Do you have a fixie?

[pyxichick]

I'm considering getting one.

I have a carbon road bike right now, but am thinking of adding to my collection.

If you have a fixie, I'm wondering how often you use it, and under what circumstances.

Thanks,
Kate

[Andrea]

I have a Surly crosscheck that doubles as a SS CX bike (has a flip-flop hub). I ride it any time I'm bored with the normal road bike- usually once a week or so. It'll be a commuter, too if they ever get the rail-trail near my house finished up!

[martinkap]

I have a fixie and also a nice roadbike. I NEVER ride the road bike - I still don't like it. I use fixie for commuting, weekend trips, long distance. In the fall I rode 2 centuries on my fixed, one was flat and other was considered very hilly (for the area where I live). I run 48/16 gear and clips. Weekly mileage is between 150miles and 200 miles. Monthly I ride consistently between 750 and 800 miles. Let me know if you have any other questions...

Also, there was a thread about 'why people ride fixies" ... you might want to read it. I found it, here it is:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=25453&highlight=fixie

[Jenerator]

I'm like Martinkap, the road bike sees little use. The fixed gear sees all the action - grocery-hauling with the BoB trailer, commuting, casual rides in the country, mountain epics and 4 day multi-state tours.

[Velobambina]

I actually considering getting a fixie for winter use. Not something expensive. Being a chicken, I want it outfitted with disc brakes.

[7rider]

I actually considering getting a fixie for winter use. Not something expensive. Being a chicken, I want it outfitted with disc brakes.

Then I think you want a single speed. Most fixies don't have brakes (or maybe...just a front brake). :eek:

[Velobambina]

thanks for the "lingo" clarification, regina! i actually saw a fixed gear advertised as having a disc brake. :)

[xeney]

Yep. (http://urbanvelo.org/gws-fixed-gear-disc-brake/)

I am a single-speed girl myself. My husband is convinced I would kill myself on a fixie and I have no particularly urge to try it out.

[Velobambina]

oooh, I like that. The green is perfect!

I've heard that trying to slow/stop on a fixie puts a lot of stress on the knees. Since I'm almost closer to 50 than 40, I don't want to take any chances w/my joints.

[Andrea]

As long as you have brakes, it's no harder to stop a fixed gear bike than it is any other bike. It takes a little more coordination, but honestly, it's not that big of a deal.

[Grog]

There are lots of fixed gear bikes with brakes. Actually I think around here they are illegal if they are without brakes at all (aside from the coaster brakes).

Riding a single-speed is a very different feeling.

When I have a garage I'll get a fixie (with brakes).

[Velobambina]

I was referring to the ones w/o brakes

[sarahkonamojo]

But I have a single speed. We love each other. I have a single front brake. The bike was reclaimed from the junk heap and is seeing a lot of time on the road. I still use my multi-speed road bike for long rides.

I'm not ready for a fixie...

Bikes are good,
sarah

[pyxichick]

Thanks everyone. Sounds like most people who have 'em really like to ride 'em. I tried one out on the track about a month ago and it was really fun. I'll keep y'all posted if I end up getting one :)

[kie_fujo]

my husband has 2 fixed gears. he never wants a geared bike again he says!! i learned to love my gears although i would not be opposed to a single speed i like the option of coasting....especially down hills!