Originally Posted by
wobblyoldgeezer
Buying new bikes is becoming a seductive habit. I've had so much fun on my last year purchase.
All the same, I'm increasingly intrigued by Specialized Langsters, Lemond Filmores. Kona Paddywagons, Bianchi Pistas. I'm attracted by the whole 'less is more' idea.
Any views?
Just do it, you'll love it. As others have said it's a whole new and very exhilarating experience once you get used to it. I have Bianchi Pista which I don't ride a lot but when I do I love it, even in a paceline with a 81" gear (48X16). You feel "at one" with the bike. It beats me how some guys stop without brakes, however. I have a front brake only, which is fine.
In my late teens and early 20s, back in the UK, I always took the gears of my 1957 Maclean during the winter and converted to 69" fixed and frequently rode the local 25% hill. I couldn't do it now!!