Fixed gear advantages - beyond "anecdata"
12-20-05, 12:16 AM
#26
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There's a effciency gain with a perfect chainline as well as no derailer.
Momentum of the cranks directly attached to the wheel helps too.
That said, the biggest difference for me is no ***** to **** with...just peddle hard(er)!
Momentum of the cranks directly attached to the wheel helps too.
That said, the biggest difference for me is no ***** to **** with...just peddle hard(er)!
12-20-05, 12:50 PM
#27
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Originally Posted by 2manybikes
The part about using more of the circle as a power stroke is totally correct, just like the difference between a 2 cycle and a 4 cycle engine.
It is easily demonstrated with a freewheel bike by just changing how much of the crank circle you power through. The bike goes faster or accelerates more if you use more of the stroke.
If the gearing is exactly equal to the free bike the fixie has more power AVAILABLE if you know how to pedal that way. Some do, some don't, the fixie tends to teach you. But not everyone gets it. Plus it's harder to do, you are using more power too. This is one of the benefits of a smooth pedal stroke, but it is not usually explained in a way that others can understand. It gets lost in translation.
Smooth pedal stroke is a benefit whether you happen to be able to coast or not, and I think fixies do tend to teach you a smooth stroke. But if I jump on my geared bike and pedal smoothly, I'm not at any power disadvantage. Think about it this way: when you're actively pedaling a bike with a freewheel, the freewheel mechanism isn't actually in use. So you're driving the rear wheel the same way you would be on a fixie of the same gear ratio. How does not having the ability to coast buy you anything, when you're pedaling anyway?
12-20-05, 01:27 PM
#28
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trying to keep up with a group of roadies on a fix is a great goal...
cause when it comes down to it, if you can in fact keep up with them...you know that you would kick their asses if you were on a road bike
cause when it comes down to it, if you can in fact keep up with them...you know that you would kick their asses if you were on a road bike
12-20-05, 01:31 PM
#29
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Originally Posted by teiaperigosa
trying to keep up with a group of roadies on a fix is a great goal...
cause when it comes down to it, if you can in fact keep up with them...you know that you would kick their asses if you were on a road bike
cause when it comes down to it, if you can in fact keep up with them...you know that you would kick their asses if you were on a road bike
Al
