echotraveler

my Specialized roubaix is in the shop for warranty replacement. So i had no other choice than to ride my Felt tk3 track bike this weekend.

I cant believe my performance! The avg speed numbers went up! I did 60 miles with a 19.7avg speed on saturday and 21.7mph avg on a 25 mile ride!! 20mhp avg was my goal some time before! Im very impressed right now!!

Mostly i was hesitant about riding fixed because it just seemed Out of place. But my need to ride was bigger. On saturday my cycling buddy encouraged me to do a short route and see what happens. On the way we flew and intercepted a group of friends. They mocked me joyfully ( i love them for this, they called themselves the veneous group). They also invirlted us to continue further. A25 mile short ride became a 60 miler. GREAT LOVED IT! and performed like a champ.

Pedaled 100% on a 48x15 gear. I was thinking of changing my gear to something higher to learn skids, but the speed i got this weekend is just making me an addict!!

Now i need to outperform myself on a real road bike

merlinextraligh

Put your road bike in the 53/17, and never coast, (unless you're going downhill) and you'll be faster.

Your fixed gear just pushed you to work harder than you push yourself.

DC_United_Fan

I don't ride fixed, but I do take my SS to group rides every once in a while. It's been a good training tool for me, and I plan on adding a Trek T1 to the stable before this winter.

Carcinogent

Old training programs from some Italian coaches include a week of fixed wheel riding every month at the beginning of season. I guess they had a point.

-Carcinogent

P.S. I think the recommended gearing was smt like 46/15, I can't recall.

echotraveler

It seems, my bike became my coach this weekend! 53 / 17 noted! Thnx

on the path

That's some pretty tall gearing. Were there many/steep/long hills? How did you do on the climbing??

jsutkeepspining

you pedal at a low cadence

on the path

Obviously. But what about my first question(s)?

echotraveler

I was worried about this... Hammering all the way thru flats, destoyin my kneecaps on a Hill!! . On the longer ride there are 2 slight uphills, long not steep. I was worried of loosing th peloton. But some how i just stood up all way and remained on my buddys wheel. It wasn't that bad to my surprise!

Its all about my previous experiences on that hill. I remeber trying to hammer this hill on a low gear 6 months ago with no luck. So i will blame practice for this.

Dont get me wrong here, i would like to train for higher cadence, yet it seems training on getting used to hammering is exciting and fun! And simce im nowere near pro level any progress is an adventure!!

Ps. I remeber 3 months ago, riding with this guy one time. The guy didnt look like much yet he kept on accelerating and set a pace i was barely handling and then accelerateed into sprint. My organs started huting All over, i got to my limit! When he did a water stop he said "you are out of shape!" i felt humbled and set a goal to catch this guy!!! Then someone told me his some big shot trialthlete!!i still call him TERMINATOR!! lol

echotraveler

Heres a pic!

ImChris

Do it! My T1 compliments my Madone just great! Although I do not run a huge gear as I use my fixed gear to spin...really really spin.

Congrats on the personal accomplishment btw!

.Chris

recursive

Lower gears make it easier to skid. It's certainly doable, but that's already a pretty tall gear for skidding.

Shuagster

Awesome. I actually plan on getting a fixie just for riding around. Couldn't imagine going 60 miles with no gears...

echotraveler

Sorry i ment to say a lower gear then. 48/17 for city. 48/15 to perform fast rides.

Shuagster thers people that do brevets on ss and fixed gear, those guys most be impressive!