New to fixed Gear, Any Advice???
 

What's up everyone, I'm new on this forum and just looking for some advice on riding fixed. (on the streets) I rode road bikes for years and love the idea of fixed riding. Just ordered a Bianchi Pista steel and planing to put a front brake on it. I've been checking out others opinions on Fixie's and collected lots of useful information. I need advice what sort of pedals I should get since I've seen most fixies ride clipless, any thoughts or ideas? Plus any organized rides in the North Hollywood area...?

Thanks Bonetti

If you don't want to run clipless I highly recommend MKS GR-9s and toe clips(I use the MKS ones).

Dont use the term "fixie".....it sounds too close to pixie.

Don't over-upgrade. Clipless pedals (I love my ATAC/Dominator combo) and a good saddle (Brooks ftw) are the only must have upgrades, imo. From there, everything else will offer you a much smaller dollar to performance-upgrade ratio. Have fun riding. Wear a helmet. Don't say fixie. Use your brake. Get a good lock. Don't be embarrassed about your bike, don't fall victim to the Pista envy, don't believe all the Pista haters. Skidding wears out your tires. Wear sunscreen. Call your mom. Wear clean underwear.

this goes for all bikes of course, but always be on the lookout for problems. i feel like a minor problem on a fixed becomes that much more monumental simply because of the lack of components involved in the bike. generally i am very good about getting something looked at if i think it is having a problem but recently i procrastinated just one ride too long on making sure the lock ring was tight. needless to say, i left a bit of myself on the pavement that day. i am now even more vigilant than previously.

granted, i am new to these forums and fairly new to the fixed scene, so any help from you guys would be appreciated also.

stay on the sidewalk, wear helmet,shin pads,shoulder pads,maxi pads,atletic cup - have a nice day!

Be cool.

Just kidding man.

But, that first link in the search results is where you should start. Read, digest, read again. Sheldon Brown (RIP) is the hands-down authority on the matter.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/fixed.html

@carleton

You have some sweet rides man.

Thanks, man. :D

Yeah, I've been looking all over for a Pista Concept frameset here in Boston and I can't find anything. It's crazy.

As to the thread-opener, regardless of what anyone says, wear a helmet. It's saved my ass a couple of times. And, acknowledge the fact that you will fall at least once. Don't be surprised when it happens. And don't get scared of cycling.

Pista Concepts seem to be the bike for trixters. I had a couple mine before the trend took off. Good luck finding one. And I'd think twice about buying one second hand. I've seen what those kids are doing to them.

Ha! I'm no trickster. I just love the frame, the clean lines, the geometry. But I know what you mean. When they first came out I fell in love with them. However, this is the first time I've had any real money to put into my love-affair.

No no! I'm not saying you were. Sorry for the implication. But, they do like that bike. I sold my white one to a guy in NY that bought it to do tricks on. He then sold it to a dude in CA.

+1000.

Make sure the bike fits you, especially seat height. Your knees will thank you. Don't push too tall a gear until you get used to it. Work on a smooth spin, and think ahead.

itll make you impotent

I have these on one of my bikes.

http://www.ems.com/catalog/product_d...cid=GoogleBase

You can go clipless but if ya don't wanna wear the shoes then just ride on the other side.
Pedals can be a personal preference just like saddles.

i rode a fixie once and then immediately acquired an immune deficiency syndrome

+1

+1

+2