Now that's why fixed can be scary...

alex16zx

ellieb - You put your feet on the floor and hope you get enough traction to stop yourself! Or, as desribed above, the chain gets caught up in the wheels and you skid to a stop.

Brun - beat me to it!

lost_in_thought

ellieb wrote:

Er.... What happens if the chain snaps & comes right off when you have no brakes? :?

Bad things. Very bad things.

Actually, from my experience on the old commuter (picture linked in signature) which had nothing but a back-pedal brake (different to a fixed gear), if the chain comes off you just lean over to one side, usually the left, so you can plant your foot on the ground and use your rubbery sole to slow you to a halt.

However, on the fixed gear, I have 2 brakes, because a fixed gear is not as good at stopping you as a back-pedal brake. Also, it goes a lot faster than the old commuter, and cleated road shoes are rarely very grippy.

_brun_ wrote:

I'm not quite sure when it's really approriate to signal both ways, although I can imagine it looking rather zen-like as you cruise down the road with outstretched arms.

Ooh look, another pedant!

I hope you realise how incredibly insensitive you're being...

Actually I wish I could ride without my hands on the bars. It's a good skill. I'll request it along with my trackstanding lessons.

always_tyred

amaferanga wrote:

Always Tyred wrote:

Crap for going up hills, crap for going down hills. Every day I climb about 400m during my round trip. A fixed or ss would hardly be ideal.

Really?

if fixed is so crap for going up hills why do people compete in hill climb races on fixed?

Because they are only going up. I seem to remember that Lance used gears on uphill TT's....I also recall some people using fixies in a 1km pancake flat Giro prologue a couple of years ago and comprehensively not doing as well as expected.

Look, strong man, its perfectly possible to ride a rickshaw to work, but its not ideal.

The fixie phenomenon is similar in many ways to the urban 4x4 phenomenon. 4x4's can be interesting and fun, and they have good traction and better visibility (unless you are behind a bigger 4x4). However they are thirsty, big, handle like crap and take a longer time to stop. Not ideal for getting around tight European cities.

Given the down sides, why are (were) they so popular? Because next door had one and the car makers all made them and told us that what we should want to buy from them.

amaferanga

Always Tyred wrote:

amaferanga wrote:

Always Tyred wrote:

Crap for going up hills, crap for going down hills. Every day I climb about 400m during my round trip. A fixed or ss would hardly be ideal.

Really?

if fixed is so crap for going up hills why do people compete in hill climb races on fixed?

Because they are only going up. I seem to remember that Lance used gears on uphill TT's....I also recall some people using fixies in a 1km pancake flat Giro prologue a couple of years ago and comprehensively not doing as well as expected.

Look, strong man, its perfectly possible to ride a rickshaw to work, but its not ideal.

The fixie phenomenon is similar in many ways to the urban 4x4 phenomenon....

Its perfectly possible to find a gear that's good for both. People ride long and hilly audaxes (600km) on fixed and some even do PBP on fixed just as quickly as folk on geared bikes. There are plenty of downsides to geared bikes for commuting that might make you say they rae far from ideal. Each to their own. But to say fixed is crap going up hill and down hill is utter crap.

always_tyred

amaferanga wrote:

Its perfectly possible to find a gear that's good for both. People ride long and hilly audaxes (600km) on fixed and some even do PBP on fixed just as quickly as folk on geared bikes. There are plenty of downsides to geared bikes for commuting that might make you say they rae far from ideal. Each to their own. But to say fixed is crap going up hill and down hill is utter crap.

Really? My maximum speed on my commute is about 40mph. My minumum speed is about 10mph. Please let me know what single gear ratio is ideal for both of these speeds.

Its not about "possible" its about "ideal", don't forget. Its possible for me to get across Dartmoor on a 39x12 because my gear cable has snapped. Trust me, its not ideal.

I also made the point myself that open geared bikes might also be considered non-ideal for commuting.

Just like 4x4's, some people love fixies, which I have no problem with, but the popularity is unquestionably over inflated by fashion and marketing. People are going out and buying fixies as their first bike. Why? Because its in the window and the 17 year old dude in the shop thinks they are cool.

(Have I wound you up yet?)

biondino

amaferenga, you really don't think a fixie is crap for going downhill?

always_tyred

biondino wrote:

amaferenga, you really don't think a fixie is crap for going downhill?

A fixie can be ideal for going down hill.

A fixie can be ideal for going up hill.

You just need ideally need 2 of them to go up hill and down hill.

