qtq said:I stopped into the LBS today looking for a new set of knicks, but then set
about talking about my potential fixed-gear conversion (an old road bike
with horizontal dropouts). They suggested that it might be somewhat
dangerous to try fixed-gearing in the city (where I live), and that I
should do a singlespeed conversion.
what are the advantages of going fixed? should I try adjusting chainline
and spacing to convert to a "singlespeed" (while leaving the rear cluster
and other chainrings on) first?
Devotees of fixed-gear make a number of claims, but to me it appears
to be entirely a matter of personal preference. I unintentionally
created a fixie for a while a number of years back, and had to ride it
that way daily for several weeks until I could undo what I'd screwed
up in the hub. It's an experience I would trade for walking any day.
Trying to get around in an area where foot trips abound meant that I
had to be constantly swerving away from things that I could have
coasted past safely, and curves that I'd have coasted through at speed
became slow turns. The only way to find out whether you will like (or
even be able to tolerate) a fixie is to try it. Those who adore them
sometimes speak in glowing terms of the metaphysical pleasures of
their rides, but to me, it was a plain, ordinary, unforgiving pain in
the neck. I was glad to be done with it, and I won't be going there
again.
As for trying a single-speed, well, that's easy. Pick a single gear,
get into it, and then Just Don't Shift. (This also allows you to
change your mind on the fly, either about what ratio is best, or about
the whole idea of single-speeding.)
--
Typoes are a feature, not a bug.
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