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General: hating Single Speeds

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  1.  
    So i notice that a bunch of fools have single speeds with ONLY front brakes. I understand that they function but:

    1. How much harder is it to put on another brake for the back?
    2. It is dangerous at high speeds, you can flip.
    3. By copying the aesthetics of a fixed gear, you simply acknowledge that fixed is simply a fashion statement, and deny the validity of it as a riding style.
    Pay the same price of a fixed just for the look but not ride fixed, being "fakie", looking like fixed, but never understanding the way of it.
    4. If you like the simple look, you can still run a back brake using the same cable lever.
    My 2 cents are up and I did try to refrain from any profanity.
  2.  
    I think it gets to me sometimes when I see it, but I think from my experiences as for as who I've come across that has their bike set up like that... It's very often people who just don't know better, people who are new to cycling or just never really cared all that much. They haven't thought about using a back brake, they hear other people saying they only ever use their front brake, they only had one brake and don't know enough to know what they need for the back brake, they see fixed gears everywhere with only a front brake, and even though they're not fixed, they don't understand why it's ok to only have a front brake on a fixed gear but not on a single speed, so yeah, it'd dumb when people do it for fashion, but I think that happens a lot less often than people who just don't know better.

    I'd also be pretty hard pressed to see someone flip their bike on accident with the front brake. If you had a really good front brake and were riding in the drops I could see it maybe happening, but most kids who only have a front brake aren't going to have a nice dual pivot with a good lever, they're either gonna have an ok brake hooked up to a bmx lever giving them not nearly enough leverage to lift their back wheel, or something else a long those lines.
    • CommentAuthorsfbee
    • CommentTimeMay 11th 2009
     
    Posted By: upthemaiden
    I'd also be pretty hard pressed to see someone flip their bike on accident with the front brake. If you had a really good front brake and were riding in the drops I could see it maybe happening, but most kids who only have a front brake aren't going to have a nice dual pivot with a good lever, they're either gonna have an ok brake hooked up to a bmx lever giving them not nearly enough leverage to lift their back wheel, or something else a long those lines.


    I could definitely see someone doing this. I know my first emergency stop on my fixed ride I did an endo cause I didn't think to throw all of my weight back on the pedals first. Had I not thrown my weight back when the back wheel came up, I definitely would of done a somersault :P
    • CommentAuthorjayohachen
    • CommentTimeMay 11th 2009
     
    Maybe they just want to coast sometimes? I switch my track bike (that I actually ride on a track) between fixed/ss all the time.

    Isn't a fixed gear a single speed anyway? Maybe you should edit your title. =)
  5.  
    Posted By: jayohachenMaybe they just want to coast sometimes? I switch my track bike (that I actually ride on a track) between fixed/ss all the time.

    Isn't a fixed gear a single speed anyway? Maybe you should edit your title. =)

    you shouldn't ride your track bike on the street for single speed. Once a track bike hits the street any damages that may occur, even from normal use will not be covered by a warranty. There is a difference between "track" and fixed. There is a difference between fixed and single speed. I know fixed is single speed. What else can I call a fixed? "fixed single speed" and "non-fixed single speed"? Everybody knows, it's pretty clear if you ride.
    • CommentAuthorheadydude
    • CommentTimeMay 11th 2009
     
    You think he cares much about the warranty? Probably just wants to ride to the bar or something, which is a job equally done by a fixed or a SS.
  8.  
    Jayohachen- Did the other velospace member you bought that 3rencho from give you a warranty? great haggling skills.

    Not everyone who rides a bike on the track is decked out in full spandex with a $3k bike. To some of us, they're just bikes, it's just a track, and a warranty isn't really something that's going to determine how to ride a bicycle.
    • CommentAuthorwes m.
    • CommentTimeMay 11th 2009
     
    If a thread on velospace wasn't off topic or an argument by the fifth post I'd think I was dreaming.
    • CommentAuthorN-town1988
    • CommentTimeMay 11th 2009
     
    Posted By: upthemaidenNot everyone who rides a bike on the track is decked out in full spandex with a $3k bike. To some of us, they're just bikes, it's just a track, and a warranty isn't really something that's going to determine how to ride a bicycle.

