The Chainlink

Fixed gear: advice for a newbie?

So I just expanded my bike family and got a fixed gear: a Fuji track SE I found on Craigslist. As I get comfortable with it, I need advice from the more experienced fixed riders. If you could give someone (me) advice on riding fixed, what would you say? Anything you wish you had known when you first started?

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Permalink Reply by Kelly on August 28, 2008 at 7:47pm
Once I got the bottom of my pants stuck. Thankfully the ripped quickly enough.
Permalink Reply by vxla on August 29, 2008 at 5:40pm
Video_Drome said:
I skid through intersections if no ones around. makes me feel like a kid.


wait...i am a kid....
skidding is sooo 2006
Permalink Reply by Ammo on September 4, 2008 at 10:59am
You can coast in the way that you don't pedal anymore and let the pedals take your legs around. Just a little cheat for a short time if your legs get tired.

But if you ever let that fixed gear mind slip away you will get a nice reminder with a swift blow to the crotch.

Which in turn, try not to have too many beers first couple times around. Unless you're good at bullriding with a few in you.
Permalink Reply by lauren sailor on September 5, 2008 at 4:06pm
1. run a brake, even if your fork isn't drilled and you have to swap it out
2. don't stop pedaling!
3. stretch
4. if you're not already good about chain maintenance, start now
5. watch out for pedal strike on corners
6. make sure you like your saddle a LOT, because you can't stand up and coast anymore
7. don't waste all your time on chifg.com
8. i've seen stickers that say this and i think it's important to remember: no one cares you ride a fixed-gear
Permalink Reply by Tommie on September 5, 2008 at 4:38pm
lauren sailor said:
1. run a brake, even if your fork isn't drilled and you have to swap it out
5. watch out for pedal strike on corners

8. i've seen stickers that say this and i think it's important to remember: no one cares you ride a fixed-gear

I like you.
Permalink Reply by vxla on September 5, 2008 at 5:18pm
lauren sailor said:
1. run a brake, even if your fork isn't drilled and you have to swap it out
I run two brakes, right and left leg. Are you talking about hand brakes or mechanical brakes? If so, I hope you also encourage people to learn how to stop brakeless in the event that their hand-brake, breaks. You know, all bikes should have two *functional* brakes.

Pedal strike isn't so bad if you're running 165mm cranks; I think I've had strike once in 3 years, and I take a lot of corners aggressively.

I'd encourage cages/straps *or* clipless pedals strongly, also.
Permalink Reply by lauren sailor on September 5, 2008 at 5:43pm
vxla said:
lauren sailor said:
1. run a brake, even if your fork isn't drilled and you have to swap it out
I run two brakes, right and left leg. Are you talking about hand brakes or mechanical brakes? If so, I hope you also encourage people to learn how to stop brakeless in the event that their hand-brake, breaks.
i don't think you quite count as newbie, sir. in fact, i'd reckon you're in the percentage (and i wouldn't be surprised if it's a minority!) of fixed-gear riders who can stop as quickly and as competently without hand brakes as with.

for the most part, from a safety perspective i'd honestly rather see fixed riders without helmets than without front brakes.

ALSO! i'd encourage people to learn how to install brakes in the event that their chain drops or breaks :)
Permalink Reply by Ammo on September 6, 2008 at 9:10am
I run two brakes. You never know when someone will jump out in front of you or get out of a cab.

I also really agree with this comment.
"7. don't waste all your time on chifg.com"
Permalink Reply by vxla on September 6, 2008 at 8:26pm
Video_Drome said:
vxla said:
lauren sailor said:
1. run a brake, even if your fork isn't drilled and you have to swap it out
I run two brakes, right and left leg. Are you talking about hand brakes or mechanical brakes? If so, I hope you also encourage people to learn how to stop brakeless in the event that their hand-brake, breaks. You know, all bikes should have two *functional* brakes.
.

brakes SLIP in the rain almost always. remember that when you need to stop on a rainy day.
brakes slip? really? wow...thanks!!!
Permalink Reply by root on September 18, 2008 at 7:48am
welcome to the party, deadhex. you running a brake?
Permalink Reply by root on September 18, 2008 at 8:01am
i was just reading through this thread and noticed that nobody pointed out one of the (imho) most important parts of a fixed gear bike..

a 1/8" drivetrain! that's your chainring, chain, and rear cog.

you can't mix and match sizes for these, and most budget setups are going to start out with all 3/32" components. while the 3/32" do work, they can feel very flimsy by comparison to the 1/8". i highly recommend anyone running the smaller size to at least try the 1/8" as you'll probably not want to go back
Permalink Reply by vxla on September 18, 2008 at 8:26am
no hard evidence suggests that 3/32" drives are more susceptible to breaking.

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