Took my first extended fixed ride tonight (15 miles) and gotta say that was one of the most enjoyable rides I've been on in a long time! I've been a "roadie" for a long time and have been looking at ss/fg for a while as a way to commute and save gas. I was riding my road to and from work 3 times a week. I found a "state bike co" "blue bazoo" on CL for $170 and grabbed it. I gotta admit I was a bit nervous riding fixed but after a few warm up rides I took to it nicely. Smooth as can be and comfortable! I'm a few mph off my roadie speed but it's worth it. Anyway, just wanted to share and say "hey!"

Gotta love the silence and the control.

Good stuff. Just remember: No coasting!




(But if you forget, your bike will remind you quickly and assertively. )

I generally prefer riding my fg. It fits perfectly and I enjoy the sensation.

The road bikes get used in situations where it is more practical, like long rides with lots of elevation, certain group rides, and the little amount of formal high-intensity intervals I do in the spring/summer (like sub-3 min stuff where you need a big gear). And road races ofc.

I spent 14 hrs training last week and 7 of it was on the fg.

Ohhh it did...thoug I could beats light at a busy intersection and almost blew right into traffic!

Commuting FG has been underwhealming for me. Same basic riding as on my single speed or roadie, no coasting but I hardly ever coast on my ss. I have to think more about the stops and the steep downhills are annoying. i already spin fast and apparently have a good smooth stroke since many say the fg helped them and i just dont feel any difference.
I ride a lot and ride many different bikes so i appreciate it for what it is and for each different stryle. i'll keep it but dont feel why it has a big draw other than the fringe effect most adolescents and young adults are drawn to.
Riding bikes is fun and each different bike has its own purpose and personality so have fun with it.

If it revitalized your love of cycling then great!

Congrats.

Took my first fixed ride last friday and found it pretty interesting. No previous cycling experience so it was relatively new all around.

Found it to be more of a mental challenge as you (I) want to coast, legs get tired, etc...

Completed the same trip this morning 19 minutes faster and have to say im starting to like it.

it gives you much greater control over the drivetrain, which can be useful in situations where your speed and/or power output is fluctuating, like during "technical" road sections, urban scenarios, races (track and/or ultimate street racing).

i dont know how that pertains to commuting, tho.

Noob

Trackstanding at traffic lights is good.

Also, this thread.

I've been a "roadie" for two years now and only recently started riding fixed as well. I've found that while I find it super fun to ride, I tend to get very lazy with my cadence/speed on false flats or slight headwinds. I have to be conscious about it or else I just end up going at a leisurely speed. (which isn't a bad thing for a chance of pace from the roadie). I'm riding 48-18, thought about going lower but I'll just tough it out and work on my strength.

weird i love my some false flats and shallow inclines...

headwinds suck balls though. i dont know anyone who is into headwinds.

true, i feel that difference in being able to slightly slow and speed up, modulate speed and feel connected. My 'commuting' is basically a flat out 10 mile time trial each day in traffic and some trail so I get a nice mix of situations. I'll be doing more full on training rides on it instead of my road or cross bike and will continue to enjoy the differences.

I like head and wind does that count?

I like a tailwind, but also like its individual components separately.

haha