Originally Posted by jimshapiro
I just finished building a fixed-gear/ single-speed bicycle (see photo) and rode it today for the first time fixed-gear. I am running 52 front and 17 back (both sides) which is 84 gear inches. With the 170 mm cranks, I expect to really work on hills. We'll see.
Jim
Unless you are superman the hills will assuredly break you.
The problem is that you can't bail out unless you want to be seen walking.
I'd recommend something a little less ambitious for the sake of your knees ( and yes I have ridden 84" fixed up hills in my youth).
Good luck - nice bike I'm hankering after building a fixie too.
Cheers Ted