So I today bought a fixie, and haven't ridden one before. I wasn't surprised to find it was odd (after doing some internet research before I bought it) but am wondering whether or not buying toe straps for the pedals would improve my experience? I say this because there were several times I almost fell off due to the temptation to coast. Is it worth the small investment, or will it not be worth it in the long run?

I think toe cages would be worth it, but every rider has their own style. I use mine so I have the correct foot position on my pedals plus the extra movement I achieve going up hills etc. Never ridden a fixie even though I have a flip-flop hub, but my .02 is that you can't go wrong with cages.


Keep those legs pumping haha.

If you're riding brakeless then clips/straps are a must. I prefer them even though I am running brakes. I like the feeling of being more connected to the bike and also enjoy being able to pull on the upstroke in addition to pushing on the downstroke.

Definitely never going to ride brakeless! I had enough trouble timing my strokes so that I didn't have to use the brakes too often when turning, otherwise I'd have been flipped off the bike. Not having the benefit of the brakes would have ensured I did not make it home alive/on time. I hadn't considered the benefit of being able to pull on the upstroke, yourself and Mr. Yum Yum have opened my eyes a little to that.

Couldn't imagine riding a fixed gear bike without foot retention.

Well, I could but it doesn't seem enjoyable.

Well, foot retention won't help you there.

I dislike toe clips and straps so I ride fixed either secured with road bike pedals or free with fat bmx pedals.

Amen.

Hmm, I'd have assumed that being strapped to the pedals would make the process of stopping pedalling impossible, so I wouldn't feel so shaken if that's the right word when I try to coast. I think I'm going to buy them anyway, if only for the being able to pull up on the down stroke.