OLDIE on a FIXED GEAR

gbs

Having read website comments and talked to a number of folk re SSFG I am inclined to try but before laying out more cash - " yes, darling, but it is a different sort of bike" - I want to know if I am risking knee damage.

I have had meniscus tears in both knees and have therefore less than full amount of cartilage and I am concerned that the inevitable uphill grinding may provoke more trouble.

I am not going to post this qn on the specialist website for FGSS fearing bias in the response

VinceEager

i ride a fixed throughout the winter, and for a couple of weeks last year was grinding away on a 48-15 gear ratio - didnt feel a thing in my knees. doesnt mean you wont though.
so (?)

keef66

Well I got a triple with a 12-25 cassette so I can always find a comfortable gear for my knackered knees. My next knee op will apparently involve replacing them completely. Finally, some Ti upgrades!!

skyd0g

I'd tend to avoid, given your knee history. Probably better to spin rather than grind.

Tail end Charlie

It depends on the hills you are going to ride. If they are short then I find riding fixed puts you in a mindset of taking a run up and blasting up them, if you see what I mean. I'd avoid fixed if you have long hills on your rides. I use a 48 x 18 and wouldn't really go any lower on the rear one. For my commute that ratio is fine for spinning along.

cougie

I'd give it a miss to be honest - fixed is good - but it is harder on your knees in my experience.

demmerson

I don't find riding fixed any harder on the knees than riding gears. Riding fixed has taught me how to spin so I can now ride at a much higher cadence than before. I would use a lowish gear and give it a try.

markos1963

I would normally say give it a go but after a particularly hard ride on sunday in the N Norfolk area and a bit of sorness in the knees the next day I would advise caution. If you want to ride around the city on fairly flat roads then it should be ok.