new fixy is under way

[Leigh_caines]

For 2 years I’ve been riding my white fixy around….it’s a road bike in that it has no racks or bags and runs on 23cc tyers. And is light at less then 10KS. This is a great bike and has taught me how to ride fixed.
But is it the perfect around town bike?? {Around my town that is}
No it’s not so I drag out one of my other geared bikes lots of the days each week

Time to build a new fixy that will work in my town for me
My daily ride is… half k down a steep hill then 2ks on the beach then into the bush. Single track [not to rough and no drops or jumps] for 5ks [up and down but not steep steep.
On to the tar and a flat ride for 6ks
1k up hill then down 2ks and back up 1k
Turn for town and 6k ks in for a coffee
Then head for home up hill.

So new fixy will need
A lot lower gear [maybe even 10 gear inch lower to around the 62 mark]
Fatter tyers [maybe 38 or 40cc]
A rack and bag [for picking up shopping]
Maybe 2 brakes instead of 1

As I passed the surf club the other month an old guy stops me and say
“Hey Leigh I’ve got an old frame for you”
I asked what it is and he said,
“It’s a black one”
What could I say but that I’d come around and get it.
Turn out to be a Bennett [probably from the early 70s]
Now the best thing about it is it fits me
So looks like the new fixy is under way

[singlespeedscott]

If you want to get into some fixed gear off-road action check this site, http://www.63xc.com/. Uber kool for offroad fixed gear tips. I particularly recommended the stuff written on the sight by Matt Chester.

I also remember reading an article on very early cyclocross that recommended around 65" for fixed gear off roading.

[Leigh_caines]

Thanks Mate, I’ll do a bit of reading on that sight
I think around 60 to 63 gear inches feels right for me … it’s not the hills so much as coming out of gullies where I seem to need to be this low… but I’m an old fart that won’t see 63 Y.O. again… you young fellas can push the 70 and 80’s, I’ll have to go lower to save the old knees

I finish putting her together today so it’s the test ride tomorrow, felt good just going around the block.
Will take a few pics on the ride and post them

[brauluver]

If you want to get into some fixed gear off-road action check this site, http://www.63xc.com/.

good site that one, inspirational stuff.

[aaron]

YAWN!!


So do somethign

[Dan]

sounds like a great project Leigh, will be good to see some photos once you get it moving along.
Dan

[Leigh_caines]

Well "Yawn" if you have nothing better to say then that...
I think you best [if you have one] go ride your bike

[Leigh_caines]

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee22 ... der001.jpg

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[Leigh_caines]

So how did it ride?
Bloody great mate!!
I can see me using this bike a lot… I won’t be going touring on it but for around town and out in the bush she’s a winner.
It’s far more comfortable with its wide wheels and thudbuster seat then my 23cc wheeled fixy.
I don’t think the gearing is to low ….seems about right for the trails I’m on
And still do 25kph on the tar
Tho spinning at 35kph down hill feels like my legs might fly off

[boyracer]

That looks like a freakin' cool commute. nice work. I just picked up a bennett frame with full eyelets/rack mounts (G'day Brau!) can't wait to build it up.

[brauluver]

I just picked up a bennett frame with full eyelets/rack mounts (G'day Brau!) can't wait to build it up.

That particular frame is a plush ride too, if you did it with a similar spec yuo would have one smooth sure footed commuter/grocery getter.Don't use it as your shop bike though, you may just get on it and keep ridin for the pleasure,and the shop would go unattended.

Leigh, did u ride down those stairs mate?

[Leigh_caines]

In a sort of way.... not with any class... more a bungle though

[aaron]

Can I ask why you are running a rear brake when it's fixed setup?

[yehuda]

Can I ask why you are running a rear brake when it's fixed setup?

At least he's out there riding. And I love his enthusiasm at that. Nice bike mate.

[aaron]

Can I ask why you are running a rear brake when it's fixed setup?

At least he's out there riding. And I love his enthusiasm at that. Nice bike mate.

Sorry but what's wrong with my question?

[speedywheels]

Looks like the bike is going on bush tracks and two hand brakes makes sence to me.