How to define the style?
#1
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2004
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How to define the style?
Well, i would like to know if there is some word that defines this style of bikes, minimalist, with no gears, no breaks(maybe a coaster), no cables, be it fixed or single.
I went to a bike shop asking about converting a old road to a singlespeed, what kind of cranks would i need, etc. The guys there looked shoked and panicked (but why????), and one of then told me that i am going to kill the bike. And if i put the bmx cranks i asked before (44 tooth) no matter what, i would end up spining the pedals like crazy without moving at all (i donīt thik this guy ever considered that a 27 wheel has diferent radius from a 20).
So i think that is a need of knowledgement of the existence of another styles, and lines of thinking, and a strong word or definition would help a lot. All i need to do is to say: Itīs the ********** style. And let then burn they heads trying to figure out.
I went to a bike shop asking about converting a old road to a singlespeed, what kind of cranks would i need, etc. The guys there looked shoked and panicked (but why????), and one of then told me that i am going to kill the bike. And if i put the bmx cranks i asked before (44 tooth) no matter what, i would end up spining the pedals like crazy without moving at all (i donīt thik this guy ever considered that a 27 wheel has diferent radius from a 20).
So i think that is a need of knowledgement of the existence of another styles, and lines of thinking, and a strong word or definition would help a lot. All i need to do is to say: Itīs the ********** style. And let then burn they heads trying to figure out.
#2
Senior Member

Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,002
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From: The Poconos, PA
Bikes: Converted 1997 Trek Singletrack 930 singlespeed and a Kona Lavadome singlespeed, fixed Dahon folding bike, fixed 27" Miyata road bike, early 70's Raleigh Chopper
You could describe it all you want to them but they will probably not get it just the same. They are so closed-minded to other types of riding out there other than DH, CX, XC and road that any trying on your end to enable them to see the light is wasted time. I would suggest you find an LBS that knows about singlespeeds and fixed gear bikes and give them your business. Or better yet, learn how to do it yourself. If you've got questions, we've got answers!
#3
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Joined: Mar 2004
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Originally Posted by progre-ss
You could describe it all you want to them but they will probably not get it just the same. They are so closed-minded to other types of riding out there other than DH, CX, XC and road that any trying on your end to enable them to see the light is wasted time. I would suggest you find an LBS that knows about singlespeeds and fixed gear bikes and give them your business. Or better yet, learn how to do it yourself. If you've got questions, we've got answers!
I live in Brasil, and i think all the shops are about at the same level of ignorance, there are good people, but they are, like you said, close-minded to new ideas, and have a pre-built idea of how shold be a given kind of bike.
Even the bike corporations, share this "ignorance", they stoped to make road bikes 10 years ago and its all montain bike now.
And "Fixed Gear" is something "unknow" inside the country borders.
#4
The King of Town

Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 681
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From: Richmond, VA
Bikes: Haro Backtrail 20" (MISSING), Fuji Berkeley fixie, Huffy cruisercommuterdeathmobile
when the shopping gets tough, the tough use mailorder.
and i think the word is "old school."
good luck, and spread the love in the southern continent!
and i think the word is "old school."
good luck, and spread the love in the southern continent!




