I like to go out at night and just cruise around.. it's fun to go faster than traffic and what not but it's all about just riding.. slow or fast, aggressive or not.. i just like to ride. Coming from the road bike area, I want to try to get into a SS/FG for riding around downtown (Austin).

Would you recommend a Single Speed or a Fixed Gear?

What are adv/dis of both.

I'm leaning towards a single speed for emergency braking issues with stop lights and what not.

What do you think?

fg
fun; improves health and strength; superior control in slow traffic or pedestrian situations
you can run a brake on a fg and stop just as quickly
i think you should get a fg

ride fixed with a front brake. you can still stop quickly


*OOPS - TOO SLOW*

I've gotten quite used to cruising around at lower speeds on my fixie down by the beach or on the island, but that's just me. YMMV, etc. etc.

A SS might be more your thing, in my opinion.

I just switched from riding SS to FG in Philadelphia. I liked SS for being to able to make sharp turns while going fast (keep the pedal in the turn up) and simple maintenance. I prefer FG now since I am in greater control of the bike and am using muscles (for braking) that I didn't use while riding SS. Losing the ability to coast wasn't as big of an issue as I thought. If you're concerned about emergency braking then keep a brake on the front wheel. Riding in cities is too unpredictable to ride around brakeless on a FG, in my opinion. Also, it helps in case your chain snaps or falls off the chainring for some reason.

Actually, what's wrong with me. Just get a fixed-fixed rear wheel, put a freewheel on one side, and a frame that allows for a rear brake and get the best of both worlds.

i ride single speed in Manhattan traffic and recommend that over FG because of the dual brakes and coasting. but then i've never ridden FG, so take my opinion for what it's worth.

The suggestion of a fixed/free hub is a good one if you're unsure.

Most off-the-rack SS/FG bikes are going to come with both front and rear brakes. Track bikes won't have any brakes. You'll have options if you buy something off the rack. If you build up, there isn't anything too complicated to get what you want.

If your only concern is panic stops (a wise concern to have my friend), then a front brake is sufficient to stop you when you need to stop suddently. You say you're from road biking, so I'm assuming you're pretty good at using a front brake and modulating it for maximum stopping power.

If possible, try both before buying. Keep in mind the fixed is going to feel weird, just like clipless pedals were weird at first (and every other new thing you had to learn/adapt to).

A majority of the responses here will be FG because that's just were board opinion is.

Good luck. Post pics when you get the bike!

You can't put a freewheel on a fixed/fixed flip flop hub. That would be for if you only wanted to ride fixed and wanted different sized cogs.
You're looking for a fixed/free flip flop.
But you don't want that. Just go fixed. Austin is great for fixed riding.

You can put a freewheel on a fixed/fixed hub, no problem. Ya don't need a lock ring for free.
That's why it has the most combinations possible. Think about it. 4 possible combos.

or is that 3 combos. Math, go figure. Really, go figure

I've never tried it myself, but as far as I know, you can get a freewheel on a fixed hub without issue.

Go for the flip/flop so you can do both. Run front and back brakes.

I've tried it and it didn't work for me. I'm not sure how it would be possible. It's really a moot point because dude should just go fixed with a front brake. Plenty of braking power and way more fun than a single speed.

So long as there are enough threads to engage the freewheel safely there shouldn't be a problem.

Wouldn't the lockring threads get in the way of the freewheel? I wouldn't know FOR SURE, I've never ridden a single speed.

No, because the lockring threads are recessed compared to the cog threads, not raised.

Correct Jabba, but as triple says. Just go fixed. I had a flip hub and NEVER rode SS so got a fixed/fixed to have diff ratios by flipping. It works great

I've SS'd for years in core traffic, and I love it. I prefer the dynamics of accelerating and being able to coast in the draft of a car/truck, I'd so not want have to use my legs to slow me. I'm perfectly comfy to use the FG at the track f ind myself in front of the FG riders alot anyway as they tend to go slower as to be able to stop quickly, Dual brakes will allow you to stop faster IMO. If you are going traffic jamming for fun and adrenaline doses, I recommend SS, and fist full O brakes!!! No matter what you do, please do not let someone convince you to go FG and brakeless.

five dollars says not a single thread can be started on this subforum without an argument ensuing within the first three pages.

yes it can! D'oh! *slaps a fiver down*

That's why I suggested a fixed/fixed hub with bosses for a rear brake. That way he can try the freewheel thing, and if he doesn't like it, he's only out the price of a freewheel cog and still has a hub that can support two different size fixed cogs.

You're right. I stand corrected.

+1. I have a 13t and a 17t. I like the options.

For what my opinion is worth, I much prefer fixed. I can stop much faster (even without skidding) so I feel way safer than riding ss. Just keep all the breaks on and don't worry how it looks. Ride fixed and don't worry about not being able to stop as well. You'll stop better!