What is it about riding fixed gear that attracts people and they enjoy?I've - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

Another Faceless User · 01-13-2008, 03:34 PM

not tried it, but I like the idea. For some reason, probably because it seems harder, and more like you are doing the work than the bike, I imagine it can be quite rewarding. Quite a lot of people seem to do it, cycle messengers, etc. So if you do, why do you, and would you recommend it to other people? Also, do you have any tips on how to go about learning, and anything I really shouldn't do?
Road bikes, by the way!
Good answers so far. What about pedals? Clipless, or not? I'd have thought you'd need SPDs to spin, but starting off with SPDs might be tricky if you miss when you go to clip in?

crazydave · 01-13-2008, 03:34 PM

Personally, I don't think I would like it. There are quite a few hills where I live and I need the lower gears for most of them, especially one particular ride I do fairly regularly; about 1700 feet elevation gain in about 5 miles.

The "fixies" seem to have gained a lot of popularity lately though, one guy even completed RAAM last year on one.

One thing to know is that you can't freewheel on a fixie; you have to keep pedaling all the time.