Should I?
 

So I've been riding a fixed gear for about a year now (seriously, that is, like training and pushing myself faster and faster). On my training and commuting rides i usually come across road bikers fully clad in spandex cycling outfit, looking really sharp and professional. It's really amazing some of the bikes I see, from Carbon Cervelos to Cannondales. Meanwhile I'm on my simple fixed-gear because I'm a poor college student who can't afford anything else!

Anyway, most of these dudes I run into on my rides are very fast, but I'm usually faster, especially on flats and gentle climbs where I push a good sized gear at higher rpms. When I pass them, they usually end up charging up behind me, trying to pass. I end up looking quizzically at them, apply some power and leave them in the dust.

So, what I'm thinking is, should I save up and purchase a decent road bike and try competing professionally since I seem to be so much faster than these other bikers who seem to be pros?

yes you should be pro.. you should win the tdf no problem. you should do it on the single speed

we are now officially part of the new hour record in the making.. :)

yup. you are the most awesomest rider ever and should easily shake the pros off your wheel.

I would go to a local club and test out your speed against the fastest riders there. Participate in the local races too to get a feel of what your up against in reality.
Then if you believe that you'll be able to keep up or beat them, then I'd say, yea, for sure, go and get that race bike.

go pro

No. Just continue to race everyone on the road since they're obviously racing you :rolleyes:

if you are on a team, you expected to wear your kit on all team rides. they arnt pros, they just got their kits for free. borrow a bike and buy a one day pass for 10$ and try racing, if you like, go for it. you can get cheap bikes used as well.

Instead of being asshats how about helping the guy out?

Beg or borrow a bike with gears, get a one day licence, as JK suggested, and see how it goes. Either that or go down to your local track and have a bash at track cycling.

http://www.usacycling.org/states/new/ - for the States

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/web..._questions.asp - for the UK

edit:

http://www.canadian-cycling.com/ - Canada

http://www.cycling.org.au//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home - Oz

http://www.uci.ch/templates/UCI/UCI1...MenuId=MTI2NjU - UCI list of national federations.

The only good reason to try racing is because you want to. So, if you enjoy blowing these guys off, give it a try! Be aware, however, that a good proportion of the lycra and carbon brigade are not Cat 5 roadies, but higher managers trying a new hobby with their large bonuses. You might find it tougher than you think, but hey, if you're there cos it's fun, that doesn't matter!

I second the track recommendation. Do you have a velodrome near you?

Az