Originally Posted by
jowilson
It's been a few years since the last time I rode a fixie. I'm buying One that I put together tomorrow and I will be riding it to school mostly and maybe weekend rides. Anyway, I went for a ride on my other bike this morning and I challenged myself to ride without coasting. Needless to say I couldn't do it. I've gotten to used to coasting up to stoplights, out of the driveway, tight turns, etc. I know there is a learning curve with any new bike but I can figure most things out on my own. What are your top tips for relearning/beginning fixie riders.
I'll post a pic of the bike once I get it tomorrow. I put a modern wheel set on it, drop stem, flat bars (for now- I plan on getting bull horns soon), sugino rd2 messenger crankset (46t), fixed cog and freewheel sprocket (both 16t). Is 46/16 what most of you use for roads?
TIA, josh
Remind yourself that a fixed gear is merely a single speed that cannot coast. The most important times to remind yourself of this fact is when going around a corner and when going down a hill. Fortunately, all FG bikes are equipped with an instant feedback mechanism that will remind you when you do forget.
Gearing is very personal. Mine is 39x16 because: 1) my knees are old; 2) the bike is my SSCX and I like 39x17 or 18 on the freewheel side for CX racing; and 3) I already had a 39t inner ring from a standard road double lying around.
Bars are personal too. I like road drops because of the greater variety of hand positions. But many like bullhorns so that is fine too. Be aware that your current brake levers may not fit the bull horns.
Whatever you do, set your bike up for riding in the manner that is most comfortable, efficient, and pleasing to you. Not for fashion.