Originally Posted by
ok_commuter
^^^
I very much appreciate your knowledge and contributions to the forum. However...
You say often that a FG is as practical for everyday riding as any geared bike. And I believe that is true for you. But isn't it true that a FG is only as practical as the rider is fit and strong? And isn't it also true that you are one of the strongest riders on the forum, logging as many or more miles as anyone here, and probably more miles over more years than maybe anyone?
For somebody just getting into cycling, or someone like me with a bum knee, or someone in less than excellent physical condition... for many people, an FG is going to require considerable strength for their chosen/necessary route. It seems to me that for lots of folks, the difference between gears and none is the difference between riding or not.
I hope one day to be repaired and strong enough to ride a fixie. But I still probably won't.
I came into this world nearly 43 years ago with sketchy knees and suffer from some pretty sever sciatica in my left leg and when things were at their worst this winter, a fixed gear was the only bike I could ride (well) as it really compensated for a much weaker left leg that sometimes could not make a full revolution.
During this time I rode my fixed folder as I had issues with not being able to swing a leg over the top tube.
My Kuwahara is geared pretty low with a 58/65 gearing on it's flip flop hub while the folder is geared a little higher with a 61/69 gearing and there are many days when I find myself spinning that lower gear.
My doctor has been amazed at how healthy and strong my knees are and at how riding has really kept both my legs nearly equal in strength.
Riding a fixed gear or singlespeed is not for everyone but for many people it is a practical solution to their riding needs and one does not have to be a monster to ride one.
I'm planning on riding my first century at the end of the month and am actually more confident in taking the fixed gear than I am a geared bike as if I have to finish that ride on one leg I'd rather do it on a fixed gear.
For me it is always about what is more practical and sometimes, having gears is far more practical as I would not think of doing this on a fixed gear... for more than a few minutes anyways.
