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General Thoughts On Fixies...

24

Comments

  • #32
    blorg
    Registered Users Posts: 15,989 ✭✭✭✭blorg


    abcdggs wrote: »
    Hope i'm not hijacking the thread, but i'm intrigued. what is this bike polo?
    Pretty much exactly what it says on the tin, polo with bikes rather than horses.


  • #33
    Pjordanoz
    Closed Accounts Posts: 16 ✭Pjordanoz


    similar to polo on horses but on a tarmac basketball court. I've made a thread about in the the cycling forum.


  • #34
    Raam
    Registered Users Posts: 14,317 ✭✭✭✭Raam


    TinyExplosions wrote: »
    It's fairly similar really... just a way of saying how 'ard you are -I ride 80.8" (oo-er!)

    Hmm, with that cog we changed a while back, I think I'm on 90.1 inches!
    That can't be right


  • #35
    TinyExplosions
    Registered Users Posts: 6,860 ✭✭✭TinyExplosions


    Raam wrote: »
    Hmm, with that cog we changed a while back, I think I'm on 90.1 inches!
    That can't be right

    Not even close :) you're 48-17 is it? Which is 74.5" (stock on the Flyer is 48-18 iirc, which is 70.3")


  • #36
    Raam
    Registered Users Posts: 14,317 ✭✭✭✭Raam


    TinyExplosions wrote: »
    Not even close :) you're 48-17 is it? Which is 74.5" (stock on the Flyer is 48-18 iirc, which is 70.3")

    We put a 14 on.


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  • #37
    TinyExplosions
    Registered Users Posts: 6,860 ✭✭✭TinyExplosions


    Raam wrote: »
    We put a 14 on.

    Really? And you're 48 up front!? In that case you are on 90.4", and are a bit of a hero!


  • #38
    Raam
    Registered Users Posts: 14,317 ✭✭✭✭Raam


    TinyExplosions wrote: »
    Really? And you're 48 up front!? In that case you are on 90.4", and are a bit of a hero!

    Well, I don't like to boast or anything.


  • #39
    Vélo
    Registered Users Posts: 1,920 ✭✭✭Vélo


    Can someone answer me something?

    As some of you know I have a Langster, which has a flip-flop rear wheel. When I ride it non-fixed is this not known as freewheel. A lot of people call it single speed but surely when it's fixed it's single speed also as it only has one speed. Am I correct in saying freewheel?


  • #40
    Raam
    Registered Users Posts: 14,317 ✭✭✭✭Raam


    Aquinas73 wrote: »
    Can someone answer me something?

    As some of you know I have a Langster, which has a flip-flop rear wheel. When I ride it non-fixed is this not known as freewheel. A lot of people call it single speed but surely when it's fixed it's single speed also as it only has one speed. Am I correct in saying freewheel?

    yeah but it's called singlespeed to distinguish between a bike with derailleurs.


  • #41
    TinyExplosions
    Registered Users Posts: 6,860 ✭✭✭TinyExplosions


    Aquinas73 wrote: »
    Can someone answer me something?

    As some of you know I have a Langster, which has a flip-flop rear wheel. When I ride it non-fixed is this not known as freewheel. A lot of people call it single speed but surely when it's fixed it's single speed also as it only has one speed. Am I correct in saying freewheel?

    Single speed freewheel would be the most accurate, but I'd say single speed is fine, cos you're not specifying fixed, it'd be right to assume you were freewheeling all over the place :)


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  • #42
    Halfrauds
    Closed Accounts Posts: 179 ✭✭Halfrauds


    Vitamin C wrote: »
    If somebody has been cycling on the road for years, either of these options are a) something fun and new to try when they might be getting a little bored of the same ol' same ol' or b) a no messing straight forward bike that that is nice to build and nice to ride.

    Granted they have become a bit of a statement for some, but as you said yourself this is only a phase.


    its just my opinion:D

    Id go fixed before Single speed. I think most other people who have been riding bikes for years consistantley would be the same. Each to their own and all that, and the less maintenance is a serious plus to them if you abuse your bikes BUT,

    Singlespeed bikes are a fashion statement.....98% of riders are ipoded up when riding, with the ipod on full show:P*

    I dont agree with the argument that they give you more time to think as they dont have distractions, if it takes you a second to change gear you must be a disaster on a bike:P.

