Originally Posted by
philski
Hey guys, just looking for some opinions with perhaps rational argument (heh, if that's possible) about the virtues of a fixed gear bike vs. a geared bike for commuting.
I have a relatively short commute - 10 miles round trip over very gentile hills. Currently I have a cheap single speed bike I got off of Craigslist, haven't tried a fixed gear hub yet but subconsciously I try my best to pedal every spin, it feels good but the one substantial hill on my commute is a pain in the arse! But I love the simplicity of the bicycle ... I'd love to hear arguments from proponents in either direction as I'm debating either dumping some money in getting this bike in better shape or finding a decent entry level geared bike.
So what say you? thanks.
I would HIGHLY recommend trying a fixie. You really become 'one with the bicycle' when you ride fixed.
If you truly have a 'single speed', all you need to do is remove the freewheel and replace it with a fixed gear (use Loctite and 'double nut' it with the lock ring from a bottom bracket)
Also, try some Jewish hills as well as those "gentile" ones. :-)