Bike Forums - Making the flip

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- - Making the flip (https://www.bikeforums.net/singlespeed-fixed-gear/1162950-making-flip.html)

After several fixed gear rides i am going to flip it and see if coasting works better
the tranition to fixed has been difficult almost crashed a few times and hilly terrain suxs

Do you have brakes? If not, install at least a front brake to make fixed gear riding on hills more tolerable.

If you go to a freewheel, install both front and rear brakes.

Couldn't agree more. Not everyone likes fixed gear riding. I do hope you give it a chance though even if only in flat, safe areas such as rails to trails.

Nothing wrong with riding with freewheel. Vast majority of bike messengers nowadays ride a bike with a freewheel now. :)

Yes, fixed gear isn't for everyone. But for many of us it is a blast - once we get past the reflex to coast. And that can be a challenge. I learned fast. The hard way. At 20 mph. I locked my knee as I waited for several cars to pass so I could take a left turn. Got shot several feet into the air and collapsed onto the road at close to zero speed with a left leg that felt like raw hamburger. Now I tell fixed gear newbies to start out with their seat lowered most of 1/2"; low enough that you cannot possibly lock your knee. Now when you try to coast, you do no real damage. Some muscle tear but no long term damage and no crash, just a painful reminder. Do this a couple or few times and your body learns. At that point you can bring your seat back up to normal.

Consider giving it another go.

Ben