    Thats a really good point, see I ride BMX aswell as an SS and you wouldn't expect some one to commute on a BMX but if the SS is off the road I have to use that instead, its both my hobby and just a bike when it needs to be. I don't think i'd ever wanna ride fixed, just seems too many limitations to balance out the benefits. But as for brakes, non on the BMX and one front on the SS.
  11.  
    I like to coast, plain & simple. I've never had a good even pedal spin & likely never will so when I use a fixed wheel, it's for the fun it brings to my riding. Personally, both front & rear brakes with a flip-flop hub make the most sense to me.

    On a side note; at the LBS the other day they had buttons that said "ONE LESS FIXIE". I had to laugh out loud...
    • CommentAuthorAlM
    • CommentTimeMay 11th 2009
     
    If i EVER put a brake on my tarck, it would be a rear, handle mounted on the back of the tt.
    • CommentAuthorneutron_bob
    • CommentTimeMay 11th 2009 edited
     
    You're looking at it ar too cynically lickedwicked.
    The simple reason is that there are those of us who enjoy the feeling of riding a fixed gear but aren't macho enough to go brakeless.
    Ever since I got my first Pista I've been hooked on the simplicity and training benefits of a fixed gear. A front brake and pedal resistance has been fine for fast stopping. Most braking power comes from the front anyway a rear brake is seems unecessary if you can slow yourself with pedal resistance somewhat. I'm sure someone could "endo" on a fixed/front brake bike if they were just learning or accident prone. In the end, if you are an experianced rider but aren't skilled enough to ride completely brakeless, (like me) then a front brake makes perfect sense.

    Ok, maybe I missed the point if you're talking about putting only a front brake on a single speed FREEWHEEL. That does seem foolish.
    • CommentAuthorLyKqiD
    • CommentTimeMay 11th 2009
     
    The better question is who cares?

    If they want to emulate you, then be happy, you are a god amongst ants. Besides, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
  15.  
    Posted By: LyKqiDThe better question is who cares?

    If they want to emulate you, then be happy, you are a god amongst ants. Besides, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.


    WORD!!!
  16.  
    Posted By: LyKqiDThe better question is who cares?

    If they want to emulate you, then be happy, you are a god amongst ants. Besides, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.


    it's an insult to fixed. they see fixed only a fashion statement. It's a lot more, its a "revert-back-to-the-basics" simple riding style. It's not just a look and again, "How much harder is it to put on a back break, you can even use the same cable lever". Some single speeds purposely ONLY use the front brake and take off the back ON PURPOSE. I bought a bike with back and front brakes mounted, I removed both for fixed riding. Somebody with same bike (frame, wheels, handle bars,cranks... were the same) chose to remove the back brake and use a single speed.
  17.  
    if those weaklings aren't strong enough to brake with their legs on a fixed at high speeds, i'm pretty sure using the front will only increase their chances of flipping over. If they do ride fixed and are too weak they can by all means still use front brake on fixed AND use their legs to brake, same deal. Having a single speed front only allows for 1 way of braking and that way can result in flipping over.

