Single Speed or Fixed for a first time Fixer
-
- Posts: 64
- Joined: Thu Jan 03, 2013 4:24 pm
- Location: Perth
- Contact:
Single Speed or Fixed for a first time Fixer
Postby Rusty6149 » Tue Sep 10, 2013 9:31 am
The bike comes with a flip flop hub, so should I start off with the Single Speed, to get used to the concept and handling of the bike, or jump straight to the fixed gear and learn the hard way from any mistakes I make ? Advice welcome.
-- Rusty
-
- Posts: 29
- Joined: Mon Jul 08, 2013 4:34 pm
- Location: Melbourne
Re: Single Speed or Fixed for a first time Fixer
Postby M@lew » Tue Sep 10, 2013 10:41 am
- HappyHumber
- Posts: 5072
- Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2007 11:48 pm
- Location: Perth, (S.o.R.) W.A.
Re: Single Speed or Fixed for a first time Fixer
Postby HappyHumber » Tue Sep 10, 2013 12:45 pm
Singlespeed is nothing special, really. You achieve the same effect by picking one gear on a multi-speed and not changing out of it.
Just ensure you have brakes. Riding fixed is one thing, proper speed modulation and stopping through your legs takes some muscle adjustment and habit forming.
Hit me up via the BNA dm; I'll get an alert. If y'know, you know.
-
- Posts: 3493
- Joined: Thu Jan 10, 2008 1:39 pm
Re: Single Speed or Fixed for a first time Fixer
Postby rustychisel » Tue Sep 10, 2013 4:40 pm
- Mulger bill
- Super Mod
- Posts: 29060
- Joined: Sun Sep 24, 2006 2:41 pm
- Location: Sunbury Vic
Re: Single Speed or Fixed for a first time Fixer
Postby Mulger bill » Tue Sep 10, 2013 6:12 pm
Some tips based on my 12months...
Pedal retention of whatever choice is non negotiable.
Leave no clothing items loose anywhere near the drivetrain, ever. An untucked shoelace put me into casualty overnight.
Go slowly at first until you train your legs to keep moving. Attempting to coast can range from embarrassing via uncomfortable to dangerous.
Plenty more good tips no doubt, throw 'em out there lads.
London Boy 29/12/2011
- bychosis
- Posts: 7271
- Joined: Sat Jan 14, 2012 1:10 pm
- Location: Lake Macquarie
Re: Single Speed or Fixed for a first time Fixer
Postby bychosis » Tue Sep 10, 2013 7:31 pm
As above follow the tips, I've come unstuck the same way, but fortunately without damage. Keep your brakes, lock in your feet and strap down your shoelaces (must be the reason hipsters wear skinny jeans, nothing to catch)
The most shock to your system will come from when you go to coast and your feet keep going. If you are using brakes, then slowing down is almost 'normal'
-
- Posts: 42
- Joined: Fri Sep 06, 2013 8:11 am
Re: Single Speed or Fixed for a first time Fixer
Postby Anthony1234 » Tue Sep 10, 2013 8:52 pm
...or learn very quickly, like I did
- bychosis
- Posts: 7271
- Joined: Sat Jan 14, 2012 1:10 pm
- Location: Lake Macquarie
Re: Single Speed or Fixed for a first time Fixer
Postby bychosis » Tue Sep 10, 2013 8:59 pm
QFT. My very first attempt I nearly crashed into the garage down the driveway.Anthony1234 wrote:Ensure that your first ride is somewhere flat!
...or learn very quickly, like I did
-
- Posts: 249
- Joined: Sat Oct 08, 2011 1:00 pm
Re: Single Speed or Fixed for a first time Fixer
Postby miml » Sat Sep 14, 2013 8:47 pm
Well back on topic. When i first started , i was a bit sceptical about it so i ran SS, but with a FRONT brake.
2 weeks later i took the risk and never look back.
But you have to be very careful riding fixed during busy hours or busy roads.
you cant really stop like having a front and rear brake.
