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Search: Posts Made By: Mikefule
Showing results 1 to 50 of 303
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03-24-24, 03:20 PM
Replies: 12
Views: 1,368
Posted By Mikefule

I'm an old-ish guy (61) who's been cycling most...

I'm an old-ish guy (61) who's been cycling most of my life, and I've had a fixed road bike since about 2007. Fixed is inevitably slower than SS because you can't coast on the steeper downhills: you...
01-14-22, 12:25 PM
Replies: 16
Views: 3,360
Posted By Mikefule

My bike has double-sided fixed. For where I...

My bike has double-sided fixed. For where I live, I seldom need to flip it though.
01-12-22, 04:44 PM
Replies: 16
Views: 3,360
Posted By Mikefule

I run 42 at the front, and a 16/18 flip flop at...

I run 42 at the front, and a 16/18 flip flop at the back. You can always lear to spin faster, or feather the brakes on the descent, but there's a limit to the torque you can apply on the steep...
01-12-22, 04:38 PM
Replies: 35
Views: 6,157
Posted By Mikefule

I have some Tektros front and rear on my Pearson....

I have some Tektros front and rear on my Pearson. They're the brakes they fitted as standard. I can ride all day without touching them, or I might need them at any moment in an emergency,...
01-12-22, 04:29 PM
Replies: 4,938
Views: 772,456
Posted By Mikefule

It was time for some new cycling shoes after 10...

It was time for some new cycling shoes after 10 years of hard use. I've gone to the dark side: some Lake shoes with SPDs, and new pedals for all 3 bikes. I swore I never would.
12-25-21, 05:24 AM
Replies: 55
Views: 15,155
Posted By Mikefule

Is single speed gravel a thing? Before "gravel"...

Is single speed gravel a thing? Before "gravel" was a genre, and before "mountain bikes" there was a thing called "going for a bike ride."

The way this worked was you took the bike that you had,...
08-07-21, 12:33 AM
Replies: 13
Views: 1,506
Posted By Mikefule

I plan never to get drawn into an argument in a...

I plan never to get drawn into an argument in a forum these days. I say what I think, read what others think, and sometimes learn something from it.

I am about a stone overweight which means I...
08-06-21, 03:42 PM
Replies: 13
Views: 1,506
Posted By Mikefule

For most of us, the differences are so slight as...

For most of us, the differences are so slight as to be a matter of personal taste and aesthetics. I personally think a large rear sprocket looks ugly and a small chainring looks purposeful, but...
07-23-21, 12:12 PM
Replies: 32
Views: 6,847
Posted By Mikefule

Indeed, are there such things as "fixie...

Indeed, are there such things as "fixie kids"?
07-21-21, 12:17 PM
Replies: 32
Views: 6,847
Posted By Mikefule

My bike is a road bike fixed with flip flop, set...

My bike is a road bike fixed with flip flop, set up as 42 x 18/16.

42 x 18 is good all round ratio for on and off road, speed control without braking or skidding, and good for short bursts of up...
07-13-21, 12:42 PM
Replies: 31
Views: 9,107
Posted By Mikefule

You won't notice the difference in riding. You...

You won't notice the difference in riding. You will notice it when removing or adjusting the position of the wheel.
07-13-21, 12:14 AM
Replies: 31
Views: 9,107
Posted By Mikefule

Forward facing was the standard on non-track...

Forward facing was the standard on non-track bikes for many years. Decades, in fact.

One advantage is you can easily remove the wheel by sliding it forwards with the chain still on the cog(s). ...
07-07-21, 04:26 PM
Replies: 25
Views: 2,798
Posted By Mikefule

There are so many possible variables. Take a...

There are so many possible variables.

Take a bike with a flip flop hub, with fixed on one side, free on the other, both cogs being the same size.

Whichever way round you fit the wheel, the...
07-05-21, 12:04 PM
Replies: 25
Views: 2,798
Posted By Mikefule

Mainly psychology. If you slack off on a fixed,...

Mainly psychology. If you slack off on a fixed, the bike lets you know that it's noticed. At the same ratio and the same cadence, the speed will be the same. However, there is no "flywheel effect'...
06-28-21, 02:03 PM
Replies: 4,938
Views: 772,456
Posted By Mikefule

16t Shimano cog. I now have 42 x 18 for...

16t Shimano cog.

I now have 42 x 18 for weekend riding on and off road including local hills, and 42 x 16 for my flatter faster commute.
06-23-21, 11:21 PM
Replies: 504
Views: 107,210
Posted By Mikefule

Too tight a chain can cause excessive chain...

Too tight a chain can cause excessive chain "drag" and noise.

The only disadvantage of a bit of slack, on fixed, is that slightly irritating fleeting feeling of disconnection when you transfer...
06-23-21, 02:56 PM
Replies: 504
Views: 107,210
Posted By Mikefule

Nice looking bike. A refreshingly relaxed...

