Fixed gear nirvana...
03-21-05 | 08:23 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Get the stick.
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,543
Likes: 1
From: Toronto, ON
Bikes: 12 Y.O. Litespeed MTB, IRO Jamie Roy fixie, Custom Habanero Ti 'Cross, No name SS MTB, Old school lugged steel track bike (soon)
Fixed gear nirvana...
Hi guys,
Over the weekend I built up a white industries eno hub, slapped a track cog, then put it on my commuter. I had never tried a fixed gear machine, and I wasn't sure if I would like it or not. I must say, it is really cool! Reminds me of a car with a manual transmission compared to an automatic-more skill required, but much more engaging. I'm still a little nervous in traffic and on snow and ice, but I can totally see the appeal. Smooth and connected to the road.
BTW, what kind of gearing are you guys running? I've got a 44t chainring to a 15t track cog on a 700x25 wheel. Its not bad, but I'm thinking I could go a little lower for better braking and accelleration. I'm riding in stop and start traffic, and the terain is pretty flat.
Cheers,
Jeremy
Over the weekend I built up a white industries eno hub, slapped a track cog, then put it on my commuter. I had never tried a fixed gear machine, and I wasn't sure if I would like it or not. I must say, it is really cool! Reminds me of a car with a manual transmission compared to an automatic-more skill required, but much more engaging. I'm still a little nervous in traffic and on snow and ice, but I can totally see the appeal. Smooth and connected to the road.
BTW, what kind of gearing are you guys running? I've got a 44t chainring to a 15t track cog on a 700x25 wheel. Its not bad, but I'm thinking I could go a little lower for better braking and accelleration. I'm riding in stop and start traffic, and the terain is pretty flat.
Cheers,
Jeremy
03-21-05 | 10:04 AM
#4
Rebel Thousandaire
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 733
Likes: 1
From: Hartford, CT
Bikes: Public D8, Yuba Mundo (cargo), Novara Buzz (1-speed, soon to be 2-speed w/ a kickback hub), Xootr 1-speed folder
If you don't open it up much (i.e., no straightaways longer than a mile or so), lower gearing is OK. For riding around Boston (lots of traffic mostly flat but for a few notable hills), I run 42 x 15 with 700 x 35 cross tires. If you decide you want to roam more freely around Ontario (it is Yours to Discover, after all), you might like something a little steeper.
03-21-05 | 10:11 AM
#5
Wher'd u Get That Jacket?
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere in the Tubes
Bikes: Calfee Dragonfly, Lemond Poprad, Airborne Manhatten Project, Calfee Luna Fixie
I use a 44x17. I'm a spinner. I live in an area with short hills. For rides west, on weekends, where I open it up a bit, and where the hills are infrequent, a 44x16 is better. I ride brakeless, and have one knee that is just ok, so the small gear allows me to accelerate quickly, stop quickly, get over the hills, and not burn myself on my long commute, so it helps me to pace myself. Also trains my pedalstroke for road racing.
03-21-05 | 11:04 AM
#7
Gone, but not forgotten
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,508
Likes: 1
From: Toronto
Bikes: spicer fixie, Haro BMX, cyclops track, Soma Double Cross, KHS Flite 100
I run 40x16 on my winter brakeless bike and 42x15 on my summer brakeless bike (have not had much experience brakeless with this gearing...) I have to say 40x16 is great for Toronto. There hasn't been a hill I haven't been able to hammer up yet, even when going in and out of the ravines. Can be a little limiting if you like going excessively fast, but I can keep up with traffic without needing a ridiculous spin.
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I'm biking across North America on the Internet!
https://thedoublecross.blogspot.com/
I'm biking across North America on the Internet!
https://thedoublecross.blogspot.com/
03-21-05 | 11:27 AM
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,588
Likes: 0
From: st. pete/tampa, FL
i ride 48x16 on my track bike and 42x16 on my conversion. i have been neglecting my conversion for a while but i took it for a ride today and holy crap i felt like i was going so slow. it was so easy i felt like i could've skidded with one foot while sitting on my saddle.
03-21-05 | 11:45 AM
#9
like, really sloppy
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,285
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From: calipornia
03-21-05 | 12:11 PM
#10
Thread Starter
Get the stick.
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,543
Likes: 1
From: Toronto, ON
Bikes: 12 Y.O. Litespeed MTB, IRO Jamie Roy fixie, Custom Habanero Ti 'Cross, No name SS MTB, Old school lugged steel track bike (soon)
Thanks for the input guys. Looks like I am in the right ballpark at least. I've got a couple of other chainrings-a 42 and a 38 I think. Maybe I'll test it out with each of those and see what happens.
03-21-05 | 05:03 PM
#11
Beausage is Beautiful
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 5,504
Likes: 13
From: Saitama, Japan
Bikes: Nabiis Alchemy
I'm running 45x18 right now and it's super comfy. When I get out of MO and can ride every day I'll switch it back to 48 up front, since then I won't be so squishy and slow...
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Yo. Everything I’m doing is linked on What’s up with Dave? but most of note currently is Somewhere in Japan.
Yo. Everything I’m doing is linked on What’s up with Dave? but most of note currently is Somewhere in Japan.
03-22-05 | 09:04 AM
#13
Thread Starter
Get the stick.
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,543
Likes: 1
From: Toronto, ON
Bikes: 12 Y.O. Litespeed MTB, IRO Jamie Roy fixie, Custom Habanero Ti 'Cross, No name SS MTB, Old school lugged steel track bike (soon)
I'm still pushing the same gear, didn't get a chance to change it. Man, I am *SORE*. My calves, quads, even my hamstrings hurt. I never would have expected that, since I've been riding SS all winter with pretty much the same gear, on the same bike. The "engine braking" part really takes it out of you-like doing a set a hack squats at every light. I am finding I use my front brake very little, but I can't imagine ever taking it off.
