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Fixed gear bikes

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anti_bunk
Posts: 2629 - Karma: 329
just bought a fixie today. a fuji for 200 bones i couldnt be happier with how it rides so smooth i can already tell my mountain bike is gonna collect mad dust its so much fun!  i learned how to skid already but i really suck at it.  who else loves their fixie?
Sep 28 2009 2:08AM
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Dan.
Posts: 7201 - Karma: 1,126
do you work for denver-boulder?!

anyway, as far as brakes go, front brake has 70% of your stopping power, rear has 30% this applies to bicycles and motorcycles.
if you know how to pedal properly a fixed gear is more efficient than a single speed because you has no loss of power through your stroke or in the spinning freewheel, though compared to a geared bike it is less efficient. also most fixed gears have a very steep geometry, which is conducive to even greater power output, a la time trial/track bikes.
most of the people who ride in denver/boulder are douchebags who couldn't ride a regular bike to save their lives so riding a fixie is way dangerous, but for short trips, the things are a fucking blast.
Sep 28 2009 5:10PM
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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
Fixies may or may not have their purpose, but all I know is that any city worth living in has lots of hills, and where there's hills, you're going to want multiple gears. Actually just a mountain bike.
Sep 28 2009 5:12PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24725 - Karma: 29,944

FOR ALL OF YOU IDIOTS WHO SAY FIXIES ARE USELESS FOR GETTING AROUND IN A CITY...

I commute on my cheepo fixie to work and school and almost everything whenever I dont need to drive somewhere far, or get somplace real fast. It's extremely light... its easy to carry around up stairs and shit... i can fit it into elevators, in traincars, and onto buses because its narrow, AND I dont have to worry about components getting stolen EVER. It's the perfect thing.

Oh, and I take the fucker to San Francisco all the time, and as we know from Icer air, that place has some gnarly fucking hills to navigate. Just takes some practice, but once you got your shit down on a fixie, you can haul it around almost anywhere.

Sep 28 2009 5:16PM
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abc8tr8we98g
Posts: 498 - Karma: 25
i love my fixie for getting around town...i usually dont have to go more than 4 miles with very few hills
Sep 28 2009 5:17PM
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jayo.
Posts: 5015 - Karma: 34
^pretty much.

i ride both fixed and ten speed.
each has its advantages and disadvantages.

and you can definitely climb hills with fixies.
i actually find it much easier since you have momentum on your side

the only major thing i dislike about fixies is the hipster scene that goes along with the
Sep 28 2009 5:20PM
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daytripper67
Posts: 681 - Karma: 11
okay this is the second time someone has made this claim. care to explain to me what "momentum" you have to help you up a hill on a fixie that i wouldnt have on a regular bike?
Sep 28 2009 5:33PM
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jayo.
Posts: 5015 - Karma: 34
i can't really explain it that well since i don't know a whole lot about physics.

just try it yourself and you'll see what i mean
Sep 28 2009 5:35PM
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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
Fixie riding in itself means your pedals are always moving with the wheels, which means you aren't doing very much stop/go riding like you would with a coasting bike with brakes, which is why it is challenging and many bike enthusiests like them so much. Since you're always bookin' it, you have all that built up momentum to go up hills.

They're cool in concept, but for an average joe who isn't into biking, I wouldn't recommend them at all.
Sep 28 2009 5:39PM
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daytripper67
Posts: 681 - Karma: 11
thats what i figured they were talking about. i mean... you can do that on a regular bike too thats just a choice. not exactly "an advantage" of fixies eh
Sep 28 2009 5:41PM
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skier_boy26
Posts: 11295 - Karma: 502
I love watching the innumerable grungy/emo/scene kids in seattle struggling to go anywhere with their fixed and single gear bikes because of all the HILLS and all the TRAFFIC LIGHTS.
Sep 28 2009 5:47PM
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Rachy
Posts: 4355 - Karma: 2,761
When I was 6 I learned how to ride a fixed gear bike with training wheels... It really wasn't that hard.

I had a fixed gear until i was 8 then I got a single gear... then at 10...... 12 speed. I never really understood why anyone would want to go back to no gears/breaks....

But I do love a good beach cruiser (must have basket).
Sep 28 2009 5:56PM
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anti_bunk
Posts: 2629 - Karma: 329
i regret making this thread for all of the stupidity that has ensued.
Sep 28 2009 7:15PM
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Jamestown
Posts: 4002 - Karma: 51
TRACKSTAND CUDDIE!
Sep 28 2009 7:26PM
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KyleA
Posts: 865 - Karma: 510
If you understood physics you would understand why both this post and fixies are dumb.
Sep 28 2009 11:18PM
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connoroh
Posts: 2333 - Karma: 246
My fixed gear is fun.
Sep 28 2009 11:42PM
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ShredTheGnarnia
Posts: 2544 - Karma: 79
i am taking physics. why could you develop any more momentum with a fixie than on a normal bike?
Sep 29 2009 12:22AM
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KyleA
Posts: 865 - Karma: 510
The OP is a straight dodo and doesn't know what he is talking about.  Your momentum on a bike is whatever you choose it to be.  Since your mass is constant, minus all the weight savings you achieve from not having brakes, the only variable is your velocity which does not need to be different on a fixie than any other bike.  The only reason your momentum is greater on a fixie while going up a hill is because you are forced to go faster because you have no lower gearing.  You could achieve this same velocity on any other bike but there is no need to.  This just means you expel more energy in a shorter amount of time which does not equate to easier climbing at all.
Sep 29 2009 12:50AM
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Jamestown
Posts: 4002 - Karma: 51
You live in Sacramento, which is like the fixie capitol of the world.
People are OBSESSED here. Just as long as you stay out of SLP and EDH, a fixie is perfect for sac.

