fixed culture
11-11-04 | 12:56 PM
#1
Thread Starter
junk in the trunk.
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: philadelphia
fixed culture
i'm from a town in new york about 40 miles north of syracuse called watertown. it's a cold, barren, boring hell-hole where the only people who ride bikes are old men and little kids.
four months ago, i moved to philadelphia on a whim. i just wanted to live in the city. i didnt (and still really dont) know anyone here. i met a few people, and on my third or fourth day of being here, one of those people gave me a crusty old roadbike. it was the middle of summer, and everyone was out on bikes. i figured the good weather was the reason why.
as time went on, i realized that for most of these people, biking is their transportation, and/or livelihood. and for some, it was both of those and a way of life.
after owning this crusty old road bike for a couple weeks, my messenger friend gave me a speech on how i didnt need all those clanky pointless gears in a flat city like philadelphia.
so together, we made it a singlespeed. a little time passed (and with the help of participating in critical mass a few times) biking became a way of life for me as well.
so now i'm on the brink of tossing my crusty old singlespeed roadbike into the basement, as tonight i am finishing the fixed gear i've been building at the bike church, philly's co-op.
tommorow i apply at a courier company thats hiring.
i guess the point of this thread was.... well... there really wasnt one, unless you count a cheap introduction of me to you all.
but i do want to end this by saying that bike culture, especially that of fixed gears and messengers, is a fascinating world. and it's definatly changed who i was four months ago.
four months ago, i moved to philadelphia on a whim. i just wanted to live in the city. i didnt (and still really dont) know anyone here. i met a few people, and on my third or fourth day of being here, one of those people gave me a crusty old roadbike. it was the middle of summer, and everyone was out on bikes. i figured the good weather was the reason why.
as time went on, i realized that for most of these people, biking is their transportation, and/or livelihood. and for some, it was both of those and a way of life.
after owning this crusty old road bike for a couple weeks, my messenger friend gave me a speech on how i didnt need all those clanky pointless gears in a flat city like philadelphia.
so together, we made it a singlespeed. a little time passed (and with the help of participating in critical mass a few times) biking became a way of life for me as well.
so now i'm on the brink of tossing my crusty old singlespeed roadbike into the basement, as tonight i am finishing the fixed gear i've been building at the bike church, philly's co-op.
tommorow i apply at a courier company thats hiring.
i guess the point of this thread was.... well... there really wasnt one, unless you count a cheap introduction of me to you all.
but i do want to end this by saying that bike culture, especially that of fixed gears and messengers, is a fascinating world. and it's definatly changed who i was four months ago.
11-11-04 | 01:02 PM
#2
Philly bike nerd
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 575
Likes: 0
From: Center City Philadelphia
Bikes: 2003 Fuji Track Bike,Pink Univega, Mixed part BMX, Early 70's Columbia Tandem, Orange and Cream Fixed gear Pursuit bike (Puig), random bikes made from spare parts
Originally Posted by fruit
i'm from a town in new york about 40 miles north of syracuse called watertown. it's a cold, barren, boring hell-hole where the only people who ride bikes are old men and little kids.
four months ago, i moved to philadelphia on a whim. i just wanted to live in the city. i didnt (and still really dont) know anyone here. i met a few people, and on my third or fourth day of being here, one of those people gave me a crusty old roadbike. it was the middle of summer, and everyone was out on bikes. i figured the good weather was the reason why.
as time went on, i realized that for most of these people, biking is their transportation, and/or livelihood. and for some, it was both of those and a way of life.
after owning this crusty old road bike for a couple weeks, my messenger friend gave me a speech on how i didnt need all those clanky pointless gears in a flat city like philadelphia.
so together, we made it a singlespeed. a little time passed (and with the help of participating in critical mass a few times) biking became a way of life for me as well.
so now i'm on the brink of tossing my crusty old singlespeed roadbike into the basement, as tonight i am finishing the fixed gear i've been building at the bike church, philly's co-op.
tommorow i apply at a courier company thats hiring.
i guess the point of this thread was.... well... there really wasnt one, unless you count a cheap introduction of me to you all.
but i do want to end this by saying that bike culture, especially that of fixed gears and messengers, is a fascinating world. and it's definatly changed who i was four months ago.
four months ago, i moved to philadelphia on a whim. i just wanted to live in the city. i didnt (and still really dont) know anyone here. i met a few people, and on my third or fourth day of being here, one of those people gave me a crusty old roadbike. it was the middle of summer, and everyone was out on bikes. i figured the good weather was the reason why.
as time went on, i realized that for most of these people, biking is their transportation, and/or livelihood. and for some, it was both of those and a way of life.
after owning this crusty old road bike for a couple weeks, my messenger friend gave me a speech on how i didnt need all those clanky pointless gears in a flat city like philadelphia.
so together, we made it a singlespeed. a little time passed (and with the help of participating in critical mass a few times) biking became a way of life for me as well.
so now i'm on the brink of tossing my crusty old singlespeed roadbike into the basement, as tonight i am finishing the fixed gear i've been building at the bike church, philly's co-op.
tommorow i apply at a courier company thats hiring.
i guess the point of this thread was.... well... there really wasnt one, unless you count a cheap introduction of me to you all.
but i do want to end this by saying that bike culture, especially that of fixed gears and messengers, is a fascinating world. and it's definatly changed who i was four months ago.
