robertkat

I've done plenty of centuries before, but this one was a first. Finally did it. Yesterday I rode a full century on my fixed gear road bike. It was a lot easier than it may seem. 102 miles in 6 hours. It was relatively flat with 2800 ft of climbing. But it was great fun and I was strong the entire ride. I think I'm going to modify the route a bit and do it again next month but make it a 200k. I'm really getting into riding longer distances on the fixed gear. It's fun.

Spookykinkajou

I did my first today although in a little over 5 hours with about 6,000 ft of climbing. One 5 mile climb and a few that were around 2 miles then the rest of the gain came from rollers. I feel pretty beat. The hills started to wear me down after about 70 miles as did the constant exposure to the sun. FYI, I was riding a redline 925, stock besides the seat and I changed the handle bars to regular road drop bars. Front brake only. 42x15. I had a blast - got up to 41mph once. I fear I will be very sore tomorrow

I've done quite a few centuries and longer with a freewheel, but the fixed was a whole other experience. It's a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to the next!

sam83

180+ RPM

Spookykinkajou

Yeah, one time was enough of that. It felt pretty sketchy. Maybe if I had two brakes I'd do it again. I'll stick with about 35mph and lower from now on.

One tiny bump or mishap and you're FLYING with or without the bike at that RPM.

VeloMakak

Brand new poster here!
I've done (5) fixed centuries, with the Seacoast Century being the most recent (last Sunday). The Seacoast is perfect for fixed riders- mostly flat with little rises, some rhythmic rollers, and a few challenging climbs and descents.
The guys I ride with are all on road bikes, and they zip past me on descents, but I'm in the lead on climbs, flats and rollers. We've ridden a lot together (mainly The Prouty century) with them on road bikes and me on f/g, so we're all used to each other's riding.
I'm glad to see others are getting out and doing centuries fixed- it blows the other riders' minds, for some reason.

jjjjeremy

Good for you. I don't think I could do it. I can ride maybe 40, but around then I'm aching for a little coast or ten seconds with my ass off the seat.

VeloMakak

If you can do 40, you're well on your way to a full 100 (that is, if you want to!)
I spend a fair amount of time out of the saddle, just to give the "saddle parts" some "time in the breeze" and time off the saddle, but I guess because I've been riding fixed for a while, I don't miss the coasting (that much).

roadfix

I actually prefer to do most all long distance rides either on the fixed gear or the single speed for the extra challenge. I would pick the SS over the fixed if the route has lots of very long descents.

Rick@OCRR

Hi George,

Have you even done the Palm Springs Century on a fixed? I was talking to David Wu and Chuck Chen about it, so maybe we'll try it. I remember only one kinda-long downhill on that course, but most of it is pretty flat. Maybe we can talk Alice into joining us?

Rick / OCRR

roadfix

Hello Rick........No I've never ridden the PS Century, but I would imagine the route would be ideal for a fixed gear. The only thing you may want to consider is the wind. I've heard it can get really windy on that ride.

Speaking of Alice, where is she? I have not seen her in months! Hope she's enjoying her new fixed gear.