Tempestas

Always Tyred wrote:

amaferanga wrote:

Its perfectly possible to find a gear that's good for both. People ride long and hilly audaxes (600km) on fixed and some even do PBP on fixed just as quickly as folk on geared bikes. There are plenty of downsides to geared bikes for commuting that might make you say they rae far from ideal. Each to their own. But to say fixed is crap going up hill and down hill is utter crap.

Really? My maximum speed on my commute is about 40mph. My minumum speed is about 10mph. Please let me know what single gear ratio is ideal for both of these speeds.

Its not about "possible" its about "ideal", don't forget. Its possible for me to get across Dartmoor on a 39x12 because my gear cable has snapped. Trust me, its not ideal.

I also made the point myself that open geared bikes might also be considered non-ideal for commuting.

Just like 4x4's, some people love fixies, which I have no problem with, but the popularity is unquestionably over inflated by fashion and marketing. People are going out and buying fixies as their first bike. Why? Because its in the window and the 17 year old dude in the shop thinks they are cool.

(Have I wound you up yet?)

What works for you may not work for someone else, so to right off what is a simplistic and efficient way of commuting through city streets is some what ridiculous. I ride a fixed and a geared bike and luckily I am intelligent enough to think :idea: hills need gears, I will take the one with more than one on the back today 8)

Fixed geared bikes may be fashionable, but having owned my Condor 531 for 15 years I doubt mine is. Now how many geared bikes have I owned in this time and worn out? 15 plus at least, the only thing that wears out on my Condor is the tyres and front brake blocks. This means I can save money and spend it on the really nice stuff, whilst pedalling 'all' the way to work and not hiding on the descents.

amaferanga

biondino wrote:

amaferenga, you really don't think a fixie is crap for going downhill?

No I don't think riding downhill on fixed is crap.

biondino

But but but why?

UnworthyPapaLazaru

This is stupid. Everyone stop.

Littigator

AT...yes you've suceeded in winding me up. You say you have 'no problem' with people riding fixed and yet you've spent all afternoon trying to make out that people that choose to are in some way mentally deficient for not realising that gears are best.

Some people just want something a little different now and then. I ride a geared road bike....I recently spent a couple of weeks riding MTBs and thoroughly enjoyed it, but I also love my fixed gear bike for a shear simplicity.

Almost all couriers ride fixed around urban areas which is testament to how well they suit this style of riding.

Notwithstanding whether they are good for the job or not if people like them (even if it's just a fad ) who cares let they do want they want to do, and if it makes cycling more popular then surely that's a good thing.

It takes all kinds of animals to make a zoo mate

il_principe

biondino wrote:

But but but why?

Fixed gear road bikes were actually used in the Tour de France until the 1930s. The organizers knew that the single speed bike was much more challenging than multiple geared bikes and thus outlawed the “sissy” bikes for years. These bikes actually had two gears. The rear wheel had what was called a “flip-flop” hub that had a cog on each side. The smaller cogs were used on the flats and descents while a larger cog (read: lower gear) was used to climb the mountains. The riders had to stop at the bottom of steep climbs and remove the rear wheel, flipping it around and installing it with the lower gear. They climbed the mountain, stopped at the top and reversed the process.

They were proper men!

Littigator

With nowt but a flat cap turned backwards and a bottle of pinot noir to get them through the day

always_tyred

jashburnham wrote:

biondino wrote:

But but but why?

Fixed gear road bikes were actually used in the Tour de France until the 1930s. The organizers knew that the single speed bike was much more challenging than multiple geared bikes and thus outlawed the “sissy” bikes for years. These bikes actually had two gears. The rear wheel had what was called a “flip-flop” hub that had a cog on each side. The smaller cogs were used on the flats and descents while a larger cog (read: lower gear) was used to climb the mountains. The riders had to stop at the bottom of steep climbs and remove the rear wheel, flipping it around and installing it with the lower gear. They climbed the mountain, stopped at the top and reversed the process.

They were proper men!

they then got to the bottom of the mountain, knocked on the door of the local blacksmith and repaired their bicycles using the oxygen from their own lungs (not with any asistance from the blacksmith), before downing a bottle of amphetamines, and a bottle of cognac and resuming the race and dropping dead a day later.

Littigator

Apart from mixing about 6 real stories into one...,.yes that's exactly how it used to be.

None of this 'team bus' nonsense!

always_tyred

Littigator wrote:

AT...yes you've suceeded in winding me up. You say you have 'no problem' with people riding fixed and yet you've spent all afternoon trying to make out that people that choose to are in some way mentally deficient for not realising that gears are best.

