17 Things Only Fixed Gear Riders Would Understand!
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- čas přidán 21. 08. 2024
- Fixed gear riders are some of the most peculiar in cycling. We do a lot of things that other cyclists find odd. Here's 17 things only fixed gear riders would understand.
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#fixedgear #bikelife
There are two kinds of FG bikes and riders - ones are technically FG and their riders just go ride them. And then there are fancy frames built up with rare, fancy or just expensive parts which fixturbators constantly swap, upgrade and eventually ride less than make pictures for internets. Sheldon Brown had a lot of fixed gear bicycles and they were tuned to serve him well for different purposes, not to look "properly" according to crowdledge. This direction is my heart leans to.
Sheldon Brown's Quickbeam is still posted on his website-it is a classic. By the way, his missus rode Paris-Brest Paris (750 mile brevet) twice on a fixed gear, if my memory of east coast cycling lore is correct.
Oh, nice to see someone who has broader view than 'FG is a set of rules'.
Where is your proof of this? A lot of people who build up really nice bikes with high end components ride their bikes everyday. I built up a baller NJS bike and there is not a single day I go without riding unless the weather is just absolutely horrible
@@sonymicronin Not saying this is a strict rule, many nice bikes are being ridden a lot. Just comparing number of videos one can clearly see how much more there are videos of fancy track-wannabe FG bikes than practical FG bikes. Kudos to you, btw!
No matter what you ride, it will always be THE RIDER, not the freakin bike that's makes the biggest difference. NO ONE can buy fitness and or skills! Sheldon Brown is a hero! If you're interested in fixed gears or just basic and properly SIMPLE bike mechanics, EVERYTHING is on his website..... and then some.
I'm 61 years young and still ride fixed off-road. It still makes me feel like a little kid out exploring. Fixed off-road is more fun than should be legal!!
The best thing about fixed gear is they're so simple, reliable and efficient. They're a wicked workout, great for stamina, explosiveness, endurance, an excellent way to stay warmer in the winter (pedaling always) and the means to pedal much better and learn better handling skills. Fixed gear will also allow you to maintain traction better. You are literally connected as one to your steed!
There's very little to go wrong on a fixed or SS. This is the perfect reason not to be obsessed with them and not worry about 'em. You can beat the living shit out of these things if you build them properly. This will be my 'apocalypse bike'.
I once got my Crossafix so muddy the wheels would not turn. I hauled my now 70 pound bike on my shoulder to a creek, threw it in and washed off the mud so I could ride home. I pressure washed it at home, oiled the chain and pulled out the seat post to drain out the frame. I did this again recently in the Wackofornia storms recently. It's s regular adventure at least once every winter. I built this bike up over 6 years ago and it's still perfect and silent after serious abuse. I beat it hard on technical rocky singletrack trails.
I ve ridden fixed for road, 'cross and mtb racing, training fixed all winter, every winter since the '80s. I still have my first custom Columbus steel 'cross frame hanging on a wall. It took 30 years to break pounding it fixed.
A fixed gear 'cross bike (The Crossafix) is my favorite most used bike for everyday riding, local trail and all weather winter abuse. Now it's just a Miyata touring frame I got for free with some nice parts and handmade wheels.
Since I ride lots, in dirt preferably, all winter, no matter the weather, I'm not wearing out my nicer bikes or my race bikes.
I've got about a dozen bikes, all custom, 'cross, gravel, road, 2 fullys, even a drop barred derailleur hard tail and a drop bar rigid SS mtb. My Crossafix is still my favorite. It's taught me that I really don't 'need' to own the fanciest, highest end or lightest bikes. In fact my daily used beaters are pretty heavy. It's called weight training. When I get in my lighter derailleur bikes I feel like Red Bull with wings.
I learned my lesson. It's the RIDER, not the freakin bike!
Most of my machines are decades old. Underbiking rules. Riding fixed or SS brings back the joy and amazement of carefree riding. Even at 61 years young, I feel like a kid out exploring again!
Brilliant, respect due
Thank you for sharing your personal story, it is inspiring
I am a single gear rider but I absolutely understand those 17 things you have mentioned. ( except I still prefer clipless)
I love clipless, but after briefly hearing of his near-death experience I will continue riding clipless on my brakeless fixed gears but keep a closer eye on the cleats and cleat tension. I run shimano 2 bolt on both fixed gears.
@Bruder der Eintagsfliege the way I have heard it explained.. the toe clips were removed in favor of the clip-in with cleat system....therefore.... "clipless"
Just call them bindings if you like. They're very similar to ski bindings. Look invented clipless pedals first. They made ski bindings as well.