Nice looking bike. A refreshingly relaxed approach to chain tension. :) I tend to ride with mine a bit slack these days: quieter and less friction.
06-21-21, 01:41 PM
Replies: 5
Views: 916
Posted By Mikefule

46/17 = 2.705 48/17 = 2.824 46/16 = 2.875 ...

46/17 = 2.705
48/17 = 2.824
46/16 = 2.875

2.875/2.824 = 1.018.

There is less than 2% difference between 48/17 and 46/16.

Personally, I'd go for the 1t smaller sprocket than the 2t bigger...
06-16-21, 01:37 PM
Replies: 504
Views: 107,210
Posted By Mikefule

I'm not normally into expensive builds or deep...

I'm not normally into expensive builds or deep rims, but that gets a "super nice" and a ring of the cowbell from me.
06-13-21, 12:18 PM
Replies: 24
Views: 3,659
Posted By Mikefule

Did about 18 miles today, of which about 8 miles...

Did about 18 miles today, of which about 8 miles was off road. Several pedal strikes and I fell off into the undergrowth once. Plenty of fun, though....
06-12-21, 12:57 AM
Replies: 5
Views: 939
Posted By Mikefule

Size of the bike: When you are riding it,...

Size of the bike:

When you are riding it, the important distances are from the seat down to the pedal at the bottom of its stroke, and from the seat to the bars. The height of the top tube...
06-11-21, 05:26 AM
Replies: 5
Views: 2,090
Posted By Mikefule

If the axles "just sit in tubes" and you cannot...

If the axles "just sit in tubes" and you cannot identify any bearings, it will be hard work and very unsatisfactory to ride. It sounds like the "derailleur" is an ad hoc way of tensioning the chain....
06-09-21, 11:43 PM
Replies: 24
Views: 3,659
Posted By Mikefule

I ride my fixed road bike off road on farm...

I ride my fixed road bike off road on farm tracks, occasionally on easy MTB trails, and pretty much anywhere I can take it. I'm riding 700c x 25mm tyres, a 42 x 18 drive train, no suspension, drop...
06-04-21, 10:26 AM
Replies: 14
Views: 1,755
Posted By Mikefule

It's a nice detail, but I think that more about...

It's a nice detail, but I think that more about protecting your shins than protecting the end of the axle.
05-31-21, 10:40 AM
Replies: 7
Views: 1,154
Posted By Mikefule

Close enough is Chain ring teeth divided by...

Close enough is Chain ring teeth divided by sprocket teeth, multiplied by the actual diameter of the wheel in inches.

My 700c x 25 measures around 27 inches across. If it squishes to 26.5 under...
05-27-21, 10:17 AM
Replies: 29
Views: 6,061
Posted By Mikefule

Just once, my feet come off the pedals on a...

Just once, my feet come off the pedals on a descent. I choose to ride without foot retention, but with brakes.

My App later confirmed I peaked at 30 mph, which I think is somewhere around 150...
05-24-21, 12:00 PM
Replies: 29
Views: 6,061
Posted By Mikefule

Somewhere in the 60 to 70 inch range is good for...

Somewhere in the 60 to 70 inch range is good for many people riding on the road.

I recently lowered my gearing a tad from 66 inches to 63 inches and my average and top speeds are virtually...
05-21-21, 10:05 AM
Replies: 20
Views: 2,601
Posted By Mikefule

It's pretty common with touring and leisure...

It's pretty common with touring and leisure cyclists. I've had bikes with drops since the 1970s and used to do regular 100 mile days, although I tend to just do one or two hour rides these days. On...
05-20-21, 08:37 AM
Replies: 20
Views: 2,601
Posted By Mikefule

Hi, I didn't say you were a weight weenie. I...

Hi, I didn't say you were a weight weenie. I said don't worry unless you are a weight weenie.

The hood position is slightly further forward than riding "on the tops" so your back is sloped a...
05-19-21, 10:58 PM
Replies: 20
Views: 2,601
Posted By Mikefule

Why do you "drop down" to brake? Most people...

Why do you "drop down" to brake? Most people with drops brake from the hoods position.

I had interrupter levers on my gravel bike, thought they were a wonderful idea at first and then realised...
05-11-21, 01:04 PM
Replies: 30
Views: 3,435
Posted By Mikefule

Ride it as it is, get it adjusted to the right...

Ride it as it is, get it adjusted to the right fit, find out what works.

The best upgrades are the ones that you work out that you need. It took me many many rides before I decided to change the...
05-10-21, 12:36 PM
Replies: 36
Views: 5,385
Posted By Mikefule

I have a fairly lightweight road fixed, and a...

I have a fairly lightweight road fixed, and a pretty heavy 2 x 10 gravel bike with dropped bars.

The weights are substantially different, as are the aerodynamics. However, the 2 x 10 has the...
05-08-21, 09:25 AM
Replies: 39
Views: 5,092
Posted By Mikefule

There are CNC machined chainrings available for...

