SS / Fixed commuters - where are you?
#27
Sputnik - beep beep beep
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 481
Likes: 1
From: Louisville KY
Bikes: '12 Jamis Coda Elite '09 Jamis Sputnik, '07 Jamis Eclipse, '13 Brompton M6R.
My commuter is a '09 Sputnik. Stock gearing is 46/18, and I find that ok. I can keep an 18mph pace on the flat if the wind's not in my face. The ride is mostly flat - 12+ miles round-trip. However, the wind is frequently as hard to fight as the hills. BTW, I'm 65.
#28
my commuter is an old univega competizione that I made into a SS. I can't remember the gearing, but it's something like 42/16 or so. Love it. mostly flat here, though.
__________________
"Think of bicycles as rideable art that can just about save the world". ~Grant Petersen
Cyclists fare best when they recognize that there are times when acting vehicularly is not the best practice, and are flexible enough to do what is necessary as the situation warrants.--Me
"Think of bicycles as rideable art that can just about save the world". ~Grant Petersen
Cyclists fare best when they recognize that there are times when acting vehicularly is not the best practice, and are flexible enough to do what is necessary as the situation warrants.--Me
#30
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
Bikes: Sputnik
yeah... I think I might do that. Or throw the 48 on that I have laying around the house. But then I'll be forced to pick up my cadence if I want to go fast. Boo... I just recently swapped out my 172.5mm cranks for 165. I really feel the difference in leverage... i miss it. But my body seems to like the 165's better. Feels better. i dunno. gonna keep tweaking things till i get it right.
#31
perpetually frazzled

Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,469
Likes: 9
From: Linton, IN
Bikes: 1977 Bridgestone Kabuki Super Speed; 1979 Raleigh Professional; 1983 Raleigh Rapide mixte; 1974 Peugeot UO-8; 1993 Univega Activa Trail; 1972 Raleigh Sports; 1967 Phillips; 1981 Schwinn World Tourist; 1976 Schwinn LeTour mixte; 1964 Western Flyer
I just took my Peugeot on her maiden commute to an FFA banquet tonight. Definitely gonna need fenders - it's a 73/74 UO-8. 48X17 gearing with 27" steel wheels and a suicide hub. It rides nice, but the new B17 is still breaking in my butt.
Perhaps once I get a job I'll be getting a Raleigh One Way. Gorgeous bikes.
Perhaps once I get a job I'll be getting a Raleigh One Way. Gorgeous bikes.
#32
Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
I commute just about every day on my fixed Kuwahara Shasta. It was originally built up as a winter bike with some gnarly mount & ground tires with a 40/16 setup. Since spring has rolled around now, I've since slapped on some 1.25 tires and I've just kept on riding it. My top speed isn't so hot, but I also have no problem with the 12% grade I climb each day. The wheels are double walled and can take quite a beating.
Commuting on fixed is great
Commuting on fixed is great

#34
I ride a 30+ year old Vagabond (Canadian brand) single speed coaster brake equipped bike. Does that count?
It has a chrome fenders and a rack. I also installed a front hand brake. I ride on fairly flat roads with not many long steep hills.
Sorry but I have no idea what the gear ratios are.
It has a chrome fenders and a rack. I also installed a front hand brake. I ride on fairly flat roads with not many long steep hills.
Sorry but I have no idea what the gear ratios are.
Last edited by supercycle62; 05-13-10 at 06:16 AM.
#36
Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Durham, NC
Bikes: 2009 Salsa Casseroll Single, 1997 Cannondale F700

I've been taking my Salsa Casserole for 22 miles each way on my commute. My fastest time has been 1:10 when the wind was perfect, my worst time has been 1:40.
My commute is half on the MUP, and half on a back highway including a segment that runs through a wildlife reserve.
IMO if you're going further than 5 miles fixed > singlespeed my legs need the slack.
Is your seat/bar tape green or black? I have been contemplating going Brooks green when I order my bullhorns. Also looking at racks; may go with Aluminum or something with a wood base.
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