Old school foot retention were toe 'clips' and straps. Therefore they're called 'clipless' pedals. Serious riders used slotted cleats to get locked onto the bike. I used slotted cleats with spikes for cyclocross and mtb. I've used Time Atacs since they were first made in the '90s. I even use them for fixed gear technical trail riding.
Fixed gear riders without foot retention are giving up a considerable amount of braking, speed control and pedaling efficiency potential.
Okay I just bought a new Vigorelli frameset that I'm gonna build up in the coming months.
I'm sorry, I just had to share this with y'all, I'm just so excited 😅
I'll probably retire my Bianchi once the new bike is done, she'll only come out occasionally on summer days.
Also still adore my vintage steel track bike
loving the hair cut/styling
I'm watching this when there's 1.5 inches of ice on the road, so excited to get out there and ride again! Thanks for keeping me excited!
i took off the ring on the valve cuz it rattles sometimes
OK. I have a 1980 Columbia 10 speed frame I found set out as junk. Stripped about everything off it. Put new bb on it with square tapers. Put an existing Shimano cassette hub rim on the back with a $10 16T cog. Put new brakes on it. Rides nice. Why would anyone spend more than $40 on a single speed bike?
Can you please make a video about strap/toe cage install? I recently purchased some awesome MKS pedals and need some advice/how-to for installing straps properly…. Please cover both single and double straps…. Thanks, Zack!
I never used double straps, but I used clips, straps and old school slotted cleats done up really tight for road and 'cross racing. On the old school leather shoes, the cleats were nailed onto the shoes. I even used them for mtb when clipless was a brand new thing. Sidi even made 'cross style slotted cleats with mud spikes for running on the course.
I used the very best Italian straps made back in the '80s, Alfredo Binda Extras. Now, NOS Binda Extras cost over $100 pair. They're no longer made, but I still have some old ones that survived since the '80s! Awesome straps. I think the most expensive MKS straps are similar, two layer leather bonded together. Get good quality leather straps. Don't buy cheap nylon ones.
We set ours up by putting the strap thru the clip slot, then thru one hole in the pedal body, twisted it, put a screw on Cinelli end button on the strap, in the middle of the pedal cage, put it thru the second hole, out thru the buckle then another button end on the end to make pulling easy and quick. The button and twist in the middle of the pedal allows the strap to be pulled very tight without the strap slipping thru the pedal body. They can pull tight enough to cut off circulation of blood in your feet. Sounds complicated but its actually really simple and effective.
Have you considered 'Power grip' straps or the extra wide straps used without clips?
I find these way more effective and easier to get out of than clips and straps.
I ride mostly with Time Atac clipless pedals now, even fixed off-road. When I ride off-road on ultra technical terrain I use the Power Grips. They hold my feet ultra tight, yet they're super easy to twist out super quick.
@@rollinrat4850 "extra wide straps" you must be referring to the Hold Fast (one company who makes that style) straps, that the FGFS riders love. I can see how they're easy to get in/out of. They need to be able to do swiftly so they can bail if they mess up on a trick.
@@kevinfeeney5309 The ones I've used are called 'Powergrips'. I think they're intended for mtb. I've seen even wider ones used by SSers and fixie riders.
The one thing with this sort of foot retention is that you want to always use the same shoes so the fit in the strap/pedal is always the same, so getting in and out efficiently is always consistent.
I ride off-road mostly and normally use Time ATAC clipless pedals even for fixed gear off-road.
I'll use powergrips when I'm on a fishing ride so I can hike around or when I'm bike packing in really rough mountainous terrain where I'll walk with the bike more often.
I can ride trail on extreme technical trials-like trails using my cleats and my clipless pedals. I've been using them for over 30 years since Look introduced the first popular clipless road pedals.
@@rollinrat4850 I've seen those powergrips too.... don't like how you gotta use similar type shoes... although I primarily wear vans anyway. BUT, I prefer clipless on everything else, including my brakeless fixed gears. All my clipless equipped bikes are MTB, except my trek road bike which has the shimano road pedals.
@@kevinfeeney5309 I got some lace up Giro Empire mtb shoes. They fit great! I forgot how well lace up cycling shoes fit. I can't stand ratcheting strappy shoes anymore. I use these Giros and the ATAC pedals on all my bikes. Even my roadish bikes. All my bikes see dirty use. I can't stop myself from exploring a new unknown dirt road. I've been riding race bikes on trail long before anybody knew what an 'ATB' was!
This bike has never looked better.
