Originally Posted by
Nickfrogger
On the other hand, what's the general consensus on single speeds/fixed in the winter? My first impression is "WHAT on earth is that guy doing with a fixie in weather like this??" but maybe I'm wrong
Single speeds in need of a little love can be had for fairly cheap out here (<$50), even if those ones do tend to weigh a ton.
My experience is that fixed geared bikes can be great bad weather winter rides. They allow for very subtle braking when needed on slick surfaces and give you a good feel for what your bike is doing. I have ridden fixed, free-wheel single speed, and derailleur geared bikes through mucho winter snow and slush. At one point or another, I have had some form of mechanical issues due to frozen parts with everything except the fixed gear setup.