My first fixed gear bicycle

This is my first fixed gear bike, and my first reddit post.

I had been riding my Redline Monocog 29" single speed quite a bit over the summer. As I've been riding more, I've been wanting to tinker more with my fit and my drivetrain. Well, the Monocog seatpost is stuck (which I only now know is a thing to check for on used bikes) and the frame will only accommodate up to a (maybe) 36 tooth chainring. So, not much to do with fit and gear ratio there.

I stopped at a local bicycle co-op and asked if they had anything basic, anything cheap, anything single speed. They showed me a few things but nothing really seemed to be what I was searching for. Then, this bike caught my eye. I noticed the hubs first with the Surly logo. They told me it was fixed gear. I had never ridden one before. They let me take it for a little test drive in the parking lot. It was counterintuitive, frightening, frustrating, and a little uncomfortable. I was sold!

Now after 2 months of ownership I have changed the saddle, swapped the spacers and stem, and tried a mid-tier Shimano freewheel. I picked up some 25mm tires from a garage sale which feel more stable and comfortable than the 23's it came with. I also picked up some Pure pedal straps from my LBS, and then switched back to fixed. It's really fun to ride, very lightweight and agile, and a serious workout for my legs and heart.

I have also picked up a few frames and some parts from marketplace and ebay and thrift stores. I've learned a little about BCD and chainline, anti-seize versus grease, and a more with hopefully a whole lot more to come.

If you've made it this far, thank you for checking out my first reddit post and first fixed gear bike. Any comments would be appreciated.

2004 Specialized Langster