After 2 days of commuting on my new fixie (42x17 - there are hills in Vancouver) I have had a few revelations: (Comments are welcome, especially from experienced fixed gear riders)
1. I need another pair of clipless pedals. I can do the "kick & filp" to enter the cage no problem, but there's NO WAY I'm getting that 2nd strap done up. Even if it were possible, I'd hate to have to loosen it in a hurry. Makes me wonder what they did before clipless pedals were available (ride with one foot loose?)
2. This is similar to a TT in that I don't move around on the saddle all that much - consequently, my decision to not bother with bike shorts and the re-use of an old saddle has left me a little tender. Not wanting to have to bother with carrying an extra set of clothes, I guess a new saddle and perhaps a seat pad is in order.
3. My legs are sore! It took me a little while to figure it out, but I think the reverse pressure from controlled descents and stopping for traffic lights is causing this. I liken it to performing "negative" leg presses at the gym. Hopefully I'll get stronger in a hurry. This bodes well for next year's race season (stronger legs never hurt anybody).
4. I can power up the same hills in a 42x17 that I normally spin up in a 39x28 on my tri-bike. WTF?!!! Sure I'm using a lot more power and "stomping" them, but that can't be all there is to it. Is the pie-plate in the back a mental crutch? Can the geometry (~73deg seat tube) make that much of a difference? Is it the "true" elimination of the dead spot in the pedal rotation? (This could also contribute to the leg soreness, but I doubt it's the major factor)
5. After my first significant ride, I noticed that the BB was coming loose on the drivetrain side. Again, I chalk this up to "back pressure". Re-installed the cup with Lock-Tite and it seems to be holding. Looking down a lot for now. Interestingly, I never saw this phenomenon noted anywhere when researching fixed gear riding.
6. Awareness is greatly increased, not having the coast/quick stop options available to me. Took a dive into a pothole today when I learned that I can't bunny-hop the fixie. Well, maybe it's possible - but I tried to "level" the pedals just before the pothole and it sure didn't work out the way I had planned! No more snoozing on the bike (probably a good thing anyway).
7. Trackstands do not come naturally just because I have a fixed gear. I was kind of close a few times, but this is going to take some practice. Hopefully I'll be able to master this and transfer it to my freewheel bikes with a little front brake usage.
8. Remaining smooth at extremely high cadences is difficult. My courrier bag shifted WAY over to the side halfway down the first big hill as a result of my bouncing around. This is good. Now I will learn "souplesse".
9. DAMN THIS IS FUN!!!!! I can't imagine why I never tried this before, but am now totally in love with the fixed gear. Heading for the 'drome this winter (hopefully they'll let me ride Miranda, but otherwise I guess I'll have to rent a steed).
10. I feel like Bunny with a new cause. "Not all winners may ride fixed, but those who do have more fun!"
<If you're gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough>
Get Fitter!
Proud member of the Smartasscrew, MONSTER CLUB
Get your FIX today?
1. I need another pair of clipless pedals. I can do the "kick & filp" to enter the cage no problem, but there's NO WAY I'm getting that 2nd strap done up. Even if it were possible, I'd hate to have to loosen it in a hurry. Makes me wonder what they did before clipless pedals were available (ride with one foot loose?)
2. This is similar to a TT in that I don't move around on the saddle all that much - consequently, my decision to not bother with bike shorts and the re-use of an old saddle has left me a little tender. Not wanting to have to bother with carrying an extra set of clothes, I guess a new saddle and perhaps a seat pad is in order.
3. My legs are sore! It took me a little while to figure it out, but I think the reverse pressure from controlled descents and stopping for traffic lights is causing this. I liken it to performing "negative" leg presses at the gym. Hopefully I'll get stronger in a hurry. This bodes well for next year's race season (stronger legs never hurt anybody).
4. I can power up the same hills in a 42x17 that I normally spin up in a 39x28 on my tri-bike. WTF?!!! Sure I'm using a lot more power and "stomping" them, but that can't be all there is to it. Is the pie-plate in the back a mental crutch? Can the geometry (~73deg seat tube) make that much of a difference? Is it the "true" elimination of the dead spot in the pedal rotation? (This could also contribute to the leg soreness, but I doubt it's the major factor)
5. After my first significant ride, I noticed that the BB was coming loose on the drivetrain side. Again, I chalk this up to "back pressure". Re-installed the cup with Lock-Tite and it seems to be holding. Looking down a lot for now. Interestingly, I never saw this phenomenon noted anywhere when researching fixed gear riding.
6. Awareness is greatly increased, not having the coast/quick stop options available to me. Took a dive into a pothole today when I learned that I can't bunny-hop the fixie. Well, maybe it's possible - but I tried to "level" the pedals just before the pothole and it sure didn't work out the way I had planned! No more snoozing on the bike (probably a good thing anyway).
7. Trackstands do not come naturally just because I have a fixed gear. I was kind of close a few times, but this is going to take some practice. Hopefully I'll be able to master this and transfer it to my freewheel bikes with a little front brake usage.
8. Remaining smooth at extremely high cadences is difficult. My courrier bag shifted WAY over to the side halfway down the first big hill as a result of my bouncing around. This is good. Now I will learn "souplesse".
9. DAMN THIS IS FUN!!!!! I can't imagine why I never tried this before, but am now totally in love with the fixed gear. Heading for the 'drome this winter (hopefully they'll let me ride Miranda, but otherwise I guess I'll have to rent a steed).
10. I feel like Bunny with a new cause. "Not all winners may ride fixed, but those who do have more fun!"
<If you're gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough>
Get Fitter!
Proud member of the Smartasscrew, MONSTER CLUB
Get your FIX today?