why?

You're asking that are like "Gee Johnny, why is your favorite color green?" or "Suzzy, why did you start taking karate? to protect yourself? For health? Out of boredom? to meet people? blah blah" everyone has their reasons. I think you listed some that in some ways belong to all. Why do you drive the car you drive? why do you live where you live? Why do you work where you work?

You can haul ass on a fixie. You don't ride slow. It weights nothing, it has virtually zero maintenance aside patching / replacing a tube once in a while and maybe regreasing. Is is simple. It is an asthetical thing. It's is a training thing. Most fixie riders will hand geared riders their own ass (I don't ride fixie, I ride ss, I assure you, I'm not bias). Typically fixie riders are couriers, commuters, their bike is their life. As far as mechanical advantage is concerned, I'm sure that is necessarily accurate. Geared bicycles are easier to pedal, however, your work payload gets all sorts of whacked in comparison to a fixied gear or an ss. Every stroke in your pedal, all of your torque / workforce is applied, not even close with geared bicycles. Nostalgic thing, "Look at me I used to be a track racer?" Are you serious? I don't think anyone riding a fixie thinks that way, did you really assume they did? I'm sure there's someone out there, I haven't met them. Of course it's different. There's a pride behind it. I don't ride fixie, but I understand their pride, same as when I ride my ss. The concept is: "I can any where you can, I have a less competitive advantage but apparently more will, I can generally beat you, and you don't understand why." It's weird concept. Here's one difference if you ride geared: When I see a hill, I stand up spring towards it, and ride as hard as I can up it. When you see a hill, you probably gear down for it. The type of training and legs you have to have for that is a huge difference. Doesn't make one better than the other, but it does make them different.

A simplistic bike is a beautiful thing. When you ride ss or fixie the bike is an extension of your body. Just like the first time you felt the difference between wearing regular shoes and then stepping it up and getting cycling shoes that clip in. Go demo a bike at your local preferred shop. You'll figure it out.

schmuzzy said:

ok- ive got a really dumb question...

can someone do an over-view of what fixed gear riding is and why?

is it an asthetic thing? a bicycle as simple in function as possible

is it a training thing? continuous peddling w/o the mechanical advantage of gearing

is it a nostalgic thing? "look at me, i used to be a track racer!"

or is it simply because its different?

i'm intrigued by it, i just dont know very much about it as no one i know has one and ive had my head in road racing for a bit now... and perhaps am ready to look around.

thanks in advance and sarcastic replies welcome.

thanks-

i didnt mean for my opening examples to sound derogatory or trite. but after what seemed to be a bit peeved of a response-

you actually answered my question quite well.

you mentioned you are not a fixed rider but a single speed. this means you can free wheel if necessary- and consequently, you need brakes.

whereas a fixed bike has a direct link forward and backward to the pedals. braking is done by slowing your cadence.

this is correct?

can anyone give a description as to how much harder a work out is with a fixed?

for instance: "i do a century every other day... but when i get out my fixed gear bike... i can only make it around the block twice..."
i think it'd be a great training tool and just want a bit more conversation on it befor i give it a try.

many thanks in advance.

You're fine. My apologies for a back and forth emotional roller coaster in my response to you (I just read my last reply to your original post).

Correct, I ride SS. I can free wheel when necessary, and thankfully, it allows me reason to have big disc brakes. ; )

A fixie has a direct link forward and backward to the pedals. Braking is done a two main ways, I guess kind of three. ; ) that's one of them and probably the most pratical.

I can't tell you what it would be like own a fixed gear bike, I own an SS. I have close friends who exclusively ride fixie and I have riden their bikes, but never used one for a prolongued period of time, i.e., months, used a friends for about a week to sample. Think of it this way: If you're moving, your legs are moving. If you're going fast: your legs are moving fast. If you're going slow, your legs are going slow. You have one gear ratio to work with. ; ) I live in SLC, UT. I see no practical reason to own a fixed-gear bike hear. I am considering however acquiring a Bianchi San Jose bianchiusa.com06 san jose.htmlOpen ↗ in the month of July. It is also SS not fixie. Considering the hills here, I just don't have an interest in having my leg chopped off when I'm blowing down the side of a steep incline at 42MPH. I'm using this bike primarily as a commuter. Pending on the eperience, I may be backwards enough to use it as a touring bike. O_O I've been going back and forth on the simplicity the bike above and its price, while comparing it to a Bianchi Axis. bianchiusa.com06 axis.htmlOpen ↗ Three times the price, much more practical? or is it? But I'll probably end up with the SS.

I don't where you live, but terrain is certainly something you should consider. If you're exclusively planning on using it for training and conditioning, go for the fixie. I personally enjoy my SS because I think it's more practical for where I live. Get feedback from others, and your local bike shop guys. See if you can find someone in your area who rides fixie.