Some people just want something a little different now and then. I ride a geared road bike....I recently spent a couple of weeks riding MTBs and thoroughly enjoyed it, but I also love my fixed gear bike for a shear simplicity.

Almost all couriers ride fixed around urban areas which is testament to how well they suit this style of riding.

Notwithstanding whether they are good for the job or not if people like them (even if it's just a fad ) who cares let they do want they want to do, and if it makes cycling more popular then surely that's a good thing.

It takes all kinds of animals to make a zoo mate

Couries (allegedly) use fixies and ss's because they (a) ride all day, all year, all weathers and (b) leave their bikes outside of buildings very frequently. Hence, the requirement for bullet proof mechanicals and a bike that no one wants because its horrible to ride and not worth anything took precedence over function. I bet if you ask couriers, they aren't terribly pleased that everyone now appears to see fixies as desirable.

Look, I'd like a fixie - hell, I might even convert my soon to be retired commuting road bike. If I do convert my old road bike, I'll be giving it a try out of curiosity and this because lots of other people are doing it. Anyone else brave enough to admit that? No, its because fixies are "better" not because of a recent trend, god no.

Like you, though, I'd hate this to be my only bike. And I'd get a reversible hub. I've not been debating with people saying they like a fixie every now and then, but with those extolling the virtues of fixies without regard to the fact that the thread was started by someone who pulled out of their pedal and had to contend with a 17cm blunt weapon spinning at 100rpm, while they veered about trying to regain control of their vehicle. Note that several other posters experienced similar, or worse, problems.

I ventured to suggest that this facet of fixed gear riding, combined with the identifieable disadvantages associated with both getting up and then getting back down a 12% hill (for example) rendered the fixed gear a sub-optimal form of transport, as compared to (for example) a hub-geared bike.

I doubt fixies make cycling more popular. If you go to a shiny bike shop and buy your first bike in a decade because of the credit crunch, are you more likely still to be riding to work on it 6 months later if it is the most practical conveyance for the commute, or if it is the prettiest, most mechanically elegant machine in the shop?

I'm actually, if anything, merely proposinig that you are mentally deficient if you feel that a fixed gear bike is all you need and that its just as good as a road or audax bike, or any other bike at any other time for all types of riding. Indeed, I believe that one of the "benefits" of riding fixed on hills was that it made riding harder, and that if you were fitter and stronger, you could keep up. Erm....okay.... I think I rest my case.

Hands up everyone who feels that fashion has NOTHING to do with the sudden rise in popularity of fixed gear bikes? The aggitation that I've caused does suggest otherswise. (And that's not to suggest that there aren't people who've had and loved fixies for years and years, but you can't ALL be Brian)

I am trolling, just a little.

always_tyred

Tempestas wrote:

Fixed geared bikes may be fashionable, but having owned my Condor 531 for 15 years I doubt mine is. Now how many geared bikes have I owned in this time and worn out? 15 plus at least

What on earth have you been doing that you have to buy a new bike annually because its WORN OUT? Lets not descend into rediculous sweeping statements and absurd exaggerations, people.

lost_in_thought

TROLL! TROLL! Tie him to a stake and burn him! BURN HIM!

Have you burnt him yet? No? Why not?

I agree that the recent sudden influx of fixed gears has got to have something to do with fashion, but AT I wonder why you now say you'd have one? I mean, surely as you've just jumped on the bandwagon you're no more than a fashion victim... you'll be wearing those venetian blind sunglasses next. And if a fashion statement bike gets people cycling then I'm all for it.

Basically, if you're somewhere hilly and figure FG would be too much like hard work, then don't ride one! If you're somewhere flat, why not get a FG? It'll improve your fitness and pedalling technique, and you might like it...

biondino

Always Tyred wrote:

Look, I'd like a fixie - hell, I might even convert my soon to be retired commuting road bike. If I do convert my old road bike, I'll be giving it a try out of curiosity and this because lots of other people are doing it.

*applause*

My feelings entirely. I'm not sure the "mentally deficient" comment is very helpful though!

simple_salmon

I bought a fixed for several reasons.

In no particular order:

1. It was fashionable (there I said it :oops: )
2. I wanted a winter bike I didn't feel I had to clean thoroughly after every ride (it was a much cheaper bike than my others so I'm less precious about it).
3. I believed that I could get a more efficient form of training from it when I'm short of time.

