Re: [CR]link to marginally on-topic video clip / FIXED GEAR QUESTION

(Example: Framebuilding:Technology)

Date: Fri, 10 Feb 2006 07:35:24 -0600
From: "John Thompson" <JohnThompson@new.rr.com>
Organization: The Crimson Permanent Assurance
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR]link to marginally on-topic video clip / FIXED GEAR QUESTION
References: <63A74D8D427E8B428AF35D6476A0557F6FE246@rno-msg-02.northamerica.corp.microsoft.com>
In-Reply-To: <63A74D8D427E8B428AF35D6476A0557F6FE246@rno-msg-02.northamerica.corp.microsoft.com>


Kenneth Naylor (MOLC) wrote:
> I have never quite understood the allure of fixed gear/track bikes in
> the bike messenger crowd. I understood the rational of using them as a
> training tool for road cyclist to teach a smooth pedal motion/cadence,
> but it seems that the decrease in braking ability (right?) and the lack
> of ability to choose a better gear for hills/wind/ect. would be a
> detriment. Any comments from fixed gear riders and/or messengers?

The simplicity of a fixed gear has an appeal in an environment where the bikes take a lot of abuse. Most fixed gear bikes used on the road have at least a front brake, but it generally only gets used in panic stops. You can actually lock up the rear wheel with just your legs (particularly if you're using a relatively low gear), but as we all know that isn't the ideal way to bring a bike to a controlled stop. My own experience is that the fixed gear allows you to use a higher gear on hills than you would otherwise use, but you're right -- a prudent choice of gearing prior to the ride can make a difference.

--

-John Thompson (john@os2.dhs.org)
Appleton WI USA