After riding single speed for 4 years I’ve gotten really comfortable navigating busy traffic and avoiding obstacles. I got a new bike after my previous bike got stolen and this time I finally decided to try fixed gear… Here are my thoughts so far after 3 days of riding fixed:
– no coasting.
– using pedal straps and the struggles to get my feet in at stop/go situations (stop signs/traffic lights)
– no coasting.
– learning to skid. Even though I have a front brake installed I’ve been learning to skid which has been fun but developed some sore leg muscles.
– fear of flipping over the handlebars because of unexpected circumstances (bad drivers, pot holes, pedestrians etc…)
– no coasting.
The biggest adjustment I had to make was constantly reminding myself to…. NOT COAST. This is especially true when approaching a stop sign, traffic light, speed bump, pot hole where I would normally coast 90% off the time. I’ve been riding slow AF and sticking to bike paths but hopefully I can get back to riding like when I was on my single speed where I didn’t even need to think. Everything felt natural but now I have to use so much mental power when riding fixed to ensure I don’t end up in the ER.
Still debating whether or not I will continue riding fixed or go back to SS. We will see…
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After riding single speed for 4 years I’ve gotten really comfortable navigating busy traffic and avoiding obstacles. I got a new bike after my previous bike got stolen and this time I finally decided to try fixed gear… Here are my thoughts so far after 3 days of riding fixed:
– no coasting.
– using pedal straps and the struggles to get my feet in at stop/go situations (stop signs/traffic lights)
– no coasting.
– learning to skid. Even though I have a front brake installed I’ve been learning to skid which has been fun but developed some sore leg muscles.
– fear of flipping over the handlebars because of unexpected circumstances (bad drivers, pot holes, pedestrians etc…)
– no coasting.
The biggest adjustment I had to make was constantly reminding myself to…. NOT COAST. This is especially true when approaching a stop sign, traffic light, speed bump, pot hole where I would normally coast 90% off the time. I’ve been riding slow AF and sticking to bike paths but hopefully I can get back to riding like when I was on my single speed where I didn’t even need to think. Everything felt natural but now I have to use so much mental power when riding fixed to ensure I don’t end up in the ER.
Still debating whether or not I will continue riding fixed or go back to SS. We will see…