Is riding a fixie fun?
Discussion
V1nce Fox said:
What's the additional appeal over a single? I'm guessing the direct drive feel and ability to lock the car up must be part of it?
That’s sounds pompous. Just saying what it is for me. Plus it exercises your legs and upper body in a different way. Plus anticipating traffic flows and building in precaution and being smooth about power delivery. A fixie ride is a much more involved experience.
I’ve only started recently.
Purest form of cycling and, yes, great fun when you're fit 'enough' (and familiarity/technique does compensate to a large degree for lack of fitness)... not sure I'd want to use one in London traffic 'though.
Stir in a velodrome and some competition for about the best adrenaline hit on wheels...
Stir in a velodrome and some competition for about the best adrenaline hit on wheels...
I've ridden velodrome and really enjoy it but I cannot for the life of me think why anyone would want to risk riding a fixie in a town / city.
"Oh your bike has no brakes, sir? That's not very sensible is it.." as the officer looks down at your mangled form and that of whatever / whomever you hit.
"Oh your bike has no brakes, sir? That's not very sensible is it.." as the officer looks down at your mangled form and that of whatever / whomever you hit.
simonpieman said:
That's a couple of very cool looking bikes 
I'd definitely run with a front brake no question. Actually toying with building one from a classic steel Raleigh frame I have spare. I had debated using the existing rear with a lock ring and fixie cog, but don't trust it not to undo, so the minimum I need for the build would be a fixie/flipflop rear.
Sa Calobra said:
And that's f
king stunning. Even has my favourite saddle of all time on it I’ve been riding a fixie for around 9 years and love it. I bought it when living in Spain as it looked cool but I love the fact that it’s simple to maintain, you have to pedal all the time so no coasting but downhills really make you work.
I like the connection with the bike and the challenge of effort all the time. It’s not for everyone but it works well for me
I like the connection with the bike and the challenge of effort all the time. It’s not for everyone but it works well for me
keith2.2 said:
I've ridden velodrome and really enjoy it but I cannot for the life of me think why anyone would want to risk riding a fixie in a town / city.
"Oh your bike has no brakes, sir? That's not very sensible is it.." as the officer looks down at your mangled form and that of whatever / whomever you hit.
Cheap 'Fixie/Single Speed' with front and rear caliper brakes too! "Oh your bike has no brakes, sir? That's not very sensible is it.." as the officer looks down at your mangled form and that of whatever / whomever you hit.
https://www.santafixie.com/en/fixie-state-ghoul.ht...
Flip flop hub means you can swop the wheel around for either single speed or fixie - you still have caliper brakes too. Best of both Worlds. Narrow bars, ideal city/town bike I find.
I get around Amsterdam a lot faster on mine than anyone on a Dutch bike. When my wife ends her contract there soon, I'm bringing it back here for local use, popping down to town for drinks, basic shopping etc.
It would be a pain in the arse off road because you couldn’t keep the pedals level when going over obstacles and you’d be forever grounding out on corners when the “wrong” pedal was on the down stroke. On the road it’s fun, you just need to be a bit more aware, and of course, on the track it’s just bliss....
V1nce Fox said:
Sa Calobra said:
And that's fking stunning. Even has my favourite saddle of all time on it Nice saddle though.
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