Someone doesn't like Fixies

Oct 27, 2006 By RL Policar Posted in The Archives Tagged with Commute by Bike

Yes Nick and Moe, I said “Fixies!”

Ok back to the subject. We had a person named “finger” make a comment on a recent posting about fixies and coaster brakes.

Here’s what “finger” had to say…

patently absurd.

“I feel like I have a lot more control on a fixie”

uh huh. you just keep telling yourself that Mr. Cool guy! Track bikes belong on the track. Skidding reduces maneuverability. period. The ‘test’ showing the coaster brake stopping slower than the fixie was obviously faked. The guy on the coaster brake bike HAD A FRONT BRAKE, and for good reason too. Having front brakes is the safest way to stop ANY VEHICLE.

Your coolness is a danger to those around you- which really just makes you another @**hole.

Do you agree or disagree with Frustrated Finger?

0 thoughts on “Someone doesn't like Fixies”

Nick says:

October 27, 2006 at 8:36 am

I disagree. I think being able to ride a track bike safely on streets requires a specific skillset, and it’s not for everyone. Some people can do it, some can’t. A lot of kids try, and suck at it, while some get the hang of it. I’ve seen plenty of cruiser bikes with only a rear coaster brake, but they’re usually not intended to be ridden at the speeds you can reach on a track bike.

Personally, I think stopping quickly isn’t as important to safe riding as being able to swerve to safety while remaining in motion. Just yesterday a cab cut me off, pulling a left-hand turn from my right side, effectively forcing me to turn with the cab, or stop. I turned quickly, pulled a tight circle, and got right back into the bike lane. I think that’s safer than just stopping, cause you never know who’s behind you, and whether they’re paying attention.

As for control, I am certain that I have more control on my IRO than I have with any other bike I’ve used. Then again, with bulhorns and a front brake, it’s not a track bike.

Reply
sportcrazy says:

October 31, 2006 at 6:39 pm

A bike with a front brake will have a shorter stopping distance than any rear wheel only braking system, fixed or non fixed. That isn’t even an issue. Go ask Sheldon if it’s not clear why, he explains it great.

Reply
aloysiusturnover says:

November 7, 2006 at 12:48 pm

“not intended to be ridden at the speeds you can reach on a track bike.”

Nor is it intended to be ridden on a closed, circular track, where everyone is going more-or-less the same direction. I don’t see a lot of taxis cutting into velodrome traffic.

But anyway, are you’re saying that brakes impede your ability to learn these skills? Riding in dense urban traffic is a skill by itself, brakes or not. I can’t see how brakes can hurt, except it maybe shaves some points of your coolness score.

I mean, I have a fixie, and I enjoy it for it’s simplicity, but I’m not going to make a case for its safety. It’s helped me improve cycling skills, somewhat — but seriously, nothing has improved those skills better than learning to ride a unicycle. (That’s right, you two-wheeled bourgeoise; fixies are a big waste of metal with that extra wheel!) Now I can track stand, no-handed, as long as I want…with a freewheel.

My point is, I still don’t think there’s much compelling reason to bringing a fixie onto city streets. To me, it’s just another silly consumer fad for bike geeks.

I wonder, after blindly following the trend-peloton to the cliff, will you be able to skid-stop before riding over the edge?

Reply
Pearl says:

July 7, 2007 at 4:21 pm

I have a sick road bike and a fixie. I live in S.F and I run no brakes on the Black Pearl, its an art and I agree with others above. The skillset for city riding is different then just riding. Now coaster brakes or no brakes when the shit hits the fan you better have a helmet.

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Someone doesn't like Fixies

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