[CR]Fixed Gear

(Example: Framebuilders:Chris Pauley)

From: "Doug Smith" <doug@kingsweir.plus.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Fri, 10 Feb 2006 22:50:19 -0000
Subject: [CR]Fixed Gear

A subject that has been well aired over the years here on the list but always interesting to follow another thread. Many members will probably remember and are well aware of my views I've expressed from time to time. As a brief recap, being one of the generation who started their cycling days riding fixed mainly because of the cost of gear set ups and it was the fashion one could say. As most folk agreed in their response ,choosing to ride this way one always has complete control as rider and machine. It certainly taught people how peddle correctly and keep the rhythm constant whether on the flat or uphill. Alas as much as I would like to use this type of riding today my legs would'nt take the strain as they do with a single freewheel or gears. My main choice of riding is with a three speed Sturmey Archer AC close ratio free wheel or the Bayliss Wiley free hub,these are plentiful for my riding and on many occasions I do'nt even change from my 63/65"gear on the whole of my journey. By doing this I find I'm not only benefit from a constant rhythm but free of leg fatigue which would occure should I keep changing up and down. Yes I vote for fixed gear riding at anytime and good luck to you folks who do use them , to me its a memory and a nice one at that! O! well keep twiddling and take care
Doug Smith
North Dorset
UK