Welcome to philly.... a few months late. If you ever want to go for a ride in the city, shoot me a PM.... I will be out of the country until 11-17-04 though.
11-11-04 | 09:08 PM
#4
Thread Starter
junk in the trunk.
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: philadelphia
Originally Posted by legalize_it
did you gank that schwinn yet?
it was kinda rusty. mainly surface rust, but ive got a frame now, so i'm not even gonna bother with it.
also it's not lugged, and had a one-piece crank. and i hate those two things on a bike.
it's all yours if you want it.
11-11-04 | 09:42 PM
#5
troglodyte
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 1
From: the tunnels
Bikes: Crust Romanceur, VO Polyvalent, Surly Steamroller, others?
Not lugged? If its an electroforged Schwinn, thats cool too. I have me one of those, its heavy but could take a licking from Andre and his posse. Oh well, at least you have a frame.
11-11-04 | 09:55 PM
#6
welcome fruit... it's getting cold up in here. where's the nearest hobo fire? yeah, i've been here almost two years and get kinda lonely, slow meeting new peeps and all. when are some of these rides people are always talking bout?
__________________
just for fun
just for fun
Last edited by will_travel; 11-15-04 at 01:30 PM.
11-12-04 | 08:13 AM
#9
ambassador of good will
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,019
Likes: 0
From: NOVA
Bikes: many.
Originally Posted by sxe fbm rider
Welcome to Philly. Happy it's given you good things.
11-12-04 | 12:58 PM
#11
BxTS
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 280
Likes: 0
From: Santa Rosa, CA
Bikes: 1987 Centurion Dave Scott Ironman, 1988 Giant Kashmir, 1989 Trek 660
...so, back to "fixed culture".
has anyone noticed a bit of self-righteousness in riding fixed? not just to cars and onlookers, but to non-fxg riders?
do you get sh** from the spandex crowd, or is it just me?
and will i get to a point when i'm older when i'll stop being so damn reckless?
has anyone noticed a bit of self-righteousness in riding fixed? not just to cars and onlookers, but to non-fxg riders?
do you get sh** from the spandex crowd, or is it just me?
and will i get to a point when i'm older when i'll stop being so damn reckless?
11-12-04 | 01:08 PM
#12
Thread Starter
junk in the trunk.
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: philadelphia
Originally Posted by gh-ap
...so, back to "fixed culture".
has anyone noticed a bit of self-righteousness in riding fixed? not just to cars and onlookers, but to non-fxg riders?
do you get sh** from the spandex crowd, or is it just me?
and will i get to a point when i'm older when i'll stop being so damn reckless?
has anyone noticed a bit of self-righteousness in riding fixed? not just to cars and onlookers, but to non-fxg riders?
do you get sh** from the spandex crowd, or is it just me?
and will i get to a point when i'm older when i'll stop being so damn reckless?
11-12-04 | 01:21 PM
#13
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 997
Likes: 0
"do you get sh** from the spandex crowd, or is it just me?"
I wave to everyone. Say hi to everyone. Tourists respond (if they didnt initiate it first). Commuters respond. The alians never do. Never even look over. Guess a 'serious' cyclist cant be bothered.
Regardless, wont be seeing those serious cyclists until the weather warms up again.
I wave to everyone. Say hi to everyone. Tourists respond (if they didnt initiate it first). Commuters respond. The alians never do. Never even look over. Guess a 'serious' cyclist cant be bothered.
Regardless, wont be seeing those serious cyclists until the weather warms up again.
11-12-04 | 01:27 PM
#14
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 997
Likes: 0
"unfortunatly theres alot of elitism in the fixed world"
yeah, and growing rapidly. it appears to me that the FG trend has recently crossed from a simplicity/minimalism mindset to a materialistic pursuit.
"and of course the cars hate anyone on a bike."
not true; they just dont give a da#$.
yeah, and growing rapidly. it appears to me that the FG trend has recently crossed from a simplicity/minimalism mindset to a materialistic pursuit.
"and of course the cars hate anyone on a bike."
not true; they just dont give a da#$.
11-12-04 | 01:33 PM
#15
Retrogrouch in Training
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,484
Likes: 1
From: Knee-deep in the day-to-day
There is a lot of self-righteousness in riding fixed. FG riders all too often think that having more than one gear or a freewheel is some sort of moral abomination or at least somethnig to be pitied. The best of those folks eventually learn that people should ride a bike they enjoy. If that means a fixed gear for them, a 27 speed derailleur for another, and a 5-speed planetary for a third, so be it.
