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Holly M.
Holly M. Sendmail

Downhill on a fixed-gear

posted over 3 years ago | Report

Anyone use a fixie for commutes? What gearing do you like? How do you solve the inevitable uphill then downhill spin? The up isn't my biggest concern, it's spinning out of control. Worse yet, spinning over the top of my bars and showing up at work battered and embarrassed. Is there an ideal gear for handling downhill spins that aren't monster gears leaving me to push my bike on the uphills? I've heard you can get a cog that will let you coast. Is it true? Holly M.

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  • Kelly K.PRO
    Kelly K. Sendmail

    There is something called a flip-flop hub that allows you to put a free-wheel cog, and fixed gear on the opposite side. Allowing you to switch from free to fixed gear riding. I believe they are somewhat hard to find.

    You may just want to turn the bike into a singlespeed free wheel. You'll still have the benefits of a solo gear, but can coast the downhills.

    posted over 3 years ago | Report

  • Mike P.
    Mike P. Sendmail

    I sold my fixie but am keeping an eye out for a single speed freewheel'd deal, if I find one, great, if not, no biggie. Not sure where you are located or how big of a hill you need to climb or bomb, but I ride on the regular with two friends who are on no-brake fixies and I've seen them almost get thrown (clipped in, not straps) at speeds in excess of 40mph spinning out. One runs 48/16 and the other runs 46/16, both involve getting out of the saddle more often than not for the climbs though and easily manage 22-26mph with me on flats without an issue.

    The other answer, run a suicide brake. You loose 5 hipster points for running a brake and machined wheels don't look as good, but it will most def help until your legs are a bit up to par w/ either skidding down hills or slowing yourself down a bit.

    Or... Like Kelly said, get a flip flop hub and run freewheel on one side fixed on the other and just pack a wrench so you can flip at will.

    posted over 3 years ago | Report

  • Rob A.
    Rob A. Sendmail

    Gearing choice will inevitably be a compromise between what you can turn going up and how fast you can spin going down so it does depend on how hilly the ride is and your own strength and fitness. You DO learn to spin comfortably quickly when you ride fixed a lot but its not great fun to have to spin at 130rpm+ for a loooooong downhill when you're not used to it. 42x17 or 48x18 (67" and 72" respectively) are good for rolling countryside. And of course you've always got the 24" gear when it gets too tough going uphill :-)

    posted over 3 years ago | Report

  • Brian
    Brian Sendmail

    there isn't a "[fixed] cog that can let you coast," per se, but in fact freewheel cogs that operate much like your normal road bike cogset, as some other posters have mentioned. before my first fixie, i rode a singlespeed around campus with a surly singleator strapped on to my rear dropout. (thanks craigslist!) it was great at the time. depending on your situation, you might try this as you ease into the singlespeed world.

    now that i have my fixie, i won't go back any time soon. i think i'm riding a 46?x16 at the moment. it works just fine for any hills around madison, but toeclips are sometimes a luxury for some of the hills when i'm out of the saddle. i suppose i "lose 5 hipster points" :) by putting a front brake on for emergencies and lazy drivers, but i hardly use it anymore. learning to skid the rear wheel isn't as hard as you'd imagine, and most of the time i just slow down with my legs -- you'll also become stronger and more aware of traffic flow. enjoy your choice, either way!

    posted about 3 years ago | edited about 3 years ago | Report

  • Nicole T.
    Nicole T. Sendmail

    I just converted my 12 speed to a single speed. I love it. I am probably going to get a fixed gear wheelset at some point though because I love riding fixed gear. But right now, especially for commuting, I love riding my single speed. Plus is cost me nothing to convert. I bought an old road bike off some guy off craigslist for like $40, then just converted it and I love it.

    posted over 2 years ago | Report

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