fixed gear newbie questions
 

Howdy.

I've been riding one of those shiny new Bianchi Pistas for about a month now...i'm hooked on fixed gear now.

I don't race, I just tool around town and get where I need to go and I've got a few questions:

1) Anybody have an opinion on chain tensioners? I've tensioned my chain w/o that little gadget, but I just wanted to know if anyone actually uses those things.

2) How long should a chain last and how do you know when it's time for a new one. I ride around philly on a daily basis...nothing too crazy, just gettin' 'round. How long should my chain last and how will I know it's time for a new one.

3) Bullhorn bars. I've been told they enhance control in high traffic situations...is that more or less true? If so, what brand/features should I look for in bullhorn bars.

Thanks in advance for the advice
bz

1. They work well if your wheel slips a lot. I use the Surly for my steamroller. Buggest thing: make sure you get the right size for your axle
2. I have had the same chain on my Steamroller for 2+ years. I clean it biweekly to make sure the syringes and McDonald's wrappers do as little damage as possible as I ride the alleys for the most part here in Chicago - faster route for me
3. This one will vary. I have ridden both and like the forward extension the bullhorns give as I really do not always need to drops of standard track dropbars give. I would go as narrow as possible on bars for city use (easier to get in and out of tight traffic). 38-39cm is a good area.

A friend/co-worker of mine (merztime here on the forums) also rides a Pista here in Philly (gray, 2003, with red bullhorns). I personally run ergo drops, just because I like an aggressive (deep) posture. merz claims that the bullhorns are very "utilitarian". I've never used bullhorns extensively, but I think the main reason people say they are better for traffic is because they give one a more upright posture that provides a better field of view. Also, the longer the bullhorns and the further out you grip them, the less sensitive the steering will be.

Bullhorns are nice to have if your climbing at all. Something our Chicago friends are not aware of since the closest hill is 100 miles away.

he speaks the truth.

I picked up a $10 pair of bullhorns fro chucksbikes.com to see if I liked them - and I do. Mine are 40cm, which is the skinniest they had. I find em comfortable, cool looking, and good for ruining your knees skidding =] My only issue with them is that they're sold as being "black" but mine are more of a dark blue anodized color.

Regarding chain tensioners, I love them. I didn't have probs with wheel slippage with my meager power output, but I like how easy they make it to get wheel positioned & tensioned perfectly...every time. I highly recommend the expensive-but-worth-it MKS NKS model here: http://www.businesscycles.com/trtool_chaintugs.htm

ive been riding fixed for about 4 months now and just installed DIY bullhorns. its great for added power in ur ride if ur cruising around but in terms of control and handling in city traffic conditions, i much rather prefer the straight bar.

bullhorns are easier to skid with than track drops, but loom so much less cool (IMHO) as for tensioners, the free agent ones for bmx are dandylicious and not too expensive (15 a pair)