Who Rides Fixed?, Fixed gear bikes that is Options

[Coomer]

I know at least a couple others ride Ffxed gear bikes, so I figured I'd find out who else rides a fixie.

I just got mine last Friday...it's a Mercier Kilo TT and I love it...easily the best $500 I've spent in years. You just feel so in touch with the road on a fixed-gear...plus it's way faster than riding a bus/driving a car/riding a longboard in downtown Seattle.







New MKS track pedals are on the way, and I plan to get a new seat soon too.

Who else rides fixed?

[RickJamesBish]

If that's you in those pics Coomer, you are so awesome to have one leg rolled up.

And correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't you just pedaling your nuts off (not your nuts, specifically) when you're trying to haul ass with a fixed gear?

[95CelicaST]

If that's you in those pics Coomer, you are so awesome to have one leg rolled up.

And correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't you just pedaling your nuts off (not your nuts, specifically) when you're trying to haul ass with a fixed gear?

That is Coomer, and it's mighty hipster of him with one pant leg rolled up.

And no, you aren't pedaling your nuts off- you have a good all-around gearing and it is quite easy to go very fast without much effort at all.

I'm not trying to knock it, just to understand it. What, exactly is the advantage to a fixed-gear bike? I ask because I may have to give up running after a knee injury and I have seen fixed gear bikes advertised in my initial search, but I know nothing about them. Also, I notice that there is a front caliper/hand brake on yours, Coomer. Is that the only brake or does it work by pushing back on the pedals?

Please forgive my ignorance, but at least I'm trying to find out stuff. Thanks.

There isn't a real arguable advantage to fixed gear riding, it's just a matter of preference. I enjoy it because a few years ago I screwed up my knee and had surgery to correct it. The great thing about fixed gear is that I cannot coast, which forces me to keep my spin (bike term for RPM's ) up. This also increases circulation to my knee and has helped me exponentially.

As for brakes, fixed gear bikes don't benefit much from a rear brake, you aren't going so fast that you need one, however it's all about how comfortable you are. Personally I run without brakes, just because I can exert enough pressure pushing against the pedals to come to a safe stop. You just have to be (literally) looking ahead for potential dangers.

Plus, the great thing about most fixed gear bikes is that they come with whats known as a "flip flop rear hub" meaning that you can put a BMX freewheel on one side (allowing you to coast) and have your fixed cog on the other side (no coasting).


I would implore you to go and try it. It takes a couple rides before you get comfortable with it, but it's been the best decision I've made for my health.