Originally Posted by
f50fan
In general, the difference is pretty clear. No, you wont get some magical added inertia that helps you complete the ride.
In the ways of advice, dont do it fixed. There is more reason not to, than for, if any reasons at all to do it fixed. You are going for long distance and coasting will be like heaven. The pro's for fixed riding are almost non-existant in terms of going for long rides, especially with down hills.
+1
That is a pretty good summary. I've done it both ways (SS & FG), and it is a lot easier if you can coast. Kinda depends what mood I am in, and the terrain. If you are riding in a pack with any elevation change Fixed is going to have a different rythm and it will be much harder to stay with the pack.
I’ve flipped the wheel at rest brakes – done half fixed, and the next half free (which is obviously a lot easier). Flippin the wheel is no big deal.
Fixie is about feel, not efficiency. People do it because they like it. If you don’t like it, don’t do it (although it does take a while to re-learn biking and begin to appreciate it).