Any training benefit to riding fixed?

vermooten

Hi,

Would there be a training benefit to my riding a fixed? Would my pedalling action improve or anything like that?

I'm trying to get better at time trials, go faster in sportives and try my hand at road racing this year. I've tried track racing, didn't like it much.

All comments much appreciated!

Andy

ninjaslim

Depends on the terrain you ride

Do you plan on racing fixed?

Bronzie

I've ridden fixed for the past 2 winters, although probably less than 75 miles a week on average. I think my pedalling technique has improved...........certainly I can spin like a top now, which is handy for track racing (which I do a bit of) but not sure it's of much benefit otherwise. Possibly I have an extra bit of kick when the pace changes in a road race, but I'm not convinced on this.

I've also noticed I can power up climbs in the saddle now which I'd have previously honked up. Certainly I think I have improved my leg strength which does of course come in handy.

cannonfodder

There are many advocates of training with a fixed wheel to improve pedalling technique including Mr Armstrong.

Can definitely make for a interesting work out and improve leg strength. Not dared take one out on a club run yet though....

Bronzie

cannonfodder wrote:

Not dared take one out on a club run yet though....

I have done a handful of club runs on mine.............as long as the tossers don't take me down the 1-in-8 hill near where we meet I find I'm OK :roll:

Tend to head to the back when I know a fast bit is coming up so I don't cause confusion in the bunch, then I have to pedal like mad to catch them back up again! In reality, it's better if all or none of the bunch is on fixed.

dennisn

Not sure if it's true, but I seem to remember Greg Lemond being quoted as saying
he never rode a fixed. For what it's worth.

dennis Noward

SteveR_100Milers

Think of your legs as a car engine....diesel or petrol..slug it out or spin? I would have thought that you would want to optimise your output then you optimise to our personal cadence. I cant see the point in riding fixed other than limiting your effort in winter so long as you go 6-8" less than you think you should. Then again its possible that on a normal road ride it will give you hgh speed cadence and low speed strength in one ride.

Tom Butcher

I've done the club run on fixed - it can be fun and I think it does help develop your ability to use different cadences - whether that's a useful thing is another question.

Mark Alexander

I've been using a fixed for about a month (my 1st) and love it.
I don't know about any benefits as such. I think that my action is more smooth since starting and I no longer free wheel at all on the geared bike. I haven't noticed being any stronger but it hasn't been long.

I have bent the rear axel though 8)

Ken Night

Well Andy,

it's fun for one thing.....more time on the bike, without getting stale
+great to commute with
+souplesse improves
+stopping the thing exercises muscle groups not usually used
+power improves, no gears means you just get on with hills


to some it confers a certain chic or cachet if you're that way inclined

vermooten

So Ken I should get that darned Biachi Pista that's been winking at me for the last couple of weeks?

Is that what you're telling me to do????

Ken Night

I feel a little guitly feeding your OCD on this.....http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/2005/oct/JohnM.htm

It is about the bike


(mine is 1354)

cougie

Oh that was a nice shiny bike ! Dunno about the flat pedals tho ?

I have been riding a fixed exclusively thru the winter months for the last few years. I reckon it gives me more of a workout in less time as I cant freewheel like my training partners can.
Its fine for a clubrun - but i do go off the back downhill, but the uphills are no problem.

Best thing is that its an awful lot quicker to clean and less to go wrong !

I think there probably is a small benefit to riding fixed, but I'd do it even if there wasnt -because its such a blast.

vermooten

Ken you are EVIL! You too cougie...

dammit dammit dammit it's so shiny and lovely and could do me some good. The alternative is to get some powercranks and work on my cadence that way. But as Ken said, it really is about the bike.

Ashley_R

I hope there is a benefit, my LBS has just received my new Lemond Filmore, picking it up next week, can't wait!!

(Please don't quote me this the first time I encounter a hill on it!! :oops: )