Snobbery comes from the desire to feel good about yourself. Some feel that to do that, they have to put others down. Riding fixed gives an opportunity, because those of us who can ride fixed have a skill that others don't have.

This isn't everyone's motivation, for sure, but it explains a few people.

I rode 20 miles yesterday on my fixie. I think that was the longest I ever rode on it. I was apprehensive, but it went just fine. Yes, it definitely is more of a workout than riding a freewheel. I won't use this bike as my primary bike, but it is fun.