Originally Posted by oldfixguy

king koeller,

I think you hit the nail on the head. If speed is the sole/overarching reason for being on a bicycle then despite what some might argue (and prove with their own physical prowess and moxie) geared bicycles are faster. But, it is my opinion that once we get past the fact that we are not being paid to ride our bikes and the vast majority of us (vast majority defined as 99.99%) never will be paid to ride then what is left is the joy of making circles. For this old guy, the experience of cycling fixed is a much more enhanced, enjoyable experience. Compared to folks on geared or single speeds I'm so butt naked slow on descents you would actually get pissed waiting for me. Also, if a significant grade sticks around for too long someone who can drop into a more appropriate gear will also get the better of me. Now, that's just me. I don't have a problem with that because cycling restores me. My ego isn't in it. I have no need to understand what my average speed is on any given loop or if I broke the sound barrier on that last descent or if I spent my time within my projected training heart rate. On and on. To me, it's just noise. Nothing against it - but it's not why I ride. I'd rather meet you, pull over into 7-11 and chew on a Cliff bar while listening to you than find out who can get to the top and then the bottom of the mountain first. The ride is what is important. It is its' own end. For me, fixed is the better means to that end. I'm happier. I guess I'm also slower. I can live with that.