I have to admit that over-hyped fixed-gear trendiness prevented me from ever seriously considering trying a fixed-gear bike.

True story: At the end of this winter I got my old road by out for a ride. The freewheel on my winter beater wheel had completely seized (I live in salty Toronto) . I took off the derailleur and shortened the chain- The poor man's fixed gear.

I loved riding it. I loved not having move my hands to the brakes as I approached an intersection. A couple times I forgot that I couldn't coat and almost wrecked.
Anyway, now I have to build me one.


It's possible to be too conscious of trends, it's possible to be too conscious of not following trends.

You have to acknowledge too, that if all your friends have fixies, or like to play basketball, it's totally legit to join in. It's a way to socialize with friends, to have something in common. It doesn't mean that you sell you sole.

I'm fine as long as everyone follows the cardinal rule- don't be an ass.