I don't quite get the criticism directed at the fixie crowd, for lack of a better term to describe the group . One would think that more people riding bikes the better off all of us are. But essentially the criticism is about lifestyle with their bikes---tatoos, piercings, whatever--and not appreciating what we appreciate, and that smacks of a generational gap, one that get rechewed and spit out with variant degrees of venom generation after generation with the only change the target.
At least for me, even if it is a fad, though I am not as certain of its passing as other members, I do see their riding bikes as a good for bikes.
My experience with them is limited to swap meets, chatting with them at various bike shops, and seeing them while riding in various areas of Cleveland--not much of a hot bed for either fads or bikes. My experience certainly equals in cordiality and respect what I have received and given to members of this list, though obviously, at age 63, I have a bit more in common with CR folks than those learning how to ride a fixie backwards (though I am envious of that, and have tried, but, for me, the learning curve is fraught with injury.)
Viva la Difference.
Tom Hayes
Chagrin Falls, Ohio USA