Originally Posted by
MetinUz
I am neither young nor hipster, but I commute 10 mile each way exclusively on a fixie (with a brake). I find there are several benefits:
1. It is less maintenance. Fewer things to adjust, and chains and chainrings last a long time, at least 15,000 miles for a chain.
2. Simple. You don't need to worry about anticipating stops or being caught in the wrong gear.
3. Good workout. Forces you to develop power at different cadences. When I have the time, I take the hilly scenic route which adds to the challenge. You work hard even going downhill.
I guess you can extend this to harder rides. I talked to a guy riding a fixie on a double century last Saturday. This was a ride with 9000ft climbing, extended sections of 10% or steeper grades. Even riding the downhill sections would be a huge challenge for me.
You make the assumption that all geared bikes have the dérailleur setup, which is incorrect, internal geared hubs, can be very simple, giving you most of the benefits of fixed, but still having gears. Internal geared hubs use the same chain, ring and cogs as a fixed, and are available in 3,7,8 and 14 speeds (although the 14 speed ones are very expensive). Ideal for commuting and winter riding, some of these have been in regular service for decades, because they run in an oil or grease bath, and are fairly well sealed to the weather. They are perfectly happy to change gears when standing still. The technology behind them has been around for over 100 years. They are common in Europe.