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General: Official "Noobs Guide to Fixed Gear Bicycles"

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    • CommentAuthorjam guy
    • CommentTimeJul 9th 2009
     
    Before you post your questions check here. We will try to answer your questions before you ask them.

    -A good ratio for skidding is probably a 42/17 or 18. Everyone has a preference though.
    -When skidding lean your body over the bars and lock your legs. Look cool, then fuck chicks. Not the other way around.
    -Phil wood hubs are awesome.
    -Aerospokes are heavy and not very "aero" when you get hit with a wall of wind.
    -Do not buy a leader, they suck.

    Good companies to support:
    IRO
    Surly

    Add more!
  2.  
    Ah nice.

    - Bullhorns are interesting and comfortable if you like to stretch out when you ride. Track drops look amazing but are pretty uncomfortable unless you're really used to them. Tiny riser bars put your arms in the wrong position but are kinda fun for short distances. Full size riser bars (shoulder width is preferable) are great for city riding but don't get used much as they look all kinda goofy.

    - Riding brakeless has no practical use anywhere other than the velodrome, it's just a dumb street cred thing and pretty much the only option for those buying track bikes with no holes in the fork (keirin strap on brakes being the exception).(disclaimer: of course I ride brakeless myself, but pay that no mind)

    - Phil Wood hubs (and bottom brackets) are awesome and will spin for days. They are expensive though so if you're on a budget sealed Formula hubs are a great alternative. Fuck what yah heard, they last forever.

    - You can't true a goddamn aerosp0k and the wheel costs about as much as your frame did. think about it.

    - Getting a trackstand down is a matter of learning to very slightly pedal forward then backward while keeping your wheel turned at about 45 degrees. It's not so much a balance thing as it is a momentum and correction thing.

    - Alien makes a very respectable lugged steel track frame for a good price. Before you decide to blow $1000 on a makino you'll never take to the track consider your options.

    - Soma Everwears are an excellent choice for a rear tire if you're going to skid a lot. They last a long time.

    - If you find a really nice vintage italian road frame please think twice before you knock off the braze-ons and turn it into a "fixie". It's probably way too nice a bike to be mangled like that. Get it to someone who will restore it and buy yourself an old Univega or Schwinn frame. Please.

    - Make sure the bike you wanna buy fits you before you buy it. Nothing sadder than having to jack up your seatpost twelve inches because you thought your six foot tall ass might be able to rock a 52cm frame.

    - Cannondale made a nice track frame in the 90's. They are not, however, worth almost a thousand dollars for the frameset alone. If you kids stop buyin em for that, sharks will stop sellin em for that.

    - A good entry level fixed gear bike is the Mercier Kilo TT Pro from bikesdirect. It's pretty middle of the road in terms of quality but it's solid enough and will give you a feel for riding this kinda bike without spending all your hard earned on a vivalo you're just gonna sell on eBay in a month anyways.

    - Wherever metal touches metal on your bike put grease there. For a lot of kids a fixed gear is the first time they've ever put any components on a frame themselves. Grease is your friend. Overwrenching is not. Tighten to the sweet spot and not an inch past that.



    hope this thread fills up nicely.
    • CommentAuthorjam guy
    • CommentTimeJul 9th 2009
     
    Posted By: iron jaidenAh nice.

    - Bullhorns are interesting and comfortable if you like to stretch out when you ride. Track drops look amazing but are pretty uncomfortable unless you're really used to them. Tiny riser bars put your arms in the wrong position but are kinda fun for short distances. Full size riser bars (shoulder width is preferable) are great for city riding but don't get used much as they look all kinda goofy.

    - Riding brakeless has no practical use anywhere other than the velodrome, it's just a dumb street cred thing and pretty much the only option for those buying track bikes with no holes in the fork (keirin strap on brakes being the exception).(disclaimer: of course I ride brakeless myself, but pay that no mind)

    - Phil Wood hubs (and bottom brackets) are awesome and will spin for days. They are expensive though so if you're on a budget sealed Formula hubs are a great alternative. Fuck what yah heard, they last forever.

    - You can't true a goddamn aerosp0k and the wheel costs about as much as your frame did. think about it.

