fixed gear?
#2
Full Member
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 261
Likes: 85
Yes.
I don't especially do. This article explains many of the reasons some people do, including, "Fun, Fitness, Form, Feel & 'Ficciency:"
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/fixeda.html
Here's a lot more about them:
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/fixedgear.html
Try one.
I don't especially do. This article explains many of the reasons some people do, including, "Fun, Fitness, Form, Feel & 'Ficciency:"
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/fixeda.html
Here's a lot more about them:
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/fixedgear.html
Try one.
#5
Senior Member


Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 14,172
Likes: 5,301
From: Portland, OR
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
Fix gear on the road is 1) very good training for your leg spin and strength; racers rode fixed in the winter for generations, 2) keeps the drivetrain simple, reliable and working in very poor weather. (Salt winter roads.) 3) can be a true blast.
I started almost 50 years ago at the behest of my racing club vets, 1). That winter, kept it as my commuter, 2). 120,000 miles later, I don't race and there's no salt here, 3).
Since I've aged a little, I've acquired fix gears where I can stop and change the gear ratio to substantially different so big uphills and downhills are a little less painful. Some say I'm cheating. Maybe. But in 2000 miles of Cycle Oregon fixed I haven't coast one pedal revolution.
So, in answer to the OP's query, yes, there is no coasting. Keep that firmly in mind or you will get a big surprise. Brakes? I've never met anybody with my fix gear miles who rode without. Ever. If you ride long enough, the time will come when you need real stopping power. I've always had two really good brakes on all my fix gears. (I also really love the climbing handles they provide; much more important than on a geared bike if you go uphill.)
I started almost 50 years ago at the behest of my racing club vets, 1). That winter, kept it as my commuter, 2). 120,000 miles later, I don't race and there's no salt here, 3).
Since I've aged a little, I've acquired fix gears where I can stop and change the gear ratio to substantially different so big uphills and downhills are a little less painful. Some say I'm cheating. Maybe. But in 2000 miles of Cycle Oregon fixed I haven't coast one pedal revolution.
So, in answer to the OP's query, yes, there is no coasting. Keep that firmly in mind or you will get a big surprise. Brakes? I've never met anybody with my fix gear miles who rode without. Ever. If you ride long enough, the time will come when you need real stopping power. I've always had two really good brakes on all my fix gears. (I also really love the climbing handles they provide; much more important than on a geared bike if you go uphill.)
#6
Senior Member


Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 472
From: Valley Forge: Birthplace of Freedom
Bikes: Novara Safari, CAAD9, WABI Classic, WABI Thunder
#7
Senior Member


Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 472
From: Valley Forge: Birthplace of Freedom
Bikes: Novara Safari, CAAD9, WABI Classic, WABI Thunder
My WABI Thunders' freewheel just broke yesterday after about a year. I switched it to the fixed cog and enjoyed it on todays ride.
As has been said, fg gives you a connection to the bike unlike that with a freewheel. Creates a feeling of oneness with the machine.
As has been said, fg gives you a connection to the bike unlike that with a freewheel. Creates a feeling of oneness with the machine.
__________________
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.




!
