Originally Posted by
robertorolfo
...Right, but you can always ride a multispeed bike in the wrong gear, no? Is trying to decelerate with your legs such a good workout? Doesn't seem like the best idea from a physiological standpoint....
Any geared bike that permits coasting... well, allows distracted riding that involves periodic coasting. Fixed doesn't allow that, and you have to concentrate more at certain times. Coasting geared bikes also make "clicky" sounds. And yes, modulating speed and power using only one's legs is part of the wonder of it.