I agree with the last message...not all are lowlifes...? In fact, few are probably lowlifes if we want to even use that term..but simply individuals trying to enjoy themselves in this short life we spend here anyway. I began my fixie enthusiam based on my desire to learn more and more about the grass track fixie races of old. Amongst my journey for info I found that many were amatuer and pro cyclists that would choose to do this like cyclocross in the off-season for conditioning and to pick up a few dollars since cycling wasn't a high paying career. I also met an excellent friend in my trip to learn. Many scottish cyclists enjoyed the highlands grass track races and most bikes used for this were "hobbled" together using spare parts and frames that were left over from seasons past. Most bikes didn't have brakes...many were not track specific wheelsets with lock rings but altered hubs to accomadate and still provide safety while maintaining cost effectiveness. And many of these guys were considered outlaws of the day for being different...so does that create a strange culture then...yes. Do these guys form a strange culture now...yep. But I can tell you from the years at Trexlertown Swap...many and most of these individuals flock to the classic parts tables and desire to learn more and more. I think people need to be a bit more open to the culture differences out there and less judgemental because I have seen these guys not hesitate to pay good money for quality classic parts and needs while watching some old timers debate and bicker over cost.
Walter Skrzypek Falls Creek, Pa