    - Getting a trackstand down is a matter of learning to very slightly pedal forward then backward while keeping your wheel turned at about 45 degrees. It's not so much a balance thing as it is a momentum and correction thing.

    - Alien makes a very respectable lugged steel track frame for a good price. Before you decide to blow $1000 on a makino you'll never take to the track consider your options.

    - Soma Everwears are an excellent choice for a rear tire if you're going to skid a lot. They last a long time.

    - If you find a really nice vintage italian road frame please think twice before you knock off the braze-ons and turn it into a "fixie". It's probably way too nice a bike to be mangled like that. Get it to someone who will restore it and buy yourself an old Univega or Schwinn frame. Please.

    - Make sure the bike you wanna buy fits you before you buy it. Nothing sadder than having to jack up your seatpost twelve inches because you thought your six foot tall ass might be able to rock a 52cm frame.

    - Cannondale made a nice track frame in the 90's. They are not, however, worth almost a thousand dollars for the frameset alone. If you kids stop buyin em for that, sharks will stop sellin em for that.

    - A good entry level fixed gear bike is the Mercier Kilo TT Pro from bikesdirect. It's pretty middle of the road in terms of quality but it's solid enough and will give you a feel for riding this kinda bike without spending all your hard earned on a vivalo you're just gonna sell on eBay in a month anyways.

    - Wherever metal touches metal on your bike put grease there. For a lot of kids a fixed gear is the first time they've ever put any components on a frame themselves. Grease is your friend. Overwrenching is not. Tighten to the sweet spot and not an inch past that.



    hope this thread fills up nicely.


    Well said sir!
    • CommentAuthorthe rabbi
    • CommentTimeJul 10th 2009 edited
     
    - helmets can save your life.

    - get some lights

    - don't get all super pro=bike advocate, smash peoples' cars with your lock, cut off old ladies, etc. it makes you a jerk and makes everyone else look bad. respect the cars and keep a copy of your state laws concerning bicycles on you at all times.

    - a guy on a road bike will beat you on the open road every time, no matter how fast you think you are on the street

    - no one cares about street cred when you're in the hospital, so run a gear ratio you can manage. if you can't stop your legs while going ~20mph down a hill, you need to gear down.

    - learn to spin a low gear, it's better for your knees and your riding overall. (i know a kid that can get up to ~42mph on 48/18. i want to see the kid get into track racing, but he'd probably beat me.)
  5.  
    i think aerospokes are a bit more aero since the spokes come out of the hub area rather than have spokes that meet the ends of the hub. What's less aero or can be less aerodynamic is when the wind comes from the side. Cross winds probably are caught on the thick area that is the spokes.
    • CommentAuthorthe rabbi
    • CommentTimeJul 10th 2009
     
    Posted By: lickedwickedi think aerospokes are a bit more aero since the spokes come out of the hub area rather than have spokes that meet the ends of the hub. What's less aero or can be less aerodynamic is when the wind comes from the side. Cross winds probably are caught on the thick area that is the spokes.
    they are more aero, yes, but not in that way. and also, the weight of the thing dissolves any aero advantage one might gain. if the wheel was ~700g, then yes, it would offer an advantage.
  8.  
    Posted By: the rabbi
    Posted By: lickedwickedi think aerospokes are a bit more aero since the spokes come out of the hub area rather than have spokes that meet the ends of the hub. What's less aero or can be less aerodynamic is when the wind comes from the side. Cross winds probably are caught on the thick area that is the spokes.
    they are more aero, yes, but not in that way. and also, the weight of the thing dissolves any aero advantage one might gain. if the wheel was ~700g, then yes, it would offer an advantage.
    but speed will decrease the effects of the weight since you won't need to worry about weight after you already are in motion. weight matters for stopping since it's about momentum.
    • CommentAuthorjam guy
    • CommentTimeJul 10th 2009
     
    Posted By: lickedwicked
    Posted By: the rabbi
    Posted By: lickedwickedi think aerospokes are a bit more aero since the spokes come out of the hub area rather than have spokes that meet the ends of the hub. What's less aero or can be less aerodynamic is when the wind comes from the side. Cross winds probably are caught on the thick area that is the spokes.
    they are more aero, yes, but not in that way. and also, the weight of the thing dissolves any aero advantage one might gain. if the wheel was ~700g, then yes, it would offer an advantage.
    but speed will decrease the effects of the weight since you won't need to worry about weight after you already are in motion. weight matters for stopping since it's about momentum.