However, the idea that fixie riders are superior to normal riders is beyond me. Not directed at you, but I've been ridiculed for being a "brake and gear pussy". wtf?
Sep 29 2009 12:54AM
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Joe_
Posts: 648 - Karma: 14
there is no possible way that fixed gears are more efficient... even if you get a very slight increase in efficiency pedaling (which i doubt), the amount of energy used to go down hills and stop is infinitely more than the energy used to brake on a regular bike. that being said, i still ride one, because its fun as hell
Sep 29 2009 1:49AM
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Jhorski
Posts: 648 - Karma: 45
Agreed man, i can't imagine not having suspension any more it's so nice just rollin around town with pot holes and hitting curbs plus you look like a badass
Sep 29 2009 5:40AM
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B-runge
Posts: 16558 - Karma: 361
the name hippie is origionaly derived from the word hipster as they were first know as hipsters back in the day and the nickname hippies slowly took over.....
Sep 29 2009 9:49AM
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B-runge
Posts: 16558 - Karma: 361
oh
and fixed gears are fucking stupid
Sep 29 2009 9:51AM
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T-Holt
Posts: 5020 - Karma: 639
Could you actually explain this, I've always been taught to use my rear brake mostly and only my front brake a little when I'm mountain biking.  I'm actually curious.
Sep 29 2009 11:57AM
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abc8tr8we98g
Posts: 498 - Karma: 25
i rode around town on a mountain bike for years and thought the same thing cause i would bunny hop up curbs, off of curbs, hitting all sorts of pot holes and stuff...i thought it would be a serious limitation to have a fixed gear...but i love it...i have to be a little more cautious of holes and stuff but overall i much prefer the fixie to the mountain bike for commuting.
Sep 29 2009 2:05PM
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connoroh
Posts: 2333 - Karma: 246
Yeah, if you actually need to get anywhere, a mountain bike in the city is retarded.. I rode a singlespeed DJ for a few years, it got stolen, and i got a road bike. I have that and my fixie. I can bunny hop on both bikes just as well as i could on my mountain bike.
Sep 29 2009 2:10PM
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Rachy
Posts: 4355 - Karma: 2,761
This break talk is annoying.

From Wikipedia (cause my knowledge is not as reliable on bikes yet as I would like - but I know a decent amount)


There are several techniques for efficient braking on a standard, two-brake bicycle. The one most commonly taught is the 25-75 technique. This method entails supplying 75% of the stopping power to the front brake, and about 25% of the power to the rear. Since the bicycle's deceleration causes a transfer of weight to the front wheel, there is much more traction on the front wheel. Therefore, the rear brake can exert less braking force than on the front before the rear wheel starts skidding. For a more-detailed analysis, see Bicycle and motorcycle dynamics.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_brake_systems

please continue reading in breaking technique. The proper way is with more to the front unless you are learning then in many occasions more to the back.
Sep 29 2009 2:14PM
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anti_bunk
Posts: 2629 - Karma: 329
just slam on your front brake and theres your answer.
Sep 29 2009 2:39PM
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*rkp*
Posts: 8198 - Karma: 257
For fuck's sake.....

Firstly, OP.. congratulations on buying a bike! HAVE FUN (something that biking should be about, yet is impeded by people who are too over-conscious about what other people are doing).
Just don't call it a "fixie" please.

Does it really matter what kind of bike somebody rides? I'm sure half of you ride around the paved streets on your DJ or FS bikes with 2.8 inch tires.... how efficient/practical is that?
Nobody cares if "you've been riding fixed for years until all these stupid hipsters caught on". Embrace the fact that there are more people riding bikes in general (and saturating the market with cheap fixed-specific parts).
As for fixed gear bikes being inefficient... it's called being in shape and CHOOSING proper gear ratios.
I could go on for days about this...but I'll spare that.
Everyone needs to take a valium and grow up.
Sep 29 2009 3:43PM
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toominator
Posts: 4792 - Karma: 120
You've made some retarded posts before, but you're on the money now.

