Why use a fixed, ups and downs?

Mark Alexander

I have 3 bikes. My Felt F4, Monoc Alu TC2 compact and a Daws Giro flat bar racer which is bloody un comfortable.

I live in Cardiff and I've been using the Dawes for around town riding (a lot I don't drive) and some commuting three miles each way. There are no hills.

I have been wondering why people ride a fixed. what are the ups and downs?
will it make my legs stronger, less likely to get stolen etc?

domtyler

Yep, your legs will definitely not get stolen if you buy a fixed.
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TEEN VID

Big Red S

Your legs get stronger, and your knees get irritated for a while.

I ride mine because it's great fun, and nigh on zero maintenance. I'd have thought it's less likely to get stolen, but they are becoming fashionable, and thieves seem to be quite fashion-savvy.

Lazarus

Mark , hills aren't a problem within moderation, I live in Pontypridd and if i leave out the major hills then there isn't much around to get frightened about .

It can make you stronger if you work at it, but so can everything else

Tend to take the fixed out when I want to ride on my own and have a blast, It's ideal for that. It makes you think more about where your going and picking your route more carefully,

An obvious statement but I know I'm riding a fixed when I'm about 5 miles from home and tired , there's nowhere to hide on a fixed, you just have to knuckle down and get through it. I think it's that aspect of a fixed that makes you stronger

They are fun, just keep pedalling

AndyGates

Definitely makes you stronger because you *have* to work at it - if you slack off, you stop and fall over

Just plain feels nice, and you can pretend to be elite

rdaviesb

Ride fixed. You wlll get stronger and your ability to up the cadence will improve dramatically.

sonicred007

I've found an improvement to my general cycling ability from just a single speed. So a fixed must do even more

The thought of losing speed unnecessarily when approaching an incline has really focussed my mind and legs when there's no gears to help you make it up :idea: