Can I rewire my brain to cycle fixed?

christeb

OK - here's the story. Have enjoyed cycling my singlespeed for the past year. Decided on a whim to flip the hub, as the ss was starting to skip a little etc. A trip to A&E later* I'm wondering whether it's possible to rewire your brain to cycle fixed, or should I stay ss and maintain the hub a little better.

*first commute by fixed wheel - straight road - red light - body decides to stop pedalling - over handlebars - splat! No structural damage, at least

AstraMonti

It's like riding with spds for the first times, you have to actually think each time what you have to do to get your feet down. After few rides it will happen automatically.

Lumen

I imagine after the first four of five trips to A&E your brain will get the message.

Harrybelafonte

You're the first person I heard who actually went over the bars like that.

It's totally possible to rewire your brain for it. Just go easy and go often.

You'll still occasionally forget, but you shouldn't get thrown next time.

nak

Harrybelafonte wrote: »

You're the first person I heard who actually went over the bars like that.

It's totally possible to rewire your brain for it. Just go easy and go often.

You'll still occasionally forget, but you shouldn't get thrown next time.

I have heard of a few people who went over the bars, but they were drunk people who stupidly hopped on someone's bike at a party without asking first (on separate occassions). Used to be the best revenge for unsuspecting bike thieves years ago.

Wishbone Ash

christeb wrote: »

- body decides to stop pedalling - over handlebars -

Were you clipped in?

Cee-Jay-Cee

Maybe I'm missing something but why would anyone want a fixed gear bike for commuting or riding in any fashion other than on a track? I can't think of one single reason for such a bike.

nak

CJC999 wrote: »

Maybe I'm missing something but why would anyone want a fixed gear bike for commuting or riding in any fashion other than on a track? I can't think of one single reason for such a bike.

It's fun, cheaper/easier than running a geared bike. Dublin is a flat city, so gears aren't really necessary.

equivariant

nak wrote: »

It's fun, cheaper/easier than running a geared bike. Dublin is a flat city, so gears aren't really necessary.

I don't think the question was about single speed vs multi. It was about fixed vs non fixed gear, so hills or lack thereof are beside the point, no?

nak

equivariant wrote: »

I don't think the question was about single speed vs multi. It was about fixed vs non fixed gear, so hills or lack thereof are beside the point, no?

Fixed is still easier than single-speed for me anyway, as only need one brake in case of emergency and no free-hub body to maintain. I just like the way it feels, use a geared bike too, nice to have the choice. Prefer fixed on icy days.

Mycroft H

nak wrote: »

Fixed is still easier than single-speed for me anyway, as only need one brake in case of emergency and no free-hub body to maintain. I just like the way it feels, use a geared bike too, nice to have the choice. Prefer fixed on icy days.

Freewheels are usually sealed sure? I've never even looked at my freewheel other than to clean crud off it.

Harrybelafonte

CJC999 wrote: »

Maybe I'm missing something but why would anyone want a fixed gear bike for commuting or riding in any fashion other than on a track? I can't think of one single reason for such a bike.

Cos we're fixie skidder courier wannabies. We saw Quicksilver as kids and thought it was awesome. We're cheap bastards who want our bikes to be easily run. We're stuck in the beginning of the 20th century when all bikes were fixed. We have a bit of imagination. We like it. We train on them for track. We like the aesthetic. We've got bigger legs than you. We're non-conformists man and we were into it before you. We know how to use the search and find the multiple threads that have covered this before.

RockWerchter

Harrybelafonte wrote: »

Cos we're fixie skidder courier wannabies. We saw Quicksilver as kids and thought it was awesome. We're cheap bastards who want our bikes to be easily run. We're stuck in the beginning of the 20th century when all bikes were fixed. We have a bit of imagination. We like it. We train on them for track. We like the aesthetic. We've got bigger legs than you. We're non-conformists man and we were into it before you. We know how to use the search and find the multiple threads that have covered this before.

And because the ladies love skidz...some of us train on them for the road too.

christeb

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Were you clipped in?

Nope, eggbeater pedals. I was slightly out of the saddle (again, no idea why) which may have helped with my trip to asphalt town. I did get back up and cycled on into work. Didn't visit A&E until that evening, when the swelling got pretty big.

OK so most suggestions are to keep going, which I will. Back on 'er tomorrow morning.

christeb

Mycroft H wrote: »

Freewheels are usually sealed sure? I've never even looked at my freewheel other than to clean crud off it.

They are but mine started skipping a bit recently, especially at accelerating from lights. Just got a little annoying in the end.

piston

Practice, practice, practice. Then you'll never want to ride freewheel ever again.