"fixie culture"
03-05-05 | 01:19 AM
#76
wheels of fire!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: brooklyn, ny
Originally Posted by gilby
I only ride a fixed gear bike because it's a total chick magnet.
i wouldnt have guessed that. well, except for me.
but i can attest that its a total dude magnet.
its probably the only thing that i dont mind talking about with strangers.
03-05-05 | 09:43 AM
#79
hang up your boots
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,574
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
Bikes: 84 Pinarello, Trek Liquid 30, Torker CX 24, Gromada Track
Originally Posted by hammye
Check out Fark today. It's about 5 up from the bottom of todays listings.
What if fixed gear went mainstream?!?!!? . . . what if
03-05-05 | 02:49 PM
#83
Happy Cycling
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 417
Likes: 0
From: SF
Bikes: bareknuckle, bomber pro, 3Rensho SR, nagasawa special
Originally Posted by hammye
Check out Fark today. It's about 5 up from the bottom of todays listings.
03-05-05 | 02:52 PM
#84
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 520
Likes: 0
Bikes: Bianchi Brava (fixed), Nishiki Prestige (fixed), Plum Vainqueur (track), Fuji Boulevard (Single-speed)
Karstens & Mawkzie, it does get whistles...from straight girls...who think I'm a guy...In other words, it's not working out too well for me.
I assume the dudes on fixies must have better luck.
I assume the dudes on fixies must have better luck.
03-05-05 | 04:23 PM
#86
wheels of fire!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: brooklyn, ny
Originally Posted by gilby
Karstens & Mawkzie, it does get whistles...from straight girls...who think I'm a guy...In other words, it's not working out too well for me.
I assume the dudes on fixies must have better luck.
I assume the dudes on fixies must have better luck.
(im a grrrl, too)
it would certainly work better if i didnt already have a fixie/messenger boyfriend.
hehe
03-06-05 | 02:24 AM
#87
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From: Don't call it Beantown
Bikes: Iro Mark V Fix and a 24" Nirve bmx
Simplicity is beautiful in my book. That's the main reason that I ride fix. There's nothing extra on my bike. Just exactly what's needed, nothing more, nothing less.
Anti-flat kit? what's the logic for that? If you're not into carrying a flat kit, I hope you're into walking. It's rare when I leave the house without a spare tube, pump and tire levers.
Anti-flat kit? what's the logic for that? If you're not into carrying a flat kit, I hope you're into walking. It's rare when I leave the house without a spare tube, pump and tire levers.
03-06-05 | 02:35 AM
#88
Immoderator
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,630
Likes: 5
From: POS Tennessee
Bikes: Gary Fisher Simple City 8, Litespeed Obed
Originally Posted by loaf
It's rare when I leave the house without a spare tube, pump and tire levers.
__________________
Originally Posted by Bikeforums
Your rights end where another poster's feelings begin.
03-06-05 | 10:14 AM
#89
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 876
Likes: 0
From: Forest Park Il
Bikes: Yeah Dahon Bike Friday Panasonic Dyno
Originally Posted by filtersweep
I know that I am a caveman... a mental midget... and there are a few things I don't understand and a few observations about this forum.
First off, I am a road biker- but I have two fixed gear bikes and a mtn bike. I do a lot of road racing on a geared bike and commute 40 miles round trip on a fixed off peak racing season (and sorry, but I'm not going to commute that far in jeans and toe clips).
In road culture, there are those who make fun of people who wear baggy shorts, use camelbacks, or use mtn bike shoes on road bikes... and if you use a cell phone for a flat kit, god help you! Reading road forums produces endless debats of Campy vs. Shimano, built vs. custom wheels, weight-weenism, to leg shave or not, etc... riding with headphones or without a helmet results in a flame war. There is also quite an anti-aerobar, anti-tri guy sentiment present... and god help you if you wear a sleeveless jersey. Is it OK to wear a pro-team jersey?... and god help you if you wear a national or world champion jersey (or a KOM or Sprinter's).
Of course, in the mtn bike forums, there is an ongoing debate about the merits (or lack thereof) of lycra- and there is a bizarre anti-skinny tire sentiment that sometimes rears its ugly head: on mth bike forums there have been more than one person ranting the bikes simply don't belong on roads. Of course baggy shorts, mtn shoes, camelbacks, etc. all have their practical places.
