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It's like the difference between driving a manual transmission versus driving an automatic. You're way more connected to the machine, especially when you're out
by rhinoceraptor 5y ago
It's like the difference between driving a manual transmission versus driving an automatic. You're way more connected to the machine, especially when you're out in the country where it's quiet, because fixed gears are a lot quieter than normal bikes.
There are a lot of cliches people use to describe it, but you just kind of have to experience it to get it.
- jacquesm 5y agoIt's the difference between driving a regular car and one without a gearbox, brakes and clutch, in other words, not something suitable for use in traffic.
- rhinoceraptor 5y agoWhat makes you think riding a fixed gear bike is unsuitable for traffic?
- jacquesm 5y agoBikes without brakes are illegal in traffic where I live, and rightly so, I'm a long time bike enthusiast and these fashion statements are downright dangerous, both to the rider as well as to other users of the roads. That it even needs to be pointed out that operating any vehicle without brakes is unsuitable for traffic is a bit strange to me, but there you go.
- rhinoceraptor 5y agoI think riding with brakes is illegal pretty much everywhere. Also, most of the fixed gear bikes I've seen do have brakes. Only the most purpose built track frames don't have brake mounts, for example I own an ex-keirin NJS frame without brake mounts, bottle mounts, etc. I tried using a clamp on brake with it so I could ride it on the road, but I didn't feel comfortable since I don't think the fork was really designed for those forces, so it's now a track-use bike only.