Sorry for the long response.

schmuzzy said:

thanks-

i didnt mean for my opening examples to sound derogatory or trite. but after what seemed to be a bit peeved of a response-

you actually answered my question quite well.

you mentioned you are not a fixed rider but a single speed. this means you can free wheel if necessary- and consequently, you need brakes.

whereas a fixed bike has a direct link forward and backward to the pedals. braking is done by slowing your cadence.

this is correct?

can anyone give a description as to how much harder a work out is with a fixed?

for instance: "i do a century every other day... but when i get out my fixed gear bike... i can only make it around the block twice..."
i think it'd be a great training tool and just want a bit more conversation on it befor i give it a try.

many thanks in advance.

PS - this is off subject, but before you begin considering an SS. In my personal experience, I believe that a geared MTB (in this example) has no specific advantage over my SS aside when we're on a flat plain. My bike weighs 17 lbs. I can ride all day and never get tired and my legs are at the point to where the incline has to be awfully steep and awfully long before I can't make it up. My theory is I can make it up 95% of that which any other geared MTB can get up. Coming down is the fund part! (nothing to break) ; ).

schmuzzy said:

thanks-

i didnt mean for my opening examples to sound derogatory or trite. but after what seemed to be a bit peeved of a response-

you actually answered my question quite well.

you mentioned you are not a fixed rider but a single speed. this means you can free wheel if necessary- and consequently, you need brakes.

whereas a fixed bike has a direct link forward and backward to the pedals. braking is done by slowing your cadence.

this is correct?

can anyone give a description as to how much harder a work out is with a fixed?

for instance: "i do a century every other day... but when i get out my fixed gear bike... i can only make it around the block twice..."
i think it'd be a great training tool and just want a bit more conversation on it befor i give it a try.

many thanks in advance.

Because it's a beautiful thing! I have had a nice geared road bike and a MTB for years, but last year bought a fixed gear for fun. Now I ride the fixed gear much more than either of the other ones, although it is by far the cheapest bike I own. (Ebay, the next fixie I buy will be a lot better). I find riding the fixed a better experience. I have limited time to ride (who doesn't?!) and a fixed really gets in good miles. I always feel like I've had a good workout after I come back from a ride. I like the way your legs control the ride, not the gears. If it's an incline, pedal hard, if it's a decline, spin fast. It's just a great way to ride. I didn't really believe the hype before I bought mine, but now I tell everyone they should try it. I also find my constant pedaling carries over into my rides on my other bikes, and I have gotten faster on them also.

My daily rides are solo, but I do the occasional charity rides, etc. and find I pass many, many geared bikes. You get mucho respect on organized rides. I've been told by people I'm passing comments such as "fixed, you're a monster!", "50 miles on a fixed gear, that's crazy!", "I felt good about my pace uphill until you passed me on a fixed!", "That was wild, you got some fast legs!! (after seeing me spin more than 170 RPM going downhill), and many others. My fixie only cost me about $200, but it also gets as many, if not more, looks than carbon wonder bikes. I don't ride it for the attention factor, but thought I would mention it.

I do find that as much as I like fixed gear riding, I do ride with a front brake, and do not do crazy messenger stuff like skid stopping, riding no brakes, etc. I ride mine like a road bike, just fixed. I do use my legs to slow my rear wheel, but use a front brake to help stop. I'm not into the semi-hippy messenger/track scene, but view mine just a road bike, but a little different.

In all, I love it, and my dream bike has changed from a Colnago carbon w/Campy to a custom Independent Fabrications fixie. I really think you should try it if you can, your riding may never be the same!

riding a fixed gear bike is similar to motorcycle riding in that you really have to ride defensively. it is challenging mentally and physically is a better workout. i ride daily all year and like to vary my ride. try it you may like it!

wow. thanks. with a testamonial like that- i'm sold. and your wish for an independant fabrication is shared. i'm just WAITING for my bike to die (which will never happen) so i can call them up.

with that being said- any pointers for someone starting out? i'm thinking fixed gear as where i live- the only hills we have are over passes.

any recommendations on gearing?

again, muchos gracias to all who responded. perhaps you may get a posting in the very near future describing my "conversion".

thanks.

ghostpedal said:

Because it's a beautiful thing! I have had a nice geared road bike and a MTB for years, but last year bought a fixed gear for fun. Now I ride the fixed gear much more than either of the other ones, although it is by far the cheapest bike I own. (Ebay, the next fixie I buy will be a lot better). I find riding the fixed a better experience. I have limited time to ride (who doesn't?!) and a fixed really gets in good miles. I always feel like I've had a good workout after I come back from a ride. I like the way your legs control the ride, not the gears. If it's an incline, pedal hard, if it's a decline, spin fast. It's just a great way to ride. I didn't really believe the hype before I bought mine, but now I tell everyone they should try it. I also find my constant pedaling carries over into my rides on my other bikes, and I have gotten faster on them also.

My daily rides are solo, but I do the occasional charity rides, etc. and find I pass many, many geared bikes. You get mucho respect on organized rides. I've been told by people I'm passing comments such as "fixed, you're a monster!", "50 miles on a fixed gear, that's crazy!", "I felt good about my pace uphill until you passed me on a fixed!", "That was wild, you got some fast legs!! (after seeing me spin more than 170 RPM going downhill), and many others. My fixie only cost me about $200, but it also gets as many, if not more, looks than carbon wonder bikes. I don't ride it for the attention factor, but thought I would mention it.