    Dude not in this thread.
  10.  
    Posted By: lickedwickedi think aerospokes are a bit more aero since the spokes come out of the hub area rather than have spokes that meet the ends of the hub. What's less aero or can be less aerodynamic is when the wind comes from the side. Cross winds probably are caught on the thick area that is the spokes.


    Lickedwicked I think Jam Guy wanted to keep this a general tips type of thread for those getting into fixed gear riding. It'd be cool to try and limit it to just nuggets of advice. If you wanna go back and forth about the value of an aerospoke maybe create a new thread so this one can stay on track. Otherwise it kinda becomes useless. I think we can all agree that riding with one aerospoke to the coffee shop and back is a pretty expensive fashion mistake new riders should avoid. Cool?
    • CommentAuthorthe rabbi
    • CommentTimeJul 10th 2009 edited
     
    Posted By: lickedwicked
    Posted By: the rabbi
    Posted By: lickedwickedi think aerospokes are a bit more aero since the spokes come out of the hub area rather than have spokes that meet the ends of the hub. What's less aero or can be less aerodynamic is when the wind comes from the side. Cross winds probably are caught on the thick area that is the spokes.
    they are more aero, yes, but not in that way. and also, the weight of the thing dissolves any aero advantage one might gain. if the wheel was ~700g, then yes, it would offer an advantage.
    but speed will decrease the effects of the weight since you won't need to worry about weight after you already are in motion. weight matters for stopping since it's about momentum.
    stop it, man. you already said you're new and just learning. take it from someone that knows a thing or two about a thing or two: weight has to do with everything with riding.the only time an aerospoke would do you really any good would be going downhill because the the momentum it will add to the front of your bike (think weights on a boxcar)

    and +1 to the above.
  12.  
    Posted By: iron jaiden
    Posted By: lickedwickedi think aerospokes are a bit more aero since the spokes come out of the hub area rather than have spokes that meet the ends of the hub. What's less aero or can be less aerodynamic is when the wind comes from the side. Cross winds probably are caught on the thick area that is the spokes.


    Lickedwicked I think Jam Guy wanted to keep this a general tips type of thread for those getting into fixed gear riding. It'd be cool to try and limit it to just nuggets of advice. If you wanna go back and forth about the value of an aerospoke maybe create a new thread so this one can stay on track. Otherwise it kinda becomes useless. I think we can all agree that riding with one aerospoke to the coffee shop and back is a pretty expensive fashion mistake new riders should avoid. Cool?
    that is a bad idea, but faster riding allows for the utilization of what it was designed for. ok, not for noobs.
    • CommentAuthorthe rabbi
    • CommentTimeJul 10th 2009 edited
     
    Posted By: lickedwickedthat is a bad idea, but faster riding allows for the utilization of what it was designed for. ok, not for noobs.
    and try riding uphill with that extra weight. STOP IT LICKEDWICKED. you can't justify an aerospoke for being aero or providing any advantage. there are much better wheels out there that serve the purpose.
  14.  
    when building a bike drive chain side normally on right unless with special design or it will strip the threads.
  15.  
    Posted By: the rabbi- helmets can save your life.

    - get some lights

    - don't get all super pro=bike advocate, smash peoples' cars with your lock, cut off old ladies, etc. it makes you a jerk and makes everyone else look bad. respect the cars and keep a copy of your state laws concerning bicycles on you at all times.

    - a guy on a road bike will beat you on the open road every time, no matter how fast you think you are on the street

    - no one cares about street cred when you're in the hospital, so run a gear ratio you can manage. if you can't stop your legs while going ~20mph down a hill, you need to gear down.

    - learn to spin a low gear, it's better for your knees and your riding overall. (i know a kid that can get up to ~42mph on 48/18. i want to see the kid get into track racing, but he'd probably beat me.)


