Originally Posted by TimothyH

Many of you guys would change your minds about what you wrote if you rode fixed gear. I ride 48-16 fixed gear regularly, as in 3 or 4 times per week, and over hilly terrain. It has made me a stronger climber.

@corrado33 in post number 7 and @indyfabz in post number 5 are the most accurate posts.

You may not get a better workout pushing a big gear but you will get a different workout. There is a time and a place for everything including pushing big gears up hills. It is an effective exercise, strengthening the muscles so that you can spin one or two gears higher at the same speed and cadence.

It is minimal risk to your knees once one is past the initial phase and starts to build strength. People hear about the risk and are told to always spin and they never learn to push a harder gear. They wind up in the smallest gear all the time.