The Chainlink

So I just expanded my bike family and got a fixed gear: a Fuji track SE I found on Craigslist. As I get comfortable with it, I need advice from the more experienced fixed riders. If you could give someone (me) advice on riding fixed, what would you say? Anything you wish you had known when you first started?

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The best thing you can do is ride it.
toe clips make skids stops really easy, if you're into that sorta thing.
Agreed. Just do it.

The only advice I have is regarding pedals.
Start with platform pedals, then maybe get cages (as an intermediate step), and then ultimately move to clipless (SPD). Riding fixed with clipless seems the best bet, but it's nice to get used to the idea of fixed before locking your feet in.
definitely platforms first, but take it slow. if you are someone who is used to cruising along at 20 plus, slipping off that pedal can be freaky. granted that it's no big deal if you don't freak, just drag and eventually get that foot back up there. if you go the cage route next keep em loose. and also if freaked, eggbeater route is often preferred instead of spd, more clippin'in spots and easier to get out of. also snow does not clump up as much.

once you get acclimated tho', some locked up tight as hell spd's are wunderbar. let's face it, it's a fixed gear. you will only be getting out at your destination or on your butt.

also, give your other bikes alot of love right now, because once you go fixed...
ride it and do yoga.

your leg muscles will never feel the same again and yoga seems to help stretch them out as well as aid in balance.

also agreed on the comment from Alex, once you go fixed, your really never go back.
You're right - I've had my fixed for about 3 days now and I'm hooked for real. It's so cool to feel so in control... (I hope that doesn't sound creepy?). Right now I have flat pedals and clips/straps, which seem to be fine while I'm getting comfortable.

Andrew - it may be a while until I'm doing skids, although I do think this video's pretty cool: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=en8ESzTmSAM :)
Yes indeed, the addiction takes hold fairly quickly. It took me a half hour ride and an unexpected trip before I was able to flip the wheel, and I was hooked. Cheers to fixed gears. Ride safe.
dope video for sure, Leah.
Don't try to coast. It'll be like riding a bucking bronco. And it just might throw you off. :)
ha ha. good one! I ripped my chucks one time when my untied lace got caught in the pedal. no fun at all. freaked me out.

Amandachanic said:
tuck in your shoelaces.
Now that I've been riding for a while, I can add my own: Look around you. All the time. Look out even further and be even more aware than you would on a non-fixed bike. It's made riding fixed more fun, and also made me a better rider on my road bike.
Leah said:
Now that I've been riding for a while, I can add my own: Look around you. All the time. Look out even further and be even more aware than you would on a non-fixed bike. It's made riding fixed more fun, and also made me a better rider on my road bike.
your pedal stroke on a geared bike can always be improved by riding fixed and practicing nice smooth circles. not to mention, hamstring muscles get built up nicely when braking with your legs.

i find riding fixed in slower situations is better, overall. traffic, critical mass, etc.

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