Getting Better With Age
07-30-20, 07:32 PM
#1
Full Member
Thread Starter
Getting Better With Age
So, I began my fixed gear journey six years ago at the age of 55 primarily to make my 18 mile round trip commute more interesting. Due to hills, abilities and mental attitude I began riding under 60 gear inches - not that there is anything wrong with that. Fast forward to living in a different environment (flat), 100% teleworking and using my fixed gear for, besides utilitarian purposes, speed workouts, I'm now at 71 gear inches. I know this isn't that big in the real world but for me it gets my bike to giddy-up with noticeable speed when effort is applied. This has become so much fun that I've lost site of it being a "work-out." I'm thinking maybe 80 + gear inches by the time I'm 70 might be possible and getting pulled over for speeding a reality. Much of my devotion to fixed gear riding has come from inspiration gleaned from this site. For that I thank you all!
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07-30-20, 08:01 PM
#3
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My hat (or cycling cap) is off to you, sir.
Love fixed gear riding, but recently flipped my rear wheel to give my creaking knees a little rest and I’m in my forties.
Keep on trucking!
Love fixed gear riding, but recently flipped my rear wheel to give my creaking knees a little rest and I’m in my forties.
Keep on trucking!
07-30-20, 08:25 PM
#4
Senior Member
I am 62 and I ride 70 to 73 gear inches depending on the season. I can make it up a 6% grade w/o issue and maintain 12% for a short time. I don't think I would try 80 inch anywhere but the track, where it is the standard gearing.
07-31-20, 03:56 PM
#5
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Thread Starter
Yeah, I was being totally facetious about the 80. More than likely I'm at the pinnacle now.
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08-04-20, 08:34 AM
#6
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^^^^ don't fret the next pinnacle just mind yourself well on the L O N G descent and you will know what those who don't FIX are missing 
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10-02-20, 08:05 PM
#7
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10-04-20, 12:10 AM
#8
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At 60 years old, I'm a spinner. My singlespeed is 63 gear inches, and my fixed is 70. Honestly, the singlespeed is more fun to ride.
10-04-20, 07:01 AM
#9
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At 60, I've re-discovered my SS Langster that had been collecting dust for the last 5+ years. It's become my favourite bike to ride even though it can be the most demanding due to hills and headwind.
Now....my other bikes are collecting dust. Even my VROD has gone thru fewer tanks of gas this year......
Now....my other bikes are collecting dust. Even my VROD has gone thru fewer tanks of gas this year......
10-05-20, 12:29 AM
#10
Ups!
I am 58 years old.
My fixed gear bikes:
SE (winter) - 65 inches;
POLO - 79 inches;
INDIE (cargo) - 80.5 inches;
NEWFIX - 73.4/177 inches
My fixed gear bikes:
SE (winter) - 65 inches;
POLO - 79 inches;
INDIE (cargo) - 80.5 inches;
NEWFIX - 73.4/177 inches
Last edited by y0x8; 10-05-20 at 03:26 AM.
10-05-20, 06:07 AM
#11
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Good for you! Don't fret about gear inches. Like lighter bikes, in the end it just doesn't matter. What matters is that you are consistent. The health benefits are enormous no matter what your gear set-up.
10-05-20, 07:48 AM
#12
Ups!
It's hard for me on multi-gear, but it's easy on fixed gear. MTB shocks and multi-gear are stealing energy from me.
10-05-20, 10:03 AM
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I'm 59 and started riding fixed gears on the road when I was 36. This year something like 80 percent of my total miles have been on fixed gears - primarily 70-ish gear inches on pavement, with a few 60 gear inch rides on gravel. I took a multi-geared bike on a long ride yesterday and it was strange. I wound up making myself stand on it a few times to keep my lower back happy, something I do automatically riding fixed gears up a hill.
I do not see myself ever going higher than 70-71 inches, though someday I may drop down to 67 or so as my primary gear.
I do not see myself ever going higher than 70-71 inches, though someday I may drop down to 67 or so as my primary gear.
10-06-20, 09:47 AM
#14
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I’m finding 70-71 seems like plenty for me. My Schwinn is running 42/16 on 700x32, which is just under 71 gear inches.
I decided I wanted to reduce my speed, so that I’m going closer to the average rider speed on our trails. So, I’m using a swept back touring bar and riding in a more upright position. Those bars are also great for standing while climbing.
I can easily get to cruising speeds that take all the watts I care to put out. And of course climbing takes a lot of effort, too.
So, yeah, 71 gear inches is plenty for me.
Otto
I decided I wanted to reduce my speed, so that I’m going closer to the average rider speed on our trails. So, I’m using a swept back touring bar and riding in a more upright position. Those bars are also great for standing while climbing.
I can easily get to cruising speeds that take all the watts I care to put out. And of course climbing takes a lot of effort, too.
So, yeah, 71 gear inches is plenty for me.
Otto