    Using ONLY front brake on single speeds ALWAYS PROVIDES the chance of flipping over.
  18.  
    THERE WILL ALWAYS BE POSERS!!! NO MATTER WHAT YOU TALK ABOUT IN THE WORLD. THIS IS JUST A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF THAT. LET THEM LOOK LIKE DUMBASSES BECAUSE EVERYONE ELSE KNOW BETTER.
    • CommentAuthorjam guy
    • CommentTimeMay 11th 2009
     
    haha an insult to fixed gears......
    • CommentAuthordirtle
    • CommentTimeMay 12th 2009
     
    i ride a ss with one brake. i rarely used the back brake on my 12 speed road bike. then i switched out the 6sp freewheel to a ss freewheel and took out the rear brake to make me a light machine that accelarates like crazy and bunny hops easy. and rides smooove. i regulate my speed in traffic fairly conservatively i'd say. and i couldn't afford to build a flip flop wheel. YET! (soon!).

    aesthetics are about feel and weight, not just looks. that's why they got popular, cuz you can tear it up with a light simple bike without cables and gears etc complicating your buttah.

    i don't flip over coz i'm not a dork. maybe you want to talk shit on people who spend money and whatever, but some of us at least make decisions for real reasons ;-)
  21.  
    Maybe they could care less about fixed gears, maybe it's only having one brake that's the fashion statement, would that still offend you?

    and just for the record, from someone who doesn't even hate fixed gears, I can promise you that they are completely fashion statements. Not to everyone, but they still are.
    • CommentAuthorOtto Rax
    • CommentTimeMay 12th 2009
     
    sometimes you'll think they're fixed, but then you'll catch them coasting and you realize they'd been spinning to look like they were riding fixed. that's posing. otherwise, fuggit, they like to coast. if you're a coaster embrace it.
    • CommentAuthorfilthpunx
    • CommentTimeMay 12th 2009
     
    its a bike. A FUCKING BICYCLE.its what WE ride everyday, some to and from work, some for work.some for leisure. get over your fucking selves and appreciate the fact that these assholes who can barely ride theyre bikes arent driving a car,that would be a fuckin disaster. it doesnt matter if its a fashion statement,or if somebodys trying to be like you.if that bothers you then your a fucking clown to.what matters is when you leave your house for your daily routine,and you spot a new cyclist on the road.be it a fixie, a ss or a roadbike or mountain bike or a frankenstein mix of them all.as long as were pedaling and inspiring others to do so its wonderful.even if we hate the people weve inspired
  24.  
    Posted By: dirtle

    i don't flip over coz i'm not a dork. maybe you want to talk shit on people who spend money and whatever, but some of us at least make decisions for real reasons ;-)


    Like losing a back brake(couple ounces) and increasing the chances of you flipping over for the pure aesthetics? aesthetics is only the look, the feel and weight are the mechanics.
  25.  
    Posted By: upthemaidenMaybe they could care less about fixed gears, maybe it's only having one brake that's the fashion statement, would that still offend you?

    and just for the record, from someone who doesn't even hate fixed gears, I can promise you that they are completely fashion statements. Not to everyone, but they still are.
    I know they can be only a fashion statement to some people but to me and I can say a few others it is more. The "one brake fashion statement" that's just stupid. you can still achieve that look by using the same cable lever. Some people take off their back brakes on purpose to make a "fakie".
    • CommentAuthorvdubug
    • CommentTimeMay 12th 2009
     
    props filth
  27.  
    Posted By: filthpunxits a bike. A FUCKING BICYCLE.its what WE ride everyday, some to and from work, some for work.some for leisure. get over your fucking selves and appreciate the fact that these assholes who can barely ride theyre bikes arent driving a car,that would be a fuckin disaster. it doesnt matter if its a fashion statement,or if somebodys trying to be like you.if that bothers you then your a fucking clown to.what matters is when you leave your house for your daily routine,and you spot a new cyclist on the road.be it a fixie, a ss or a roadbike or mountain bike or a frankenstein mix of them all.as long as were pedaling and inspiring others to do so its wonderful.even if we hate the people weve inspired


    I'm saying why there is reason to hate, you're just saying don't hate for no reason. Their front-brake-only fashion statement increases danger and this does not sprout from any elitist fixed thinking. If anything you don't even know that I ride fixed or not, you can't see my bike. I haven't posted, but in general, FRONT BRAKE ONLY CAN BE DANGEROUS. It tries to copy fixed as a fashion statement but increases danger, at least fixed can be ridden safely. Front brake only bikes have a way longer stopping distance needed than any fixed that also runs a front brake both running at the same speed.
    • CommentAuthorjayohachen
    • CommentTimeMay 12th 2009
     
