Just Bought a New Bike

[Le0]

Its a fixed gear. Super Fast, no brakes - Requiring a helmet from now on.

Had my previous one stolen. This one is quite exciting. Any one else ride a fixed gear, any advice?

[GuitarStv]

I'd advise that you put brakes on your bike.  It's not street legal in Ontario otherwise.

[Le0]

That is my plan. And I was wondering that exact thing, makes perfect sense to me.

Thanks for the info.

[somepissedoffman]

Don't forget to add a wrench to your patch kit so you can get the back wheel off, as those are almost never quick release.

If you got it used, make sure there's a lockring on the cog.  I know some people don't use them on their track bikes.

+infinity on the brake (AT LEAST a front brake).  Notice that most people on fixies without brakes make up for their decreased stopping power by simply not stopping at stop signs.  Main street ain't no velodrome.

[Le0]

Don't forget to add a wrench to your patch kit so you can get the back wheel off, as those are almost never quick release.

If you got it used, make sure there's a lockring on the cog.  I know some people don't use them on their track bikes.

+infinity on the brake (AT LEAST a front brake).  Notice that most people on fixies without brakes make up for their decreased stopping power by simply not stopping at stop signs.  Main street ain't no velodrome.

I'll admit I found myself doing that a little this morning. But I completely agree with you about stopping.

[Thegoblinchief]

What is the appeal of a fixed gear? Yeah, it's lower maintenance, but other than that, I don't get it at all.

[Russ]

I'd advise that you put brakes on your bike.  It's not street legal in Ontario otherwise.

brakes r 4 fakes

[James]

What is the appeal of a fixed gear? Yeah, it's lower maintenance, but other than that, I don't get it at all.

Super lightweight and smooth, very fun to ride if it works for you.

[GuitarStv]

I'd advise that you put brakes on your bike.  It's not street legal in Ontario otherwise.

brakes r 4 fakes

touche.


I recently watched a documentary about single-speed bikes called 'Premium Rush' that seemed to indicate agreement with you.

[Le0]

What is the appeal of a fixed gear? Yeah, it's lower maintenance, but other than that, I don't get it at all.

This particular fixed wheel has a 52 cm front crank. That means fast. Once I get a brake on there I am going to be stupid fast. Other than that it has been a very good workout even for short commutes.

[Russ]

This particular fixed wheel has a 52 cm front crank. That means fast.

that's not how gears work

[Le0]

This particular fixed wheel has a 52 cm front crank. That means fast.

that's not how gears work

Big on the front small on the back and large wheels. Pretty sure that is how it works. One pedal rotation is 3 wheel turns.

I was just simplifying it.

[Russ]

yeah but it's only fast if you can push it (good luck, 3.0 is a tall gear), and then you can't go any faster.

considering both mechanical efficiency of the drivetrain and cardio/muscular efficiency of the rider, fixed gears are unquestionably less efficient (i.e. slower) than geared bikes with an appropriate gearing range.

they are fun as shit though, so many skidzzzz

[Russ]

also, bigger gear = harder to stop w/ your legs, so be careful and don't fuck up your knees.

FWIW I ran a 48/18

[Le0]

also, bigger gear = harder to stop w/ your legs, so be careful and don't fuck up your knees.

FWIW I ran a 48/18

This is what I am dealing with exactly right now. I am putting a brake on it, hopefully this weekend. Otherwise the slow start doesn't matter to much to me, I am just in the city.