Fixed Gear Bike
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glbrum posted 2 years ago.
as a training tool, probably not any better a road or tri bike. It's probably a fun toy, maybe used best as a commuter, but that's not where I'd spend my money at this point.
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tri-ac posted 2 years ago.
i'm not sure why a fixed gear bike is good for commuting: stop/start seems to be its weakness, no?
it would certainly build some good muscles, but ultimately, don't we just need to train the direct activity we'll race in? so if you're interested in tri-ing on a fixed gear, it might be a fun challenge but probably not too effective for racing long distances.
my $.02: good cross training to eliminate boredom
Adam
Tri-ac
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TBRAVO posted 2 years ago.
A fixed gear bike for commuting? Yikes, that would be interesting, especially with clips. I think Mavic makes a hub that has a fixed-gear on one side and a freewheel on the other. That would make more sense to me anyway. I guess you could use your regular bike and pick a single gear to ride the entire time and never coast. That would be somewhat the same as a fixed gear bike...of course you couldn't ride backwards like you can on a fixed gear bike. :D
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glbrum posted 2 years ago.
glbrum wrote:
maybe used best as a commuter
Gosh guys. You take what I say like it's from the mouth of God. I said MAYBE. ;) In my honest opinion, I don't have a damn clue why anyone would buy a fixed gear bike. That's just my opinion. I like to have gears and I don't have the money anyway, so it's never crossed my mind.
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1089 days
tri-ac posted 2 years ago.
glbrum wrote:
Gosh guys. You take what I say like it's from the mouth of God. I said MAYBE. ;) In my honest opinion, I don't have a damn clue why anyone would buy a fixed gear bike. That's just my opinion. I like to have gears and I don't have the money anyway, so it's never crossed my mind.
sorry! definitely no offense intended!
i would love to hear from an avid fixed-gear person say why they love them.
I see plenty of them around town, from bike messengers to commuters. I've heard people say that they like the "simplicity" of the bike, some sort of zen bike experience. I suspect it's slightly alternative, unusual, and challenging (and so therefore very cool). Kind of like being a telemarker vs a skier. gears are so passe'...! ;) i'm just jealous i guess...
Adam
Tri-ac
2334
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Tribro posted 2 years ago.
I'd like to get one eventually. Both my brothers have one and Chris rides it often. They use them as a training tool. It helps full even strokes in your pedaling since there's always tension. And a bit on cadence I believe because you always have to pedal even on downhills so high cadence sessions. An then just overall strength due to having to pedal in all situations.
Not sure I'd get one for just riding around town, more for the training benefits. At least on the road bike. A singlespeed mtn bike however would be cool as well, but a bit different. That would be more of a fun bike to ride around.
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TBRAVO posted 2 years ago.
Hey Tribro, kind of on the same topic, what do you think about Powercranks? Have you ever used them (or your brothers)? I have heard that if you really want to improve your cycling, you should use powercranks as part of your training. I have been thinking about getting some, probably only use on the trainer at first as I hear they are hard to get used to.
Thanks, T
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2425 days
Tribro posted 2 years ago.
I haven't used them, nor have my brothers I don't think. Chris may have tried them out, can't recall. I have heard good things about them and that they do help. Pretty much similar in that it promotes even strokes.
I've heard the same thing, a bit of a shock when you first start using them but then you get used to them. I've heard of guys doing the Ironman with the cranks. Not sure I'd recommend that but I guess when you get the system down it can be done.
Seems now a days the focus on bike improvement is power meters. Chris rides with one, Larsen even raced with one, and Matt just got one. They can be expensive, but cheaper than a fixed gear bike I think :) Out of the three fixed gear, power cranks, power meter, I think power meter is becoming the standard and may be a better overall training tool. Not focused on the strokes so you'd need to do other training sessions for that but the info from the meter seems to be very valuable. I think, on the bike, more elite/pro athletes are now focusing on wattage output over HR.
4495
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1644 days
kylie posted 2 years ago.
I've heard a lot on the power meters, as well. Maybe that will be the next toy.
As for powercranks, those are the ones that work independantly of each other, right? I think a guy I ride with uses them. It was funny the first time to see him coasting with both pedals down! He once said he'd even race on them. Once he was used to them, he is faster with them since then both legs work all the time and work through the whole stroke. It only took him a second one back on normal pedals to feel that the legs were helping each other, and it was harder to make both legs work the whole time.
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1644 days
kylie posted 2 years ago.
Is fixed gear the same as a single gear bike? I can't ever figure that part out...
but anyways, this single speed article just happened to be in my inbox from a few days ago (weird). It is more about the benefits of training in a single gear on your normal bike, but has some good info on the benefits of doing so.
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TBRAVO posted 2 years ago.
Some of my serious cycling friends use power meters. The good news is that they are starting to come down in price. Polar makes one now that uses chain speed & tension to determine power. The add-on is only $350 if you already have the Polar S625x for example. Probably not as good as a Powertap or SRM but much cheaper.
Here is an interesting article from Biketech-review:
http://www.biketechreview.com/archive/pm_review.htm
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TBRAVO posted 2 years ago.
kyillee wrote:
Is fixed gear the same as a single gear bike? I can't ever figure that part out...
