Re: Re[CR] Fixed Gear Braking

(Example: Framebuilders:Masi)

Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2003 18:05:30 -0500
From: "Doc Simont" <mdsimont@snet.net>
To: John Pergolizzi <jtperry@worldnet.att.net>
Subject: Re: Re[CR] Fixed Gear Braking
References: <003201c2eca0$e7943ed0$f118480c@D1KBTP11>
cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org

John,

I think you've misunderstood my post. I was specifically refering to the riding of a fixed gear on the road *without brakes*. I don't care if it's a track bike, fixed gear road bike (i.e., '50s British TT machines), or a converted multi-geared bike. If you're on public roads and interacting with pedestrians, traffic, etc. you (we) have a responsibility to do so safely.

Do you feel that the addition of a brake on a bike intended for road use *detracts* from the benefits you listed? If a fixed gear bike has a brake on it do you think it should be removed before taking it out on the road?

I will also apologize for the use of the phrase "(mis)use" as being somewhat inflammatory. I was simply trying to be concise, and would have used the term "misapplication" if I thought it was appropriate in this case. (Can you misapply a bicycle?)

Doc Simont Cornwall, CT

John Pergolizzi wrote:
>
> Sorry group, but this got sent before being finished. It is now fit for
> reading:
>
> Doc Simont wrote (snip):
> "I think the relevant point here is (cut)it's the (mis)use of a bike
> designed for a
> particular use in an inappropriate environment."
>
> Sorry Doc, but your wrong one this one. I believe Chuck's "heh,heh"
> was tough in cheek sarcasm.
> What youse guys are missing is the use of the fixed gear on the road as a
> training device. Remember that fixed gear on the road was the "only" way
> not
> all that long ago.
> The specific benefits of fixed gear on the road were first explained to
> me by Sam Zeitlin (2ed to Disney, match sprints Nats in 67) Sam published
> an article on the subject in Velonews in 1977. I will gladly send a copy
> to
> any list member after my return to N.Y. at the end of the month.
> Basically, benefits include: developing muscle memory, development of
> opposing muscle groups, learning how to get "the BIG picture" (just like
> in
> driver's ed). You Loose dependency on brakes because you ride more
> conservatively and don't get your ass into "tight situations".
> For sure, it takes allot of rider attention, getting use to, and is not
> a training technique that would be used by a rider living in a super hilly
> area. Don't try a 48x14(92inchs) to start. 48x18 (72) would be much more
> appropriate. Even a little lower.
> The idea is to develop "spin", which is really the ability to relax.
> Since muscles can only so two things,contract or relax, you'll push down
> allot harder unless the opposing muscle group relaxes pretty quickly. That
> , plus power, is what sprinting is. Plus a little technique and tactics.
> Heh,heh.
> It is fun to ride the fixed gear road bike. You don't have to use it
> only to "train". And ANY bike can be fitted with at least a rear brake
> with
> out degrading the originality or integrity of the frame( through the use of
> a double brake hanger "plate" that sandwiches the seat stays at the brake
> bridge area). Even among racers training on the road, it was common enough
> to
> see this home made unit installed.
> Yes, you will have to "learn". Yes, their is intrinsic danger. Allot of
> danger in using a track bike on the track too! But if applied with the use
> of common sense, the design of the fixed gear road bike is appropriate for
> use beyond the track.
> Hope this sheds some light on the subject.
>
> Sincerely,
> JohnT.Pergolizzi
> Trackie and proud of it
> La Jolla, Ca.
> Brooklyn, New York