Originally Posted by
Moisture
I don't have any significant hills where I live
Then why did you start a thread asking about hill climbing?
Originally Posted by
Moisture
Im using 190mm crank arms.
I would never use crankarms that long on a fixed gear bike. When you lean the bike into a corner while your legs are spinning (because they can't stop spinning on a fixie), you will strike the pedal on the ground and you will crash hard. I would never use 190s on anything, but you may have giraffe legs for all I know. For me, it's 175mm on singlespeed, but on a fixie I like 165s.
Originally Posted by
Moisture
What are some things such as chainline and what not will I need to consider?
You should read Sheldon Brown's articles about singlespeed and fixed gear conversions very carefully, at least three or four times. He covers everything you will need to know much better than I can here. See links below.
Originally Posted by
Moisture
fixie or a coaster hub?
Let's get some terminology straight: A hub that allows you to coast without pedaling is called a
freewheel. A
coaster hub is what 's on paperboy-style Schwinns, where you push back on the pedal to activate a rear brake.
Originally Posted by
Moisture
what's better fixie or a coaster hub?
Neither a fixed hub or a freewheel hub is "better." They are both fun, in different ways. IMO, a singlespeed gives you the most flexibility in gear choice, because you only have to consider how hard the gear is for climbing, and you can ignore it for descending. On a fixie, you need a gear that is low enough to climb with but high enough to allow you to pedal on the descent without losing control.
Originally Posted by
Moisture
how do you guys fair on long or steeper climbs? Is it manageable?
Yes, it's manageable to climb steep and long hills on a single speed bike, provided the gear is low enough and/or you are strong enough. But you said you don't have any of those hills where you ride.
Originally Posted by
Moisture
What sort of gears should I consider?
Since you don't have any extended or steep climbs, try a 42 X 16 and adjust from there.
Originally Posted by
Moisture
Maybe 44x18?
Sure, maybe. Put your geared bike into one gear and ride it without shifting for a few days. You'll eventually figure out a combination that works.
Originally Posted by
Moisture
its nice to be able to control the speed of the rear wheel through the pedals
Using your leg strength to slow the rear wheel down is something you need to experience to understand. Going downhill on a fixed gear really isn't about controlling the speed of the wheel through the pedals; it's more about maintaining control of your pedals at the speed the rear wheel is pushing them.
Originally Posted by
Moisture
I don't ride to aggressively anymore due to my knees, so I think this would be a good idea for my needs.
If you have chronic knee issues, I think fixed or singlespeed would be the opposite of a good idea.
_________________________________________________________________________________
READ THESE BEFORE DOING ANYTHING ELSE:
Singlespeed conversions:
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/singlespeed.html
Fixed gear conversions:
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/fixed-conversion.html
For more "which gear do I want" advice, read the responses to the other threads you've started on that topic:
If you Could Only Pick one Gear...
What Sort of Gearing Works Best for your Needs?