Fixies are Dangerous!
03-26-09 | 12:59 PM
#53
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 832
Likes: 0
From: Brooklyn finally.
Bikes: Bianchi San Jose, fixed
So people are doing this for a thrill? Why not take up mountian biking? 
I guess riding on the road is boring after awhile, I just havent done enough road miles yet. (this is my first road bike, I had one 10 years ago but prolly put 50 miles on it)
5 year olds dont have the 25+ years of riding muscle memory I do either. Unlearning something can often be more difficult than learning something.
I guess riding on the road is boring after awhile, I just havent done enough road miles yet. (this is my first road bike, I had one 10 years ago but prolly put 50 miles on it)5 year olds dont have the 25+ years of riding muscle memory I do either. Unlearning something can often be more difficult than learning something.
03-26-09 | 01:01 PM
#54
ECR
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 601
Likes: 1
From: Scranton, PA
Bikes: Bianchi Pista/Fuji Nevada/Windsor Clockwork
It seems everyone downplays how dangerous these bikes can be at first.
Im a regular MTN biker and my instincts just do not allow me to ride a fixie safely. Its not the riding it thats the problem its the emergency reflexes that Im most worried about like going over obstacles where you might have to stand up, or quick stops or even turning around to view traffic. These are all cases where I level the pedals out and center my weight. Then theres the whole pedal clearance around sharp turns thing, something I don't want to find out on a hill big enough to show it. And I can skid stop but then it wears a patch in the same spot on my tire! I dont have $$$ to do this.
I know with time I would adapt, but then I have to re-adapt to my Mtn bike? The things Im doing on that are already dangerous enough!
But seriously you guys are crazy.
Im a regular MTN biker and my instincts just do not allow me to ride a fixie safely. Its not the riding it thats the problem its the emergency reflexes that Im most worried about like going over obstacles where you might have to stand up, or quick stops or even turning around to view traffic. These are all cases where I level the pedals out and center my weight. Then theres the whole pedal clearance around sharp turns thing, something I don't want to find out on a hill big enough to show it. And I can skid stop but then it wears a patch in the same spot on my tire! I dont have $$$ to do this.
I know with time I would adapt, but then I have to re-adapt to my Mtn bike? The things Im doing on that are already dangerous enough!
But seriously you guys are crazy.
and why are "we" crazy?
03-26-09 | 01:27 PM
#56
Comanche Racing
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,820
Likes: 0
From: Deep in the heart of Texas
Bikes: Presto NJS build, Specialized Allez Pro w/ full Dura Ace and Ksyrium SLs, 1990something Specialized Sirrus
This thread is pointless. Why did you post this? If you think it's too dangerous, DONT RIDE. You probably shouldn't be riding if you don't understand basic concepts like turning your head anyways. I already regret contributing to this worthless thread.
03-26-09 | 02:02 PM
#57
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 40,863
Likes: 3,115
From: Sacramento, California, USA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
03-26-09 | 02:13 PM
#58
everyday I'm hustlin'
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 453
Likes: 0
From: Portland, OR
Bikes: Surly Crosscheck, Surly Steamrolla
It's only 'dangerous' when you haven't practiced a little in a parking lot, or around the neighborhood. It took me a week or two to get out into traffic when I went from freewheel to fixed.
All the OP's posts just seem like lazy complaints. 'Oh man, when you start riding fixed gear it's dangerous'. Different yes, dangerous no.
I'm pretty sure almost everyone here rolled around in a parking lot or something when they first went fixed. You can't expect to transition easily into one type or riding into another.
03-26-09 | 02:20 PM
#59
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,656
Likes: 145
From: Long Island, NY
When I first tried riding fixed I simultaneously started using clipless pedals for the first time, so that made it doubly sketchy. However, I didn't die, nor did I whine like a ***** about how hard it was.
03-26-09 | 03:01 PM
#60
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
At least you admit going to fixed was sketchy. The other act like its no big deal.
Thats why I said everyone is downplaying it alittle. I want members here to know to be careful.
Maybe I can switch between the two easier than I think if I just give it more time. Its just the emergency stuff Im worried about.
