How big a deal is it to ride fixed on busy roads? Does stopping the bike really need practice or is it straightforward, pick it up nae problem?
I tried to destructively bodge off the freewheel on the pomp today but cannae get it off - need a vice probably. It does have a fixed cog on the other side though, so it would be handy not to get the train to work tomorrow. So, 6 mile commute into central Manchester, fixed. No sweat or chiselled spam?
I find it easier to ride slowly fixed as you don't need to be on the brakes all the time.
Fine do it most of the time, can be a bit awkard filtering up the inside of traffic alongside kerbs if it's a bit tight space wise. Learn to get your pedal in the right position for starting at lights - front brake on lean forward slightly and lift rear wheel with clipped in pedal and revolve to right position for an easy start -easier in practice than on paper. Carry a 15mm spanner if required
The first time you attempt to freewheel up to a junction will surprise you. After that it'll be just fine.
It's no problem, once you are accustomed to riding fixed commuting in traffic is one of it's best uses. It's a very nice and smooth way to ride and very relaxed.
If it's your first time riding fixed have a quick practice somewhere quite so you are aware of the kick you will feel if you forget to pedal!
Fine do it most of the time, can be a bit awkard filtering up the inside of traffic alongside kerbs if it's a bit tight space wise.
If you are riding in a gap that narrow next to traffic the gap is too narrow, filter up the middle.
I'd not fancy 6 miles in rush hour traffic for my first go at fixed...
It's fine. Tryin to freewheel to get your pedals in the correct place to corner is an interesting one though.
Its fine, but probably not for the first time!
I ride fixed as a manchester commuter, it's fine. don't overdo the speed and try to stay relaxed if it's your first runs on a fixed gear (ideally an evening/weekend ride or similar is best but the OP looks like that isn't an option)
Thanks all. I'll try it out, can always mince in at a slow pace I guess. I rode fixed a bit years back, but never in serious traffic. I was thinking an emergency stop would be the difficult bit - how do you break instantly if a car cuts across you etc?
Fine do it most of the time, can be a bit awkard filtering up the inside of traffic alongside kerbs if it's a bit tight space wise.If you are riding in a gap that narrow next to traffic the gap is too narrow, filter up the middle.
It's more when you see that little gap and think oh that'll be fine I'll just keep the inside pedal up - Doh!!!
Fixed in traffic is good fun!
how do you break instantly if a car cuts across you etc?
Well, you will certainly break.
you use your brake(s)..
it's much better than freewheel for winding in and out of stationary stuff and no need to keep feathering the brakes.
how do you break instantly if a car cuts across you etc?
You use the brakes? Well, thats what I do anyway...
for the first week I was very nervous about filtering due to pedal strike on the left hand curb. Also filtering down the middle was hard to get used to as I would freewheel and dip under wing mirrors. I'm used to it now though.
Nearly got caught out pounding out of the saddle, went to freewheel and wend up on the front wheel c20 mph. lesson learnt there.
All in all I like riding fixed, my commute is flat but as you always get a headwind one way it forces you to work which I like in an odd way!
I still use both brakes and dont wear my sisters jeans though.
how do youbreakbrake instantly if a car cuts across you etc?
I use my brake.
There'll be the inevitable buckaroo moment, then all will be fine.....
DrP
Yeha fixies are good, while we're at it, anyone here use something a bit more climbing friendly than a 44/18...? Would a 41/18 or a 40/18 do?
Buying a new rear cog will be cheaper than a new chaining. Rough guide is 5 GI per tooth rear 2 GI per tooth front.
aP - MemberThe first time you attempt to freewheel up to a junction will surprise you. After that it'll be just fine.
Or wet manhole covers on bends 
Just keep your front brake. Its slightly uncool, but not quite so much as having two brakes....
anyone here use something a bit more climbing friendly than a 44/18...? Would a 41/18 or a 40/18 do?
I have a 38 - 16 = 63 inch gear. I live on top of a series of 12% hills, It's the only way I can get up them.
Just keep your front brake. Its slightly uncool, but not quite as uncool as ending up under a truck
FTFY.
Is being "cool" that important?
it took me maybe 3 or 4 commutes to get used to riding fixed through London.
I had a pedestrian walk out in front of me on the first day and I instinctively slammed on the front brake and stopped pedalling - result was an epic stoppy and a tirade of expletives.
I took delivery of a shiny new fixed pompino at 4 friday afternoon by 5 i was sitting in A&E with a broken collarbone and smashed face 
warning take it slow cus the instinct to freewheel is unconcious which is what you will be if your not carefull...don't know what hurt more my head,my shoulder or my pride 
Fixed + front brake is OK, you just have to remember not to stop pedalling but that very soon becomes second nature. A bit like the first time you use SPDs, you will fall off sideways - riding fixed you will try to freewheel but usually only the once.
Brakeless fixed is a whole different ballgame and frankly I consider anyone doing that in traffic to be insane. Brakeless you really need to plan ahead and stay smooth. It's actually slower than riding with brakes; you can't go flat out cos you know you need 10x extra room to stop.
Although this is an entertaining video of how to be a complete idiot and still survive...
6 miles of repeating the mantra 'don't stop pedalling, don't stop pedalling' should see you through the first ride. You'll still try and freewheel over the first speed bump but you should be fine.
These days I'd prefer a coaster brake 
I just can't keep up with the pedals on steep downhills anymore.
second that, I tend to scrub the brakes going downhill
try not not overcook it on corners as you don't want to pedal strike but you'll be ok
I live in prestwich and I get up bury old rd and bury new rd on 49/16 ok but it's a bit on the big side... 44/18 is pretty spinny so stick with what you have and then make a call once you've ridden the gear for a bit
what's your route?
I commute daily fixed, about 25 miles.
Two tips;
1) When you are learning go for spds if you have them - clipping into Look KEOs on a fixed in traffic takes some practice
2) If you can't track stand (like me), the preferred method to reset pedals is to apply the front brake and lean the bike forward lifting the rear wheel.
And of course you will get the inevitable jolt to remind you to pedal. In fact out yesterday on my road bike, I was worried about coasting!
You'll be fine, just leave enough time to get there and keep your front brake on the bike.
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