time and cash to spare... thanks though
openmindedgent is offline  
Old 09-22-09, 08:57 PM
  #15  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 1,505

Bikes: Specialized Tricross Sport 2009

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 15 Post(s)
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
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.
stevage is offline  
Old 09-22-09, 08:57 PM
  #16  
Senior Member
 
wheel's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Crystal MN
Posts: 2,147
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
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,"
wheel is offline  
Old 09-22-09, 09:04 PM
  #17  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,268
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
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)
positron is offline  
Old 09-22-09, 09:14 PM
  #18  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 358
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by openmindedgent
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.
If that's the case, why stop halfway? Remove the left crank arm and pedal to Virginia one-legged. Or would that be too much adventure and true living?
xyzzy834 is offline  
Old 09-22-09, 09:49 PM
  #19  
shut up and ride
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: noho
Posts: 1,947

Bikes: supersix hi-mod,burley duet tandem,woodrup track,cannondale cross,specialized road

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by xyzzy834
If that's the case, why stop halfway? Remove the left crank arm and pedal to Virginia one-legged. Or would that be too much adventure and true living?
zzzwillzzz is offline  
Old 09-22-09, 10:03 PM
  #20  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 7,143
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 261 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times in 10 Posts
Originally Posted by positron
Do not leg brake. your knees will quit before you want to...
Yeah, you better attach a front brake. Your knees are much more expensive to fix than a full blown touring bike. When the hills come, just walk the bike up.
Dahon.Steve is offline  
Old 09-22-09, 10:16 PM
  #21  
 
BigAura's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Chapin, SC
Posts: 3,423

Bikes: all steel stable: surly world troller, paris sport fixed, fuji ss

Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 623 Post(s)
Liked 55 Times in 33 Posts
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?

Last edited by BigAura; 09-22-09 at 10:46 PM.
BigAura is offline  
Old 09-22-09, 10:21 PM
  #22  
 
BigAura's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Chapin, SC
Posts: 3,423

Bikes: all steel stable: surly world troller, paris sport fixed, fuji ss

Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 623 Post(s)
Liked 55 Times in 33 Posts
Originally Posted by Dahon.Steve
Yeah, you better attach a front brake.
He said he has two brakes.
BigAura is offline  
Old 09-22-09, 10:26 PM
  #23  
nun
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,670

Bikes: Rivendell Quickbeam, Rivendell Rambouillet, Rivendell Atlantis, Circle A town bike, De Rosa Neo Primato, Cervelo RS, Specialized Diverge

Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 180 Post(s)
Liked 43 Times in 40 Posts
Originally Posted by BigAura
Pack light, 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?
The OP will be ok, he has brakes and 40/16 is a good all day gear. If it gets too steep just push. Here is a blog of a fixed tour through Europe

https://pompinos.blogspot.com/

and here's my recent tour on a Quickbeam mostly on 40/16 freewheel.

https://wheelsofchance.org/england-2009/
nun is offline  
Old 09-23-09, 03:14 AM
  #24  
Real Men Ride Ordinaries
 
fuzz2050's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,723
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
buy a freewheel, maybe 18 or bigger, just in case.
fuzz2050 is offline  
Old 09-23-09, 08:41 AM
  #25  
the uncarved block
Thread Starter
 
openmindedgent's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: on the road
Posts: 240

Bikes: '13 Surly Troll (touring), '74 Peugeot PX-10E (fixed gear), '94 Mongoose Rockadile (trail)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by positron
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)
Thank you, this is the advice I am looking for.
openmindedgent is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

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.