    Gears are the way forward, you just have to avoid gripshift and anything under alivio or sram sx4.

    a well maintained, decent bike will be just as quiet and troublefree as a SS or a fixe IMO.



    *this isnt a serious statement just taking the wee wee:pac:


  • #43
    DirkVoodoo
    Registered Users Posts: 11,504 ✭✭✭✭DirkVoodoo


    Halfrauds wrote: »
    a well maintained, decent bike will be just as quiet and troublefree as a SS or a fixe IMO.

    Quite true, never doubted that.

    All my bikes are well maintained, but the level of work that goes into the one with gears exceeds the level needed on my fashionista SS.

    Rarely needs more than a wipe with a rag to keep it going.

    Ok, I cycled down to the shops. My new fixie gripe is struggling with pedal position, I must have looked quite odd wheeling the bike around until I could get the right pedal at 4'O Clock again.


  • #44
    niceonetom
    Registered Users Posts: 4,833 ✭✭✭niceonetom


    fixed fo' life yo. 48:17.
    DirkVoodoo wrote: »
    Ok, I cycled down to the shops. My new fixie gripe is struggling with pedal position, I must have looked quite odd wheeling the bike around until I could get the right pedal at 4'O Clock again.

    Aw, bless. Apply your front brake and you should be able to move the pedals (and the back wheel natch) to a position of your choice. Alternatively, reach back and lift the back wheel off the ground by lifting the saddle.


  • #45
    DirkVoodoo
    Registered Users Posts: 11,504 ✭✭✭✭DirkVoodoo


    I know, I know.

    I was heading out of the petrol station and the kick from the pedals caught me by surprise again. I ended up wheeling it across the empty road and got it second time around.


  • #46
    Húrin
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,045 ✭✭✭Húrin


    Fixies? I'm dead against them, as a lover of both gears and freewheeling.


  • #47
    NeilMcEoigheann
    Closed Accounts Posts: 461 ✭✭NeilMcEoigheann


    niceonetom wrote: »
    reach back and lift the back wheel off the ground by lifting the saddle.
    no don't, sheldon told me not to... something to do with breaking a brooks saddle, plus its not the fixie equivalent of euro to lift the saddle.


  • #48
    niceonetom
    Registered Users Posts: 4,833 ✭✭✭niceonetom


    Húrin wrote: »
    Fixies? I'm dead against them, as a lover of both gears and freewheeling.

    Ah, but you've never actually tried one, have you? So, it would be fair to say that you don't actually know what you're talking about. It's all hypthetical isn't it? Your dislike? How many people in cars have a similarly dismissive opinion of, um, ooh i dunno, cycling perhaps?

    NeilMcEoigheann wrote: »
    no don't, sheldon told me not to... something to do with breaking a brooks saddle, plus its not the fixie equivalent of euro to lift the saddle.

    obviously I don't do that. I'm just trying to prevent Dirk from embarrassing us all by scooching forward, straddling his felt, trying to align his pedals everytime he has to set off from a red light.

    Brooks saddles? I'm dead against them. I, however, speak from experience. :p

    @dirk - grace will come if you give it time. Give it a week or two, it might all click with you and then, grasshopper, you will be one of us.


  • #49
    NeilMcEoigheann
    Closed Accounts Posts: 461 ✭✭NeilMcEoigheann


    niceonetom wrote: »
    obviously I don't do that. I'm just trying to prevent Dirk from embarrassing us all by scooching forward, straddling his felt, trying to align his pedals everytime he has to set off from a red light.

    Brooks saddles? I'm dead against them. I, however, speak from experience. :p

    @dirk - grace will come if you give it time. Give it a week or two, it might all click with you and then, grasshopper, you will be one of us.
    red lights? but you ride a fixie its un cool to stop at reds..............
    but in all seriousness learn to track stand,
    although if i do put my feet down i just jump both feet back on the pedals and "hoof" the bike forward to get some rotation, not that i put my feet down as i told a guy on a charge plug the other day you loose points for doing that


  • #50
    Gavin
    Registered Users Posts: 4,676 ✭✭✭Gavin


    NeilMcEoigheann wrote: »
    i told a guy on a charge plug the other day you loose points for doing that

    You are randomly informing people of rules and lack of chain tension !?


  • #51
    blorg
    Registered Users Posts: 15,989 ✭✭✭✭blorg


    Fixed (or indeed singlespeed) definitely require less care and attention while still running nicely, it is a big advantage. Wipe and lube the chain occasionally and you will be fine.