    + 1 on the lights. When the sun goes down turn them lights on. One in the front and one in the back really is necessary to stay visible to cars. It's not a bad idea to have a blinky clipped to a bag or a belt loop in addition to the two on your bike as well. The more lit up you are the safer you are.

    Also if you've got a bag you ride with it really isn't a bad idea to sew a nice reflective stripe down the center of it. My girl found some ill colored reflective material so I can do champion stripes. You'd be surprised what kinda difference a little reflective material makes for visibility.
    Guess that applies to all riders though and not specifically fixed gears.

    I'll bring it home real quick. The Knog lights are a good option for those who don't wanna add clamps and such to their bikes for lights to fit into. Basically just a small wrap around piece of rubber with a light in it. Very easy to take on and off and very bright.
    • CommentAuthorthe rabbi
    • CommentTimeJul 10th 2009
     
    Posted By: lickedwickedwhen building a bike drive chain side normally on right unless with special design or it will strip the threads.
    this is useless. let the veterans, aka, not you, provide positive comments to this thread.
    • CommentAuthorthe rabbi
    • CommentTimeJul 10th 2009
     
    Posted By: iron jaidenI'll bring it home real quick. TheKnoglights are a good option for those who don't wanna add clamps and such to their bikes for lights to fit into. Basically just a small wrap around piece of rubber with a light in it. Very easy to take on and off and very bright.
    let it also be known that their frog model offers little. make sure you get something with at least 2-3 led's for the front.
  18.  
    Posted By: the rabbi
    Posted By: lickedwickedwhen building a bike drive chain side normally on right unless with special design or it will strip the threads.
    this is useless. let the veterans, aka, not you, provide positive comments to this thread.
    i've seen it and it was bad. this is real.
    • CommentAuthorthe rabbi
    • CommentTimeJul 10th 2009
     
    Posted By: lickedwicked
    Posted By: the rabbi
    Posted By: lickedwickedwhen building a bike drive chain side normally on right unless with special design or it will strip the threads.
    this is useless. let the veterans, aka, not you, provide positive comments to this thread.
    i've seen it and it was bad. this is real.
    don't care.
  20.  
    Posted By: the rabbi
    Posted By: iron jaidenI'll bring it home real quick. TheKnoglights are a good option for those who don't wanna add clamps and such to their bikes for lights to fit into. Basically just a small wrap around piece of rubber with a light in it. Very easy to take on and off and very bright.
    let it also be known that their frog model offers little. make sure you get something withat least2-3 led's for the front.


    Good point. For a rear blinky used in tandem with something else strapped / clipped to you the frog will work but you definitely want more light in the front.
    I was more referring to the Bullfrog light without thinking about the little Frog they offer. That's the light from them I would recommend.
    • CommentAuthorthe rabbi
    • CommentTimeJul 10th 2009
     
    the beetles are good and bright. i personally have a toad in the front and a gekko in the rear.
  22.  
    Posted By: the rabbi
    Posted By: lickedwickedthat is a bad idea, but faster riding allows for the utilization of what it was designed for. ok, not for noobs.
    and try riding uphill with that extra weight. STOP IT LICKEDWICKED. you can't justify an aerospoke for being aero or providing any advantage. there are much better wheels out there that serve the purpose.
    yes weight puts an end to it's usefulness but I wouldn't say the design is bad. Mavic i0 is often used on the track and it's the 5 spokes and i'm sure it's lighte, easier to pick up speed. the reasoning with physics should be correct and I'll say i agree that it's bad in how its ridden.
  23.  
    - Toe overlap is an unfortunate side effect of riding a bike with a fork that's got 25mm of rake. This geometry was intended for riding around a velodrome where toe overlap isn't a concern. Often this can be remedied by opting for 165mm crank arms and medium sized toe clips. On smaller frames you're probably just going to have to live with it but I've found on most track frames 56cm and up it can be avoided.

