I delivered Clayton’s refurbished Colnago Titanio yesterday which I converted into a fixed gear, or “fixie”. The normal ride for me when I do my Dallas Fitting Trips is the Greater Dallas Bicyclists ride from Preston and Forest out to DFW airport and back. It has a 20 mile leg out to the airport, an optional 18 mile loop around the airport then a 20 mile ride home.
I brought the Zinn track bike with road setup so I could ride in the same gear as Clayton (50-16) and we both could get the fixed gear experience. I could wax on about the qualities of the fixed gear bike but I found an incredible article here which explains it better. Read that one then continue.
The day was brisk and blustery, 47 degrees and windy. We picked this gear because the last time I did this ride I used a 50-17 and I got dropped on the downwind section at the airport. I can’t hold 140 rpm’s like I used to so I knew a bigger gear was in order. Sure enough, today was much better.
I didn’t do the airport loop as I had a fitting appointment after the ride so had to ride home early. Clayton was ecstatic with his new old bike as it had a totally different character now. He set a tough pace out front which I noticed made me hold between 360-450 watts in the harder sections as we were going against the wind. I have an SRM power meter on my track bike and this was the first time I had ridden this course with the power meter operational. It was enlightening.
All in all, it was a great day for fixed gears and we had a super time getting more people introduced to intensity, which is what makes cycling the “Fountain of Youth”
I am always thrilled to hear your comments and would like to know if you are riding your fixed gear out in these cool winter days. Thanks so much for looking.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Wish I could have been there
Actually: I wish it was a bit cooler as I’m currently metling away in muggy 32C heat. I’m procrastinating getting on the bike as it will be a hot ride.
Beautiful bike. I’m currently researching fixed gear bikes as I want to buy one but can’t settle on a brand.
Thanks so muck for the comment, Groover! I have a lot to say about fixed gears on the road so may I answer your question with a proper blog post? Thanks again.
BTW, Groover wrote the most incredible article on the process of exceeding your goals while riding a bicycle.
http://competitivecycling.blogspot.com/2008/12/painful-love-affair.html
This is a must read. I have asked her permission to repost it here but please go to her blog for a powerful story.
im looking for people to ride with in the dallas area….
any suggestions?
The Greater Dallas Bicyclists http://www.greaterdallasbicyclists.com/ is where I would start.
Thanks for the comment.