So I've made the switch to riding fixed-gear.
For those who don't know what that is, here's the definition from Sheldon Brown: "A rear hub in which the sprocket is rigidly connected to the hub, without a freewheel. The pedals of a fixed-gear bicycle revolve whenever the rear wheel turns; coasting is impossible."
I made the switch last Monday, and it has added a whole new level of fear to my daily ride. Like Sheldon said, coasting is impossible. If you forget for even a split second to keep pedaling, the pedals slam your feet off of them. Getting on and off the bike, starting and stopping (especially stopping)are all brand new challenges.
Why do this? A lot of people have great things to say about fixed-gear riding. Sheldon Brown wrote "There is an almost mystical connection between a fixed-gear cyclist and bicycle, it feels like an extension of your body to a greater extent than does a freewheel-equipped machine."
I can't say I agree with that yet, but I definitely agree that coasting is impossible.
1 comment:
A day will come when you suddenly realize that the wind is just right, your cadence is just right, and the gods are smiling on you. The bike will seem to move entirely of its own accord. You'll feel like a passenger rather than a rider. It will be magical.....and then it will be gone and you'll find yourself searching for that moment again and again.
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