My first exposure to fixed gear was as the common fixed winter bike... several team members also race at the local velodrome- so there is some crossover there as well. I have riding friends in their 30s, 40s, and 50s who ride fixed... and some have been doing this for decades.
What I find interesting is how many posts here have an anti-roadie sentiment to them: I've seen anti-lycra posts, anti-flat kit posts, anti-brake posts, anti-road conversion posts, etc... What is this all about?
Just as it may be practical for some to wear street clothes on a track bike, and carry all their gear in a messenger bag, for a long commute or a training ride, it makes sense for me to wear some tech fabrics, use clipless pedals, carry a flat kit in a tiny seat bag, have a brake for some serious hills, ride a road conversion because they are cheap or we had an extra frameset lying around, etc...
The entire pecking order reminds of of Shakes the Clown. Everyone is on a bike, but there is a ridiculous amount of fashion and conformity involved- within whatever sub-group. I'd argue that road bikers are the worst of the lot- and I see much more use of the words "poseur" and "Fred" bandied about in their forums, but I see plenty of perjoratives tossed around here as well- when I'd expect this would be the most "anything goes" arena.
BTW- I'm not looking to "fit in" or change anyone's opinions. I'm too old and stubborn to care. I am just curious about the motivations for people's tastes and values, and curious why some people look down on the "misplaced roadie" phenomenon. We really aren't trying to get in on anyone's game.
First off, I am a road biker- but I have two fixed gear bikes and a mtn bike. I do a lot of road racing on a geared bike and commute 40 miles round trip on a fixed off peak racing season (and sorry, but I'm not going to commute that far in jeans and toe clips).
In road culture, there are those who make fun of people who wear baggy shorts, use camelbacks, or use mtn bike shoes on road bikes... and if you use a cell phone for a flat kit, god help you! Reading road forums produces endless debats of Campy vs. Shimano, built vs. custom wheels, weight-weenism, to leg shave or not, etc... riding with headphones or without a helmet results in a flame war. There is also quite an anti-aerobar, anti-tri guy sentiment present... and god help you if you wear a sleeveless jersey. Is it OK to wear a pro-team jersey?... and god help you if you wear a national or world champion jersey (or a KOM or Sprinter's).
Of course, in the mtn bike forums, there is an ongoing debate about the merits (or lack thereof) of lycra- and there is a bizarre anti-skinny tire sentiment that sometimes rears its ugly head: on mth bike forums there have been more than one person ranting the bikes simply don't belong on roads. Of course baggy shorts, mtn shoes, camelbacks, etc. all have their practical places.
My first exposure to fixed gear was as the common fixed winter bike... several team members also race at the local velodrome- so there is some crossover there as well. I have riding friends in their 30s, 40s, and 50s who ride fixed... and some have been doing this for decades.
What I find interesting is how many posts here have an anti-roadie sentiment to them: I've seen anti-lycra posts, anti-flat kit posts, anti-brake posts, anti-road conversion posts, etc... What is this all about?
Just as it may be practical for some to wear street clothes on a track bike, and carry all their gear in a messenger bag, for a long commute or a training ride, it makes sense for me to wear some tech fabrics, use clipless pedals, carry a flat kit in a tiny seat bag, have a brake for some serious hills, ride a road conversion because they are cheap or we had an extra frameset lying around, etc...
The entire pecking order reminds of of Shakes the Clown. Everyone is on a bike, but there is a ridiculous amount of fashion and conformity involved- within whatever sub-group. I'd argue that road bikers are the worst of the lot- and I see much more use of the words "poseur" and "Fred" bandied about in their forums, but I see plenty of perjoratives tossed around here as well- when I'd expect this would be the most "anything goes" arena.
BTW- I'm not looking to "fit in" or change anyone's opinions. I'm too old and stubborn to care. I am just curious about the motivations for people's tastes and values, and curious why some people look down on the "misplaced roadie" phenomenon. We really aren't trying to get in on anyone's game.
Last edited by james Haury; 03-06-05 at 06:01 PM.
