thanks, guys, i appreciate that.

i know i was getting my feet beat up by the pedals but honestly i was trying as hard as i could to balance much of the time... it seems like the clips would help, but also make me fall over. i'm thinking of trying freewheel, and i'm also thinking of getting a different handlebar, maybe a parallel riser instead of a bullhorn— do you think this would help?

is there anyone who learned to ride first on a fixed gear? i know the freewheel is easier for many, but do i really have to go there before i do fixed?