yes, its really popular, yes theres a lot of people into it for the fashion, and for having a blinging bike. but the civilian fixed gear people (at least the ones i know) are pretty serious riders, from hellyer racers to adventure racers, commuters and messengers.... its a pretty dorky scene as far as I can tell, far removed from fashion conscious hipsters who are so far over track cycling its not even funny. its actually a bit of an older crowd than i think most people think it is. last weekend there was a civilian run race/food drive that collected an amazing amount of food for the san francisco food bank... its a conscious group, a very civic minded group, and very unelitist, and most people both truely love their bikes and cycling. fixed gears are not status objects that i see toted around, but machines that get people excited to ride. i invited you to check out sffixed.com to see for yourself.

i am sorry if my earlier comment came off as abrasive, ive been having a pretty ****ty day. i think theres a lot of misconceptions about fixed gear riders and enthusiasts in san francisco and it bothers me some times.