I'm using fixed/fixed hub. One side is heavy gear and the other side is light gear.
Also don't get why not. Even if not using other side, cog can get stuck or threads can be damaged on primary side.
I'm a single gear rider with most of the fixie preferred qualities. Good video Zach!
I LOVE YOUR HAIRCUT!!! WHAT SHOULD I SAY TO MY BARBER TO LOOK LIKE THAT?
I got myself a Dolan pre cursa second hand, since I fall in love with the fun of riding a basic heavy SS.
ok we're all thinking it.....what are those handlebars???????
haha, two of my bikes have flipflop hubs, but both only have one cog installed, it feels like i'm trying to show off the distinct lack of a 2nd cog lol
Totally right about the bottle cages. I just can’t do it no matter how long the right is weather carry it water bottle in my messenger bag.
hahaah just ordered new top cap a week ago and now I am watching this video :D
Hi Zach. I built my first fixie just a few months ago. Lately it seems like your videos are the most bangin. 💙
Kia ora from NZ
Cages better than clipless. Cup and cone lose bearings better than sealed bearings. Steel frame better than everything else. Narrow bars better than wide. Come at me bro!
Just got back on my bike after nearly 8 months without riding. I tried a geared bike earlier and it just didn't feel right. Glad my ol workhorse feels just as good as I remember 🎉
This channel is a fixed gear magazine like top gear is a car magazine.
Zach needs a bigger budget though. I want to see some modern overpriced, overly complex bike junk blown up or simply thrown off a large cliff. Preferably both at the same time.
@@rollinrat4850 Or some version of celebrities in a reasonably priced car would be good. See some none fixed gear riders try track lacrosse.
@@H_elios Bike polo or rugby could be interesting.
The problem is mainly a mental thing. You'd need to find participants willing to suffer on bikes that you need to pedal always. Actually this might also add to some great comedy!
The vast majority
(even among serious riders) see a fixed gear
(or a singlespeed) and they're so intimidated that you can't coast or change gears. Can't imagine that to even get over a freakin freeway overpass. 'That MUST BE impossible!' So they never even TRY......
I've been riding fixed gears, even off-road for race training since the '80s. I'm 61 years young. Fixed off-road is more fun than should be legal. It makes me feel like a young kid again!
In over 50 years of riding experience, I've found just one other like minded rider with a fixed gear 'cross bike, willing to join me on an mtb trail. One guy half my age!
I wrench in a high end shop as well. Riders have gotten soft with E shifting, E bikes, suspension, etc. But all that junk is job security for me!! I'll gladly take their money!
The bike I ride all winter? It gets hosed down and some oil on the chain!
Why single sided hub? It makes slightly dished wheel instead of perfectly symmetrical as with fixed/fixed hub.
I always wait for your new videos to learn more about fixed gear
life goes full circle, your bike now looks like a 2009 fixie with those gold bars and those "accents" lmao
Wood! Not gold
I'm 60 Y/O & FG daily 8-10 miles = keeping Mind & body youthful 😊
Did you convert from a quill to threadless?
So I ride a Chromed out Frameset made by Pure Fix..(buying a built up Wabi this winter when I have the cash available). It was a fixed gear for just over a year, then I decided to put a Sturmey Archer S2 hub on it. It is now a 1-1/2 speed but definitely looks like a single speed, so yeah it’s a coaster with brakes. I love riding it, I’m debating on getting (dare I say) an S2 kicker hub with a coaster brake and put on the Wabi Special I plan on buying, I just don’t like looking at brakes, levers etc….any thoughts?!
The hub S2 hub I’m running now doesn’t have a coaster brake so I have rim brakes, I may get the S2 that also has a coaster brake
Great video and to the point
I think it's fitting he's showing Justin's bikes for "New Month, New Bike"
I will admit that only a few days ago I took the water bottle holder off my fixed gear just to clean the lines up a bit.
Screw mounts are itself offending!
I have a Wabi Lightning, and they come with two sets of bottle bosses...they stand out like a sore thumb on such a sleek minimalist frameset...👎😠👎
What size of frame that fit for 5’4” height?
Can you do a video about shoes? I love everything you wear, and I wanna get some of those boots.
Hey Zach I have something for you if you’re still doing the Friday morning rides
I'm a geared rider and I love your videos bc your vibe is so casual. I gotta say tho that I don't think naming your bike is exclusive to just fixies! I've also named my bike - Ghoulie/ The Ghoulbike. But I also commute with her around town, so I'm probably much more attached to her.
Just got clippers and chrome industries spds
Love my Kursks!