I wouldn't want it to be my only bike but I do really enjoy riding it. Mind you I enjoy riding all my bikes so there you go...

Littigator

Always Tyred wrote:

Littigator wrote:

AT...yes you've suceeded in winding me up. You say you have 'no problem' with people riding fixed and yet you've spent all afternoon trying to make out that people that choose to are in some way mentally deficient for not realising that gears are best.

Some people just want something a little different now and then. I ride a geared road bike....I recently spent a couple of weeks riding MTBs and thoroughly enjoyed it, but I also love my fixed gear bike for a shear simplicity.

Almost all couriers ride fixed around urban areas which is testament to how well they suit this style of riding.

Notwithstanding whether they are good for the job or not if people like them (even if it's just a fad ) who cares let they do want they want to do, and if it makes cycling more popular then surely that's a good thing.

It takes all kinds of animals to make a zoo mate

Couries (allegedly) use fixies and ss's because they (a) ride all day, all year, all weathers and (b) leave their bikes outside of buildings very frequently. Hence, the requirement for bullet proof mechanicals and a bike that no one wants because its horrible to ride and not worth anything took precedence over function. I bet if you ask couriers, they aren't terribly pleased that everyone now appears to see fixies as desirable.

Look, I'd like a fixie - hell, I might even convert my soon to be retired commuting road bike. If I do convert my old road bike, I'll be giving it a try out of curiosity and this because lots of other people are doing it. Anyone else brave enough to admit that? No, its because fixies are "better" not because of a recent trend, god no.

Like you, though, I'd hate this to be my only bike. And I'd get a reversible hub. I've not been debating with people saying they like a fixie every now and then, but with those extolling the virtues of fixies without regard to the fact that the thread was started by someone who pulled out of their pedal and had to contend with a 17cm blunt weapon spinning at 100rpm, while they veered about trying to regain control of their vehicle. Note that several other posters experienced similar, or worse, problems.

I ventured to suggest that this facet of fixed gear riding, combined with the identifieable disadvantages associated with both getting up and then getting back down a 12% hill (for example) rendered the fixed gear a sub-optimal form of transport, as compared to (for example) a hub-geared bike.

I doubt fixies make cycling more popular. If you go to a shiny bike shop and buy your first bike in a decade because of the credit crunch, are you more likely still to be riding to work on it 6 months later if it is the most practical conveyance for the commute, or if it is the prettiest, most mechanically elegant machine in the shop?

I'm actually, if anything, merely proposinig that you are mentally deficient if you feel that a fixed gear bike is all you need and that its just as good as a road or audax bike, or any other bike at any other time for all types of riding. Indeed, I believe that one of the "benefits" of riding fixed on hills was that it made riding harder, and that if you were fitter and stronger, you could keep up. Erm....okay.... I think I rest my case.

Hands up everyone who feels that fashion has NOTHING to do with the sudden rise in popularity of fixed gear bikes? The aggitation that I've caused does suggest otherswise. (And that's not to suggest that there aren't people who've had and loved fixies for years and years, but you can't ALL be Brian)

I am trolling, just a little.

You're trolling a lot actually which is nothing but annoying

always_tyred

lost_in_thought wrote:

TROLL! TROLL! Tie him to a stake and burn him! BURN HIM!

Have you burnt him yet? No? Why not?

I agree that the recent sudden influx of fixed gears has got to have something to do with fashion, but AT I wonder why you now say you'd have one? I mean, surely as you've just jumped on the bandwagon you're no more than a fashion victim... you'll be wearing those venetian blind sunglasses next. And if a fashion statement bike gets people cycling then I'm all for it.

Basically, if you're somewhere hilly and figure FG would be too much like hard work, then don't ride one! If you're somewhere flat, why not get a FG? It'll improve your fitness and pedalling technique, and you might like it...

Read my posts people!

First up, no one has spotted or taken me up on my comment that the "pros", the cycle couriers, don't mix clipless and fixed that often (as far as i've observed). I might be wrong, but who knows ' cos you ignored it. Thus the debate is restricted to fixies rather than single speeds.

Second - "menally deficient" wasn't my line, I was just quoting it back.

Third - the "menally deficient" quote was made by someone who pretty much repeated, with respect to different types of bikes (e.g. a mtb), exactly what I'd said about 4x4's in an earlier post, by way of analogy, whilst feeling that they were disagreeing with me.