I do find that as much as I like fixed gear riding, I do ride with a front brake, and do not do crazy messenger stuff like skid stopping, riding no brakes, etc. I ride mine like a road bike, just fixed. I do use my legs to slow my rear wheel, but use a front brake to help stop. I'm not into the semi-hippy messenger/track scene, but view mine just a road bike, but a little different.

In all, I love it, and my dream bike has changed from a Colnago carbon w/Campy to a custom Independent Fabrications fixie. I really think you should try it if you can, your riding may never be the same!

fix it and forget it

schmuzzy said:

t
can anyone give a description as to how much harder a work out is with a fixed?

Most freewheel riders have two dead spots in each crank revolution when a crank gets to the bottom of the stroke. At these spots crank rotation actually slows because pedaling through effectively is a subtle technique and it's too easy to take a momentary rest at the bottom of the stroke.

A direct linkage between crank and rear wheel creates a flywheel effect, where the rear wheel helps drive the crank through the dead spot. This results in a lighter, more supple stroke, and more power on moderate climbs. The flywheel effect lets the rider climb faster and in a higher gear than possible with a freewheel.

The lack of gear ratios also promotes flexibility and power for climbing and pedaling speed on descents and the flats. Obviously, you can't do long, steep climbs with a fixie, but on moderate or rolling terrain you get a hell of a workout. When I was young and serious I did some fixie training and always felt like a monster when I got back on my road bike.

Thanks loads for all the advice. i've alreadyset up my old Raleigh as a fixie... but its down at the moment. the reason is- i ideally wanted to convert my old Giant Cadex frame to a fixie- but it had verticle drop outs. [censored]. so by default, i stripped down the Raleigh. well, after riding it for a few days- i discovered an eccentric hub.

so i got one and am lacing it up at the moment. i'll post again once ive some pics loaded up to the photo section.

thanks again for all the advice/guidance.

one last question- i'm assuming anyone that rides a fixie(road bike configuration) on the street breaks down and puts a brake on it somewhere. I cant stop the thing in a short distance to save my life.

it messes a bit with the aesthetics... but necessary.

photos soon. thanks all.

schmuzzy said:

ok- ive got a really dumb question...

can someone do an over-view of what fixed gear riding is and why?

<snip>

i'm intrigued by it, i just dont know very much about it as no one i know has one and ive had my head in road racing for a bit now... and perhaps am ready to look around.

thanks in advance and sarcastic replies welcome.

If you were able to try it (in a safe place) and got used to it, you might have the answer. The feeling is of total control and being one with the bike. Slow down by resisting the pedals, stop quickly by hopping/skipping the back wheel; nothing is like it. Also the mechanical arrangement is as simple as possible; it's like zen cycling.

Bike messengers in cities like it; I found it great for commuting when I lived in a city. Front brakes are good to have for emergencies, but learning to slow and stop a bike without using a handbrake is very satisfying.

I smashed my elbow riding once and (with a cast) could get back on my fixed earlier than my road bike.

Some things are harder; I've never learned to jump on a fixed, but I've seen guys do it. Sheldon Brown talks about fixed-wheel mountain bikes; I don't think I coukd do that (I mean actually in the woods).

schmuzzy said:

one last question- i'm assuming anyone that rides a fixie(road bike configuration) on the street breaks down and puts a brake on it somewhere. I cant stop the thing in a short distance to save my life.

it messes a bit with the aesthetics... but necessary.

I was good at stopping fast, by skipping the rear wheel, and resisted putting a front brake on my fixed until I was going down a hill and my chain broke and fell off! What a feeling! I had to unclip my foot and press it on the rear tire until I slowed enough to jump off into a bush.

I rode my road bike to the bike store next thing and bought a brake.

Peter Hummers said:

I was good at stopping fast, by skipping the rear wheel, and resisted putting a front brake on my fixed until I was going down a hill and my chain broke and fell off! What a feeling! I had to unclip my foot and press it on the rear tire until I slowed enough to jump off into a bush.

I rode my road bike to the bike store next thing and bought a brake.

No shame in a brake, and in Australia its illegal not to.

schmuzzy said:

ok- ive got a really dumb question...

can someone do an over-view of what fixed gear riding is and why?

is it an asthetic thing? a bicycle as simple in function as possible

is it a training thing? continuous peddling w/o the mechanical advantage of gearing

is it a nostalgic thing? "look at me, i used to be a track racer!"

or is it simply because its different?

i'm intrigued by it, i just dont know very much about it as no one i know has one and ive had my head in road racing for a bit now... and perhaps am ready to look around.

thanks in advance and sarcastic replies welcome.

I can see the attraction,simple basic things are way less likely to go wrong.I've got an old Hercules bike with 3 speed Sturmey Archer gears and I love it,it doesn't let me down and has a surprising turn of speed,(I've embarassed quite a few mountain bikers on road with it).
I get really fed up with having to adjust the gears on my mountain bike all the time,but I don't think I'd opt for a single speed,3 speed is as basic as I'm going.

hbb.