- singlespeedscott
- Posts: 5510
- Joined: Sun Jan 20, 2008 4:35 pm
- Location: Elimbah, Queensland
Single Speed or Fixed for a first time Fixer
Postby singlespeedscott » Sat Sep 14, 2013 8:53 pm
But don't do it like a hipster.
Do it like cyclist. Treat it as a training tool. Learn to spin a small gear 63-69". You want your rides to have an average rpm of 90-100. The idea of a fixed gear is about recovery, building a base and smoothing out your spin. Not monstering a huge gear and being a poser.
- ldrcycles
- Posts: 9594
- Joined: Thu Oct 28, 2010 3:19 pm
- Location: Kin Kin, Queensland
Re: Single Speed or Fixed for a first time Fixer
Postby ldrcycles » Sat Sep 14, 2013 9:40 pm
I wouldn't say NOTHING gained, a single speed is at least a bit simpler than a geared bike, so a little less to go wrong. You can get the same training benefits from a singlespeed with the advantage of not needing to keep up with the pedals on a downhill.rustychisel wrote:fixed. As said, SS is a nothing ventured nothing gained equation. As with any new thing, including a new bike, take it easy at first as you learn the limits for you and the bike.
- Jangari
- Posts: 290
- Joined: Mon Jul 20, 2009 2:14 pm
- Location: Sydney
Re: Single Speed or Fixed for a first time Fixer
Postby Jangari » Sun Sep 15, 2013 4:59 pm
Start fixed, and then if you feel you want to spend the money and get a freewheel, by all means.
- Mugglechops
- Posts: 3037
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2011 6:51 pm
- Location: Wagga
Re: Single Speed or Fixed for a first time Fixer
Postby Mugglechops » Mon Sep 16, 2013 10:27 pm
Great advice. I run 2 brakes on mine and started with a 65in gear and now have a 70in gear because I no longer ride it on any hills.singlespeedscott wrote:Go fixed.
But don't do it like a hipster.
Do it like cyclist. Treat it as a training tool. Learn to spin a small gear 63-69". You want your rides to have an average rpm of 90-100. The idea of a fixed gear is about recovery, building a base and smoothing out your spin. Not monstering a huge gear and being a poser.
-
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Mon Jul 09, 2012 12:36 pm
- Location: Brisbane, Qld
Re: Single Speed or Fixed for a first time Fixer
Postby Ozzroo » Mon Oct 21, 2013 9:11 pm
are with geared roadies including hill climbs and to be honest the benefits you can obtain even running SS
it noticeable.
-
- Posts: 22
- Joined: Fri Apr 26, 2013 5:36 pm
- Location: North Melbourne, Victoria
Re: Single Speed or Fixed for a first time Fixer
Postby alwlim » Tue Oct 29, 2013 9:31 pm
- HappyHumber
- Posts: 5072
- Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2007 11:48 pm
- Location: Perth, (S.o.R.) W.A.
Re: Single Speed or Fixed for a first time Fixer
Postby HappyHumber » Tue Oct 29, 2013 10:21 pm
Hit me up via the BNA dm; I'll get an alert. If y'know, you know.
-
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Wed Nov 06, 2013 10:40 am
Re: Single Speed or Fixed for a first time Fixer
Postby penny4215 » Wed Nov 06, 2013 10:54 am
Thank you in advance
- Gordonhooker
- Posts: 683
- Joined: Mon May 06, 2013 9:11 pm
- Location: Redlands
Re: Single Speed or Fixed for a first time Fixer
Postby Gordonhooker » Thu Nov 07, 2013 3:56 pm
-
- Posts: 148
- Joined: Sat Feb 09, 2013 10:00 pm
- Location: Coffs Harbour, NSW
Re: Single Speed or Fixed for a first time Fixer
Postby Tank1252 » Thu Nov 07, 2013 4:08 pm
- singlespeedscott
- Posts: 5510
- Joined: Sun Jan 20, 2008 4:35 pm
- Location: Elimbah, Queensland
Re: Single Speed or Fixed for a first time Fixer
Postby singlespeedscott » Thu Nov 07, 2013 4:14 pm
- Mulger bill
- Super Mod
- Posts: 29060
- Joined: Sun Sep 24, 2006 2:41 pm
- Location: Sunbury Vic
Re: Single Speed or Fixed for a first time Fixer
Postby Mulger bill » Thu Nov 07, 2013 7:25 pm
Once you learn to clip into a constantly moving pedalsinglespeedscott wrote:Just make the switch there is nothing to be scared of.
