Are the best days of fixie/SS behind us?
05-07-24, 01:55 AM
#51
Newbie
Being an older thread coupled with being a newbie I feel I may have a different perspective. In and around 2004 or 05 I was introduced to fg by an odd guy at an lbs. I'd never seen or ridden a fg and found myself intrigued.
So, I did my due diligence and discovered the general consensus was 'bike boom' bikes made the best, most consistent conversions. Found one at a garage sale. Stripped it and got a 46t Rocket Ring, 1/8" chain, 16t freewheel and built myself a ss. Having already learned how to re-dish a wheel it was pretty straight ahead.
Fg was a little more involved as I had to obtain a flip-flop hub. Other than that everything else was similar except the actual riding. Adjusting to fg took a bit, but as an experienced cyclist the time it took was pretty fluid. The main thing is that riding fixed is just one of many cycling disciplines I enjoy. Having gotten into it by chance I believe I was already far into it before it became any kind of hipster connection.
It's not my opinion the best days of fg are behind us. They're as relevant today as they were back in the day. My bike collection includes a rb, off rb, fg, ss, touring, utility and a tandem. Riding fg is usually my 1st choice, but lately I built a ss I find it to be my 1st choice. Prolly because it's my latest build and it turned out real well.
Fg around 2010ish
This is my latest. It's a Pac'Rim utility/fun ss that's my current favorite. Circa 2024.
So, I did my due diligence and discovered the general consensus was 'bike boom' bikes made the best, most consistent conversions. Found one at a garage sale. Stripped it and got a 46t Rocket Ring, 1/8" chain, 16t freewheel and built myself a ss. Having already learned how to re-dish a wheel it was pretty straight ahead.
Fg was a little more involved as I had to obtain a flip-flop hub. Other than that everything else was similar except the actual riding. Adjusting to fg took a bit, but as an experienced cyclist the time it took was pretty fluid. The main thing is that riding fixed is just one of many cycling disciplines I enjoy. Having gotten into it by chance I believe I was already far into it before it became any kind of hipster connection.
It's not my opinion the best days of fg are behind us. They're as relevant today as they were back in the day. My bike collection includes a rb, off rb, fg, ss, touring, utility and a tandem. Riding fg is usually my 1st choice, but lately I built a ss I find it to be my 1st choice. Prolly because it's my latest build and it turned out real well.
Fg around 2010ish
This is my latest. It's a Pac'Rim utility/fun ss that's my current favorite. Circa 2024.
Last edited by Kiwisaver; 05-07-24 at 02:08 AM.
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05-13-24, 10:07 PM
#52
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I was a cyclist in Indianapolis when Nelson Vails and Mark Gorski were racing at the Major Taylor Velodrome on the west side, and the fixie scene exploded. The cool kids were walking around wearing Lycra, with flabby calves and no tan lines.
Meanwhile we could go watch the Jamaican National team, the Canadian national team, Nelson and Mark, Connie Young, and Curt Harnett put on a world class cycling show for about $12 on a Friday night.
Chasing cool usually means missing out on the substance.
Meanwhile we could go watch the Jamaican National team, the Canadian national team, Nelson and Mark, Connie Young, and Curt Harnett put on a world class cycling show for about $12 on a Friday night.
Chasing cool usually means missing out on the substance.
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05-21-24, 10:14 AM
#54
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I noticed that a lot of people who were previously riding fixed gear are now riding "supple" gravel bikes and talking trash about fixed gear bikes and singlespeed bikes. There are still a lot of people riding fixed and ss bikes, but it was at ine point a fad, so there are significantly less people riding them to "fit in". The people who are riding fixed/ss bikes these days and are people who truly like them better than geared bikes.
Sorry grant40 that is not happening. There is not a bunch of people riding "supple" gravel bikes who used to ride FG/SS bikes and are now trashing them. There will be people who will change their minds but there are also a lot of people who have multiple bikes who enjoy riding all sorts of bikes and you can also have a nice supple fixed gear gravel bike. I have one and it is great and my next fixed gear bike will be even better.
I know you want to try and stir up controversy but it just isn't there. Maybe there is somewhere else to stir trouble?
I know you want to try and stir up controversy but it just isn't there. Maybe there is somewhere else to stir trouble?
Grant's right and you be consumN too many bikes ...but all in all you're good for the bike business which is better than being good for nothing
05-21-24, 12:46 PM
#55
Clark W. Griswold
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I do consume a lot of bikes and bicycles news and such. I enjoy bicycles and I work in the industry and have worked in the industry for over a decade and now own my own shop so I see a lot of stuff and talk with a lot of people from other shops and all of that. I do understand gravel is a growing trend it is very visible and known but the way Grant describes is false.
I am good for a lot of things but I do on occasion jump into the good for nothing pool just to make sure the water is still a cool comfortable 73˚ LOL
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05-23-24, 05:59 AM
#57
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I still like fixed gear riding. I ride mine 2 times a week for short 10-12 mile rides after work
'80's Viner
. Great workout and improves bike handling too.
'80's Viner
. Great workout and improves bike handling too.
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