Pretty basic build, all from retrogression. Had some hiccups with fork tabs not fitting axle nuts but otherwise the build was straight forward. The SNM100 frame quality seems good but the paint is very fragile and doesn’t seem adhered well to the aluminum. I was putting the chain together and it slipped out of my hand and hit the frame and took two chips out. No big deal but sad with brand new frame. The carbon fork seems a bit questionable in construction. Uneven thickness in steerer tube, some visible voids, I think I kinda trust it but for the price, I’m okay with it.
But what do I do with it? I have a fancy carbon road bike, a gravel bike, a mountain bike, and I thought this would fill some gap but while riding it, all I could think about was my other bikes. It could be that I’ve never ridden fixed before and felt very limited and not secure on it for the first time. Pedal position being off when stopping/starting was tough and the thought of even trying a bunny hop felt impossible. Maybe it goes away after some time? I was able to do some very smell skids and that was fun but I think ultimately I built this bike as a sort of “grown up” bmx bike that can also cruise and do some distance. I don’t have buyers remorse and I’ll keep trying it but I’m can’t stop thinking about it being single speed would maybe just be better? Anyone else have similar experience? I was expecting to immediately feel like a kid again but instead felt limited and vulnerable. Could it be that fixed gear is actually just difficult and takes time and work to feel comfortable? Am I just a pussy? I am in my 30s now and not super keen on taking risks with my body so I might just be overly cautious. I do love the simplicity of it though and I like looking at it.
by JasonARGY
13 Comments
I use mine to get around in Chicago, but I run a front brake because I don’t trust cars. I have a gravel bike for really bad days and bikepacking but it’s just not the same as the old fixed gear
I’m 44 and started riding fixed at like 40. It just takes some time and becomes fun after you learn. It won’t make you feel like a kid, but you’ll hopefully love to ride it after a few months.
Run a front brake mate, it might well save your life. I reckon give it a month, try to ride it daily, or every second day type frequency. If you still don’t like it at the end of it, that’s totally fine. Sell it on cheap to someone who loves it to “pay it forward.” I found that after adding a front brake and riding it daily for a month, I became unnaturally in sync with my bike, like a Jedi and their lightsaber. This is a lot of the appeal, I don’t even hit any tricks atm, I just flow. I’m 34 if that factors in, a Fellow 30s Enjoyer.
You can always add a front brake as you get comfortable, as long as the fork is drilled for it. I sometimes describe fixed gear as learning to ride a bike again, it takes some time, but boy is it fun when you are comfortable! Just keep riding and eventually you will probably like it more and more. And if not, then it might not be your thing, but then you have tried it and experienced something new
Do you have a flip flop rear hub, with threading for a freewheel on the other side?
If so throw a freewheel on there and see if you prefer it. I have a hard time switching back and forth between fixed and my geared bikes, personally. I have a hard time remembering that I can’t coast if I’ve been riding with a freehub for awhile, and have that feeling of being on edge getting used to that style of riding, every time I switch. Fixed gear is a lot of extra work, for sure.
Build looks sick but I’d also put a front brake on it. Some people even run a rear brake on their fixed gear.
Ride it!
Just watch old Mash SF clips on YouTube and go ride it. It’s funny, kids never have to ask what to do with a bike.
I’d say just ride it fast enough so you don’t have mental space to think about your other bikes.
It is tricky and does take a little longer to feel comfortable! I started enjoying fixed gear WAY more once I built the confidence and muscle to skid— little skids are one thing, but feeling integrated with the bike is work/time, and absolutely worth it imo
Don’t crash and die
so i love my fixie, i pretty much never ride my gravel or road anymore
i’d recommend 100% running a front brake, nothing wrong with having a break
practice skidding and stalls / track stops (where you’re just balancing) at a parking lot every once in a while. i really don’t skid that much tbh
Step 1: Ride it.
Step 2: Change the tires, front brake (optional), new pedals and crankset.
Ali express andy welcome