03-06-05 | 11:36 AM
#90
Better than you since 83!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,117
Likes: 0
From: Up a big F'ing Hill
Bikes: Fixed Gear 79 Schwinn Sprint
Heres a story of something that happeend yesterday, illustrating the differences in bike culture. Vomitron is taking a cycling for fitness class which was going to ride around the Rose Bowl, a place filled with roadies on a Saturday morning, ranging from the wannabe hammerhead types to actual hardcore racers. With the prospect of being able to see a whole bunch of really expensive bikes and just witness a whole new world I tagged along.
To make a long story slightly shorter Vomitron gets a pinch flat and we pull off to the side.Neither of us have a flat kit because I'm irresponsible and Vomitron lost his not too long ago. So we stand on the side of the road watching all the roadies fly by. We flag one down and yell, "Hey, do you have a patch kit?" and his wonderful response was, "yeah", as in "yeah, why don't you have yours?", and flew by.
Now I talk lots of trash about roadies and other cyclist, mostly in jest but when ever I see a cyclist on the side of the road, no matter what I'll check in with them. I've seen that the same is true with all the fixie cyclists I know.
I think the difference in fixie culture and roadie culture is that in roadie culture your bike is a tool, a piece of sports equipment that you use, whereas in fixie culture you use your bike as much as your bike uses you. Your bike is not just a piece of equipment its a fashion piece, its a mode of transportation, its a part of you.
Yeah I know it sounds cheesy but its true, how many of you love your bike mroe than some family members?
To make a long story slightly shorter Vomitron gets a pinch flat and we pull off to the side.Neither of us have a flat kit because I'm irresponsible and Vomitron lost his not too long ago. So we stand on the side of the road watching all the roadies fly by. We flag one down and yell, "Hey, do you have a patch kit?" and his wonderful response was, "yeah", as in "yeah, why don't you have yours?", and flew by.
Now I talk lots of trash about roadies and other cyclist, mostly in jest but when ever I see a cyclist on the side of the road, no matter what I'll check in with them. I've seen that the same is true with all the fixie cyclists I know.
I think the difference in fixie culture and roadie culture is that in roadie culture your bike is a tool, a piece of sports equipment that you use, whereas in fixie culture you use your bike as much as your bike uses you. Your bike is not just a piece of equipment its a fashion piece, its a mode of transportation, its a part of you.
Yeah I know it sounds cheesy but its true, how many of you love your bike mroe than some family members?
03-06-05 | 12:05 PM
#92
Retrogrouch in Training
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,484
Likes: 1
From: Knee-deep in the day-to-day
I do think there's something to what JO says. I don't know that I would put it in such metaphysical terms, but I think a lot of roadies and mountain biker's view the bicycle as a piece of sports equipment or a toy. Cycling is a thing they do and in order to participate in that sport one must have the proper equipment.
On the other hand, there are cyclists for whom that is an identity. They don't have a bike, they're a cyclist. A person doesn't usually need a lot of kit to be themselves. I propose that many who choose to ride fixed gear are just such people.
Edit: Oh yeah, and I do stop for every cyclist I see sitting on the side of the road. Most of the time I have what they need to get them rolling again. Once I was even in a car but I had my tools in my bag. It was at night and I think dude thought I was threatening him at first.
On the other hand, there are cyclists for whom that is an identity. They don't have a bike, they're a cyclist. A person doesn't usually need a lot of kit to be themselves. I propose that many who choose to ride fixed gear are just such people.
Edit: Oh yeah, and I do stop for every cyclist I see sitting on the side of the road. Most of the time I have what they need to get them rolling again. Once I was even in a car but I had my tools in my bag. It was at night and I think dude thought I was threatening him at first.
Last edited by bostontrevor; 03-06-05 at 12:28 PM.
03-06-05 | 12:17 PM
#93
hang up your boots
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,574
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
Bikes: 84 Pinarello, Trek Liquid 30, Torker CX 24, Gromada Track
Originally Posted by bostontrevor
I do think there's something to what JO says. I don't know that I would put it in such metaphysical terms, but I think a lot of roadies and mountain biker's view the bicycle as a piece of sports equipment or a toy. Cycling is a thing they do and in order to participate in that sport one must have the proper equipment.