London Boy 29/12/2011
- Gordonhooker
- Posts: 683
- Joined: Mon May 06, 2013 9:11 pm
- Location: Redlands
Re: Single Speed or Fixed for a first time Fixer
Postby Gordonhooker » Thu Nov 07, 2013 7:31 pm
- Alien27
- Posts: 252
- Joined: Tue Aug 14, 2012 5:59 pm
- Location: Sydney
Re: Single Speed or Fixed for a first time Fixer
Postby Alien27 » Thu Nov 07, 2013 8:50 pm
My comute is all up and down so my fitness improved massively and when your flying down the down hill at 140 cadence your pedal stroke smoothes up quick smart.
- Gordonhooker
- Posts: 683
- Joined: Mon May 06, 2013 9:11 pm
- Location: Redlands
Re: Single Speed or Fixed for a first time Fixer
Postby Gordonhooker » Fri Nov 08, 2013 2:05 pm
PS.... I am working on quick stops just pushing back on the pedals and a front brake so I can ride of the ugly cable that goes from front to back of the beast....
- singlespeedscott
- Posts: 5510
- Joined: Sun Jan 20, 2008 4:35 pm
- Location: Elimbah, Queensland
Re: Single Speed or Fixed for a first time Fixer
Postby singlespeedscott » Fri Nov 08, 2013 4:36 pm
Good stuff, but don't get rid of your rear brake. It has a purpose. Particularly when feathering your speed on steep descents in the wet.Gordonhooker wrote:Day of reckoning has come and gone... I headed off very gingerly at first and then got down onto the riverside bikeway and headed off on the beast. It is amazing how much you realize you do free-wheel once you can't free-wheel anymore. No problem with clear run down the bike way toward Toowong, so I turned around and headed for Gardens Point to see how I went dodging the meandertalls no problem except when you have to stop and take off again.... Had to make a few adjustments as to how I mount and unmount the bike but I will be sticking with this until I become a Legend a like Alien27 I still have the Harrier with a free-wheel for those days when I am feeling old, fat and lazy....
PS.... I am working on quick stops just pushing back on the pedals and a front brake so I can ride of the ugly cable that goes from front to back of the beast....
Return to “Fixed Gear/ Single Speed”
- General Australian Cycling Topics
- Info / announcements
- Buying a bike / parts
- General Cycling Discussion
- The Bike Shed
- Cycling Health
- Cycling Safety and Advocacy
- Women's Cycling
- Bike & Gear Reviews
- Cycling Trade
- Stolen Bikes
- Bicycle FAQs
- The Market Place
- Member to Member Bike and Gear Sales
- Want to Buy, Group Buy, Swap
- My Bikes or Gear Elsewhere
- Serious Biking
- Audax / Randonneuring
- Retro biking
- Commuting
- MTB
- Recumbents
- Fixed Gear/ Single Speed
- Track
- Electric Bicycles
- Cyclocross and Gravel Grinding
- Dragsters / Lowriders / Cruisers
- Children's Bikes
- Cargo Bikes and Utility Cycling
- Road Racing
- Road Biking
- Training
- Time Trial
- Triathlon
- International and National Tours and Events
- Cycle Touring
- Touring Australia
- Touring Overseas
- Touring Bikes and Equipment
- Australia
- Western Australia
- New South Wales
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Victoria
- ACT
- Tasmania
- Northern Territory
- Country & Regional
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users
- All times are UTC+10:00
- Top
- Delete cookies
About the Australian Cycling Forums
The Australian Cycling Forums is a welcoming community where you can ask questions and talk about the type of bikes and cycling topics you like.
Bicycles Network Australia
Forum Information
Connect with BNA
This website uses affiliate links to retail platforms including ebay, amazon, proviz and ribble.