Going Fixed Gear

**phUnk** · 08-09-2004, 10:50 AM

Have fun on your track bike with brakes.

I'll be here building up my coaster brake AS-X.

**jayfrizzo** · 08-09-2004, 10:52 AM

Originally posted by phUnk
So, you would go fixed gear because it lets you regulate your speed better in traffic (which it doesn't) and then get a brake so you wouldn't need to use the fixed gear to regulate your speed better in traffic?

I'd go fixed gear because it may make commuting more fun. I'd run a front brake for safety -- stopping or doing extreme evasive maneuvers. Dude. Extreme. Dude.

Also: You're gay.

Back on topic: I'd probably run a flip-flop hub with a freewheel on one side in case my Manatee ass can't hack the fixed.

Back on topic edit: I'd also probably get an old road frame 'cause it would probably be more comfy.

**phUnk** · 08-09-2004, 10:56 AM

Originally posted by jayfrizzo
Back on topic edit: I'd also probably get an old road frame 'cause it would probably be more comfy.

Word. I'll be running a flip-flop hub on my coaster brake AS-X.

Once side will be coaster brake, the other side will be fixed-gear. (I'm done.)

**tuffy109** · 08-09-2004, 11:14 AM

Originally posted by phUnk

Once side will be coaster brake, the other side will be fixed-gear. (I'm done.)

cool. let me know if you can make me one.

jay, nothing is fun on the way to work.

**Arnold Babar** · 02-17-2005, 02:06 PM

Just found this thread. I've been toying with building a fixie for years. Went to the shop today, saw a brand new Specialized that the shop had made into a fixie 550 bucks sittin' there all shiny and new. I'm 12 weeks post op acl surgery and I think this would be kick ass for rehab. Would the maggots here say too harsh? I always said that if I was ever going to go roadie it would be fixed gear to tone down the weanie factor.

**Lunch** · 02-17-2005, 02:57 PM

Originally Posted by jayfrizzo

Ever done it? Did you kill yourself? I'm kicking around building one.

I'd use a front brake.

I've been riding a F.G. for about 4+ years. I use it for commuting (40 miles RT/day) and for about 1/2 my training miles. I own 2 fixies including a custom frame. It's usually the first pick out of the quiver. Go for it but beware: it could become an obsession (or should I say an "idee fixe").
BTW, I think a front brake is smart.

Anyway, here's some sites that might be useful for your project, if you decide to build one.

Hundreds of F.G. pics and good ideas here:
http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/

Good info here:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/fixed.html

**scoober** · 02-17-2005, 03:46 PM

Originally Posted by Arnold Babar

Just found this thread. I've been toying with building a fixie for years. Went to the shop today, saw a brand new Specialized that the shop had made into a fixie 550 bucks sittin' there all shiny and new. I'm 12 weeks post op acl surgery and I think this would be kick ass for rehab. Would the maggots here say too harsh? I always said that if I was ever going to go roadie it would be fixed gear to tone down the weanie factor.

Did they build it up or was it the Langster? The Langster comes in a few flavors (price points) directly from Specialized, already fixed.

Anyway, I would say too harsh on the ACL after 12 weeks. I personally wouldn't ride a fixed until my doctor says I am %100 back to where I was. I had the patellar though, so I get some wicked graft site strain when standing on the pedals, I could only imagine how that would feel with me transmitting the power in the reverse direction, just so I could slow down and not hit a car.

And seriously... roadies are weenie? Personally I think riding a MTB on the road is weenie, especially with slicks. (BTW, I am not trying to start the MTB v Roadie argument.)

So back on topic, yeah I've though of going fixed, but I have too many bikes as it is, so I would really have to find a niche for it.

**Arnold Babar** · 02-17-2005, 03:57 PM

Thanks, Lunch. Good info on those sites. I've become fixated on a fixed gear. "Coasting...pernicious habit"

**Arnold Babar** · 02-18-2005, 10:24 AM

Originally Posted by scoober

Did they build it up or was it the Langster? The Langster comes in a few flavors (price points) directly from Specialized, already fixed.

Anyway, I would say too harsh on the ACL after 12 weeks. I personally wouldn't ride a fixed until my doctor says I am %100 back to where I was. I had the patellar though, so I get some wicked graft site strain when standing on the pedals, I could only imagine how that would feel with me transmitting the power in the reverse direction, just so I could slow down and not hit a car.

And seriously... roadies are weenie? Personally I think riding a MTB on the road is weenie, especially with slicks. (BTW, I am not trying to start the MTB v Roadie argument.)

So back on topic, yeah I've though of going fixed, but I have too many bikes as it is, so I would really have to find a niche for it.

I have $6000 worth of mt. bikes in my garage, and no road bike. And right now all I can do is ride on the road. So I put on the slicks and spin, and I agree that that is far more weenieish than riding a road bike, but I really like mt. biking, and don't really see myself converting to riding on the street. Though I do commute to work now and then, and I think the badassness of a fixed gear would combat any weanie comments from the moron gallery. I've never been into the narcissism of small differences (skiing vs. boarding, alpine vs. nordic, mt biking vs. road, down-hill vs. xc vs. trials vs. dirt jumping) It's all good. Back on topic: you really think that a fixed gear is no good for rehab? 'Cause the retro-grouch in me is screaming for me to get one now. BTW it is the Langster, but the shop claims that it comes as a freewheel, and they converted it to fixed. Any way, I think it is sweet. Is $550 a lot for the Langster? Can I get it cheaper?

**scoober** · 02-18-2005, 10:51 AM

I don't claim to be a doctor, or even play one on TV, but right now speaking for myself, 14 wks post op, I wouldn't want to get on a fixed gear. I asked my PT about spinning classes a few weeks back and he told me that I was ready, but to be careful of the 'pulling up' drills as well as the seat jumps. Now thinking about it, slowing down a fixed gear puts a really similar strain on the knee.

As we have all found out though, our doc, knees and PTs are all different so I'd just ask.

You're shops right, the Langster does come freewheel, which I think is kind of half-assed of Specialized. $550 seems about right, there is an S-works frame for actual track racing that is quite a bit more. The Bianchi Pista is another factory fixed (it's actually fixed) for about the same price. It's chromo in a chrome finish.

**Arnold Babar** · 02-18-2005, 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by scoober

The Bianchi Pista is another factory fixed (it's actually fixed) for about the same price. It's chromo in a chrome finish.

Oooooooooh, steel is real. Sooner or later it will happen. But right now I'll just keep riding my mt. bike. With all the sand and Ice and potholes, it would be the stick of choice anyhow. Got any links to pics or sources for that bianchi?