    Actually, he gave me a very good price. I didn't even spend that much on a frame (a suggested upgrade from my 80's u-08 peugeot). He totally hooked me up! I'm pretty sure the warranty on my tarck bike expired about 25 years ago. Because of this thread, I now ride "brakeless" and "fixed" so that I can be "real", "authentic" and be "culturally correct" when I ride. But I am saving up to upgrade from my cut off dickies!

    It's funny how people who ride "fixed" are so punk rock about it. Like vegans or people who just quit smoking.
    • CommentAuthorLyKqiD
    • CommentTimeMay 12th 2009 edited
     
    All I can really do is laugh, that you take time out of your day to let these trivial things upset you.
  30.  
    Technically, aren't the fixed gears really more of a fashion statement than anything else? I have one myself, so I understand the benefit, but brakeless fixed gears blew up way bigger than single-braked-single-speeds, and their stopping distance is even less than a single speed with one brake.
    • CommentAuthorElvis
    • CommentTimeMay 12th 2009 edited
     
    Uh, I commute primarily via a fixed wheel bike. And a roadbike.

    I do use a front brake on the fixed gear, because I have recently had to have shoulder surgery on account of a left hook by a Chevy (altho I had the brake before that too), and because I like to be able to take the fix on some of the same routes as the geared bike, this means a reasonable gear ratio and a front brake.

    I have seen people with front brakes only on single speeds, and the argument they give me is that the bike won't flip because your weight will keep it down. That's as may be but I am a big dude for a cyclist -- 170 lbs at 5'8"-- and I've had my rear wheel slip on a geared road bike when going up steep hills. I can't imagine slamming on the brake on a ss bike that only has a front brake, especially if I was some skinny cool kid.

    But then again maybe they don't ride fast enough for it to matter?
    • CommentAuthorN-town1988
    • CommentTimeMay 12th 2009
     
    Do you hate skinny jeans aswell?
    • CommentAuthormymbta
    • CommentTimeMay 12th 2009
     
    Posted By: lickedwickedPeople who don't ride like me should burn in hell
  34.  
    This is absolutley retarted. Yes, you can stop a fixed gear with your legs. You can kinda stop a single speed if you use the bottoms of your feet. A front brake will ALWAYS be more effective than your legs alone or a rear brake. A front brake will send you over the bars only in the event you don't know what the fuck you are doing. I find it so absurd that the "front brake makes you fake" argument is still alive. Haven't these people all died or quit riding yet? Or have their fixed gear padawan Jedi learners just grown up to replace their fallen masses? I'm so tired of people wanting to act all badass over riding fixed. After a week of riding fixed every day I got pretty damn comfortable with it. Sure, I'd been riding for years before that, and a new cyclist starting on a fixed gear may have some issues. It's like those douche bags on their crabon bikes and their clipless pedals telling the girl who just bought her Allez that she'll definitely fall over trying to get out of the pedals. Maybe, but most likely not. I'm so god damn tired of this shit. They are the same assholes that beat on cars with their u-locks at midnight in the U-District or fucking West Seattle, then drivers see me and group me with those fags. God damn it, if a person wants to have a front brake EMBRACE IT and tell them how to use it. Don't tell them that it's dangerous, or that going brakeless is safer. That's complete crap, and you all fucking know it. AHHHHHHHHRRRRRRGGGGGGG!
  35.  
    everything's always a constant battle on here....for the most part. i agree with filthpunk i mean hell at least we're all on bikes. i'd throwdown for bike advocacy over driving a car anyday, but i could really give 2 shits about fashion statements and other related garbage. yeah it's lame i'll agree, but it's also out of our control. just take it as it is and ride. i mean that's what it's all about anyway isn't it?....unless of course you ride like a total idiot.
    • CommentAuthorThomWarr
    • CommentTimeMay 13th 2009
     