Depending upon who you talk to, normally:
Fixed-gear = one gear, direct drive, does NOT freewheel aka a track-bike (no brakes needed)
Single-gear = one gear, does freewheel, so you can coast (has brakes)
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kylie posted 2 years ago.
thanks!
oh, and I think the S625x is only really cheaper if you have that watch ;) Else it is close enough to just as bad. Is it as reliable?
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1330 days
Triguy98 posted 2 years ago.
TBRAVO wrote:
Depending upon who you talk to, normally:
Fixed-gear = one gear, direct drive, does NOT freewheel aka a track-bike (no brakes needed)
Single-gear = one gear, does freewheel, so you can coast (has brakes)
Thats my definition, too. Except I use single SPEED and fixed gear. It really cuts down on the confusion.
Life is short. Play hard and get dirty doing it.
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jsoder posted 2 years ago.
We have a velodrome here in our area. A lot of the local guys who race out there work at the LBMs. They all say the same thing. If you really want to become a great cyclist, get on a fixed-gear bike. It forces you to polish your technique and teaches your body to cycle at high cadences...140+. I personally wouldn't use one on the streets for safety reasons, but it sure would be fun to run on the track.
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Garren posted 2 years ago.
Fixies are fantastic. In my first Ironman I didn't want to pedal anymore after 5 hours. You ALWAYS have to pedal on a fixie, whether you like it or not, around corners, downhills, everywhere. Great training tool and in Portland a 42x18 will get you anywhere you want to go, even in the West Hills.
It smooths your pedal stroke, improves cadence (if you are masher) and the only way to stop is with resistance (uses other legs muscles) on the pedals (I also have a front brake, but try not to use it). Anyway I commute 20 miles each way to work twice a week on it, its fun and cheap.
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TBRAVO posted 2 years ago.
Garren wrote:
Fixies are fantastic. In my first Ironman I didn't want to pedal anymore after 5 hours. You ALWAYS have to pedal on a fixie, whether you like it or not, around corners, downhills, everywhere. Great training tool and in Portland a 42x18 will get you anywhere you want to go, even in the West Hills.It smooths your pedal stroke, improves cadence (if you are masher) and the only way to stop is with resistance (uses other legs muscles) on the pedals (I also have a front brake, but try not to use it). Anyway I commute 20 miles each way to work twice a week on it, its fun and cheap.
So what the heck do you do on a fixie if you are cruising about 25MPH and the light decides to turn RED right before you get to the intersection? I am thinking America’s Funniest Video type of thing?
- T
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tri-ac posted 2 years ago.
TBRAVO wrote:
So what the heck do you do on a fixie if you are cruising about 25MPH and the light decides to turn RED right before you get to the intersection? I am thinking America’s Funniest Video type of thing?
- T
i've behind someone in that situation (thank god not a beginner!). he had to run the light and dodge a vehicle. i suspect most fixed gear riders are hyper-aware of their stopping abilities.
garren - can you skid on a fixed gear by hamering down?
Adam
Tri-ac
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945 days
Garren posted 2 years ago.
I took me awhile before i could skid with confidence, i.e. quick stopping. I do have a front brake, riding with no brakes is a death wish. I'm now practicing the "no hands" skid, tough but fun. It's a matter of moving enough weight forward to lighten the rear wheel and lean against the front handle bars...my track stand still sucks though.
I never get to 25mph on mine, gearing is too high, maybe 20 at like 120 cadence, maybe.
Check this site out for some fixie ideas... http://www.fixedgeargallery.com
The older the better...
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vollenda posted 2 years ago.
There are some great pictures on that site. They are obviously hard core about their fixed gears. It would be fun to try that.
My blog: http://vollenda.trifuel.net/
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TBRAVO posted 2 years ago.
I have an old Bridgestone frame that's just lying around. Hmmm could be my next project. Darn, why did I even look at this thread!
- T
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jtaltendahl posted 2 years ago.
another plus to fixed gears...
they are sweet for commuting in the winter in minnesota...tons and tons of road salt, water, sand...they are super easy to spray off with a hose and then relube...no need to go through derailleurs and that sort of thing. (i suppose the same goes for a single-speed).
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1371 days
JamieM posted 2 years ago.
tribro wrote:
A singlespeed mtn bike however would be cool as well, but a bit different. That would be more of a fun bike to ride around.
I've been riding a SS for a while now for commuting and some trail rides and it is a blast. Lighter, easier to maintain, just fun. Very simple, no excuses type of ride. No more shifting and gear excuses. If you don't make it up the hill, it's you.
Admittedly I started out on it because it was a little "different", but now I'm hooked and may do the 24-hour race I was planning as a SS.
And most of these feelings are echoed for fixed gears. Great way to smooth out pedal strokes, a good way to change up a workout, etc.
And for those who don't think they're valuable as a training tool. Try a spin class, because you're more than likely doing it on a fixed gear.
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1313 days
bluebirdbiker posted 2 years ago.
