So I'm sorry for being an extreme noob, but I'm just looking for some suggestions. I'm coming from a Trek 950, so things are definitely different for me. When braking, I have been slowing myself down using the pedals instead of brakes right now. In the event that I need to stop fast, it's difficult for me to grab the brakes especially if I'm not crouched over. I guess it's more than being new to fixed gear, I'm new to the handle bars as well. What do you guys do if you need to stop quickly? If there's something I should be mentioning, please just ask and I'd be more than happy to help.

hurleyint1386,

Fair question. A little more detail. Can you post up a pic of your cockpit and say how you normally ride like in the drops, on dummy hoods if you have them on the flats - whatever. Of course if you can't post a pic tell what types of bar you have, where your brake lever is mounted and your difficulty in reaching the brake when needed. The first few weeks on a fixed is a transition period so a little harrowing. I know, I went through it a few months ago.

I recently switched over to fixed gear as well. It depends on where and how you ride, but if you're having issues jumping down to the drop bar brakes I would recommend switching to a cheap lever brake. I don't find myself dropping to the lower portion of my bars very often so this worked well for me.

I saw the bike pic he posted and he rides road drops with hoods. You don't go into the drops to brake...you ride the hoods, kind of like bullhorns with time trial levers.

A lot of people who use drop bars usually ride holding the brake hoods. If you can get used to that, it's the way to go.

Otherwise (or maybe in addition), the brakes sanderswm showed can be used inline with the brake levers you have so that you can brake from either position.

Really? I didn't know people hold on to the brake hoods. I'll try that and see if it helps. Thanks for the recommendation. I'm going to ride to the gym today then ride back, so that'll give me some help.

Just keep riding and it will all start to come naturally. Using the brakes while riding the hoods is very effective once you get the hang of it.

Do most people ride the hoods and brake like normal or do most people slow down using pedals? Or maybe a combination of both? Again, I'm sorry for being new to this.

To me, using the brakes feels a lot more natural, especially when I'm spinning really fast. Others don't even have brakes, so they must like to use the pedals.

Just to be sure we're on the same page, this is the sort of position I'm talking about:



If you have old/vintage brake levers, this might not be as comfortable as it would be with something newer like the Tektro R200A.

I've got a 2007 Specialized Langster



So that would be correct.

Heading out on my ride right now. Should be fun!

yeah ride the hoods, man. Only way to ride! The only time I ever hit the drops on my road bike is when i'm bombing a huge hill. I spend 95% of my time on the hoods.

Nice ride. Can I hope that you've leveled the seat?

Just got home from riding to the gym and I was on the hoods about 85% of the time. The other 15% I was on the top bar giving my back and hands a rest.

haha absolutely. I'm pretty short, so I brought it down pretty close to the bottom.

what size is that, and how tall are you?

haha I know this is going to sound crazy, but it's a 58cm bike and i'm 5'10". I've got no problem with riding it, I am just used to riding a mountain bike.