Fixie Conversion : Stage 5
Over the last few weeks I have been able to put a bit more time into my fixed gear conversion and I have finally got it on the road.
Whilst its not completed as yet I have managed to get it operational. I took it for its first shakedown run on the weekend which was just a quick 5km run around the block. I took it nice and easy to let all the new bits bed in and sort themselves out. I have to say it is great to ride, fixed gear on the road is excellent, it gives a whole new aspect to your ride. A lot more concentration and fluidity is required to be efficient on it. Also the power required is a lot more than a geared bike, yeah I know state the obvious!
On a geared bike there are a lot of things to distract you; am I in the right gear, could I make this easier or harder, gee im a bit tired ill just free wheel, did that gear engage correctly etc…. on a fixed its really so simple, you just pedal. I think a good training regime on it will help to increase my wattage/power. Yesterday I was riding on a long stretch of road that normally i go quiet hard on, so i did the same on my new bike and found that i was starting to blow a little, I went to just free wheel for 100m to get my breath but as you could imagine that did not work! After composing myself I realised that you can still half pedal a bit and just go with the crank revolutions but its just not the same. But this was a perfect example of when i normally would opt for the easy way out on a fixie you need to maintain your effort for a longer period.
I dont race or anything, im not overly fit either but I do enjoy riding my road bike, so if this can help me get to the shops, increase my power and technique then it can only help my when im on my roadie.
Anyhow have a look at the pictures and let me know what you think, I have installed a front brake since the photo was taken as well.
hi mate just wondering what size of rim and tyres did you use on the wheel??
cheers
700c
It came with 27inch but I changed it over.
Hope this helps.
Thats stunning. Almost too good to ride. I love riding my fixed gear, but It gets to be a pain at times when traffic is heavy, you can skid stop, but after a while you wish you have some brakes on. I’m considering some, to be honest, as cool as it looks riding brakeless, you sure as hell don’t look cool splattered on the pavement.
Yeah it has brakes on it now, I only did a few laps of the block before I re-installed the brakes.