Why in the "F" do you ride SS or Fixie? Freaks!

fixedinseattle

i converted my ride to fixed for training, and then just fell in luv wit it and kept it that way. then i learnt backwards-circles and fell in luv all over again!

there's no better feeling than (back)pedaling down a huge hill without using a mechanical brake... getting a workout every inch of the ride is the best training there is.

reallyoldpunk

Besides the benefits I reap on the track, there is a real connection to a SS bike. I feel much more in tune and control of my SS than I do my numerous road or MTB bikes.

rule62

Unless you wimp out on the gearing, even a SS can give you a lot better workout than you might think, especially on the climbs. You'll reach for the shifter a bit when you first start riding one.

The bike is simple to keep up and maintain, and with some forgiving tires makes a great commuter. On the right bike, with the fit dialed in, it is about as fun a way to ride as there is.

Riding fixed takes a bit more concentration and commitment, especially on a commute, mostly due to having to plan ahead and not zone out as has been said. There isn't any off time in your ride that's for sure. It's weird when you find yourself working harder on the back sides of the rollers than you did on the climbs. Fixed is definitely a great way to get the most out of your training rides.

The looks that your bike will get are pretty funny. I like to watch folks trying to figure out where your gears are. You can point to your legs and say, "They're right here."

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reallyoldpunk

NICE!

NewRiderMan

I ride a singlespeed simply because I got annoyed with my old ten speed before I got out of cycling, and when I got back into it I found an old Murray laying in a junkyard for $20, and it worked right on the spot. (I did do some tweaking and tuning, but for the most part, the only thing different from when I got it is the chain.)

I like that it really makes you work to get up the hills, and even a slight grade can really make the legs burn. Then, when you get to the top, just let the bike roll while you rest, lol. No gearing up or down, no "Oh geez, the chain jumped off" , no hassle. Just good fun, and good exercise. Plus, the majority of malfunctions can be repaired in the field without losing much flesh off my hands.

(Am looking at replacing the brake, I've never been a fan of jabbing the pedal backwards to put on the binders!)

bicycleman1956

My SS has been a great off-season trainer during the winter...plus, I love when some of the others in the bike club are trying to keep up on their multi-speeds....

roadfix

simply because chicks dig fixies.....that's good enough reason for me.

muppet eater

I'm with you man.

I love it 'cause it's just you perfectly connected to the machine, in total harmony. Nuttin can go wrong. . . . . . . ."F$%K TAXI!"

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2007 Giant TCR Advanced Zero ISP

Bianchi Pista Fixie (No Brakes)

Stealth Fighter

Chetas

I ride "fixie", because:

1. Simplicity, which translates in lower maintenance/costs.

2. The look, that just can not be beat by any other type of bike.

3. Direct relationship between rider and machine.

velohell

i can repair my bike at home. because it looks sleek and sweet, and my ride is light and responsive. my fixie never lies. like someonere else said earlier, the only error is usually "pilot error"... i'll take those chances. i can feel the surface i'm riding on, and by extention riding fixed made me a safer cyclist, even though i look like an ass to most roadies...it gives you the knowledge that you know what you're doing, not just some pantina of street (or road) cred (ever heard of "looking ahead?" like way way down the street!)

and there is the physical. riding a fixed will make you strong and fast. and, it's strange, but i swear, if you try it once, you will get it. ask a freind.

don't ask me about the metaphysical, no one would believe me...

pad

yep, we do, provided you are fit as a fiddle. No MAFF's allowed.

tinydr

Fixedgears were far simpler (plus: less to break) and easier to maintain than anything else when messengering on them day-in and day-out...

Riding fixed, particularly without a brake, brings a whole new dimension to riding... it becomes more cerebral... sometimes more painful. I dunno... they're a really beautiful thing to behold.

And yes, chicks dig them.

You want fun? Try riding a fixed drunk.