As for getting static from the spandex crowd. No. Many roadies are very serious about their training and would rather not be distracted at all. If I was getting heat from them I might wonder what I'm doing to attract their attention.
As for getting static from the spandex crowd. No. Many roadies are very serious about their training and would rather not be distracted at all. If I was getting heat from them I might wonder what I'm doing to attract their attention.
11-12-04 | 01:47 PM
#16
...leaving skid marks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 0
From: NYC (chinatown, w.vill, morningside)
Bikes: fuji track se ('02) | independent fabrication crown jewel ('04)
Originally Posted by *new*guy
man... your avatar moves so fast but I think I finally figured out what's going on with it. There's a hand holding a scalpel that cuts something, then the blood forms the letters and a cog appears.
11-12-04 | 02:01 PM
#18
無くなった
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,072
Likes: 0
From: Sci-Fi Wasabi
Bikes: I built the Bianchi track bike back up today.
Owww... Wouldn't a condom be more, uh, comfortable?
Or do you like knots?
Or do you like knots?
11-12-04 | 02:18 PM
#19
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia
Bikes: Fbm Night Train, Fixed Club Fuji(so sexy).
That's it.. I had to remove alooot of the frames to fit it on the site.. its suposed to be a scalple.. "fixing" some one.. if i can donate the 25 to the site, I'll get the space to make it how i want.. then it will make sense.. until then.. until then..
11-12-04 | 02:45 PM
#20
Beausage is Beautiful
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 5,504
Likes: 13
From: Saitama, Japan
Bikes: Nabiis Alchemy
I don't like the elitism that seems to be swelling in the FG community, but I still dig that fixed gear represents its own little community. It all comes down to riding and enjoying it, though. It's not better or worse than anything else, it's just what we prefer.
__________________
Yo. Everything I’m doing is linked on What’s up with Dave? but most of note currently is Somewhere in Japan.
Yo. Everything I’m doing is linked on What’s up with Dave? but most of note currently is Somewhere in Japan.
11-12-04 | 03:15 PM
#21
Telemark!
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 726
Likes: 0
From: Syracuse, NY
Elitism?
Just because someone, through interest, hard work, and love, is able to do something difficult and rewarding? Be it riding fixed gear, telemark skiing, sailing, or using Linux. Being an expert with math, science, writing. Being an artist.
Folks who use the term 'elitist' negatively are probably envious.
Positively used, "Fixed gear riders are the elite of bicycling."
Just because someone, through interest, hard work, and love, is able to do something difficult and rewarding? Be it riding fixed gear, telemark skiing, sailing, or using Linux. Being an expert with math, science, writing. Being an artist.
Folks who use the term 'elitist' negatively are probably envious.
Positively used, "Fixed gear riders are the elite of bicycling."
11-12-04 | 03:29 PM
#24
The 'net ruined cycling
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis, MN USA
Bikes: Steelman Eurocross, Peugeot U08 fixie, Specialized Expidition, Raleigh Sprite 27, Serotta CDA
Originally Posted by TeleJohn
Elitism?
Just because someone, through interest, hard work, and love, is able to do something difficult and rewarding? Be it riding fixed gear, telemark skiing, sailing, or using Linux. Being an expert with math, science, writing. Being an artist.
Folks who use the term 'elitist' negatively are probably envious.
Positively used, "Fixed gear riders are the elite of bicycling."
Just because someone, through interest, hard work, and love, is able to do something difficult and rewarding? Be it riding fixed gear, telemark skiing, sailing, or using Linux. Being an expert with math, science, writing. Being an artist.
Folks who use the term 'elitist' negatively are probably envious.
Positively used, "Fixed gear riders are the elite of bicycling."
I've heard a bunch of nonsense from fixed gear riders about all sorts of stuff (including oddball Star Wars references) and after a mere 374 miles of fixed riding (about a third of which were in one day) I have yet to have a spirtual experience at the hand of my fixie. I'm not saying I don't like riding it, I'm not saying they're a bad idea, I'm just saying fixed feels a lot more like riding a bike than not---it's not that different, we're not even a little bit special compared to any other group of cyclists, and all us fixies should get over ourselves and join the larger community of cyclists regardless of gears.
Flame away!
11-12-04 | 03:35 PM
#25
Retrogrouch in Training
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,484
Likes: 1
From: Knee-deep in the day-to-day
Can I get an amen?!
(I will say that traditionally riding fixed has a strong correlation with a two pronged transportational and recreational attitude, and that is quite positive to me. Fixers seem to be less apt to be overblown weekend warriors or Freds. I'm sure some reasons for this would be pretty clear with a little bit of introspection.)
(I will say that traditionally riding fixed has a strong correlation with a two pronged transportational and recreational attitude, and that is quite positive to me. Fixers seem to be less apt to be overblown weekend warriors or Freds. I'm sure some reasons for this would be pretty clear with a little bit of introspection.)