I got a fixed gear bike.

[notfred]

It's not actually my bike, but I had a new roommate move in this month who brought it and said I could ride it. It doesn't fit me at all. Regardless of the fact that my wrists hurt almost immediately and the saddle is the least comfortable I've ever sat on, it still gives an interesting experience as far as fixed gear riding goes. It's kind of cool to not use the brakes, and it certainly makes you think a lot more about exactly what your feet are doing.

Here's a pic.

Anyone out there ride fixed?

 

[Bootprint]

I thought you only rode those things in circles or big ass ovals.

 

[notfred]

Originally posted by: Bootprint
I thought you only rode those things in circles or big ass ovals.

Apparently some people like to ride them on the street, too.

 

[KingNothing]

What's the point of that?

 

[notfred]

Originally posted by: KingNothing
What's the point of that?

It's different, more challenging. I dunno, what's the point of unicycling, or skateboarding?

 

[Zim Hosein]

Your friend is cheating as a "track-bike" as I've always called them, don't have brake handles, having hand brakes takes away the fun/danger IMO 🙂

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

What the hell is up with that saddle?

 

[notfred]

Originally posted by: Zim Hosein
Your friend is cheating as a "track-bike" as I've always called them, don't have brake handles, having hand brakes takes away the fun/danger IMO 🙂

Heh, when I was riding it, I couldn't reach the brakes anyway... that bike just doesn't fit me at all 🙂

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: notfred

Originally posted by: Zim Hosein
Your friend is cheating as a "track-bike" as I've always called them, don't have brake handles, having hand brakes takes away the fun/danger IMO 🙂

Heh, when I was riding it, I couldn't reach the brakes anyway... that bike just doesn't fit me at all 🙂

You = Small Person?

 

[notfred]

Originally posted by: MichaelD

Originally posted by: notfred

Originally posted by: Zim Hosein
Your friend is cheating as a "track-bike" as I've always called them, don't have brake handles, having hand brakes takes away the fun/danger IMO 🙂

Heh, when I was riding it, I couldn't reach the brakes anyway... that bike just doesn't fit me at all 🙂

You = Small Person?

I'm 5'11". It's just a big bike. And technically, I could reach the brakes, but it hurt my wrists so I just slowed down with my feet.

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: notfred

Originally posted by: MichaelD

Originally posted by: notfred

Originally posted by: Zim Hosein
Your friend is cheating as a "track-bike" as I've always called them, don't have brake handles, having hand brakes takes away the fun/danger IMO 🙂

Heh, when I was riding it, I couldn't reach the brakes anyway... that bike just doesn't fit me at all 🙂

You = Small Person?

I'm 5'11". It's just a big bike. And technically, I could reach the brakes, but it hurt my wrists so I just slowed down with my feet.

Wow...you're only 2" shorter than I am. You can't reach the brake levers? That's a bigass bike! Did you try lowering the seat? oh wait..it's not your bike, so it's not like you can mess w/it. You were just riding it b/c you could, right?

That's cool. 🙂 Something new to do, anyway, right? Good luck w/your new roommate. You have considerably more patience than I do. :Q

 

[notfred]

Ok... riding backwards: not easy.

 

[LeaDxPainT]

I'm glad that you've had a chance to ride fixed 🙂 Hope you get one for tyourself inthe guture. IMO, fixed is the only way to ride. It's fun, improves cadence, it's the best workout you'll ever get on a bike (one speed constant pedaling), lighter, quieter, and theres less maintenance (1 chainwheel, chain, and 1 cog). I seriously could keep on going on about fixies but i'll link you to sites instead.

Fixed Gear Gallery

I'll link you all up to my Orange fixie later but until then this site will keep you busy.

 

[LeaDxPainT]

Originally posted by: notfred
Ok... riding backwards: not easy.

Indeed, I can site there doing a trackstand for hours but once I try kicking it in reverse it's all over 🙂

 

[Fausto]

You guys knew it was only a matter of time until I found this thread. 😀

BTW- I have brakes on it since Atlanta's really hilly and I don't feel like dying any time soon. 😛

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: KingNothing
What's the point of that?

1. With only one gear and no coasting, you have to learn to pedal faster to go faster. It's a great workout and improves your pedaling form over time.

2. It's something different and challenging. I know (crazy) guys who do all their winter training on a fixed-gear bike.