It's amazing. I'm turning 30 this year and today I felt like the time I was five and got my first bike. I've been biking all my life(some of it professional) and this is by far the coolest bike experience I've ever had.
Yes as you might have figured out I got my first fixie done today! Rolled out from the LBS on this warm summer afternoon in Stockholm, Sweden. Have to admit that I was a little nervous since I've never ridden a fixed gear before. On top of that I had to handle the afternoon traffic with all the cyclists and pedestrians everywhere.
Things went well and I'm still in one piece but the initial crossing of the biggest bridge in town was abit tricky, especially going down from it. Had a slight panic attack at first and felt like a total geek trying to slow the beast down. Legs were twitching like they were having an epileptic seisure as I tried to put force on the pedals to slow down. If I hadn't gone slow I don't think I would have been writing this now.
After the first terrifying downhill things got better and better, and better and better! Suddenly I found myself in fixed heaven. So smooth and tight. No noise from annoying derailleurs or anything. Just me and the bike.
I rode around for 1-2 hours and gradually started to use the front brake lesser and lesser at stops. Don't know how to skip hop yet but who knows, maybe one day.
I know this is really stupid to write about this, I'm such a nerd, but I had to tell someone. It's late now and I just can't wait until tomorrow when I can go out with my new baby again. I'm sitting figuring out arrends I can do, just so that I have an excuse to use my new best friend.

Ok, that's about it. I could give you some tech info also before I quit. And by the way I'll post some images on fixedgeargallery.com as soon as I can. For now I only have a "before" picture.


Frame: Late 60's Monark road bike.

Wheels: Black Mavic MA3 rims laced up with black spokes on black Formula track hubs. 700/28 black Continental Contact tires.

Cranks: Original Simplex.

Cog combo: 45/18

Ideale leather saddle

noname flipped drops chopped to a bull horn.

noname polished aluminum stem

By the way. Sweden is like a third world country when it comes to fixed gear bikes.

Good story man and nice bike! I just got my first fixie about 2 weeks ago and I havent looked back since! I couldnt help but laughing while reading the part about trying to slow yourself going downhill because I vividly remember my first big downhill haha.

welcome to the crew! and congrats on the new build, it's real purdy!

thanks fellas!!

i know exactly what you mean.

really nice bike!

skippings not hard at all really, just hop your butt up and stop the pedals until the back end comes down

enjoy!

I can see doing this if you are going too fast.

I can only imagine what it would be like braking with a big gear like a 53-15. I don't even want to think about it.

it would be like braking with 53-11, only easier.

Hmm, have to practise on a secluded street nearby I think. Hehe, this is so cool. I have to practise biking again! Like discovering your passion once again.

practice skidding in the rain...its much easier. Also, just throw your body over the handlebars. Don't be scared. Get your crotch over the stem. As long as you fully commit, you will be fine. Hesitation is your enemy.

I still think of errands just to go bike. I purposely "forget" something at the store so that I have to come back later.

What's really amazing is that you can ride without a chain!

Hehe!! Yeah according to the "before" picture I rode without a chain, now that's evolution for you!

No seriously. I managed to get a hold of a digital camera today. Here's the finished product.

i found a parking lot near my house that is deserted at night/on weekends...great for practicing. and yeah, it feels like being a little kid again! super fun

hop-skids are kinda like ollies, where you pull your front foot forward and push your back foot down. be sure to hold on to the bars well, and be aware of your center of gravity, you'll be amazed how little you have to move your upper body forward once you get the hang of it, just enough to get your butt off the saddle.

Wow! These tips are actually starting to make sense. Thanks! I'll begin practising as soon as strange(and new?) leg muscles stop aching.