On the other hand, there are cyclists for whom that is an identity. They don't have a bike, they're a cyclist. A person doesn't usually need a lot of kit to be themselves. I propose that many who choose to ride fixed gear are just such people.
On the other hand, there are cyclists for whom that is an identity. They don't have a bike, they're a cyclist. A person doesn't usually need a lot of kit to be themselves. I propose that many who choose to ride fixed gear are just such people.
03-06-05 | 10:42 PM
#94
><
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
From: brooklyn!
Bikes: a disassembled bianchi lynx i'm gonna convert to ss, a felt roadie with carbon fork, and my baby blue peugeot roadie conversion. a couple sizes too large.
i'd stop for any person on the side of the road. i have, especially in the last couple of weeks. i figure i'll bank on karma and keep those SUVs away.
i haven't seen any roadie types on the paths recently. the west-side highway was refreshingly clear when i found myself on it. but i notice the glance -- either looking for the cluster or the single-cog. it happens.
i'd like to associate myself more with the gonzo "i'm ok, you do what you want" vibe than either hammerhead or roadie. if that puts me in the fixie subbacultha, so it goes.
i haven't seen any roadie types on the paths recently. the west-side highway was refreshingly clear when i found myself on it. but i notice the glance -- either looking for the cluster or the single-cog. it happens.
i'd like to associate myself more with the gonzo "i'm ok, you do what you want" vibe than either hammerhead or roadie. if that puts me in the fixie subbacultha, so it goes.
Last edited by neuron; 03-06-05 at 10:48 PM.
03-06-05 | 11:05 PM
#95
the way we get by
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,719
Likes: 0
From: Wherever the f**k I feel it
Bikes: Cinelli Supercorsa / Surly Karate Monkey
Originally Posted by jordache
There's an anti-flat kit contigent?
My old dispatcher used to always make fun of me for not changing my own flats before I carried one.
My old dispatcher used to always make fun of me for not changing my own flats before I carried one.
03-07-05 | 02:40 AM
#96
ass hatchet
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,284
Likes: 0
Just one point to make here:
this really isn't a "singlespeed AND fixed gear" forum-- it's mainly a forum for fixed road bikes. not much mountain talk here at all.
not that it's a bad thing, but this place pretty much bleeds the "fix it or die" message.
this really isn't a "singlespeed AND fixed gear" forum-- it's mainly a forum for fixed road bikes. not much mountain talk here at all.
not that it's a bad thing, but this place pretty much bleeds the "fix it or die" message.
03-07-05 | 07:59 AM
#98
ambassador of good will
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,019
Likes: 0
From: NOVA
Bikes: many.
Originally Posted by slopvehicle
Just one point to make here:
this really isn't a "singlespeed AND fixed gear" forum-- it's mainly a forum for fixed road bikes. not much mountain talk here at all.
not that it's a bad thing, but this place pretty much bleeds the "fix it or die" message.
this really isn't a "singlespeed AND fixed gear" forum-- it's mainly a forum for fixed road bikes. not much mountain talk here at all.
not that it's a bad thing, but this place pretty much bleeds the "fix it or die" message.
03-07-05 | 08:38 AM
#99
Tiocfáidh ár Lá
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,483
Likes: 132
From: The edge of b#
Bikes: A whole bunch-a bikes.
Originally Posted by slopvehicle
Just one point to make here:
this really isn't a "singlespeed AND fixed gear" forum-- it's mainly a forum for fixed road bikes. not much mountain talk here at all.
not that it's a bad thing, but this place pretty much bleeds the "fix it or die" message.
this really isn't a "singlespeed AND fixed gear" forum-- it's mainly a forum for fixed road bikes. not much mountain talk here at all.
not that it's a bad thing, but this place pretty much bleeds the "fix it or die" message.
Actually I am thinking of SSing my old Paramount mtb...
03-07-05 | 02:58 PM
#100
All Things Go
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 0
From: dayton, oh
Bikes: 01 bianchi pista, custom. 04 felt f-15, full record.
Originally Posted by neuron
i'd stop for any person on the side of the road. i have, especially in the last couple of weeks. i figure i'll bank on karma and keep those SUVs away.