Yesterday when I was out riding, a guy on a fixed gear bike decided to ride w/me for awhile and we got to talking about his bike. He told me that he races and during the off season, will use his "fixie" to commute to work every day. Got me thinking about the advantages of riding a fixed gear bike every so often just to mix things up and challenge myself. My regular route is rolling hills and then a loop that is a continual gradual climb for 3.5 miles, then reverse, gradual downhill for 3.5 (I repeat the loop several times).

Anyone out there ride a fixed gear? Aside from the obvious advantages (less mechanical upkeep), how does it help with strength, cadence, form, etc.?