I ride a 1x7 that I built from the ground up. His name is Wallace West. I call him Wally.
Please do a review of tubeless tire inserts.🤞😬🤞
My bike will never be finished,it will evolve...
does anyone else bounce their bike for the sound test, but also to check tyre pressure ? someone asked me what I was doing once, and they thought it was odd
hah omg I thought I was insane.
This is a nice video, but I don´t understand why the fixed gear community where you at has to be so flashy I prefer low profile people who just enjoy riding bikes LOL
Yo are your wheels built with the simworks by Hoshi spokes???
Tbh in LA I don’t really see much fixie riders like back then in 2013-2020 and if I do they on a fixie bike with freewheel smh.. other then that everyone has gone electric or are with there “fancy” looking spoked 26er or 29ers showing of their freewheel wheeling skills.. 😒
Digging the stem cap... hehe
Path Less Pedaled FTW!!!
@@bparker yup yup! Love them both. Well, I follow a ton of cycling channels. Hahha
But Zach and Russ are among my top 5.
I found Zach and fixed gear after watching Russ for a good bit. Spindatt makes mention of Zach too from time to time. Each of those 3 channels are good quality in their own right and each being something different and interesting to the table. What are the other three in your top five?
@@bparker oh damn, kinda hard to pick out. Haha... I do love oldshovel, Spindatt, toasty rides, Locked In and garys.projects. Followed Francis Cade's ride across america last month. Sad and mad at myself for not being able to join them on the last leg, when they got into los angeles and finished at venice beach. But I had to work.
Anyway, I follow many more cycling youtubers..... Henrywildeberry, GCN, RJ the Bike Guy, Park Tools, Dave Noakes, Juliett Elliot and Katie Kookaburra.
@@kevinfeeney5309 Recognize some of them. Just might have to check the others out. Thanks!
Number 4: WHEELSET just for skidding, and I have this for my SS.. yes, the brakes are doing the skids. It’s still incredibly fun, smooth road, rainy day… that’s a good time that is
Exception to #9: Having the flask cage with a flask containing go juice…
hi Zach, I felt stupid because I think all the things you describe are very important. You are far away, but something very beautiful connects us 😉
The last fixed I had (Aventon frame, Unknown full carbon fork, Surly hubs and H+Son The Hydras rims) had a 44x14 gear ratio. That's as close to Pi as you can get, just sayin. Also, agree on clipless vs straps. Clipless should be aptly titled clipped (cuz thats whachu do stupid) and who wants to wear reverse high heels ever anyway? Hold Fast makes very nice straps.
I use mtb clipless, so I don't get the reverse high heel issue but I see quite a few riders who do use the road version.
That being said, I'm kinda wanting to try the hold fast straps but don't really want to spend the coin if I don't like it... haha (yeah, I could sell it after I'm done but I don't wanna deal with it. Lol...and besides I'm happy with mtb clipless)
@@kevinfeeney5309 ahh, yeah, that's just me being that guy. Remember when clipless first came out for road bikes and everyone would do the tiptoe walk cuz them shoes was way stiff. My bud goes clipless on his Salsa Blackthorn and has fun with it, I straight flats it on my Beargrease just fine. Hold Fast run somewhere around....60 now, so it's not bad chunk o' change wise. Race face Chester pedals are my go-to for that.
@Han Fuehrious I guess I should clarify things. I do run road clipless, but only on my sole road bike, a trek alpha 1000. I put my clipless shoes on outside and rarely walk in them, so that reverse high heel thing isn't such a big deal. I do however, carry road cleat covers if I have to walk more than a couple steps.
Still have yet to come to a decision regarding trying BMX pedals with hold fast straps...lmao. I was quite used to mks gr-9 with quad gate clips and double toe straps before I made the switch to mtb clipless.
I relate to this so much haha😂 I might have to send in a bike check so Zach can roast me lol. It’s another Mash Bolt 2.0. I have a feeling he may like it as well 😎
So did u ever learn to wheelie just saw ur wheelie video
This is TOO accurate, lol! Well said!
Haircut on point bruh
Bamboo bars?
I think they're from Passchier
Me. “Don’t call it a fixie” called it a fixie 4 times.
I've considered buying a vintage road frame on eBay that I absolutely do not need- just because it comes with a sugino 75 loose bottom bracket... that I also don't need, just want XD edit- ZACH are you rocking supple bamboo bars??
Haha, who makes bamboo bars? Bamboo is a good strong structural material that's in abundance and cheap.