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  • #52
    Thomas_S_Hunterson
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,151 ✭✭✭Thomas_S_Hunterson


    Gavin wrote: »
    You are randomly informing people of rules and lack of chain tension !?

    Seriously not cool. If they don't know the score then don't talk to them. A disdainful look over your shoulder is all that's required.;)


  • #53
    Raam
    Registered Users Posts: 14,317 ✭✭✭✭Raam


    On giving random advice to other cyclists...
    Nearly every day I pass two particular cyclists. One has her saddle far too high and the other guy pushes far too big a gear and goes nowhere fast. Should I be imparting gems of wisdom or should I keep my nose where it is?


  • #54
    Gavin
    Registered Users Posts: 4,676 ✭✭✭Gavin


    Raam wrote: »
    On giving random advice to other cyclists...
    Nearly every day I pass two particular cyclists. One has her saddle far too high and the other guy pushes far too big a gear and goes nowhere fast. Should I be imparting gems of wisdom or should I keep my nose where it is?

    Bear in mind that you pass them every day and once you 'break the seal' so to speak, it's broken. You'll feel awkward passing them from then on.


  • #55
    Raam
    Registered Users Posts: 14,317 ✭✭✭✭Raam


    Gavin wrote: »
    Bear in mind that you pass them every day and once you 'break the seal' so to speak, it's broken. You'll feel awkward passing them from then on.

    You mean if I talk to them once I'll have to stop for a chat everyday after this? Bummer, I'll never get to work in the mornings now.


  • #56
    abcdggs
    Registered Users Posts: 1,831 ✭✭✭abcdggs


    Gavin wrote: »
    Bear in mind that you pass them every day and once you 'break the seal' so to speak, it's broken. You'll feel awkward passing them from then on.
    +1 you wouldnt want to have to talk to them every time you go past. what if some one saw you talking to those of us who are cycling uninformed... i couldnt bear to think of the shame...


  • #57
    Raam
    Registered Users Posts: 14,317 ✭✭✭✭Raam


    abcdggs wrote: »
    +1 you wouldnt want to have to talk to them every time you go past. what if some one saw you talking to those of us who are cycling uninformed... i couldnt bear to think of the shame...

    Tis on the coastal cycle track so there's no danger of being caught by them.
    Maybe I could borrow a beater bike and blend in when I give my sermon.


  • #58
    abcdggs
    Registered Users Posts: 1,831 ✭✭✭abcdggs


    i'd be going full tactical gear for this kind of op. fake glasses with the nose and moustache connected. you can't be too careful...


  • #59
    Húrin
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,045 ✭✭✭Húrin


    niceonetom wrote: »
    Ah, but you've never actually tried one, have you? So, it would be fair to say that you don't actually know what you're talking about. It's all hypthetical isn't it? Your dislike? How many people in cars have a similarly dismissive opinion of, um, ooh i dunno, cycling perhaps?

    Well I've ridden my friend's one around the square in my college. Perhaps I should go for a more extended ride before enacting judgement.


  • #60
    Raam
    Registered Users Posts: 14,317 ✭✭✭✭Raam


    I don't understand when some people are anti-dérailleur or anti-fixed-gear. I love 'em both. Each has it's own use. Fixed gear bikes are like chocolate cake. Pure and damn enjoyable. A geared bike is like that same chocolate cake with some cream and raspberry coulis. The cream and coulis can sometimes distract from the tasty cake and are not needed, but man oh man, some days they make that cake go down a whole lot sweeter.

    I also love banoffee. It's really easy to make, and even easier to eat. There's always a huge temptation to eat the toffee straight out of the tin. You have to resist that because without the toffee, it's just bananas with cream and digestive biscuits.

    I'm hungry now.

    Anyway, bikes and cakes... the same thing.


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  • #61
    tommmy1979
    Closed Accounts Posts: 420 ✭✭tommmy1979


    niceonetom wrote: »
    Ah, but you've never actually tried one, have you? So, it would be fair to say that you don't actually know what you're talking about. It's all hypthetical isn't it? Your dislike? How many people in cars have a similarly dismissive opinion of, um, ooh i dunno, cycling perhaps?

    Maybe he hasn't tried one but i have and i think fixies are rubbish too..

    Fixies = fashion statement

    T


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