Quote Originally Posted by Tri Girl View Post
Ok- stupid question. Why can't you coast on a fixed gear? Is it because the pedals move when you're speeding downhill. Sorry such a dumb question, but I've never seen anyone riding a fixie or seen any of the velodrome races (there aren't any for hundreds- or thousands- of miles around here).
A "fixie" is a "fixed gear". No free wheel. Picture your pedals directly fixed to the rear wheel. (They are actually indirectly fixed but the image works I think.)

So as the wheel turns faster... you must pedal faster... and to slow down, well, you need really strong legs!!!!

I have never ridden a fixie and I would never ride one on real descents. I'd call it borderline dangerous...