Ive owned titanium mtb bars. They're 'supple', but so are my 52cm Nitto dirt drops. I like supple stuff and fat tires for fixed off-road . More fun than should be legal!!
I've actually considered trying a bamboo frame building kit. I test rode a Calfee bamboo bike and they're really comfortable and smooth.
@@rollinrat4850 Looks like Zach is trying out some passchier bars, bamboo indeed. I've heard from others that bonding bamboo "tubes" with carbon fiber is a great way to make nice frames, even cargo bike frames. If I ever got into frame building I'd probably rather try out bamboo before attempting to learn how to braze steel tubing.
@@jacobatherton8339 Thanks man! But in the case of plastic bind junk, I'll pass. I'm not impressed by what I see.
I've built carbon aerospace hardware and inspected it. I know what that costs. My life relies upon my bikes too. I generally build them myself. So nobody's fooling me..... Marketing is just bullshit, another word for brainwashing or propaganda. I'm not going to pay for that.
I won't ride low quality plastic Asian made junk, it's simply overpriced, under-engineered. and their QC is entirely questionable to put it nicely. I can prove it every day at work.
I've cut up a whole bunch of crashed carbon bike junk and relegated it to a dumpster in just 7 short years. I know exactly what to look for regarding voids, layup and anomalies. Far more issues and failures in plastic bike junk than the metal stuff I've seen over a 50 plus year period. I ride a bunch of pretty old metal bikes.
My steel fixed gear cross bike is my favorite of my dozen custom metal bikes.
I'll never ever ride on a plastic fork. We see the 'ring of death' all the time in the high end shop I wrench at. Most consumers don't even know what that is!
If there's anything I may have considered it might be US made carbon mtb bars, IF any are even made here anymore. I like supporting my fellow citizens. MTB bars are a very simple shape. But then my boss broke some expensive plastic bars in a downhill mtb race.
But bamboo is used for safety structures in many parts of Asia. Weight isn't a big problem for me. I just drink less beer or eat less ice cream. It's the RIDER, not the freakin bike.
I've used steel, aluminum and titanium h'bars for quite a few years. The worst thing that ever happened after many stupid stunts and lots of heavy duty riding is that they bent a little. Never cracked or shattered.
I'm teaching myself frame building, brazing and welding. I've got a couple friends who are custom builders. Im a retired machinist. A few bamboo frames might help me dial in geometry. I also like the idea of a 'green material' for building bikes. I could simply grow my own tubing! That's pretty cool, considering the cost and scale of a tube making plant. Metal prices are higher than ever these days.
Hail the fixed gear,
Recognizing someone because of their bikes aren't exclusive to fixed community lols.
We Mtb users do to
Lol, I've done it with cars too.. haha
Put a front brake. PLEASE.
No coaster-rider would EVER ride with only a rear brake. I don't care how much control you have over your back wheel. If you don't have a front brake you are dicing with death. You wanna stop in a hurry? You need a front brake.
yes I ride coasters, too.. but my daily commute for almost 10 years was my trusty Cinelli Mystic Rats fixie.
...
I had a front brake. Just in case. You should, too.
Fix3d all the way
Its like riding a bike from 1920 and bragging about it. Yeah we get it. ;) ☮️
Nothing wrong with it. People mate same way they did tens of thousands years ago and still are having pleasure and giving birth to children.
Fixie friends
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Dude in 00:17 is a toy….
F groupsets! they are ridiculously overpriced!
The moment you were born, you are now officially a fixed gear rider- andrew tate
"you will save money on fixed gear brooo" 😂😂😂
I clearly have a fixie rider soul... but not the fixie 🥲
Most of us Should ride 48/17, or something close
BUUUUUTTT,
First off, let me say that Jims Bikes and Boards is amazing! czcams.com/users/postUgkx2YFGCCEkXKgqCOH-7vlvgb4L4hg4IrXI They're the one my Golden Cycle Striker shipped from and when I told them I was apprehensive about buying because of only having a front break they said they'd add a back one for free! Now as far as building the bike- it was super easy. It didn't come with instructions but even if you've never built a bike you can build it. You only have to put on the front wheel, handlebars, pedals and seat. Super easy it's just tightening screws lolIt's comes with the tools shown in the pic which is all you need. As far as size I'm around 5'8" which is on the cusp of a 52 and 55 size bike. I decided to go with the 55 and its perfect. Honestly it's actually shorter then I thought it would be. I attached pics to show you what I looked like next to it. I would even recommend this size to someone 5'7"Took around 3 days to come. Hope this helps!
pls bring back the fixie points series🥲