Originally Posted by nylund154
I disagree w/ 53-11. I tried that when I started and its not the same. At least if you are going fixed. Fixed pedals don't stop to coast and the momentum works with you, so what seems like a tough hill on a free wheel seems much easier to me on a fixed (given the same ratio) since the momentum helps me continue to pedal. Plus, after a pretty short amount of time of riding fixed, your stronger legs will get you up hills easier than you ever did before. I FLY over the bridge that used to kill me when I did it in an easier gear on my 10 speed back in the day.
At least that was my experience.
i also agree fully... i "practiced" on my geared bike at 42x16 but on the fixie 46x17 (slightly taller) turned out to be more appropriate.
difference here is that we all have fixed gear bikes and 53-11 doesnt. people giving advice over things they dont know about... such is the internet...