Tobit,
That's the spirit! That may be the next trend once some of these kids catch on that there any MANY types of bicycles.
The other up side of the fixed gear fad is that eventually these kids will gain an appreciation for bicycles in general and many of them will become actual cyclists. It's good for the industry in the long run. Right now it 's more fashion, and I don't care if they even hang their bike from a chain around their neck like jewelry. Just like with the mountain bike craze where thousands of people got into bikes on account of that; most of those people also discovered road bikes and fixed gear bikes and they are now adding to OUR bottom line. Also, the kids are starting off on the right foot in my opinion, by appreciating lugged steel bikes. In addition to Japanese bikes being sought after, some of these kids are also becoming hip to the classic lugged steel frames that many of us grew up with. Not all of the bikes they convert now will be destroyed; some will survive. It's not a total loss. I'd say overall the fixed gear trend is good for the kids, except for maybe the effect that wrong gearing and technique might have on their bodies. If I were a doctor I would seriously consider becoming a specialist in knee reconstruction; there may be a big future in that!
Brian Baylis Always look on the bright side of life! (Let's all sing that as we hang from our crosses.)
If you really want to show your disdain for fixed gear conversion, convert a track frame to ten speed. like this one:
http://www.flickr.com/
Tobit Linke, Dortmund, Germany
_________________________________________________________________
Windows Live: Make it easier for your friends to see what you\u2019re up to on Facebook.
http://www.microsoft.com/
____________________________________________________________
Improve your career health. Click now to study nutrition!
http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/