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 August 4, 2008 at 4:59am
The best thing you can do is ride it.
Permalink Reply by Andrew on August 4, 2008 at 5:05am
toe clips make skids stops really easy, if you're into that sorta thing.
Permalink Reply by evanK on August 4, 2008 at 5:07am
Agreed. Just do it.

The only advice I have is regarding pedals.
Start with platform pedals, then maybe get cages (as an intermediate step), and then ultimately move to clipless (SPD). Riding fixed with clipless seems the best bet, but it's nice to get used to the idea of fixed before locking your feet in.
Permalink Reply by alex on August 4, 2008 at 10:31am
definitely platforms first, but take it slow. if you are someone who is used to cruising along at 20 plus, slipping off that pedal can be freaky. granted that it's no big deal if you don't freak, just drag and eventually get that foot back up there. if you go the cage route next keep em loose. and also if freaked, eggbeater route is often preferred instead of spd, more clippin'in spots and easier to get out of. also snow does not clump up as much.

once you get acclimated tho', some locked up tight as hell spd's are wunderbar. let's face it, it's a fixed gear. you will only be getting out at your destination or on your butt.

also, give your other bikes alot of love right now, because once you go fixed...
Permalink Reply by llaves on August 4, 2008 at 10:40am
ride it and do yoga.

your leg muscles will never feel the same again and yoga seems to help stretch them out as well as aid in balance.

also agreed on the comment from Alex, once you go fixed, your really never go back.
Permalink Reply by Leah on August 4, 2008 at 4:15pm
You're right - I've had my fixed for about 3 days now and I'm hooked for real. It's so cool to feel so in control... (I hope that doesn't sound creepy?). Right now I have flat pedals and clips/straps, which seem to be fine while I'm getting comfortable.

Andrew - it may be a while until I'm doing skids, although I do think this video's pretty cool: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=en8ESzTmSAM :)
Permalink Reply by J Mills on August 4, 2008 at 4:47pm
Yes indeed, the addiction takes hold fairly quickly. It took me a half hour ride and an unexpected trip before I was able to flip the wheel, and I was hooked. Cheers to fixed gears. Ride safe.
Permalink Reply by Andrew on August 4, 2008 at 7:20pm
dope video for sure, Leah.
Permalink Reply by Chucko on August 28, 2008 at 9:45am
Don't try to coast. It'll be like riding a bucking bronco. And it just might throw you off. :)
Permalink Reply by Andrew on August 28, 2008 at 9:50am
ha ha. good one! I ripped my chucks one time when my untied lace got caught in the pedal. no fun at all. freaked me out.

Amandachanic said:
tuck in your shoelaces.
Permalink Reply by Leah on August 28, 2008 at 9:55am
Now that I've been riding for a while, I can add my own: Look around you. All the time. Look out even further and be even more aware than you would on a non-fixed bike. It's made riding fixed more fun, and also made me a better rider on my road bike.
Permalink Reply by vxla on August 28, 2008 at 12:21pm
Leah said:
Now that I've been riding for a while, I can add my own: Look around you. All the time. Look out even further and be even more aware than you would on a non-fixed bike. It's made riding fixed more fun, and also made me a better rider on my road bike.
your pedal stroke on a geared bike can always be improved by riding fixed and practicing nice smooth circles. not to mention, hamstring muscles get built up nicely when braking with your legs.

i find riding fixed in slower situations is better, overall. traffic, critical mass, etc.

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