Why fixed gear?
 

I really want a fixed gear, but I've also been wondering:
Are there any rational or physical advantages to fixed gear (as opposed to SS freewheel)?

I know they're a lot of fun, but there must be more to it. I guess another way I could ask this question is: why do track riders use fixed gear? (again, as opposed to a SS freewheel)

is it about rear wheel control? or efficiency? -- although I can't imagine a fixed gear is THAT much more efficient than a freewheel....
or what?

just try it, turn off the computer and go try it

sheesh, what a jerk

chicks dig it....

riding fixed makes you a better lover

yeah i know that, that's why i want one.

but i still also want a Super Bike/Physics Techie to come along and give me a good reason for fixed that doesn't have to do with sex, drugs, or even rock & roll.

i don't need convincing, i'm just curious

I've heard that it makes you better in bed.

You get to go around town wearig capri pantsand a really big purse and not be considered a cross-dresser.

From an exercise point of view the lactic acid moves through your system better if you always keep your legs moving. Coasting is bad.

From a mechanical point of view. 1 less freewheel, 2 less breaks = 3 less things to make noise, break, or have to replace.

From a mental point of view, no clicking to annoy you, you slow down and speed up with your legs, less to think about and your hands can be in any position you want.

From an ease of use point of view, you can trackstand so you don't need to clip out.

Milo

See that thing under my name that says "newbie"? this is one of those newbie moments:

what does trackstand mean?

and thanks for the real answer...

balancing on your bike at a speed of 0 mph. named for the track (velodrome) racers who do this at the beginning of a race.

trackstands are easier on a fixed gear because you can make small movements forward and backwards to keep balance.

For those uninterested or unconvinced of the zenlike earth-moving manmachine fusion, fixed gear riding also improves spin. It's an old roadie training technique to spin a fix in the winter to increase stroke smoothness, cadence, and muscle suppleness.

There are lots of other good reasons too.

It's kind of hard to appreciate it until you try it. It's goofy in a completely irrational way that makes you smile or laugh the first time you try it out.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/fixed.html

You cant ride backwards with a single speed.
skidding is fun too.

Do it to breathe life back into an older road frame, and then amaze the cars at the intersection by staying in one place through the light cycle--without touching your feet to the ground!

And chics dig it....

do chicks dig it though?

Yes...yes they do. ;)

if those are just pictures of models posing with fixies, then that's dumb

if those are real girls posing with their own fixies then....... wow......

edit: oh i get it now. it's all the same bike. i'm so smart!!

I'll believe it when I see it. I've never gotten a single comment from someone of the female persuasion about my fixed-gear.

Unless "Get a car!" screamed from a passing SUV counts.

Must be an urban thing. I think fixed-riding in general is a lot more popular in urban environments. Guess w/o messengers spreading the fixed gospel, it just doesn't occur to most folks in the burbs.

I have seen/know of *one* other fixed rider in the town I live in, and there's quite a few cyclists here. We even have a pretty well known annual road-race (Redlands Classic), and the olympic trials were held here this past summer. So it's not as if we don't have cyclists. Just not too many transportion-minded (Seems a lot of those who ride fixed, ride 'em for transportation.) riders.

-Trevor

Well that was the last straw, I'm gonna have to build a fixie now. ;)

You poor thing. Even I've gotten comments, and they were from females that didn't ride.

Perhaps you need a sexier fixie?

Riding fixed builds both strength and spin: you're seldom in the "perfect" gear so you have to develop a broader efficient power range. From that point of view it's great training. The reliability thing we've covered: less to break, less to maintain - thats why a fixie was the traditional winter training iron of roadies.

I just think it feels really nice. Which is kinda a Zen perv thing. In town, you spend a lot of time magic-coasting: almost zero effort, but your legs are moving. And you're in and out of the saddle, accelerating and braking - oh yeah, fixie braking with your legs is unique.

Just try it :)

Cool! Are you in Auburn? If you can tear yourself away from the girls there's four of us riding fixed out at West Point dam Tuesday and Thursday nights this Winter. Setup some lights and come join us!

You can ride on a geared bike or fixed gear.

i ride fixed just to post about it on the interweb.

why fixed?
Don't make me kill you