    i obviously see how its very possible to flip.. BUT i rode my roadie for about a month (daily) with just front brakes (my back brakes kept craping out so i just took off the pads untill i was able to fix the problem.. and was in no rush) and i live in South Florida, so there is lots of small bridges going over water ways... i get up to 35+ going down those bridges and never had any fear of flipping when i had to stop at the red light at the bottem of the bridge.

    so in conclusion.. i see how theres a risk.. but i wouldnt really say people who just use a front brake are suicidal... just my semi-experienced opinion.
    • CommentAuthorThomWarr
    • CommentTimeMay 13th 2009
     
    and there is no right or wrong way of riding or equiping your bike... so just like everything else in the entire world... everyone is going to do it diferently... but because its no what you agree with what are you going to do? nothing. theres nothing you can do. so just do things the way you think you should do things and let everyone else do things the way they like and if someone does something way crazy, diferent, or unheard of... power to them for branching out and trying something new and not just being a "By The Book" rider =-) lets get along!
  38.  
    Posted By: mymbta
    Posted By: lickedwickedPeople who don't ride like me should burn in hell


    now i know you are one of those foolish people who rides a "fakie"-Single speed front brake only. I'm saying that people PURPOSELY try to look fixed when they aren't and by doing so increase the risk of flipping since ONLY the front brake is used. Short and simple but I have never mentioned any violence towards them. your lack of understanding plus your misquotation of me won't anger me, I just hope you understand.
  39.  
    The problem is not the use of front brake. The problem is the use of ONLY the front brake. ONLY USE OF FRONT BRAKE increases your risk of flipping. why do people even invent a back brake if front is good enough? Because you can flip at high speeds. "Single Speed Front only" bikes have the light frame that allows for possible high speeds to be obtained but with ONLY a front, stopping distance will be greater than a Fron't Only Fixed.
  40.  
    morethanwords777, riding a bike is not the same as being anti-car. Biking does not mean anti-car. filthpunk tells me not to argue, but there isn't any point of that. Cycling is cool but "front brake only" advocates may damage the image of a cyclist, causing accidents that give cyclists a bad name.
  41.  
    ThomWarr, if you see the risk I'm glad I made a point stick. This risk is there and only using front increases that risk.
  42.  
    Elvis, but their light bike frames allow for those speeds to be obtained yet only have 1 method of stopping. why not back brake too or fixed and front?
    • CommentAuthorthe rabbi
    • CommentTimeMay 13th 2009
     
    most of them don't know any better so why don't you start a special website and educate the world.
    • CommentAuthorAaron C
    • CommentTimeMay 13th 2009
     
    whats up with all of these troll threads lately? this shit fucking sucks...
    • CommentAuthormymbta
    • CommentTimeMay 13th 2009
     
    Posted By: lickedwicked
    Posted By: mymbta
    Posted By: lickedwickedPeople who don't ride like me should burn in hell


    now i know you are one of those foolish people who rides a "fakie"-Single speed front brake only. I'm saying that people PURPOSELY try to look fixed when they aren't and by doing so increase the risk of flipping since ONLY the front brake is used. Short and simple but I have never mentioned any violence towards them. your lack of understanding plus your misquotation of me won't anger me, I just hope you understand.


    I ride fixed with front brake. And I know what youre saying.
    But youre still a hater (refer to title of thread).
    • CommentAuthorAlpineOne
    • CommentTimeMay 13th 2009
     
    I spend a fair amount of time reading this forum, but I typically don't have a reason to post so I never registered. I've been seeing this kind of post a lot recently though, and being someone who rides a single speed with only a front brake I thought I'd give you the chance to flame one more person.

