The Cycling Thread

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

I'm liking the top one. I really like singlespeeds / fixie's something pure and simple about it. I love the clean uncluttered lines of them.

Yep, plus lovely and light too

But very challenging to ride on the road

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by maviczap

But very challenging to ride on the road

Single speed isnt so bad, Fixed is a little more tricky, especially when on the cycle path with junctions etc etc.

I've got it down so I can stop now when riding with fixed without using the brakes, but I'm still riding with flats, not had the courage to go clipless yet !

[maviczap]

Yep, I was reffering to Fixed wheel.

Tried it clipless once feck me

[Luckypants]

What is the point of having a fixed sprocket? Serious question.

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by Luckypants

What is the point of having a fixed sprocket? Serious question.

I dont think there is one. It has lots of disadvantages, single gear, hill climbing is a bitch, descending is well heart stoppping to say the least.

What I have found is that it makes me think about my pedalling technique and applying equal pressure on upward and downward pedal strokes. Also when you get the gear spinning, the rear wheel acts like a flywheel and pushes you along on the flat so you get the benefit from that to.

I think though its more of a fashion thing.

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

I dont think there is one. It has lots of disadvantages, single gear, hill climbing is a bitch, descending is well heart stoppping to say the least.

What I have found is that it makes me think about my pedalling technique and applying equal pressure on upward and downward pedal strokes. Also when you get the gear spinning, the rear wheel acts like a flywheel and pushes you along on the flat so you get the benefit from that to.

I think though its more of a fashion thing.

Fizz is nearly there.

Riding fixed is supposed to smooth out your pedalling. So instead of pedalling in squares, you pedal for the whole rotation of the crank.

Edit: Teaches your legs to ride small gears, which should keep your leg muscles supple. The French term is 'Souplese' I think.

Armstrong learnt to use smaller gears after his cancer, so his cadence was higher, but keeping the same road speed. Compare him and Ulrich in the mountains, Ulrich always trying to mash a big gear up the mountains. Armstrong dacing along in a much smaller gear. Same in the time trials.

Most hill climb competions are riden on fixed, as you power up the climb, plus you save so much weight by junking the gears. Although fixed won't be used for long hill climb races.

Just found this thread - am in training for the 'Nicolas Jalabert' (http://www.artek.fr/jalabert2009/la-jalabert.asp#) next summer, 88kms - so far am up to 30k's @ av of 26 km/h (route along the side of a mountain - so up s and downs)

Cannondale road bike

Originally Posted by Luckypants

What is the point of having a fixed sprocket? Serious question.

There is a fitness angle, i.e. your legs move all the time so no rests. More so if you set-up the bike with low gearing.

Single-speeds are lighter than geared bikes with a comparable frame. There's less maintenance and less to go wrong. Ideal ride-to-work or ride-at-work steeds, especially if your route is flat.

Not sure what to get? Try both

I'm considering a single-speed (with flop-flop hub) for my next bike, especially as mooted changes at work might mean that I can ride in every day.

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by Jabba

I'm considering a single-speed (with flop-flop hub)

Thats what I have

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

Thats what I have