Originally Posted by Shortsocks

I've not wanted to get in this conversation. But I will.
I was a roadie. In fact. I still am in a lot of ways. Road biking has helped a lot in riding fixed gear.
In not having to Learn all over again in how to ride very long distances, proper bicycle methodology, gear construction and such. As well as being able to understand my physical limitations and future goals.

But.

The resason I stopped was I lost the love of riding. Most roadies. Not all. Ride way way to competitive. I couldn't understand why it's all about that. The community is cool as long as you can hang or have a few grand to put into a bike, and then after the ride put it your bike into the back of a lexus SUV? Not saying that if you can afford it don't buy it. But for me, it turned into a sport/parts contest vs something I love.

When I got into fixed gear. I fell In love with riding. At the end of a ride, when I was a roadie, I would put up my bike and go on my way. But at the end of a fixed gear ride...I'm never tired. I wished my ride was longer. And something else. When I was a roadie. I never rode by myself. I rode with groups. But now. I really enjoy riding by myself. Usually at night. When there are no cars out. Listen to the quiet. Nature. Just me and my rig.
I have never seen a roadie at night. I see fixed gears at night. And it really brings a lot of legitimate joy to me.
I'm 31 years old. And less and less things bring me this type of bliss that riding a fixed gear does...

Sounds sappy. But it's not. It's what it is. I'm not waking up at 630 in the morning putting on a crap load of gear....to meet up with a bunch of people who really couldn't give a damn about riding.

I've noticed that fixed gear riders don't really give a damn what i ride, as long as I'm riding. And that's all that matters. But I really feel, that if it weren't for my years of riding road, that I wouldn't appreciate what and how I'm riding now.

See you on the road.

Socks