I just got fixed!

[bruiser]

Heh, I've always wanted to say that I've been fixed
(FYI: eek, long post! Sorry, ladies!)

Here's the slightly long version of my... er, ordeal.
About a month ago I walked into my lbs to order a Chrome bag for my so's birthday and *gasp* there's this beautiful kelly green bike inside the door. I am quite sure that the world stopped for this bike; I knew I was going to buy it. I checked the wooden info hang-tag, "Not for sale."
WHAT?!
I inquired, and found out that it was a special, city-edition of the Specialized Langster (needing to be ordered). This particular edition was the "Seattle", with NW specific details. The details were what sold me.
Besides the stunning emerald color (with matching hubs and rims), its got a coordinated seat, woodgrain fenders, and a mug holder! It also had paint details, signifying that it was NW inspired- rain, umbrellas, a coffee cup, and, on the underside of the bottom bracket, a no sun symbol (which I didn't see until I got it home and was fiddling with the pedals). http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=32829

I've been thinking about building a fixed for awhile. When I saw this bike, however, I knew that my junky side project wouldn't be finished until, at earliest, spring, most likely later. Why wait when I could get this gorgeous, perfect-for-my-commute-and-cruising-fast-around-town hunk of love?
So, I put some cash down and, two bonuses later, bought my lovely Langster (which I have tentatively named "Addie"). She rides like a dream, despite the fact that I'm slightly inept @ riding a fixie. Once I knew I was getting her, I tried practicing on my road (aka commute) bike, but it didn't do the act justice.
I am still surprised by one leg rotating up wildly in a way I hadn't planned, and I am glad that Eugene doesn't have too many daunting hills. I do, though, relish in the fact that I am constantly giving direct power to my bike- there is no passive riding on a fixed gear. I also enjoy that Addie makes me more conscious of my pedal strokes, and that I have to work a little bit harder to top the few hills and speed past cars on straights. I appreciate all the things this bike can't do.



~V

P.S. I've been lurking for a while- this is one of my first posts. I really love all of the advice and love and support that everyone gives! Please keep sparking riding fever in women. So many communities need something this positive and inspiring!

[snapdragen]

Very nice! I like the New York and the London versions too.

[DirtDiva]

They are pretty tempting bikes. Enjoy.

[Tri Girl]

What a beaut! I love the details specific to the cities. The Boston one is my other favorite besides the Seattle. How clever!
Congrats on your new purchase! Hope you have many happy miles together.



I've got dumb question, tho. I've never ridden a fixed gear (or actually seen anyone ride one). What's the deal? I know there is only one gear, but why can't you coast?

[bike4ever]

The rear cog is "fixed" or locked in place. Picture a kids trike - when they move the trike, the pedals rotate, whether you go forwards or backwards.

[elk]

SWEET bike!!! I look at those sometimes; I'd be torn between my hometown (Boston) and my home (NW) ...

I have a Specialized Globe and I just love it. LOVE it.

Mazel Tov* on your new bike...ride in good health and joy!

elk




* good luck

[onimity]

What a cool bike!!!

A friend of mine rode a fixie on a a mountain ride we did a few months back...it was something to see him descend a 12% grade! (but he was really easy to pick out!!!)

enjoy the bike!

Anne

[GLC1968]

I was just reading an article about those bikes this past weekend in the paper! Apparently, they are difficult to find (at least the NYC one was supposed to be). They only made so many of these and they are selling like hotcakes. I LOVE the Boston bike and my second choice would be the beautiful green one you got.

Congrats on your new love!

[7rider]

I've been thinking about building a fixed for awhile. When I saw this bike, however, I knew that my junky side project wouldn't be finished until, at earliest, spring, most likely later. Why wait when I could get this gorgeous, perfect-for-my-commute-and-cruising-fast-around-town hunk of love?
So, I put some cash down and, two bonuses later, bought my lovely Langster (which I have tentatively named "Addie"). She rides like a dream, despite the fact that I'm slightly inept @ riding a fixie. Once I knew I was getting her, I tried practicing on my road (aka commute) bike, but it didn't do the act justice.
I am still surprised by one leg rotating up wildly in a way I hadn't planned, and I am glad that Eugene doesn't have too many daunting hills. I do, though, relish in the fact that I am constantly giving direct power to my bike- there is no passive riding on a fixed gear. I also enjoy that Addie makes me more conscious of my pedal strokes, and that I have to work a little bit harder to top the few hills and speed past cars on straights. I appreciate all the things this bike can't do.

Slick ride.
I, too, had been reading about "special edition" bikes of late.
I think I read on the site that the bike has a freewheel, too, so you can, perhaps, flip it around and ride as a single speed when not feeling up to the challenge of a fixie.
Happy riding.
p.s. Oh....and my buns are happy to be fixed, too! (Or, rather, we tell them that they're going off to be "tutored."!)

[KnottedYet]

My "buns" have not been "fixed". They just seem to keep on breedin' and spreadin' ....

I kind of yearn for a flip-flop, but actually *living* in Seattle, I understand in a bone-deep kind of way the deliciously precious value of a derailleur and multiple gears! (hills, baby, hills!)

But there's something oh-so-sexy about a single speed, whether a freewheel or a fixie. Sigh.

[Brandy]

Congratulations. I saw one of those at the LBS recently, it's a cool bike.

I just started riding FG as well. Takes some getting used to, but I'm really enjoying it!

[bruiser]

At first I wasn't completely sold on riding fixed, but now I'm head over heels! I had to switch back to my road bike due to a flat on Addie (on my way to to work @ 4:40 AM ), and I had some minor issues . I kept thinking, "No, I can't coast- must keep pedaling!", but of course, I could. I think that the only problems I have now are from switching between bikes so much. Good thing I prefer the FG for town-riding...


~V

[alpinerabbit]

I want the coffee cup holder for my new city bike. Maybe with a croissant pod.

How about a marketing idea....