    - If you plan on doing tricks on your bike make sure you're setting it up with appropriate components. H+Son rims do not handle going down stairs very well, neither do carbon forks. Plenty of companies make bikes specifically for that type of riding so maybe look into something like that before you drop heavy dough on a nagasawa and get super pissed that the thing won't barspin with anything other than a bmx wheel up front.

    - I'm just going to reiterate something Rabbi said up there. Don't ride like an asshole. Don't look up to people you see riding like assholes. Follow the rules of the road and play nice out there. Those of us that have been riding a while roll like that every day. It's dumb ass noobs out there acting like jerks in traffic. It's fine to be a noob, just don't be that kinda noob. We want cycling to become a fully acceptable form of road traffic so we HAVE to be responsible while we're on the road. Straight talk kids. Do right.
    • CommentAuthorwes m.
    • CommentTimeJul 10th 2009
     
    - Riding a fixed gear bike does not make you more special or cool than anyone else on any kind of bicycle. Drop the attitude when you get on your bike. When you see another cyclist, acknowledge them and know you two are on the same team.
  25.  
    -Take your bike apart and figure out how it works, then put it back together. If you can't, go to a shaop and have them help you. You will understand your bike better than you did before.

    -Listen to the people riding around you. They probably know something you don't.

    -Befriend the people at your shop.


    I guess those apply to all cyclists, but oh well.
    • CommentAuthorthe rabbi
    • CommentTimeJul 10th 2009
     
    Posted By: wes m.- Riding a fixed gear bike does not make you more special or cool than anyone else on any kind of bicycle. Drop the attitude when you get on your bike. When you see another cyclist, acknowledge them and know you two are on the same team.


    Posted By: wes m.- Riding a fixed gear bike does not make you more special or cool than anyone else on any kind of bicycle. Drop the attitude when you get on your bike. When you see another cyclist, acknowledge them and know you two are on the same team.


    Posted By: wes m.- Riding a fixed gear bike does not make you more special or cool than anyone else on any kind of bicycle. Drop the attitude when you get on your bike. When you see another cyclist, acknowledge them and know you two are on the same team.


    Posted By: wes m.- Riding a fixed gear bike does not make you more special or cool than anyone else on any kind of bicycle. Drop the attitude when you get on your bike. When you see another cyclist, acknowledge them and know you two are on the same team.
    • CommentAuthorthe rabbi
    • CommentTimeJul 10th 2009 edited
     
    Posted By: lickedwickedyes weight puts an end to it's usefulness but I wouldn't say the design is bad. Mavic i0 is often used on the track and it's the 5 spokes and i'm sure it's lighte, easier to pick up speed. the reasoning with physics should be correct and I'll say i agree that it's bad in how its ridden.
    do you see anyone these days racing with an aerospoke? the answer is no. why? because the weight disadvantage to aero advantage ratio isn't favorable at all. the front wheel weights 1400+ grams alone. a deep-v on a high flange dura ace hub (32h) with staright-guage spokes (3x) weighs in at less than 1100 grams. than is 3/4lbs of savings (and i would consider that wheel heavy, too). now, a front HED3 weighs less than 700g; the HED3C, even less. you can build a mavic open pro on an american classic micro 58 (32h) that is sup-700g and about $100 cheaper than an aerospoke.

    heavier object is harder to stop, harder to accellerate, and a whole hell of a lot harder to push uphill.

    so can we just agree they are a fashion thing to look like one of those fancy-shmancy wheels and offer the rider nothing in the way of performance advantage.
    • CommentAuthorsfbee
    • CommentTimeJul 10th 2009
     
    Put together a regular and frequent maintenance schedule.

    You should frequently check the tightness of your crank bolts. I do this at least every other ride, since I'm a big guy and have wasted quite a few crank sets by not keeping them properly tightened. It takes a few seconds to flip the bike over and go over each side with an allen wrench, and will save you a lot of trouble and money in the future.

    You should also check any other bolt associated with your drive train (axle bolts, chain ring bolts), since failures at these points can create quite a mess of your bike (and possibly your face).