    I have a decent geared road bike that I use for long distance rides, but I wanted a cheap no-maintenance beater for 20-minute trips around town so I bought a crap Schwinn at a yard sale for 50 bucks. The brakes were trash, so I needed to replace them. On my geared bike I have never once used the back brake, even in panic stop situations. With that in mind, I had no way to justify spending as much on brakes as I did on the whole bike, so the rear brake came off and I just replaced the front one. Also, leaving a trashed rear brake on the bike just so you guys don't think I'm trying to look like a fixie rider is equally ridiculous. I have no desire to look like a fixie kid; the only cyclists I have any desire to emulate are the ones that ride bikes because they enjoy doing so.
  47.  
    Posted By: AlpineOne Also, leaving a trashed rear brake on the bike just so you guys don't think I'm trying to look like a fixie rider is equally ridiculous. I have no desire to look like a fixie kid; the only cyclists I have any desire to emulate are the ones that ride bikes because they enjoy doing so.


    My point is against people who chose to remove the back brake on purpose to look like fixed. They're putting in effort and work to decrease the utility or functionality of a bike simply for fashion. you may have your own reasons, but I have seen those who purposely increase their danger.
    • CommentAuthorwes m.
    • CommentTimeMay 13th 2009
     
    When I see someone on a singlespeed with only a front brake it doesnt really bother me. Sure, they stop and turn using the same wheel which also happens to be in front of them. Certainly not the safest way to set up a singlespeed but fuck it, thats their problem not mine. If a friend had his bike set up that way I might politely warn him though.

    I've ridden fixed with varying degrees of safety in my years. Everything from fixed gear brakeless and blacked out to my current dork status with a helmet, front brake, head and tail light. Its my job to decide how safe I want to be, not the internet's.

    As far as fashion is concerned, velospace exists because cycling is fashionable. Sorry for that reality check people. This site would be nothing without hipsters, they blew this thing up for good or bad. Most of you wouldnt be riding at all if bikes werent cool. If cycling being fashionable is what it takes to get people on a bike then I'm all for it. If a kid has to endo on his front braked singlespeed for the greater good of cycling then a kid has to endo. At least he was on a bike at all.
    • CommentAuthorNash
    • CommentTimeMay 13th 2009
     
    Posted By: filthpunxits a bike. A FUCKING BICYCLE.its what WE ride everyday, some to and from work, some for work.some for leisure. get over your fucking selves and appreciate the fact that these assholes who can barely ride theyre bikes arent driving a car,that would be a fuckin disaster. it doesnt matter if its a fashion statement,or if somebodys trying to be like you.if that bothers you then your a fucking clown to.what matters is when you leave your house for your daily routine,and you spot a new cyclist on the road.be it a fixie, a ss or a roadbike or mountain bike or a frankenstein mix of them all.as long as were pedaling and inspiring others to do so its wonderful.even if we hate the people weve inspired


    /\ FOR THE WIN!!!!!! who gives a shit, how about that as a answer! maybe they are learning to ride fixed or its just their fucking preference!

    does your original question take FLIP-FLOP into account? no? oh ok good just making sure... Keep up the good work and worthless threads!!!
    • CommentAuthorAlpineOne
    • CommentTimeMay 13th 2009
     
    Posted By: lickedwicked
    My point is against people who chose to remove the back brake on purpose to look like fixed. They're putting in effort and work to decrease the utility or functionality of a bike simply for fashion. you may have your own reasons, but I have seen those who purposely increase their danger.


    My point was only that unless you've actually asked the person why they don't have a rear brake, it's hard to determine their reason for doing so. Unless they're coasting up to the stop with cut-off Dickies, a Goodwill t-shirt and a cycling cap... then you're probably safe.
    • CommentAuthoraus10m
    • CommentTimeMay 13th 2009 edited
     
    Brakes just slow you down...

    If you're complaining about this THIS MUCH then you probably hit your brakes way too often and

    are very slow....

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