platypus

For the past few months I've been putting in time on my fixed gear road bike (a steel Somec, geared at 42x16). As of today, I've had it! time to put away the fixed gear and get back on the geared bike for training.

No real point to this post, I suppose - just griping.

noisebeam

Why have you had it?

My fixed gear road bike died a couple weeks ago and I've had it with my geared bike, my replacement fixed gear is not quite ready, but should have been today ready for the long weekend rides. But sadly no.

But its all personal preference of course.

Al

platypus

I'm sick of having to ride my brakes all the way down the hills since I can't spin at 350rpm. In general I love having the option of riding a fixed gear, and it's done amazing things for my leg strength. I'm just tired of it for now. I'll be back to it next time a Base period comes up tho.

filtersweep

I live at the top of a large hill--- can't ride anywhere without putting in 500-1000 ft of elevation, and that is just getting started. It has taken some of the joy out of fixed gear. Even a road double requires a bit of effort.

BikeGarage

Well, just learn how slow yourself down applying back pressure on the pedals. See if you can make it down that hill WITHOUT using brakes

caloso

Sorry to hear it. I built up a fixie as a commuter and rain bike. But find that I grab it no matter the weather or destination.

bbattle

I just did 15 miles of going up and down hills on my fixie. I just modulate my braking while spinning as fast as I can. Great training for the roadie.

As for applying back pressure, you gotta do that from the get-go; once that bike gets up to speed, trying to apply back pressure would just get you launched up and over and down and out.

Take the gripe over to SS/FG. Maybe they can work you through it.

The wisdom of the flip-flop hub should be apparent to you now.

If you can, "flip it".

aloysius

No one is ever going to be able to explain this fixed gear phenomenon to me. I mean, I guess I can understand the appeal of a fixie if you live on largely flat terrain -- somewhere like NYC. I, however, live in Pittsburgh, which is all hills, and I see these things all over the place.

SingleSpeeDemon

I've found that when it's too late to apply bp (hill is too steep and you're spinning too fast) that it just takes a bit more effort. You have to use the forward foot to help create maximum drag.

SingleSpeeDemon

What part of Pittsburgh? Have you tried one yet?

cmh

I thought it was such a blast to start riding my fixed gear regularly last fall. Just this week I switched back to my gear bike and I feel the same way. I guess I just like a change once in a while.

Now I am going to gear down my fixie a bit and ride it around town and on recovery rides through the spring and summer.

Dubbayoo

I think 750-1000 miles on the fixed gear is a good start to the year. If I ride from home I have to end with a 3 mile climb of 5-10%. There is no fixed gearing that. I couldn't even make it on my standard double.

trackstar10

i ride my fixie every single day, brakeless, and i too live on a large hill with similar elevation gain to yours. all you have to do is do it more. stop whining and complaining. riding will make you stronger. moaning and groaning about it will make you weaker.

trackstar10

ride one.

MrCjolsen

You don't have the right messenger bag. Download some Arcade Fire. Put blurry pictures of your cat on your myspace profile. Drink more beer.

noisebeam

Perhaps part of maintaining the enjoyment is letting go of the need to fly down hills at 40mph. Take it easy downhills and enjoy the spin! Maybe up the gear ratio a bit when your out of your 'base miles' phase.
Al