Thats why I said everyone is downplaying it alittle. I want members here to know to be careful.
Maybe I can switch between the two easier than I think if I just give it more time. Its just the emergency stuff Im worried about.
03-26-09 | 03:06 PM
#61
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Portland, OR
Bikes: Cannondale R600 CAAD5, 1973 Takara, 2009 Mercier Kilo TT
At least you admit going to fixed was sketchy. The other act like its no big deal.
Thats why I said everyone is downplaying it alittle. I want members here to know to be careful.
Maybe I can switch between the two easier than I think if I just give it more time. Its just the emergency stuff Im worried about.
Thats why I said everyone is downplaying it alittle. I want members here to know to be careful.
Maybe I can switch between the two easier than I think if I just give it more time. Its just the emergency stuff Im worried about.
SKETCH!
03-26-09 | 03:25 PM
#64
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
It seems everyone downplays how dangerous these bikes can be at first.
Im a regular MTN biker and my instincts just do not allow me to ride a fixie safely. Its not the riding it thats the problem its the emergency reflexes that Im most worried about like going over obstacles where you might have to stand up, or quick stops or even turning around to view traffic. These are all cases where I level the pedals out and center my weight. Then theres the whole pedal clearance around sharp turns thing, something I don't want to find out on a hill big enough to show it. And I can skid stop but then it wears a patch in the same spot on my tire! I dont have $$$ to do this.
I know with time I would adapt, but then I have to re-adapt to my Mtn bike? The things Im doing on that are already dangerous enough!
But seriously you guys are crazy.
Im a regular MTN biker and my instincts just do not allow me to ride a fixie safely. Its not the riding it thats the problem its the emergency reflexes that Im most worried about like going over obstacles where you might have to stand up, or quick stops or even turning around to view traffic. These are all cases where I level the pedals out and center my weight. Then theres the whole pedal clearance around sharp turns thing, something I don't want to find out on a hill big enough to show it. And I can skid stop but then it wears a patch in the same spot on my tire! I dont have $$$ to do this.
I know with time I would adapt, but then I have to re-adapt to my Mtn bike? The things Im doing on that are already dangerous enough!
But seriously you guys are crazy.
I mountain bike (both DH and XC), but I ride fixed on the road, as well as a geared touring bike when the mood/distance suits the occasion. I find you adapt really quickly to riding fixed and it isn't much of a big deal\switching from one bike to the other. Believe me, when you're ripping a gnarly DH course after riding fixed, you're not going to forget you can coast. Its really not that hard to ride a variety of bikes and feel comfortable on them all.
Last edited by Brett77; 03-26-09 at 03:42 PM.
03-26-09 | 03:30 PM
#65
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Don't know what kind of mountain biking you do but riding a fixed mountain bike in my humble opinion is ********. Get on a real trail (not a flat dirt road) and you'll see what I mean.
03-26-09 | 03:58 PM
#66
Nubbie
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
i sould not have read your quote since i missed that post before, man, more control? than a geared mountain bike? that's ridiculous, there is no comparison. on or off road a geared mtb would eat a fixed gear mtb don't you think? and handle as well or better at slow speeds too. it doesn't make since that a bike taht is faster, has mor variablility on pedal position through technical terrain, can gear to climb or descend and stop as fast or faster at better speeds would offer more control. it doesn't make sense because it isnt true
03-26-09 | 04:32 PM
#67
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
Your main complaints are valid, to an extent. Fixed gear riding is not tailored for your enviornment, I'll be the first to say that. But that also doesnt mean it isnt a great training technique. One possible solution is to keep a larger toothed freewheel on a flip flop hub, for getting up large hills.
Another is to get out and ride, I remember the first time I rode a fixed, I tried to light a cigarette and ate it out of nowhere. Theyre very different than other modern bikes, but they are no more dangerous once you have learned to ride them. I know I took a long time to become proficient on a geared bike, and I adapted to fixed gear very quickly. Plus everything I employ on a fixed transitions right back to a geared/freewheel bike.
You had a valid point, but youre also looking for an argument.
