Whats up everyone. I'm new to the forum. I am also new to the world of road/commuter cycling. I am moving to the city soon and I had just bought an SE Lager from my LBS because i got a superb price on it. I love it so far. I am riding it fixed as of now but I'm still a little sketchy with it. I used to ride BMX, so i so used to having a freewheel. My questin is, for what I'm going to be doing, which is using my bike as a commuter to class, is riding a fixed cog or the freewheel more efficient? I'm a little concious about crazy city streets and having to skid stop in emergency situations. I'm not too worried but I just want to hear everyones opinions! Thanks !

Define "more efficient".

Depends on the distance really, but since you're commuting, I'm assuming somewhere between 1-10 miles. As long as you have a front brake, and you actually pay attention while riding, you won't need to skid.

And personally speaking, it wouldn't even be a question about fixed vs. freewheel. I thought single speed had all of the benefits of fixed gear, without the drawbacks. WRONG. Once I rode fixed, I never looked back. I'm gonna ride fixed until I can't anymore.

I get what your saying. I do like riding fixed. But i guess my bmx style and habits keep throwing me off a bit. I'l give it a go and if I don't like it i can always just flip the wheel. Thanks for the advice!

You don't have to pick. Ride both. Freewheel sometimes and fixed sometimes.

I have a front brake so I can ride fast and stop fast, too.

Yeah yous all have good points. Like I said i thinks its my bmx habits talking. Maybe i just need some more time riding fixed and really get used to it!

i rode bmx for most of my life and like bigglypuff once i tried fixed gear i dont want to ride anything else, it just feels "right"

the only thing thats gonna change your efficiency is the addition of gears, one speed is one speed
you really dont need to skid at all, especially if you have brakes

Freewheel is more efficient.

- You can intermittently coast
- You can coast down hills
- You use your brakes to decelerate instead of your legs

These are facts.

And the reasons I choose to ride freewheel only. Not to mention my knees are old and ****ed...

I mainly use my two brakes to decelerate on my fixed gear.

No argument here though, freewheel is definitely more efficient. Fixed is just more fun to me. It sounds so cheesy to say this, but more than anything else it's a feel thing.

fixed gear gives you more control. Stopping is a matter of brakes, not being fixed or free.
Fixed simply gives you the additional control of using your legs to slow/stop.

For what you're using it for, it doesn't really matter and is all preference. It could be a good opportunity for you to get used to fixed, if that's what you want.

If you want to run brakeless, than you need more familiarity with fixed unless you have a deathwish.

And that's all that really matters. Keep trying it, if you like it, great. If not, switch back. That's the only way to know.

Before this turns into a fixed vs. single speed thing.