    Periodically check your chain tension and wear

    With a fixed gear bike, you should periodically check that your chain is properly tensioned. I generally tighten the chain to the point where I have about 1/2" of play when pulling the chain straight up with my finger. When you think you've found the proper tension, make sure to move slowly through a full revolution of the cranks, and check the chain tension at all points for tight/binding spots.

    http://www.sheldonbrown.com/chains.html
    http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=27

    Park makes a tool that is inexpensive, and makes checking the wear on your chain very easy. You should periodically check that your chain isn't completely worn, to avoid improperly/prematurely wearing out your cogs and chain rings.
  29.  
    -To find your gear ratio, count the number of teeth on your chainring, and then put it over the number of teeth on the cog. Mine is 48/17. The higher the ratio, the higher your top speed is at lower cadence. A lower ratio goes slower and spins a lot, but is better for hills, skids, and tricks. High ratio=mashing flat. Low ratio=fun tricks, skids, and hills.

    -When learning to skid, make sure you have proper foot retention, and then practice on slick or wet ground.

    -DO RESEARCH BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR FIRST BIKE. Dont get tricked into paying $200 for a conversion (like i did). Find out where your money is going and if your getting the best value for it.

    -People think that any frame fits. Measure your inseam before you buy a bike so you know the proper size for yourself.

    -Check these forums regurlaly, because they are full of priceless information from people who have been riding much longer than you.
    • CommentAuthorthe rabbi
    • CommentTimeJul 10th 2009
     
    Posted By: GOBSTOPTODROP-People think that any frame fits. Measure your inseam before you buy a bike so you know the proper size for yourself.
    and proper bike fit has a whole lot more to it than just inseam. inseam is just a general quickfit that will give you a general idea. go to a bike shop and ask them to fit you to a proper bike.
    • CommentAuthorjam guy
    • CommentTimeJul 10th 2009
     
    awesome! I actually learned some stuff haha
    • CommentAuthorAaron C
    • CommentTimeJul 10th 2009
     
    never, i repeat NEVER listen to lickedwicked.

    invest in a clipless pedal system it makes all the difference in the world.

    DONT throw your old burnt out rear tires on the front, bad idea.

    build and ride your bike for you. dont be afraid of what others will say. throw some mustache bars and racks on your fixed gear--kilo tt's make great skinny tire utility bikes.

    its been said before but never skimp on lighting.

    befriend everyone you see riding on the road, show them common courtesy and a desire to learn/share knowledge. slow down, talk with strangers, forget about where you are going for a while and just ride with them--it makes everyone feel good and the miles will drop faster than ever.

    dropping some one off your wheel does not make you look cool (and for that matter riding on someone else's wheel without offering/taking the initiative to pull).

    DONT ever presume to know more than another cyclist (just because you spent and hour on sheldon's page), it makes you look like an ass and you often loose the opportunity to learn a lot of good stuff.
    • CommentAuthorsfbee
    • CommentTimeJul 10th 2009 edited
     
    Posted By: Aaron C
    invest in a clipless pedal system it makes all the difference in the world.


    +2

    One of the best investments you can make. My pedals and clips just collect dust now, since I can't fathom riding without a clipless setup.

    Definitely go with bi-directional shimano SPDs if you plan on running clipless on a fixed gear or track bike though. They allow you to adjust the level of float (the amount of movement it takes to clip out), which you want a lot of if you plan on skidding. I basically turn the float all the way up on my clipless setup to avoid unintentionally clipping out. Don't worry about falling, since 99.9995% of the time it will be when your either at or near a dead stop, and are trying to clip out.
  34.  
    Posted By: sfbee
    Posted By: Aaron C
    invest in a clipless pedal system it makes all the difference in the world.


    +2

    One of the best investments you can make. My pedals and clips just collect dust now, since I can't fathom riding without a clipless setup.

    Definitely go withbi-directional shimano SPDsif you plan on running clipless on a fixed gear or track bike though. They allow you to adjust the level of float (the amount of movement it takes to clip out), which you want a lot of if you plan on skidding. I basically turn the float all the way up on my clipless setup to avoid unintentionally clipping out. Don't worry about falling, since 99.9995% of the time it will be when your either at or near a dead stop, and are trying to clip out.


