wilf

https://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j102/wilprs/IMG_0482.jpg

This is my pake that I just had set up at my lbs. I'm new to fixed gear riding and I love it. I would like suggestions about new components for my bike though. The rocket ring is functional, but i would like something a bit more lightweight and stylish. Any suggestions? Also, I've been skidding alot more than using my brake, and i've almost worn my tire all the way through. is this normal, and if so, are there better tires that last longer? (i use michelin)

Glad to be a part of this forum!

gehrkead

just chill with the skidding and use the brake. there is a thread floating around where all admit to actually using out brakes because we don't like buying new tires. i like your bike by the way.

Igneous Faction

Select a gear ratio that won't put the tire in the same position every time you're locking your legs. With a ratio like 48x16, the skid patch will always be in the same position.

I ride 44x15 and have no problems.

wilf

Ah, yeah I run 48x16. are there better tires out there that are thicker and dont wear down as easily? (preferably with red walls)

TheFly

Maybe you misunderstood... you might want to not worry about better tires, but instead get a new cog or chainring. If you replaced your 16t cog with a 17t cog, you would have 17 skid patches and wear down tires 17 times slower than you do now... theoretically.

Suttree

Conti gatorskins about a billion threads on this now you don't have to search.

PPS your bike looks clean, nice bar tape. Keep the brake and save skidding for fun--
long skids in the rain and in empty parking lots

pot holder

got the same chain ring.

edit:dope bike.

Gordiep

Great looking bike-- really clean and stylish. I second the 'lay off the skidding' comment. Using your brake doesn't lose you any cool points, but skidding all the time costs you money. There are scores of threads about good tires...do some searching.

Also, there are lots of chainrings made 'just' for SS/FG-- Salsa, Surly, Sugino... Go to Webcyclery, or JensonUsa, or Ben's Cycles and look through the SS/FG stuff. Lots of rings to choose from. Welcome to the forum!

wilf

Ah, ok I get it now, thanks for all the advice! Do you think that changing from a 16 t cog to a 15 or 17 would considerably change my cadence?

Suttree

you control your cadence, the gear ratio
will make it harder or easier to maintain
a certain cadence--read up on gear inches.
Lots of people like to run about 70 on the street,
some more some less, but I would guess 80 percent
or more are within 10 gear inches give or take of
70.

cc700

nice bike but get some new tires.

dddave

i like the color scheme.

iamarapgod

what is that chainring? what's the bcd on it?

Sixty Fiver

I've ridden my commuter over 4000 km since May and my tires look as good as they did when I installed them because I use the brake and avoid skidding under all but the most extreme circumstances.