Originally Posted by
seamuis
My gut instinct tells me you’re assigning a newly acquired rational assessment of the risk to life and limb that can come from cycling in general to your fixed gear drive train. Fact is, when anyone has an accident or even a near miss, it gives you newfound feelings and perspective. I think that’s good in the long term, though of course I’d never wish anyone have an accident.
I once had had an incident with a raccoon on a night ride. It clearly didn’t know i was there until the last second, despite my 1000+ lumen light and freaked out as I got right up beside him. Turned to run back across the road in the direction he likely came, and ran face first into my front wheel. Completely knocked the bike out from under me and I dislocated my shoulder. I haven’t changed anything about how I ride or how I feel about that bicycle. (a fixed with single front brake) I just keep my eyes more open. Same thing would have happened if I had been on a road bike, so it is what it is.
I try and learn my lessons from out of the ordinary experiences. I learned early on riding fixed at night was not comfortable for me- it gets country dark in my area as soon as you get out of town- no streetlights. Lights are good to be seen, not as good at seeing stuff like potholes and other road hazards in time.
I had a couple of squirrel strikes on a recent ride- on my geared bike, so I can't blame the quietness of a fixed gear. I did almost hit a chicken once- never did find out why he was crossing the road.