Hi All!

I recently got into cycling and now have been riding fixed for quite some time now. Near where I live, I dont see a lot of fixed riders, and some rides happen at night wich isnt really practical for me. I'm looking to do a ride with a cycling group around here mostly composed of roadies wich happens on weekends. This may be a dumb question but is it advisable to ride/train with roadies? Or should I stick riding with other fixed riders? I figure riding with a faster group can probably push me harder? I have been riding/training solo a lot and it gets lonely sometimes.

Thoughts and comments would be appreciated

Thanks!

Is this a serious question?

It seems like one. Let's not troll it guys.

It'll be a challenge if you're not really fit to keep up with a group and not feel like you're falling behind or slowing them down. Gear ratio would be a limitation for uphill and straightaways. And if you aren't running a brake get one, it's common courtesy and safety to have one in a group ride with roadies.

I wouldn't show up to our local training rides on a SS/fixed gear but that's me. Our sprints hit 35+ and I doubt I would be able to hang (I doubt I can on my road bike either). Give it a shot and see what happens. Worse case, you are shot off the back and riding alone again.

Alright. If it's a serious question.

1- Learn how to ride in a group. Learn how to keep paceline, how to signal things in the road, etc.

2- Get brakes

If you're strong enough then I don't see why you can't ride with them. Just don't ride like an ass.

Wait... what? So which is it? Actually, you don't have to answer that, I have a feeling I already know the answer.

Thanks for the reply! Yeah, i figured I would have my gear limitations, and would like to give it a try and keep up with the geared guys. And yes, I do have a brake. I'd like to keep it safe.

You're right about fitness level. I think I can hold up, but I dunno I guess I should try it out for myself if I indeed can.

Yes sir. I think it would be worth a shot. If i get dropped, then so be it.

PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD

Learn how to ride in a group. Don't be the guy that causes a crash.

Sorry to be the downer here, but if these roadie guys are any good: they will smoke you, especially on the downhill.

Good tips. I think one of the reasons I wanted to do it is to have a solid idea of how a group dynamic works. I have limited experience with group rides (except with occasional friend riders and such). "Dont ride like an ass", totally!

Yeah. I think to start with, I'd ride mostly in the back.

Some groups ride faster than others. I wonder whether Cynikal's 35mph sprints are downhill, because I roll like that on some downhills. If you find a group you can hang with, why not? Or hang with them for a while and drop, longer as you get stronger. The things to know about group rides is: how to ride with etiquette and cooperation.

Check out this recent related thread: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...-by-a-newb-%28

not necessarily. Not every ride is a training ride and it is very possible to keep up on rides that go 20mph or more. I don't see why you had to come in and be a downer

Be a predictable rider and you have better chance at being accepted. Hold your line

Ok fine. Quick credentials: I am a roadie, I ride with a group on my 40mi commute to work. We sometimes ride fast. I also ride in on my fixed gear with same group of people at around the same speeds.

On to your questions:

Yes you can ride with roadies provided the following:
-DON'T JUST LATCH ONTO A RANDOM GROUP RIDE. Please, this is beyond faux pas. Find a local group ride that allows new people to join and meet up with them.
-Correct gearing. A good rpm:speed target to shoot for is 95rpm:20-22mph. This equals out to abut 75-79 gear inches.
-Brakes (already covered - sounds like you're set)
-Point out obstacles - be vocal about your intentions (ex. "SLOWING!" "STOPPING!" etc)
-Don't overlap your wheels
-Don't overlap your wheels
-No sudden movements - be tranquilo, smooth
-Your fitness is up to snuff.

That's about it. Your drive train doesn't matter, how you ride does.

edit: that should at least get you rolling. Once you can ride in a group, you can start to try out pacelines (aka the best thing... EVER in the cycling world) and such.

Totally! I think in the absence of a strictly fixed riding group in the area, this would be my best bet to learn group dynamics and etiquette. It seemed like the group are mostly composed of middle aged people (who could smoke me easily).

There are no downhills here, these are group sprints and get a little crazy. If you go out for the ride the profess your ignorance of group riding to other riders and shadow them. Keep your head about you or people (including yourself) will get hurt.

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...-by-a-newb-%28

Great tips! I appreciate it, sir. My gearing is a little less of that range though (currently on 71 right now), I'd probably spinning like crazy on flats :-/

Yeah, I do plan to be humble and tell them where my level is at. Thanks!

https://www.pearlandcyclingclub.org/safety-SpaceCity.pdf

Very informative! Thank you!

I live in a "great fixie dessert" so my only choice is to ride with roadies.
But, I AM a roadie and have been for 20+ years.
It is totally doable.
I go on all the local group rides and have no trouble keeping up. There are ALWAYS slower people than me so if they're waiting, they're not waiting for me.
I've done a jillion pack rides over the years. Speeds don't go over 30mph for very long unless there's a strong tailwind or it's downhill. At any rate, it's way easier to go 30+mph in a pack than on your own.
I ride 76gi, 34mph is about 150rpm. With experience it is doable and that's the beauty of it.
I don't ride fixed, there would be no rest on the downhills. I use front and rear brakes.
I have found that the higher quality riders are more accepting of SS/FG riders.

Very encouraging. Thank you sir.

You will probably suck at first but keep trying, it is totally doable, good luck.