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Fix it and forget it |
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Written by Zach Magoon
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Tuesday, 25 March 2008 |
There have been a lot of changes around the Magoon household in the past few weeks. New baby, new job are a couple of big ones. But the biggest one in terms of biking is my conversion to fixed gear. I know I've been writing about how my freewheel has been crudding up due to the weather, well it totally died, violently. So I was all ready to get a new freewheel, but since the Redline 925 came with a flip flop hub, I thought I'd give it a try.
My main concern was not the constant "if the bikes moving the pedals are moving" concept. It was pushing an even bigger gear with studded tires. For some reason they decided to put a 16 tooth on the fixed side. Oh man, total beating with those big meaty tires. I just couldn't take it (wimp) so I swapped out the tires for the summer slicks and slapped on the fenders while I was at it.
It made a huge difference though. It's so much easier to pedal. Pedaling on the flats are actually fun 'casue I can get up to a nice cruising speed. The fenders are killer too as we've had rain the past couple of days. I forgot how nice it is to not get water up your who-ha or in the face. I did have to adjust the fenders a bit so they wouldn't rattle on the frame--that drove me crazy for a couple of days as I can't stand rattle on my bike or in my life in general. Drives me batty.
Back to the fixed gear. I love it. It's a real workout to go forward and an even better one trying to slow down. I did keep the front brake on for emergencies, but I try to stay away from it unless a bus crosses my path (people I'll hit--fair game). I'm having a harder time doing a track stand than with a freewheel. I just haven't gotten the hang of it yet. Starting up at a stop is a challenge as well. I really have to pound on the pedals to get the bike in motion. I am still at the point that it feels new (going on 3 weeks now) and I still think about slowing down, but I would imagine it will become second nature in a few more weeks. One other thing I'm having difficulty with is bunny hopping. How the hell does one do this on a fixed? I can get the front off the ground, but I've banged the crap out of the rear wheel on some nasty unavoidable pot holes. So that skill is gonna take some practice.
I'll let you all know when I blow my knees out trying to stop, but until then I'm out there, so watch out. For a couple weeks anyway.
Zm
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