There are CNC machined chainrings available for less than that, though.
05-08-21, 06:47 AM
Replies: 39
Views: 5,092
Posted By Mikefule

I work in Pounds, but the principle will be the...

I work in Pounds, but the principle will be the same:

Diminishing returns.
A $20 chainring may be twice as good as a $10 chainring.
A $40 chainring may be "noticeably better than" a $20 chain...
05-02-21, 05:38 AM
Replies: 7
Views: 1,427
Posted By Mikefule

Typically on a 3 speed internally geared hub, the...

Typically on a 3 speed internally geared hub, the middle gear is direct drive.

This may not always be the case, but it is the most economical solution as the lower gear and higher gear use the...
04-30-21, 12:33 PM
Replies: 24
Views: 3,454
Posted By Mikefule

A new poster made the effort to search to see if...

A new poster made the effort to search to see if there was already a thread about the subject before adding to it that he has a similar issue. Seems like good forum etiquette, rather than...
04-30-21, 12:22 PM
Replies: 49
Views: 8,702
Posted By Mikefule

Here's another argument in favour of brakes. I...

Here's another argument in favour of brakes. I was out on a ride this afternoon when I spotted a wild hare on the edge of a field right next to the road: a splendid specimen , almost the size of a...
04-29-21, 03:07 PM
Replies: 7
Views: 1,691
Posted By Mikefule

I saw a GCN video the other day recommending...

I saw a GCN video the other day recommending punctuating low intensity rides with short bursts of a few seconds of intense effort, and particularly low torque/high revs. That's riding fixed on...
04-27-21, 01:18 PM
Replies: 504
Views: 107,210
Posted By Mikefule

Not mine, but I thought it somehow fitted in this...

Not mine, but I thought it somehow fitted in this thread.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikeforums.net-vbulletin/500x589/1619054106427_240e8faf83419cded77bca3152921bf851f39d5b.png
04-25-21, 07:45 AM
Replies: 7
Views: 1,855
Posted By Mikefule

Do a quick Google for the price of replacement...

Do a quick Google for the price of replacement belts.
04-25-21, 07:44 AM
Replies: 7
Views: 1,855
Posted By Mikefule

Probably to reduce the risk of spammers,...

Probably to reduce the risk of spammers, advertising, etc.
04-24-21, 01:04 PM
Replies: 504
Views: 107,210
Posted By Mikefule

[QUOTE=SJX426;22027541]Picked this up a few years...

[QUOTE=SJX426;22027541]Picked this up a few years ago as a frame set with headset, brakes, crankset and stuck seat post for $50. The stash burped up the stem, handlbar, tape, brake leavers, post, and...
04-24-21, 01:17 AM
Replies: 8
Views: 1,627
Posted By Mikefule

...The only bike you need is the Ace of Spades

...The only bike you need is the Ace of Spades
04-22-21, 04:55 AM
Replies: 18
Views: 2,414
Posted By Mikefule

Each to his own taste, but if I had that classic...

Each to his own taste, but if I had that classic looking (1980s?) frame, I'd keep it as it is, put a decent saddle and pedals on it and some traditional-looking wheels. That frame is crying out for...
04-19-21, 12:08 PM
Replies: 10
Views: 1,481
Posted By Mikefule

How many miles will depend on variables like your...

How many miles will depend on variables like your weight, tyre pressure, type of surfaces you ride on, how you've maintained them, the quality of the bearings, and so on.

I've just had the front...
04-18-21, 01:29 PM
Replies: 203
Views: 71,473
Posted By Mikefule

Just over 17 miles around local lanes and...

Just over 17 miles around local lanes and villages, including 4 short sections of off road. Barely any wind, bright sunshine: the first time this year I've worn shorts and short sleeves on a ride.
...
04-16-21, 11:59 PM
Replies: 28
Views: 4,054
Posted By Mikefule

Fair point. I have never personally experienced...

Fair point. I have never personally experienced that. However, I admit to delaying the purchase of a new sprocket because I got bewildered by the competing claims for circularity or otherwise.
04-16-21, 04:16 PM
Replies: 28
Views: 4,054
Posted By Mikefule

Well, I'm not much of an equipment geek, which is...

Well, I'm not much of an equipment geek, which is one of the reasons I appreciate the simplicity of the fixed gear, but I've heard of Campagnolo...

My first thought was, "I wonder if Campagnolo do...
04-16-21, 12:01 AM
Replies: 12
Views: 1,537
Posted By Mikefule

That sounds well planned. You don't want to go...

That sounds well planned. You don't want to go much lower than 56. 65 is a good general ratio. I'm running 63 inches on my fixed at the moment. It works well on unmade tracks and rough ground and...
04-15-21, 02:02 PM
Replies: 12
Views: 1,537
Posted By Mikefule

Sounds like it will be a great adventure — and...

Sounds like it will be a great adventure — and worth a write up here when you've finished.

Gear down with all that rough ground and extra weight. If your ratio is too low, the worst that can...
Showing results 1 to 50 of 303
 


 
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