    I love my clipless set up so much. It makes a huge difference.
    • CommentAuthorcal09
    • CommentTimeJul 12th 2009 edited
     
    finally somewhere i feel comfortable in. Love this thread!!
    • CommentAuthorjam guy
    • CommentTimeJul 12th 2009
     
    Posted By: cal09finally somewhere i feel comfortable in. Love this thread!!


    AWESOME!
    • CommentAuthortimmy240
    • CommentTimeJul 12th 2009
     
    As a partial noob, I can speak from experience to taking your bike apart. Not only do you get to intimately know your bike, but there is such a great sense of pride that you get when you simply know how your bike works.

    F*CK WHAT EVERYONE ELSE THINKS ABOUT YOUR BIKE! It simply doesn't matter if you're riding aluminum or not, have effing AEROSPOKES or not, have sugino's or not (though I will admit, their pretty awesome). Build the bike for you! That is one of the greatest things I have learned yet. Don't make yourself afford a part b/c chances are that for d*cking around town, you don't need the advantages it brings to the table.

    Clipless pedals are awesome.
    • CommentAuthorjerome
    • CommentTimeJul 12th 2009
     
    take drive side pictures.
    • CommentAuthorAaron C
    • CommentTimeJul 13th 2009
     
    use the correct tool for the job. once you strip your shiny new hub trying to tighten the lockring with a screwdriver and a hammer you'll know why.
    • CommentAuthorjam guy
    • CommentTimeJul 13th 2009
     
    Posted By: jerometake drive side pictures.


    Yup. Everyone needs to know this.
  41.  
    There's an old saying, "it costs you nothing to be polite".
    I was biking to work and there was an "old guy", probably early 50's, on his Litespeed, and since we were both going the same way chatted about
    fixed, local bike shops, etc. etc.

    Try to do a little research before posting questions. WHy? Because you will better understand the answers!
  42.  
    Don't be afraid to get called a hipster. There are many safety tips that can get lumped into the fashion of it. It is not cool to roll the drive side pant leg up. IT IS SAFE TO. This is one of those things you don't want to learn from experience. YOUR DRIVE TRAIN IS A CHAINSAW. Pants toes and fingers will be gone faster than you can ever imagine.
    • CommentAuthorEgginator
    • CommentTime8 hours ago
     
    if you dont have clipless pedals or toe cages be careful of your footing. Dont slip off the pedals.
  44.  
    Posted By: Egginatorif you dont have clipless pedals or toe cages be careful of your footing. Dont slip off the pedals.


    Don't ride without clips or clipless pedals AT ALL
    • CommentAuthorEgginator
    • CommentTime6 hours ago edited
     
    nah i noe a lot of people that ride without clips.
  46.  
    That doesn't mean it is a good idea to do so, especially not for riders new to fixed gear, the topic of this old ass thread...
  47.  
    Posted By: Egginatornah i noe a lot of people that ride without clips.


    Ok, well they should all read this thread and learn something.
  48.  
    Posted By: Egginatornah i noe a lot of people that ride without clips.


    You "noe" a lot of stupid people homeboy.
  49.  
    if you are planning on making a conversion and using the existing crank make sure the cranks are not cotter pin cranks, in other words make sure it is tapered square or isis.
  50.  
    -tighter pants equal higher aerodynamics

    -thicker mustache makes you faster

    -don't shower for days and you'll always be in first place

    -watch MASH vids and get drunk
    • CommentAuthorsoulbyte
    • CommentTime3 hours ago
     
    Posted By: jam guyBefore you post your questions check here. We will try to answer your questions before you ask them.

    -A good ratio for skidding is probably a 42/17 or 18. Everyone has a preference though.
    -When skidding lean your body over the bars and lock your legs. Look cool, then fuck chicks. Not the other way around.
    -Phil wood hubs are awesome.
    -Aerospokes are heavy and not very "aero" when you get hit with a wall of wind.
    -Do not buy a leader, they suck.

    Good companies to support:
    IRO
    Surly

    Add more!




    How can you start a thread offering knowledge to new riders when everything you just stated is a matter of opinion and NOT based on fact? You just completely defeated the whole purpose of your thread with your first comment. Everyone else seemed to put something in that was pretty useful.

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