Fixie conversion
Thread started by
Gav at 12.31.08 - 8:42 pm
I'd like to know some comparisons and contrasts between road bikes and fixed gears. Right know I've got a road bike and I'd like try out fixed gear, so I'd also like some pros and cons of a fixed gear.
I need information from you people's experiences to asses whether or not it is worth it to convert my bike to a fixie.
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Only if it's NJS approved.
Jaz12.31.08 - 8:50 pm
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one thing ive noticed is that i definitely dont do work out rides anymore since i converted.
i used to pump out 40 miles every weekday and 60 to 70 on weekends but that stopped when i converted
now all my bike is is a work horse
just for commuting and for dicking around.
if you have a nice road bike, dont convert it.
a lot of people try to compare fixed and geared but i see them as two completely different bikes.
if ur road bike is shit and ur gears are constantly slipping and you always need to get something adjusted, then you might wanna go fixed just bc itd be simpler.
my road bike was pretty cool but i ran a freehub instead of a freewheel. my cassette eventually lost like 3-4 teeth and when i tried to find a new one, i couldnt find any freehub cassettes. since a new drive train would cost like at least 600, i decided to spend 50 bucks and go fixed.
long story short, you cant substitute a fixed gear for a geared bike and vice versa.
KiMS112.31.08 - 9:04 pm
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btw, thats just my opinion and i know someones gonna disagree with me.
get ready to see a bunch of replies going back and forth ahahhaha
happy new year!
KiMS112.31.08 - 9:05 pm
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I wouldn't convert a decent road bike to a fixed gear.
You can buy a perfectly good brand new fixed gear for $300-350 online (bikesdirect.com has a bunch starting at $299, and despite the questionable graphics of some of them, they're the equal of several of the $500-600 entry level fixed gear bikes out there), and it's probably going to cost you $100+ to convert your road bike unless you get some good deals.
Pros/Cons of fixed vs. geared (YMMV):
A fixed gear requires more effort for a given interval since you're pedaling all the time. If you ride it regularly, this can mean a better workout, but if you stop riding long distances since it's a pain in the ass without gearing, then this can have a negative effect.
Fixed gears require a lot less maintenance, since you don't have any shifters or derailleurs to worry about and they look a lot cleaner aesthetically.
Since they don't have multiple gears, fixies require a compromise, so you're basically riding in a middle gear all the time, instead of a high gear for the flats/downhill, and a low gear for the uphills.
Fixed gears help you develop a better pedal stroke, since you're always pedaling.
Geared bikes are a lot easier to get up hills on, although fixed gears will carry more momentum and help you zip up smaller hills.
Fixies are trendy and you can do "fixie tricks". Whether this is a good thing or a bad thing is up to you.
Overall, I'd buy a separate fixed gear bike if you can afford it. That way you've got a backup bike / an extra bike to share w/ your friends.
JB01.1.09 - 1:45 am
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for a second I though someone recycled my old thread :P.
aksendz01.1.09 - 2:54 am
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fixed gear is a totally different ride. borrow a friend's for a couple days before you drop a couple bills on anything.
monovsstereo01.1.09 - 5:25 am
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riding fixed gear is great but sometimes i wish i still had a flip flop hub because my knees start hurting if i forget to stretch or dont warm up before riding long distances. so if you ride fixie get ready for knee complications
boneclaws4201.1.09 - 10:49 am
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oooh, if knee problems are a factor with fixies then i shouldn't do it because I don't have the best knees out there. Sometimes my knees will hurt riding on my lower gears.
I guess because there is no cruising with fixies I would have constant stress with my patella and quadriceps pressing against each other.
Gav01.1.09 - 12:32 pm
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having a fixed gear or single speed will be hard on you knees since from every stop you have to mash hard to get started. every time your out of your saddle its harder on your knees. if your on a road bike shift to lower gears before stopping to be nicer on your knees.
larsenf01.1.09 - 12:37 pm
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I'm sorry if I missed it but is there something wrong with your drivetrain now? I ride both, and I'm happy I have both. If your road bike is in good shape keep it as it is and start socking parts away to build your own fixed-gear. That way you can spread out the cost, and once you have all the shit you need, bring it on down to the Bike kitchen-oven-rowave and learn how to put that together.
If you go fixed, put a brake on it until you know wtf you're going to do when some asshole pulls out in front of you....
horse sense01.1.09 - 12:53 pm
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I have a great roadbike but the gearing was fucked up. So I converted and let me tell you something... I see riding complete different now. I have to be much more aware of everything going on around me (and I even kept my front brakes)
Once I get the money, though, I'll be converting it back to its pristine original road bike condition.
P.S. I don't like fixies much.
Jazzy Phat Nastee01.1.09 - 1:54 pm
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@gav
I find that stretching and jogging in place before riding helps a lot. Also stretch after you're done riding. I also feel as if less strain is put on my knees if I straighten out my back and ride with no hands.
boneclaws4201.1.09 - 2:14 pm
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if you have ANY knee complications then I don't think anyone would advise you to start riding fixed exclusively. If anything, you should have a separate fixed gear bike and ride it only occasionally if your knees already have strain problems. Some fixed riding can be good to keep your legs supple but if you force yourself to ride fixed exclusively, you could exacerbate any current joint issues to a point of irreparability.
Undercover Bob01.1.09 - 3:58 pm
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I converted my 10speed over after a spoke pulled apart the rear rim, and a friend gave me a fixed wheel. I mostly used one gear set anyways.
1. Less moving parts, less things to break.
2. Works the "up-pull" set of muscles more.
3. More direct drive chain, more bounce to the ounce.
I am wanting to set-up a geared bike though. Best way to go would be to have both.
vor01.1.09 - 4:19 pm
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HEY MAN, YOU CAN NOT EVEN THINK, DREAM, OR CONSIDER A FIXIE BIKE, UNTIL YOU ADMIT THAT YOU ARE A '''HIPSTER''' ON THIS WEBSITE.
THE TIME HAS COME TO PUT A STOP TO THIS KINDA OF 'FALSE ADVERTISING'.
eddieboyinla01.1.09 - 4:26 pm
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fixed: can't lean hard into turns without your pedal hitting concrete, which will cause your back wheel to lose contact & more then likely cause you to eat concrete.
Or..
can't bomb down steep hills. Or at least without your feet sticking out into the air like a dork.
and be prepared for the ridicule of practical bike riders who've been riding before the fadsters found fixies ;-)
just_ride01.1.09 - 6:40 pm
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I guess I won't give up my road bike, but I'm still curious about riding fixed
Gav01.1.09 - 7:24 pm
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If you get a fixie you're gona be busy with the ladezz if know what I mean. ;-) Ever since I've been riding mine I just about have to beat the women off of me! Spend the money and just buy a box of condoms instead of the 7-11 packs. You'll save money in the long run. I like getting mine on ebay. Just make sure the dates are current. If you have a gf, just tell her to take a number now.
User101.1.09 - 10:31 pm
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that's what I call an incentive
Gav01.1.09 - 11:12 pm
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BIG GAY AL GIVING 'STRAIGHT' ADVICE.
TRUELY A MIDNIGHTRIDAZZ CLASSIC MOMENT.
eddieboyinla01.1.09 - 11:24 pm
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