I ride both fixed (Pompino, 48:21 / 62") and geared (Kaffenback), and always find fixed much more enjoyable - geared just feels like so much hard work, so I tend to use the Kaff for "training" and the Pomp for just going out "playing bikes".
it now seems natural to go hard up any hill, and i rarely stop pedalling.
Very true, I very rarely coast on the Kaff.
Riding fixed along with geared riders makes for a kind of yoyo effect. You will ride away from them uphill, and they will ride away from you on the downs.
On the odd occasion I find myself riding fixed with a group of geared riders, it's also slightly off-putting when they all start freewheeling - there's always a split-second when the sound of all that clicking almost makes me forget to keep pedalling!
Careful riding fixed in a group on road - three clubs ive ridden with frown on it!
Aye, and as for the Etape Caledonia... "Please note that fixed wheel bikes (bikes that use the pedals as a brake) are not permitted."
You never seem to be in the right gear for more than 100yrds!!
On the contrary, I find that I never ever feel like I'm in the right gear when riding with gears, whereas with fixed I just make the best of the gear I've got (this is riding all round the Fylde too, BTW).
The other aspect is that you never have a chance to rest, slowing down just means you have to mash the pedals to get the bugger going again.
Fair point about slowing down, although I personally find mashing the pedals a more satisfactory way of getting going again than spinning up through the gears. And it is possible to rest, especially on a gentle downslope - just relax the legs and let the pedals push them round (admittedly this doesn't work on SS).
And on that note, I'm off for a ride (on gears), but will be taking the fixed when I go to Islay the weekend after next.