First taste
 

Sooo.... for some strange reason, lately I've had the hankering for a single speed or fixed gear bike, and told my shop to put something together for me, starting with a Vigorelli frame. It caught my eye - what can I say?

I'd gotten the sense that such a bike would help me improve my technique and cycling abilities generally, and thought it would be nice, in any event, to have a different kind of ride now and then (I've tried, but just can't stop myself from shifting, pretending to have a single speed). But I was also starting to think maybe this was going to be an extravagant exercise in not much good.

So today I stopped by the shop. I told the owner that I was sure I'd want the bike set up as a single speed, but that I'd like to take a fixed gear bike out for a little spin, just to see. So, they have a Langster in my size and he sends me out on it, giving a few pointers first.

Well, it may come as no surprise to some, but the experience was rather awkward. I made some comical moves. I made it to the corner, then walked the bike back. Then rode it to the corner again. Fumbled to a stop again. Rode it at a creeping pace back to the shop. But WOW - I could hardly contain my glee - what an awesome feeling! I can't wait! Should be ready this time next week. I'll want to ride it home in SS mode, what with all the traffic and unfamiliarity (it will be challenging enough getting used to the lack of gearing, I think), but I'll flip it to fixed as soon as I get home. I want to ride it all day long like that!

I rode a fixed gear for a couple of years. It certainly instilled the good habit of never coasting which I still carry with me today on my road bikes. Nothing like almost getting bucked off the bike and over the bars because you get lazy for 2 seconds to condition you to always keep pedaling

meh

See, that's exactly how I've always felt about coasting, and the process of clipping in.
I have a bad habit of always starting out with the left foot clipped in, and taking my time to get the right foot clipped in with the left waiting at 6:00. Meh - this again.... Well, that's not happening on a fixed gear - I almost fell off the bike from laughing when my left foot got pushed back up!

Welcome to riding fixed. What vig did you get, the caleido one? I love mine and have turned it more into a fun around town bike and put risers on it. It takes a little getting used but once you get the hang of it, it can be tons of fun and if you ever get tired of being fixed, just throw on a freewheel and you should be good to go.

My vig in it's current standing:
http://speshuled.smugmug.com/Bikes/B...16512618-L.jpg

I just run cheap m520 pedals as I find them easy enough to clip into even when the cranks keep moving. Old school cages were quite a battle, it's hard to pedal and flip the pedal and get everything situated, especially at busy intersections.

I'd also suggest at least a front brake to save your knees.

Yup, the Caleido, but drop bars and other variations. Yes, brake, and flip-flop hub. No automatic pedals - I want to be able to bail out fast. :)
Speaking of "around town," I'm hoping to get the hang of it in time for the NYC Century. It's not challenging, elevation-wise, and though I've done the whole thing before, this year I just want to go as far as necessary to get to the Velodrome (an optional detour they set up), so I can check that out.

Welcome. You will enjoy it. Finishing a century on one is very satisfying. I did a complete year of Centuries a Month on one and other rides, including touring in Europe. It is based on an old Shogun 400 steel lugged frame.

I haven't ridden it for a while (it was in storage for several years), but it is next on the list to be renovated and ridden again.

I converted a steel Trek 420 to fixed and like it. It takes some getting used to, but in the end I think it helps me be a better rider. Enjoy!

The Caleido is such a beautiful frame, they did a similar road frame a couple of years ago, but I just couldn't swing it financially at the time and missed out, so when I saw this was being released, I snatched it up immediately.

I did a flip flop hub as well, but have tried to stick with the fixed gear side. I also have drop bars for it when I feel like being more aggressive (might actually throw those on again and start riding it for my commute).

I wish you luck on the century! I think my farthest distance has been around 45 miles fixed and the last 5 hurt like the last 5 of a century on a road bike.

You do know there is a forum section just for you guys riding the little fixie thingies.

I like this thread. Welcome. It is hard to go back once you go fixed. You definitely forget about coasting on a geared bike if you do go back. Just makes more sense to pedal.

if it ain't broke don't fixie it.

Seems like a fixed thread to me, not Road at all, so off we go.