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 vxla on September 19, 2008 at 3:45pm
Dana said:
What shops can I browse to look at fixed geared bikes?

Cycle Smithy (Surly, Specialized)
Johnny Sprockets (Surly, Specalized)
Performance Bike (Fuji and their name brand)
Kozy's (Specialized and Schwinn)
Uptown Bikes (Raleigh)
Upgrade (Raleigh, Bianchi[?])
Rapid Transit (Felt, others[?])
Boulevard Bikes (Bianchi)
Yojimbo's Garage (Fuji, Bareknuckle, higher-end track bikes)

See a theme here? Most places sell 'em these days.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with going to Yojimbo's Garage, and there's no trash talk. I encourage you not to listen to trolls wit-less advice. There is no reason to attack a store for the reason that elitist comments were overheard when the proprietor of the store has done more for Chicago cyclists than most people can imagine.

Best of luck in your search!
Permalink Reply by Dana on September 19, 2008 at 4:08pm
Thank you!

Video_Drome said:
Dana said:
What shops can I browse to look at fixed geared bikes?

well, most shops have them. But the good ones are-Armitage Bike Shop on armitage and central park. They have a huge selection of fixies. And track parts.

Yojimbos, but watch out, u may find urself on the receiving end of some elitist trash talk.

It all depends on whatcha want. U can also try Ride on milwaukee, i think Ron is a member on here.
Permalink Reply by Chris on September 19, 2008 at 9:57pm
I always have a really hard time telling people where to go to buy new bikes...i feel like i would never buy a complete bike from a shop for any reason. i guess im just really pickey about all the specs of my ride and would prefer building it myself. man building bikes can be ridiculously frustrating sometimes but i cant seem to get enough of it and its soo satisfying. so in short try building youre own fixed gear. ill post a pic of my new chesini fixed gear when its done its like spumoni, thanx bernd from austria for the frame cheap!!
Permalink Reply by Abby on September 22, 2008 at 1:50pm
I did it!!!! I am on day 3 riding fixed, and man do my legs feel it. So far, I am
- impressed with the amount of control I have
- surprised how hard it is to "forget to peddle."
- not happy about falling on my top tube while trying to track stand the first time, but I have to start somewhere. Ouch my butt!
- nervous to ride Critical Mass this week with a fixed gear...thoughts???!??! advice??!?! am I crazy?!?! should I flip back for the ride?!?!
- wishing for one of those "student driver" signs for my bike
- NOT GIVING UP!
Permalink Reply by vxla on September 22, 2008 at 2:08pm
Make sure you track "stand" while sitting down; it's all in your hip placement and handlebar position.

As for riding in CM fixed, you might notice it's actually easier in the more crowded sections.
Permalink Reply by root on September 22, 2008 at 2:26pm
abby you forgot to mention you learned no hands too!
Permalink Reply by Abby on September 22, 2008 at 3:30pm
That's true, I did learn no hands!!!! I still can't do it with anything in my basket though :(

root said:
abby you forgot to mention you learned no hands too!
Permalink Reply by Abby on September 22, 2008 at 3:32pm
Huh, I was def not sitting in my stand...haha that's kinda funny to say. I will try that when my butt isnt so sore ;)

For CM, I am positive it will be easier for dealing with the crowd...I am just worried about my stamina for such a long ride fixed.

vxla said:
Make sure you track "stand" while sitting down; it's all in your hip placement and handlebar position.

As for riding in CM fixed, you might notice it's actually easier in the more crowded sections.
Permalink Reply by root on September 22, 2008 at 3:53pm
i think it's actually a bit tougher to do while sitting down, but to each their own
Permalink Reply by vxla on September 22, 2008 at 4:12pm
root said:
i think it's actually a bit tougher to do while sitting down, but to each their own

It's the only way to do no-handed track stands, one foot, etc. Better to learn sitting right off the bat, I say.
Permalink Reply by root on September 22, 2008 at 5:13pm
yeah, that's actually a really good point. drat

vxla said:
root said:
i think it's actually a bit tougher to do while sitting down, but to each their own

It's the only way to do no-handed track stands, one foot, etc. Better to learn sitting right off the bat, I say.
Permalink Reply by Jim "Niterider" on January 9, 2009 at 7:30am
Don't stop pedaling. Come on up to Kenosha Velodrome and have a go. Remember to adjust for chain slack. Do not want it too tight or loose.

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