Originally Posted by Bomb Komodo

Finally got my 80s road frame converted, and it is very very sweet.

I have been riding bikes for years and years and feel very comfortable on them. Thought I'd throw out that disclaimer. Here are my quick observations after doing 10 miles.

- getting on the bike..took me a few to get comfortable with it. I am extremely used to adjusting the pedals level and getting on. Now it is a different story..they don't move that easily..I just put my weight on the lead pedal now and go from there. Not sure which way is proper, but it was funny the first few times..felt super weird.

- riding. This was easy. Quite fun to ride this way..yes the pedals keep moving, but that was not a huge issue for me. My toe clips have not come in yet, so I am riding on platforms with no straps..slightly dangerous, but it was not an issue.

- It felt like I was using more energy, then it also felt like I wasn't. Hard to describe this, but when I was getting speed, it felt fantastic..I was flying.

- calfs cramped a little..I had to stop and stretch my calves out..that was a first for me on a bike ever. It is very very hot down here, so that may have had something to do with it..I was sweating a fair amount.

- The Fixed gear forces you to spin right..you need to pull up on the pedals or you feel disconnected like you are going to come off. Luckily this felt pretty normal for me.

- I have a front brake but use it too much. I need to learn how to stop without it. I was slowing down without the brake, but it felt like it could be a crutch for me. Regardless, I think having a front brake is key for tight turns and rapid stops.

Any advice you guys have for techniques on braking..skills to learn etc are always appreciated. I am going to practice more this weekend and do some bigger rides once I get the toe clips on as well.