Another is to get out and ride, I remember the first time I rode a fixed, I tried to light a cigarette and ate it out of nowhere. Theyre very different than other modern bikes, but they are no more dangerous once you have learned to ride them. I know I took a long time to become proficient on a geared bike, and I adapted to fixed gear very quickly. Plus everything I employ on a fixed transitions right back to a geared/freewheel bike.
You had a valid point, but youre also looking for an argument.
03-26-09 | 05:49 PM
#68
Utilitarian Boy
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,235
Likes: 5
From: Bronx, NY
Bikes: Check the sig to find out
At least you admit going to fixed was sketchy. The other act like its no big deal.
Thats why I said everyone is downplaying it alittle. I want members here to know to be careful.
Maybe I can switch between the two easier than I think if I just give it more time. Its just the emergency stuff Im worried about.
Thats why I said everyone is downplaying it alittle. I want members here to know to be careful.
Maybe I can switch between the two easier than I think if I just give it more time. Its just the emergency stuff Im worried about.
Use two brakes and learn how to backpedal. Also read this thread to give you some potential new knowledge as well:
Skills for street riding
Last edited by Gyeswho; 03-26-09 at 05:59 PM.
03-26-09 | 08:55 PM
#70
ECR
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 601
Likes: 1
From: Scranton, PA
Bikes: Bianchi Pista/Fuji Nevada/Windsor Clockwork
At least you admit going to fixed was sketchy. The other act like its no big deal.
Thats why I said everyone is downplaying it alittle. I want members here to know to be careful.
Maybe I can switch between the two easier than I think if I just give it more time. Its just the emergency stuff Im worried about.
Thats why I said everyone is downplaying it alittle. I want members here to know to be careful.
Maybe I can switch between the two easier than I think if I just give it more time. Its just the emergency stuff Im worried about.
p.s. i can't believe i got so riled up by a troll i can't stop posting. oh well, it helped my day go by.
03-27-09 | 06:21 AM
#72
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
the tittle of you thread read "Fixies Are Dangerous!" you were looking for an argument right then and there. other than that. No it wasn't a big deal. i didn't know this forum existed or the culture that followed riding a fixed gear bike. but i was told about the bike, and recommended to the Pista by a gal who was on of Philly's fines messengers (before she moved back home to AZ). i knew what i was "getting into" so i knew what i needed to do. BUY A BRAKE AND NOT *****! stop acting like you're better because you "ride MTN." and you "are faster and can do everything we can do on a ""Fixie"" fast and better." can you pedal backwards on a SS bike? now that's something i want to see.
p.s. i can't believe i got so riled up by a troll i can't stop posting. oh well, it helped my day go by.
p.s. i can't believe i got so riled up by a troll i can't stop posting. oh well, it helped my day go by.
The point of my thread? God I feel like I have to spell everything out. Im sure there are people surfing this sub-forum that havent gotten a SS or fixie yet, so I was talking to them, not the people that already have one and are "pro" on it from the first 3 miles they rode.
03-27-09 | 07:07 AM
#75
Nubbie
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
Your main complaints are valid, to an extent. Fixed gear riding is not tailored for your enviornment, I'll be the first to say that. But that also doesnt mean it isnt a great training technique. One possible solution is to keep a larger toothed freewheel on a flip flop hub, for getting up large hills.
Another is to get out and ride, I remember the first time I rode a fixed, I tried to light a cigarette and ate it out of nowhere. Theyre very different than other modern bikes, but they are no more dangerous once you have learned to ride them. I know I took a long time to become proficient on a geared bike, and I adapted to fixed gear very quickly. Plus everything I employ on a fixed transitions right back to a geared/freewheel bike.
You had a valid point, but youre also looking for an argument.
Another is to get out and ride, I remember the first time I rode a fixed, I tried to light a cigarette and ate it out of nowhere. Theyre very different than other modern bikes, but they are no more dangerous once you have learned to ride them. I know I took a long time to become proficient on a geared bike, and I adapted to fixed gear very quickly. Plus everything I employ on a fixed transitions right back to a geared/freewheel bike.
You had a valid point, but youre also looking for an argument.