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Singlespeed & Fixed Gear "I still feel that variable gears are only for people over forty-five. Isn't it better to triumph by the strength of your muscles than by the artifice of a derailer? We are getting soft...As for me, give me a fixed gear!"-- Henri Desgrange (31 January 1865 - 16 August 1940)

Sore From Fixed Gear

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Old 05-21-21 | 01:34 PM
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Sore From Fixed Gear

I'm very sore (today) from riding my F.G. I'd tried to ride it up Mt. Evan's but only made it half way up. (Mt. Evans is 14,000') What do you do for sore legs, Ben Gay or something else? I have it gear down to around 72". (I have a 42+20 on it now.)
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Old 05-21-21 | 01:55 PM
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You tried to climb a 14,000-ft mountain on a fixed gear? Now that is Full Send.

I would do a gentle 20-minute 'recovery ride' the day after a huge ride like that to loosen up the sore legs. Then rest.
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Old 05-21-21 | 03:29 PM
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You got further than I would. Enjoy your rest day.
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Old 05-21-21 | 04:07 PM
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14er with a fixed gear. This Bud's for you, bro.
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Old 05-21-21 | 08:09 PM
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I would take a nice hot bath and maybe elevate those legs for a bit. You could also use some arnica gel (possibly with some CBD as well) which can help. I wouldn't use a bunch of chemicals, drugs and stuff just relax and pat yourself on the back for doing something pretty epic.

You may want a nice little glass of whisky (or whiskey) to celebrate as well. Spicy food can also be good for helping relieve pain.
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Old 05-21-21 | 08:27 PM
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Wow! Incredible effort.
I would try some Biofreeze or BenGay. I would also take 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water. The theory is it helps neutralize the lactic acid which has built up and is causing the soreness. It does this by creating a pH imbalance which draws the acid out of the cells.

I don't know your wheel size, but 42/20 with a 28c tire on a 700c rim is about 52 gear inches.

I ride a 44/17&18 on 32's which is roughly 70gi & 66gi. Again, great effort though. Hope the soreness leaves soon.

Last edited by stevel610; 05-21-21 at 08:33 PM.
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Old 05-21-21 | 09:49 PM
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What did you do after you stopped? I always found riding back down kept my legs very loose and did wonders for recovery. No, I never climbed Mt Evans nor anything bigger than Mt Ashland in Oregon (7000'). I did used to ride up Juaquim Miller Road from Oakland to Skyline on a 42-17, turn around at the top and ride down. After spinning that gear at about 45 mph I never had soreness later.

Yours is a ride crying for at least a flip-flop hub and really, that plus a double chainring setup. (Put 2mm dish in the hub, bring the crankset really close in and have two chainlines and radically different gearing. Say 52-14 and 42-24.

I've ridden two of the tougher week long Cycle Oregons on a fix gear I had made with a dropout long enough to run any of the 1/8" cogs on the market. (12 to 24) Being an older wimp, I brought a chain whip and a third cog. 42 x 17, 24 and 12 for the big days. Yes, I "cheated". But I didn't coast one inch.
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Old 05-22-21 | 05:36 AM
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For those who haven't rode a Fixed Gear up Mt. Evans, there is a lot on You tube about it. The road is 14 miles long and has a ruling grade between 6-8 %. Not a bad climb but at 14,000", it get to you. One day, I'll make it to the top with a fixed Gear. Anyone else climbed a very big hill in their area?
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Old 05-22-21 | 07:43 AM
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How consistent is the gradient? The more consistent, the more doable. Just gotta select your gear!
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Old 05-25-21 | 06:03 AM
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Originally Posted by veganbikes
I would take a nice hot bath and maybe elevate those legs for a bit. You could also use some arnica gel (possibly with some CBD as well) which can help. I wouldn't use a bunch of chemicals, drugs and stuff just relax and pat yourself on the back for doing something pretty epic.

You may want a nice little glass of whisky (or whiskey) to celebrate as well. Spicy food can also be good for helping relieve pain.
Whiskey, yes! I'll drink to that!
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