Fixie or Singlespeed?

bartman100

Just bought a Charge plug - currently setup as a fixie with no brakes. I'm nervous about riding it as it is so am considering swapping the flip-flop over to the singlespeed freehub side. Anyone persuade me to stick it out with the fixie for a while? If so, I need at least a front brake I think - recommendations?

Alitogata

I would definitely recommend to install two brakes and the rear wheel to the fixed geared side. Try to get used of the bike without skidding in the beginning, and then later remove if you want the rear brake. ( but don't remove the front brake in any case. Is not that wise IMHO).
It would be good to avoid roads with traffic in the beginning, and don't get into traffic with your fixie until you are sure that you can handle and control the bike properly.
Single speed riding is completely different from fixed geared. So if you want to get used to the second you have to learn how to use it from the beginning. Is not that difficult though( perhaps a little more tiring than riding with a free wheel).

marcusjb

I'd be nervous riding a fixed-wheel with no brakes as well - at least anywhere other than on the track.

Definitely agree with starting with 2 brakes if you've not ridden fixed before. If you must, then remove the rear brake once you're comfortable with leg-braking.

Riding fixed isn't hard - just very different to a bike with a freewheel. Takes time to get into it.

Monty Dog

If you're new to riding fixed, particularly if dealing with hills or traffic, then fit both front and rear brakes - there's nothing heroic about going under a bus or going over the bars. If you can persevere with fixed, you will notice an improvement in your pedal stroke and strength whereas singlespeed is just riding in the wrong gear ;-)

FatTed

Monty Dog wrote:

If you're new to riding fixed, particularly if dealing with hills or traffic, then fit both front and rear brakes - there's nothing heroic about going under a bus or going over the bars. If you can persevere with fixed, you will notice an improvement in your pedal stroke and strength whereas singlespeed is just riding in the wrong gear ;-)

+1

bartman100

thanks for the advice all. TBH I was set on using as a singlespeed until I consulted the oracle that is Sheldon Brown who writes very persuasively about sticking with a fixed. I will indeed start with 2 brakes.

I'm assuming you'd want feet afixed to pedals? I have some Shimano A350's that have a flats one side and clips the other so these might be a good option.

Alitogata

If you have two brakes is not necessary to use clips or attach your feet to the pedals. This is needed in order to be able to skid. But don't use them until you know how to handle the bike properly and then go for toe clips and not clipless, like the double sided Shimanos you have.