A year ago March, I purchased a Langster while visiting my daughter in Manhattan, and shipped it back to my home in Los Angeles. My reason for purchasing the bike: I wanted a way to feel 25 again! There seemed no better place to do that than the Big Apple, where so many young people ride fg bikes.

In truth, with no place to practice riding fg, I rode the bike as a single speed in Manhattan. Back in Los Angeles, I flipped the hub. On my wide residential street, I immediately discovered how easy it was for me to ride fixed; I also quickly learned not to coast over bumps.

And I discovered that I love the feel of the bike. It's difficult to describe, but I suppose it has something to do with the mild flywheel effect pushing the pedals. There is something true about being one with the bike.

Although I've occasionally muscled my Langster up some steep streets, I prefer my geared bike for the hills and mountains in and around the city. Since I like hills, my fixie isn't my go-to bike. When I'm on it, though, I love it.