Forth - I happily admit that the concept of a fixed gear bike would not have ocurred to me in a million years were it not for the present trend in fixies. Thus, I repeat that if I convert my road bike, it will be out of curiosity borne of the present fashion. My point is supported by the fact that you seem to have missed this and assumed that I'd never admit it. Why? Because this might entail admitting it yourselves (LiT you are excused as you've admitted it. So are you, Biondino, because you agree with me and I like people who agree with me).

always_tyred

Littigator wrote:

You're trolling a lot actually which is nothing but annoying

Raw nerve.

I'm trolling a little - but also, I hope, being a little challenging. Like I say, you haven't actually disagreed with me, other than the fashion thing, which you haven't commented on. I'm here to be knocked down if my reasoning is incorrect.

Littigator

Always Tyred wrote:

lost_in_thought wrote:

TROLL! TROLL! Tie him to a stake and burn him! BURN HIM!

Have you burnt him yet? No? Why not?

I agree that the recent sudden influx of fixed gears has got to have something to do with fashion, but AT I wonder why you now say you'd have one? I mean, surely as you've just jumped on the bandwagon you're no more than a fashion victim... you'll be wearing those venetian blind sunglasses next. And if a fashion statement bike gets people cycling then I'm all for it.

Basically, if you're somewhere hilly and figure FG would be too much like hard work, then don't ride one! If you're somewhere flat, why not get a FG? It'll improve your fitness and pedalling technique, and you might like it...

Read my posts people!

First up, no one has spotted or taken me up on my comment that the "pros", the cycle couriers, don't mix clipless and fixed that often (as far as i've observed). I might be wrong, but who knows ' cos you ignored it. Thus the debate is restricted to fixies rather than single speeds.

Second - "menally deficient" wasn't my line, I was just quoting it back.

Third - the "menally deficient" quote was made by someone who pretty much repeated, with respect to different types of bikes (e.g. a mtb), exactly what I'd said about 4x4's in an earlier post, by way of analogy, whilst feeling that they were disagreeing with me.

Forth - I happily admit that the concept of a fixed gear bike would not have ocurred to me in a million years were it not for the present trend in fixies. Thus, I repeat that if I convert my road bike, it will be out of curiosity borne of the present fashion. My point is supported by the fact that you seem to have missed this and assumed that I'd never admit it. Why? Because this might entail admitting it yourselves (LiT you are excused as you've admitted it. So are you, Biondino, because you agree with me and I like people who agree with me).

AT, you're still doing nothing but trolling. Change the record.

il_principe

Always Tyred wrote:

Littigator wrote:

You're trolling a lot actually which is nothing but annoying

Raw nerve.

I'm trolling a little - but also, I hope, being a little challenging. Like I say, you haven't actually disagreed with me, other than the fashion thing.

Most couriers I've seen are clipless and fixed.

I love my SS and it is perfect for London and training. Basically you need to MTFU and give it a go, or perhaps your legs have atrophied to the point that you're permanently stuck in the granny ring (all that lurking under bridges can't help)



.this post is made in jest.

biondino

Litts what's the problem? AT's provided a very well reasoned argument, he's not saying people or indeed he) shouldn't ride fixies, and he's being a bit mischievous into the bargain! Calm down dear

Littigator

Always Tyred wrote:

Littigator wrote:

You're trolling a lot actually which is nothing but annoying

Raw nerve.

I'm trolling a little - but also, I hope, being a little challenging. Like I say, you haven't actually disagreed with me, other than the fashion thing, which you haven't commented on. I'm here to be knocked down if my reasoning is incorrect.

What that I bought a fixed cos it was fashionable? Yes I did...sorry I forgot to confirm that in earlier posts, I thought it was obvious. But so what, what's your point...is there one?

My point is I tried it, I love it, I still ride it. You haven't tried it and yet you've spent all afternoon arguing against it. As others have suggested perhaps you should give it a go. As I said before it is imply something different and adds a bit of variety to my riding.

mm1

in my youth (many, many years ago) almost everyone ride fixed in winter and if they raced rode track as well as road and TT's. Before the "discovery" of (big) gears for TTing, many club riders used only one (fixed gear) bike for everything (apart from road racing), including communting.

Interestingly Hugh Porter (4 times world pro pursuit chanmpion) once said that he never trained on fixed and woudn't recmmended it to anyone not able to train on the flat.

Littigator

biondino wrote:

Litts what's the problem? AT's provided a very well reasoned argument, he's not saying people or indeed he) shouldn't ride fixies, and he's being a bit mischievous into the bargain! Calm down dear

There is no problem BD, I simply disagree with AT that fixed are not suited for urban riding, I think they are and so do a lot of people.