Following on all the comments of fixed wheel riding brings to mind that in the 1950's most club and time trialists rode fix wheel . This was because many folk like myself could'nt afford anything else and I suppose one could say it was the fashion. Also I was'nt really interested in anything else and would'nt be prepared to change our ways if given the chance. As regards the size of gearing it was norm to ride 66 inch and race on about 81 inch with exception of the early season medium gear events which restricted all entrants to a 72inch ratio.
The advantage of this type of gearing was the rider always had a much improved handling control at all levels and taught them how to pedal a bike under all conditions.Sizes of gears was as it is now a matter of personal choice and at stage of fitness. When I consider people like Tony Doyle and the Higginson twins to name but a few always manage to beat the hour in 25 mile time trial it makes the mind boggle. As regards the long distance events like a 12 or 24 hour many would ride a single free wheel or hub fixed gearing which was available. I rode my first 12 hour event riding a two speed hub gear and managed to clock up 240 miles this in itself had plenty of uphill and downhill terrain with lots of steep hills in West Sussex.
Maybe for the majority this type of riding is in the past but thankfully there are still those whose choice is to twiddle their way around on the evergreen fix wheel "fashion" of yesteryear.
Doug Smith
North Dorset
UK