At one time I told myself that I'd like to own one of every type of bike. ... Barb wasn't too thrilled with that, and probably wasn't sorry when I once missed out on that nice '70's Jackson trike. But a track bike or fixed wheel was something I'd coveted for years. Even in my early days of riding 'ten speeds', working in a shop with bike racers, one guy extolled the virtues track racing. He was a really fast sprinter, I was more of a pacer.
But the idea of smoothing my spin, gaining strength and getting a quicker workout were also my reasons for finally breaking down when I found my perfect real world fixed gear. It was an off topic track? frame with road geometry, room for wide tires, drilled for a front brake and w/ a bottle braze on and track ends. I didn't want a conversion and for some reason I wanted to carry the wrench. With 32 mm tires (and two brakes) I use it regularly on the rail trail next to my house. Time trialing north gains stamina as I head up an 8 mile grade of varying slope, never more than 3-4 %, but a workout at speed. Returning, the spin is what its all about. Grinding it up the local hills really works on strength. I got good advice on gearing from our own Mick Butler (wish you were still posting to the list Mick!). That fixed gear noticably helped my road riding in the hills.
It really isn't just a training tool. I enjoy precise riding. I think it's a hoot to ride fixed in a crowd of pedestrians at half or less walking pace, unnecessary to use brakes, frogs allowing a step down if it just doesn't work. I think 'posting' over bumps is fun and helps develop a smooth style. I like to stand even when seated spinning will often be faster, and stand you must on a fixer. I'm sure most of you have heard of feeling 'connected' to the bike. I like the speed control of being directly connected, though I don't feel safer riding fixed on an icey road as others have claimed. Mine does make a great town bike with it's fairly low gear and brakes. I believe overgeared and brakeless is not a very good idea in traffic, even for the strongest of riders. I'd love to be able to track stand, but in six years or so of riding fixed I haven't really worked at learning (I'm jealous of a friend who track stands his tandem at lights).
And it's easy to maintain. Greased o-rings keep the stone dust of the rail trail out of the track hubs, white lightning used regularly with a rag keeps the chain fairly dry and clean.
And I've owned a few fixed gears now, only one of which was a conversion, now back to it's geared heritage. And except for the Taylor, they've all had a freewheel on them at one time just to see what great downhillers they were. Fast downhills and coasting are still high on my list too Tom.
Happy trails,
Dan Artley in Parkton
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I haven't heard anyone expressing their reasons for riding fixed gear. Let me try to explain how I became drawn to it.
First, I love the look of track and well done fixed gear bikes. They leave off some clutter and present an image of a pure bicycle.sort of an appealing minimalism.like listening to Bach's Suites For Unaccompanied Cello.
Next, I knew it exacted more from me physically. I love to coast.Coasting on a bike is next to flying for me and a really powerful attraction on my longer rides. However, I sometimes just don't have time for a two or three hour ride. I can really get some exercise on a forty five minute ride on a fixed gear bike.
It is a challenge, and some folks shake their heads over the idea of me looking for such a challenge at sixty five years of age.but it is what I want. It makes me a better rider. There are a lot of little sloppy moments easily corrected on a bike that coasts, but on a fixed gear, every little mistake is right in your face. I find I pay a lot more attention to the timing of things, angles, distances, proper fit on the bike and smoothness of access to the pedals, etc. It is very much a learning process.
I would never give up my other bikes.I love them dearly. But riding fixed gear has opened up a whole new area of enjoyment (and sometimes frustration) for me on a bike.
I have to admit I enjoy the idea of yet another cycling group that I can belong to, also.
Hope this sheds a little light for those who can't see what so many of us find appealing in riding a bike that is admittedly less convenient to ride.
Tom Sanders
Lansing, MI USA