Went the long way home today and took my sweet time about it. On the flats I just strolled along feeling my legs turn and taking in the scenery. Took it easy going up the hills (as much as possible with one gear) and just tried to relax and let the pedals do more of the work going down the other side. Don't get me wrong, riding with gusto is fun too. Sometimes it just so nice to chill and slide back in the saddle. It's kind of a goofy cliche to talk about zen and fixed gears (or any two legged pony) but I'd be lying if I said I didn't get a taste of it sometimes.

I kinda want to build a bike for just cruising and use a really soft gear. I feel like I'm missing out the relaxing aspect just hustling everywhere.

Until then, I just try to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible.

Going slow faster

I have a large Fuji Royale frame that I will be building up as a fixed townie. I have a positive rise stem, VO Porteur bar, and 35mm Paselas.

I like going slow on a track bike. I do specific days where I just ride at whatever pace I feel like.

Let us know how you like those bars. I've been thinking about switching up bars and porteurs look dead sexy for sure.

When I first got mine, I was trying to beat a few minutes off rides and that's great for the legs & lungs. I figure I got as fast as I could go on it, so now I look to come in around the same times and enjoy the rides now that a certain level of fitness has been accomplished. BP and heart rates are well into the normal ranges which is what I was really after and now the rides are far more enjoyable now that I notice the scenery. Now adays beating the dark night or a storm is my only concerns.

Yep, those kinda rides are awesome sometimes.

I went on a ride with friends a couple weeks ago and we cruised at like 13mph on the flats, just enjoying the scenery. That was a good day.

Hammering is fun, but it's not exactly relaxing.

My favorite way to ride for them early mornings as the sun comes up....

I like to ride a nice slow return trip when commuting. Also predawn its nessecary to ride slower so as not to hit the Ninja joggers on the path. I hold out on the speed until I can actually see whats in front on me.

I do enjoy going slow as well. I have a peugeot i made into a fixed gear townie with the VO belleville handlebars and baskets and 32c tires and fenders. its so fun. and i love the handlebars.
but going slow in the city can be nice as you get to watch people and stuff, but then i hate getting passed by people.haha

I usually try to hustle out of the heavy traffic on my commute. Then when I hit the burbs, I slow down a bit, mainly because there are a gazillion stop signs.

I did this in the morning while drinking the worst cup of coffee ever from the corner store. It was relaxing and today is a beautiful sunny day, the bike ride made up for the horrible coffee.

This is one of the reasons I built up my Scrambler. It feels good to just cruise around every once in a while.