I'm wondering how many people posting in this thread have ever ridden a bike beyond their driveway..
Sep 29 2009 4:16PM
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ChrisSkisChronic
Posts: 1128 - Karma: 230
I've ridden DH for the last 4 years, and she is absolutly right. Your front brake has a lot more stopping power than your rear.
Sep 29 2009 5:03PM
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FUUUCK
Posts: 18426 - Karma: 4,888
false, somewhat true, and false.
Sep 29 2009 5:42PM
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Dntel.
Posts: 1026 - Karma: 21
you sir, are entirely correct.
Sep 29 2009 6:05PM
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Dntel.
Posts: 1026 - Karma: 21
sorry for the double post, but this is really the only legit thing i've ever seen on a fixie. Most people are just jumping on the bandwagon for the sake of being cool i guess. I love my 3 speed cruiser, and my mountain bike.

anyways, check this shit out.


http://www.pinkbike.com/video/95007/
Sep 29 2009 6:20PM
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captainEMERICA
Posts: 1386 - Karma: 122
well what if you actualy ride track? like, in a velodrome
Sep 29 2009 6:24PM
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jayo.
Posts: 5015 - Karma: 34
yeah i realize that.

but i'm not speaking in literal terms.

culturally, the two words have pretty different meanings. they are used to describe two completely different groups of people.
Sep 29 2009 6:28PM
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B-runge
Posts: 16558 - Karma: 361
yeah

dirtbags.......
Sep 29 2009 6:34PM
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line1260skier
Posts: 1570 - Karma: 16
This guy knows what hes talking about, animcalcollecter you, don't. rear brakes really suck compared to front brakes, and if you filp over you should probably get a tricycle.
Sep 29 2009 7:39PM
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Schoog
Posts: 279 - Karma: 10
FUCK FIXIES!!!!!!!!!!
Sep 29 2009 8:06PM
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LC.
Posts: 5952 - Karma: 2,423
I couldn't even be bothered reading this whole thread, there's a lot of misinformation from what I've read. Your front brake does most of the stopping, whoever commented on that. You don't need a rear brake with a fixed gear because your legs naturally brake the rear wheel just enough. I ride my bike fixed now, but was extremely dubious about it before I did, I rode it on the freewheel for quite a while, I figured it was just a fashion/"badass" thing like a lot of you seem to be saying (which I agree it still is to a lot of people). Well guess what, since running it fixed I much prefer how it feels and my cycling has improved noticeably - my ride to work has gone from 35 minutes to about 28 on a good day, no exaggeration. Give it a try for a week or two, if you don't like it just change it back. Way to go getting all angry on the internet over it though.
Sep 29 2009 8:16PM
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LC.
Posts: 5952 - Karma: 2,423
Oh, and make sure you run a 1:3 gear or higher.
Sep 29 2009 8:18PM
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ChronicLines
Posts: 951 - Karma: 61
You're an idiot.  Try downhilling with your numbers and then truly realize the error of that statement.
Sep 29 2009 8:51PM
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steevner
Posts: 4502 - Karma: 47
But think about this; where does your weight go when you're slowing down/skidding on a fixie?

Your weight is wayyyy far forward. Have fun grabbing the front brake when your crotch is a few inches from the stem.

Moral of the story: fixies aren't fun to constantly stop on.


btw I ride fixed gear, it's an awesome workout.
Sep 29 2009 8:56PM
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LC.
Posts: 5952 - Karma: 2,423
My weight stays totally centred. I don't skid.
Sep 29 2009 8:58PM
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MACAQUE
Posts: 2811 - Karma: 696
Kind of true. Front has a lot more power than the back, but on the trail which brakes you use depends on the situation. If you're doing 30 skipping over rocks in a rockgarden, you don't want to hit the front, because if your front looses traction you're fucked.
Sep 29 2009 9:14PM
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*rkp*
Posts: 8198 - Karma: 257
ever heard of a sit-down skid? you know...? the kind that makes FAST stops easy?
Sep 29 2009 9:18PM
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GreenStezz
Posts: 3570 - Karma: 717
Click for larger image
Sep 29 2009 9:20PM
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ChronicLines
Posts: 951 - Karma: 61
Post your bike thread?

Click for larger image
Sep 29 2009 9:27PM
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eheath
Posts: 61603 - Karma: 123,093
Fixed gears are NOT more efficient than a rode bike, retard.
Sep 29 2009 9:28PM
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brad5
Posts: 166 - Karma: 10
i stand with him. i ride fixed, and no body knows their stuff. You can't argue fixies are worse/better for anything. They have their advantages and disadvantages, this whole thread is full of crap. I personally like them, once you really get to know how to use it they can be great. I also dont like the hipsters who ride them just cuz they can... but dont rag on the bike itself.

and you my friend, nice spelling?

Quoting 416 from Sep 29 2009 5:42:00:
false, somewhat true, and false.
Fixed gears are NOT more efficient than a rode bike, retard.


Sep 30 2009 12:22AM
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Arabian.
Posts: 9632 - Karma: 55
Hipsters are a plague on society. Welcome to a new page.
Sep 30 2009 12:24AM
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