just wondering?
 

How many people on this forum race road or crits, and how does it make you feel? I guess I want to know how much crossover there is.

This is my second year doing road races and crits. I've been on a road bike for about four years, and had only recently started riding fixed last fall. So I guess most of my experience and expertise (boy, do I use that term loosely! :p ) is on a road bike. While I do feel that fixed riding was beneficial in some respects (it builds a different kind of strength that's helpful with seated climbs, helps you spin, etc.), the two kinds of riding are only so compatible simply because the bikes are handled so differently, especially in a race situation. However, I qualify that statement - becuase I've only been on fixed for a short period of time, I tend to ride much more cautiously than when on my road bike. so I just don't ride the same and I personally don't think the workout is as beneficial for strength builiding. Some people may tell you differently. I do think riding fixed is a great confidence builder, and that carrys over alot.

Road races and criterium/circuit races are generally very different too. Crits/criteriums are usually very tight packs, handling skills are a must!! and crashes are frequent, especially in Cats 4 (for women) and 5(for men).

Regardless, it makes me feel great! So I'd recommend it.

I have done a few races (and hope to do a lot more this summer), I was just wondering how many other people here did. I think it is fantastic. The handling, speed, and tight pack situation in a crit is an amazing thing- honestly far more technical and thrilling than alleycats in my opinion.

I would say the thing that riding fixed has helped me the most with is handling skills. I find that I can carry a lot more speed through corners than a lot of cat 4/5s I don't really have the same conditioning as a lot of them, but can make up for it by cornering, and knowing when I can pedal through turns or accellerate out of them. I am kind of the opposite as you, since most of my training is done on my road bike. The fixed gear is mostly ridden for fun and at slower speeds.

My fixed gear has become a good recovery ride bike. I raced a crit yesterday, and I commuted on my track bike today so I could recover.