Can an old fart ride a fixie,,,,
 

without destroying his knees?

So I am 60 years old I love riding bicycles, used to ride road bikes but now I mostly ride vintage cruisers and mountain bike sometimes.

Couple years ago I was about to make a fixie, when told by a friend it would destroy my knees.
So I forgot about it. Recently I been watching fixie videos and it is driving be crazy wanting to build one and ride it.

So will it destroy my knees?

build one up, give it a shot.

if you use a flip flop hub on the back you have a second option just in case.

If its not for you, sell it on craigslist.

I am 54 and bought my fixie two months ago I genuinely love it and it is very hard on your calf s and knees

Low gearing+brakes, if your knees aren't already on their way to being shot I'd bet you'll be fine.

+1 on brakes and low gearing. Also, you might go with shorter cranks than you normally use, because with shorter cranks your leg is not bent as far when you start putting pressure on the downstroke. Shorter cranks also make it easier to spin a lower gear. If you have knee issues generally (and even if you don't but want to avoid them), pay just as much attention to your bike fit and especially pedal choice and cleat position as you would on any other bike. Take it easy and don't go out riding as hard as you can at first, just see what feels right and gradually work up from there. It's not a fixed gear that's hard on knees - it's grinding too hard when you're too overgeared. So take it easy and start with flat routes and a low gear and see what feels comfortable.

thanks seems like very good advice, I am looking for a frame now to build my own fixie, I want a 531 frame and am negotiating for one right now,,I will then only need a crank, wheels and a chain, when looking for them I will keep in mind low gearing and shorter crank arms.

howie

+1 to the good thoughts in this thread. You can destroy your knees just as easily on a geared bike, by running the saddle too low, or grinding a bigger gear than your knees can handle -- I nearly did when I got back into cycling a few years ago. In contrast, if you gear your fixed-gear appropriately, use brake(s) to slow and stop, and develop good habits for riding out of the saddle when more leverage is needed, your knees will be just fine (and probably get stronger and more resiliant) riding a FG. :thumb:

Riding fixed gear on the road, particularly in the off season, has been a staple for club riders of all ages and disciplines for many decades.
My 1st coach required it of all his riders and I'm still at it decades later and enjoying FG as much as ever.

Follow the advice given previously and you might well enjoy it and benefit from the efficient fluid pedaling style riding fixed promotes.
C_42 has an extremely impressive resume of FG rides: "just see what feels right and gradually work up from there". Indeed.

That said riding fixed on the road isn't for everyone as a dedication to technique and proper kit is essential.
Be very exacting on your fit, there is no way to compensate for poor positioning when you pedal the bike and it pedals you right back.

-Bandera

I decided i cant wait to build one lol,,so tomorrow I am going to look at a Pure Cycle fixie, the guy only rode it about 5 times and only wants about half what one costs new,,so tomorrow I go take a look,,,I am very excited lol,,I ride all winter long in michigan and hope to use this bike on dry days.

A road FG w/ full mudguards was the off season machine for club riders back when, it's the time to work on base miles and build technique.Having a low maintenance FG bike w/ full fenders is the best way to maximize training effect/time and minimize "too nasty to ride" excuses.

Anything that won't take a minimum of 28mm tires & full fenders and two brakes makes no sense for a FG in the old school style. New was never a consideration, a 2nd or 3rd tier road machine was stripped & re-fitted at little expense for a safe and effective FG bike that fit correctly and would see service in shine & slop.

-Bandera

QUOTED AGAIN FOR EMPHASIS.

Anything even slightly imperfect about your bike fit will be highly magnified on a fixie, but once you really dial it in, it takes on a very organic character.

I'm 58 BTW, and have been riding fixies since my 20's.

I bought a Pure Fix, was only used a couple times,,the yellow peeled from the front rim,,thinking from the brake and poor paint,,but I got it for 150 bucks,,besides the yellow paint,,the bike is like new. I never rode a fixie before,,now I rode this one a few times around the block,,,I know once I get used to it I am gonna love it...in fact I already love it.

You seek Permission?


You live in a flat place? , you can build a flip flop wheel .. freewheel on one side,. track cog on the other.

same size cog , maybe..

Mountains and hills, an IGH is simple too.. chain does not jump off . its 1 cog and chainring..

I have to agree, I'm not very old but when I started out trying fixed gear I had a same tooth freewheel on the other side of a flip flop.

Why is this in the freestyle forum? Are you planning to trick? Look here.

Sheldon Brown rode fixies.

old farts shouldn't even say fixie

Is the rider fixed? http://www.plannedparenthood.org/hea...ctomy-4249.htm

I'm an old fart, well getting there (48) and ride a fixie. I was thinking the same thing you were. I finally just got a rear wheel and put it on an old Schwinn Traveller. 42x16t fix and 18t freewheel on the other side. It works well. Not going all fixie all the time, but its fun. I run brakes too.

I also ride a fixed gear bike. I am 54 and have fixie over 3 years now.
48x16 and 48x20 when "spinning".

Mods, please move this thread to SSFG.

Can't mature adults discuss FG riding in their sub-forum?
We cover a lot of ground (so to speak) in 50+ from an age specific perspective, this subject included. :thumb:

-Bandera