powerjb

Soo...I'm spending a semester in london, and want to bring a bike. I can build a cheap fixie with an old frame, but i'm curious. If I haven't riden fixed before, am I going to kill myself riding in traffic with only a few months under my belt? i want a beater bike to take there, and well...fixed looks f*ckin fun.

Also, will flights over there let me ship a bike on the plane with me, or will I have to pay extra?

sohi

you wont kill yourself. bus and cab drivers will do that for you.

bostontrevor

I hear ya gots to look out for the white van man. As for flights, it depends on the airline, but there are those that will allow you to check your bike as baggage (often it must be boxed which is a good idea anyhow, no need to have that shifting rollerbag take out your spokes).

Here's a good place to check too https://www.bikeaccess.net/BikeAccess/Airlines.cfm
Also look on your carrier's web site, they'll have more info there.

trespasser

it's not all that bad IMO.
but watch out for those long bendy buses.

techone

JB, Where will you be coming from? I think London's traffic is no worse than any other major city.

I think it's pretty controlled and fairly fluid in central london. You really gotta watch out for the little side roads and 'high streets' once you get out of central.
and yea, fixed is f*ckin fun!

(I have no idea about how to bring a bike, but if you're coming from the states, expect to pay twice as much for one here.)

bostontrevor

I've never ridden there, but as someone who rides stateside, when I was in London earlier this year, I kept looking around thinking about riding. It didn't seem like it would be any harder other than being on the wrong side of the road.

But then I'm happy in Boston which people tell me is like the worst place on the planet to ride.

ultra-g

Google the London bikes messengers association. I was checking that out the udder day and it was interesting, there is a very old Velodrome from the 1800's in London.

fixedpip

Yeah if you're going to ride fixed in London, you have to make it down to Herne Hill Velodrome (https://www.hernehillvelodrome.co.uk/) its pretty fun. Often get a bunch of messengers and other surly folks down there on a good day.

Brixton Cycles is a good place to check out for parts. There is a thread somewhere here about good fix/ss shops to check out around London (https://www.bikeforums.net/singlespeed-fixed-gear/64770-single-england.html).

streners

agreed brixton cycles is good, fixed in london is fine, plenty do it, traffic is pretty good and if you're a bike you can keep up a good speed. Most transatlantic flights let you take 2 32kg suitcases, or you can swap one of those for a bike. I've flown with virgin three times and AA twice with a bike and it's always been fine.

KnightWhoSaysNi

They keep catching fire, you'll be safer on the bike.

powerjb

I'm coming from the Denver area... and I'll be in New Cross, so not quite central london.

Denver isn't to bad to ride in, though I was in boston about a week ago, and it didn't look like it'd be too much worse, so if london is comparable then I should be good.

Thanks for the help.

Another question for you. I have an old wheel set for thread on cassettes that I'm planning on using to build a fixed, but there's no thread for a lockring. will this work? or do I need a new wheel?

HereNT

Search for 'locktight' - there are some strong divisions on this topic. I don't recommend it, but others swear by it. Whatever.

fixedpip

Theres plenty of opinions/info on this board on this issue. You can get away with use loctite and a Bottom Bracket lock ring. But IMHO if you're going to ride fix regularly, invest in your drivetrain; get a quality hub and build a good solid wheel around that.

I would try riding fixed with the wheel you have to get a feel for riding fixed. If it appeals, upgrade to something you can depend upon (ie not a Suzue Jr Basic track hub) and enjoy.

techone

AHH, New Cross... going to Goldsmiths? My wife studies fine art there.
It's not central, but it's not a far ride from the city.
You'll see what I mean by being careful on the high street. Rush hour there can be really rough.

powerjb

Yeah, I am going to Goldsmiths, to study english. Does she like the school? It was recommended to me by a british professor of mine, though he went to warwick. He knows a few of the faculty members there.

Glad to hear that its not a far ride. I'll be sure to watch out on the high street.

powerjb

Thanks for the tip, I'll remember that.

benm

You won't kill yourself. I rode about 35 miles around central London today and I'm still here.

My bike isn't fixed because I am going to sell it in a month and a half when I leave London. I really wish it were fixed; London is flat, flat, flat. I rarely use more than about three gears. There are quite a few guys and gals who ride fixed at critical mass, and I saw three fixies today on the streets.