Guys, all I have to say is that since I have had mine it's been one heck of a great experience. I have been using it since the beginning of July and find that the candence has improved drastically. I have developed a smoother transition in the pedal stroke and after returning to the tri bike hill climbing is faster and smoother cause I follow that smoother cadence (pulling up more). There are benefits and drawbacks of course but the benefits far outway the negatives. I have blogged about this: http://bluebirdbiker.trifuel.net/2006/07/18/track-bike-use-analysis-yes-fun-but-can-be-scary-in-traffic/
I love the fixi and ride it 90% of the time now; prefering it over the regular tri/rode bike. It is much more of a "zen" thing I guess. One feels the road better while riding it and I feel like I have more control in traffic. Accelerations are much faster than on a road/tri bike too. I have a brakes and yet never use them! Haven't for like 2 weeks, litterally! They are there more for safety and for the psych thing. The biggest diff. benefit that I have found is hill climbing ability. It has improved majorly. The cog diff is the biggest thing. I run a 46/18 which helps on the hills and produces a fast cadence on the flats. Also fixis allow one to control the HR better, for me.
Here is a pic of the fixi http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f190/bluebirdbiker/fixinow.jpg
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Milesofsmiles15 posted 15 weeks ago.
Huge bump...
**unnecessary background information**
I'm a college student and triathlete, during the fall i mostly run because we have a runclub at my school that i take part in, and i am doing the chicago marathon this fall.
I have very good luck in finding old road bikes to ride to class (no way am i taking my training bike and leaving it outside for hours at a time). I've gone through three of these road bikes. two broke beyond the point that repair was cost effective, one was stolen (i was dumb and left it unlocked for about an hour, rookie mistake, wont happen again).
This summer one of my neighbors asked me if i wanted his old road bike. I'm guessing it's from mid 90's, raleigh technium. It's in great shape, horiz drop-outs, he even had a pair of clip on aero bars (that i likely wont use if i convert to fixie). originally i had planned on just painting the bike to give it more personality, i took off everything i could, then had my lbs take off the rest of the stuff for me. They took everything off, i have frame, and all components still. Driving home it hits me, i'm pretty close to a fixed gear bike.
After looking into it it seems like it would cost $150 as a best case senario to get it converted, then from there i could make small changes as needed.
**spartnotes version that gets right to the point**
since the old road bike is stripped down to bare essentials should i get it converted for around $150 so i could ride it to class and in less than perfect weather for training, or should i just paint it and put it back together as a normal multi gear bike and use the $150 ANYWHERE else in my life, likely just $20 here and there rather than something big.
I'm really tired so a lot of this is probably going to seem like gibberish, but thanks in advance for the help, if i need to clarify anything let me know.
:)
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ht001 posted 15 weeks ago.
If you have all the pieces you could potentially build it up your self as a fixie or SS and save $100. Especially if your bike has a free wheel hub on it already (circa 1980s or earlier) and if you were going to reuse the handle bars via a "chop and flop" approach. If you don't have all the stuff and would need to get the wheel and hub configured correctly you would definitely be looking at spending that additional $. Either way it might be worth spending the dollars and spiffing it up. This fixie / SS craze is so huge right now that you could even consider "flipping" it on Craigslist for more than you put into it...
Good luck with whatever you decide. I have a 1984 Trek 600 series road bike converted into a single speed (I like to know that I can slow down or stop without crashing!) that I use for commuting and little jaunts around town. It is a fun bike!
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bluebirdbiker posted 15 weeks ago.
So, how goes it tri-ac?
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tri-ac posted 15 weeks ago.
i like it a lot
i have no idea if it's translating to my other riding yet (it's just too early)
since it's new, i'm much more cautious and i'm not bombing hills or anything. although i have to say that my tri training has helped me get used to it because i'm not afraid of spinning fast to go fast or to "catch up" with the cranks if i'm starting to go too fast (does that make sense?). i'm betting i'm a step ahead of most fixie commuters in that regard.
i had my first close call yesterday with a driver trying to cross the street without seeing me approaching. i got on the brake and slowed down in time to give him a nasty look as he stopped in front of me and backed out of the way
my track stand needs work...my freewheel track stand technique needs to be forgotten
i still haven't gotten a wrench for changing the tire yet...that's going to bite me at some point
i have a flipflop hub, but i don't think i'll ever stick it in freewheel
i'm having fun with it! and i'm considering doing some longer training rides on it too
Adam
Tri-ac
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tri-ac posted 15 weeks ago.
some other first thoughts here
http://triac.wordpress.com/2008/08/11/things-that-are-different-about-co...
Adam
Tri-ac
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bluebirdbiker posted 15 weeks ago.
Ya it does take some getting used to. And the knees are the biggest impact that take affect. That will go away fast though. Good to hear that you like it.
What I did for a wrench is go to the local Home Depot and bought a 15mm wrench. Then, had them snap off the open end on one of their machines they have in the store. This makes the wrench smaller and easier to put into the kit bag. It's also cheap. You just need the box end. Just a suggestion. Good luck with it!
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There are no excuses - so don't look for them. As a product of your own choices, you directly determine your life outcomes.
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What are your thoughts on fixed gear bikes? Helpful, not?
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