Learning curve for FG?
 

So I finally got the nerve to take my Moto Track out today for a ride. My brain totally is having trouble adjusting to the notion of having to pedal all the time. I almost fell twice trying to slip my foot into the straps. Then I went down a slight hill and forgot I couldnt just coast. Almost lost it. I think this will take some time and practice around the neighborhood before I ride to the main strip.

I would strongly advise that you install a front brake (if you haven't already) because you're new to fixed gear. When you become more comfortable with riding fixed, you can make your own decision as to whether or not you need/want a brake.

Getting used to foot retention just takes time. Are you using the stock pedals? They absolutely suck and are a pain in the put to get into.

Sometime it takes people a week or two to get used to fixed gear riding, sometimes it only takes people a couple of minutes. On the flip side, after riding fixed every day for about a year now it's really weird for me to ride a bike that can coast.

1. Rode a bike before: 2 weeks.
2. Never rode a bike before: 5 minutes.
Just sayn', most of the "learning" is learning to forget how to do it the other way.

*protip: go slow and cruise for the first 2 weeks>then mash. This is brake or no brake. Trufs~

Ok thanks. So I do have to go spend another $30 for the Park Tool cable cutter?

When I got my first ssfg bike, I was sure that I would only ride it as a single speed. I couldn't understand the desire to ride fixed. I tried it and the challenge of it made me stick with it until I felt really comfortable. I recently tried to switch it back and the first time I went to back pedal, I felt an instant of utter panic, like the drivetrain had somehow broken something. It felt totally out of control. I've ridden fixed since then. There's an amazing rhythm that develops in your cadence. I find that I ride faster and more efficiently. I still run a brake though. Hills and no brakes scare me.

If you're only going to do this once, it might be cheaper to take it to an lbs or coop and do it there.

Ok looks like I'm taking it to a LBS for a cut. What size nut would I need to install the front caliper? 20mm?

you'll find out at the LBS :)

If you're really worried, go to a gym and hop on a stationary bicycle. Same concept, but you're less likely to kill yourself if you forget to pedal.

I don't think there's much of a learning curve. The hardest thing for me was forgetting I couldn't coast, but you get used to it pretty quickly when your knees get jerked around.. oh and maybe flipping the pedals over while they're moving.

Go to harbor freight and get a cheap set of wire cutters. A brand name specialized cable cutter is totally unnecessary.

just ride-plain and simple
also the more you ride the more the bike will become an extension of your own body and you will not only have full control-but way more control that on any other bike.

Go down lots of hills to get used to the constant pedalling. Once you're used to fixed gear with foot retention, then you have the option to go clipless.

If you're going go with clipless, work on your pedalling technique by riding on a flat land and last 2-3 miles with just pulling up only, no down strokes, then rest, then pull up again for 5 miles, then rest, more pulling up for 7 miles and on and on and on.

Also, bomb lots and lots of hills with a low ratio (~65GI) and stay on top of your pedal strokes and don't ever fall behind. Climb lots and lots of hills by pulling up.

Food retention you say....
http://www.greenrightnow.com/wp-cont...bike-image.jpg

lulz, nice catch :P

Just wait until you try and ride a bike that you can coast on after getting used to FG. I rode my wifes bike the other day and it actually sucked knowing that I could coast but my brain would not let me coast. It was a strange feeling.

I know what you mean. The days I ride my roadie, I can't help backpedaling when i'm slowing down.

Lots of good advice coming. I do plan on going clipless. Got some SPD pedals and cleats waiting. I want to get a casual SPD shoe like the chrome Kursk Pro or the DZR's. Havent really decided. Someone mentioned just getting a regular mountain bike shoe as they are stiffer. I want to be able to walk around off the bike without the click clack of the cleats.

I totally forgot about Harbor Freight. There's two near me. I'm kind of a DIY guy and never set up a brake. Seems easy. Hey, I rewired and swapped carbs on my motorcycle. A front brake can't be too difficult.

granted it was a road bike but i went from platforms to clipless in one ride... I have not loked back since. I also put my girlfriend on clipless the week before our bie tour and she mastered them on day 2. so I'm saying anyone can go clipless...

I tried to go back to clips and straps but it didn't work.

yeah, me3.... for ever doomed wiht ugly shoes now

sidi dominators = sexy. i also have some dzr's, very not ugly

I really want a pair of the DZR GMT8's. How do they run size wise? Any hotspots from riding? Debating between those and the Chrome Kursk Pros. The Sidi are way out of my budget.

I have a pair of M110, very very beat up, sole is worn and coming apart, will need new ones soon. :(

http://img1.classistatic.com/cps/kj/...892dbk_19.jpeg

I think they look fine, not into DZR shoes.

I have a pair of old shimanos but they're like a 47 or 48 and I wear a 46. They look like clown shoes!

Huh? There's a such thing? :rolleyes:

it doesn't take long just relax and stop being afraid of the bike it won't eat you unless you leave your pant leg down

Nah, it'll be no problem. I just put the brakes on a new bike I got and I'd never done it before, but it was no big deal. There are tons of "how-to" videos on YouTube that show how to do it.

Not only did I get my brakes installed, but they even work! :D

they run a halfsize big, i think is the best way to put it. no hot spots though I have wide feet so my feet still need to brake in the leather...