|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
70.105.227.145
In Reply to: A new way to hurt your legs is it, or do you velodrome? posted by Timbo in Oz on March 29, 2007 at 23:58:23:
Fixed gears are hip these days but beyond that they can improve the fluidity of your pedaling. Most rank amateurs "pedal squares" i.e. they can only develop power in the down part of the stroke. A really good cyclist has a fluid spin that has a power component over a much greater percentage of the crank rotation and less wasted energy. The difference when you see it is dramatic. Cyclists often ride fixed gears in the pre-season to tune up their form.
A track bike would be set up differently. The most obvious difference would be no brakes.
A fixed gear also has the beauty of mechanical simplicity - cycling stripped down to its pure essence.
Follow Ups:
I rode a racing style l/w bike, to work, for over 15 years, even in winter*, with winds blowing off snow I could see on the hills nearby! And starting the ride home *in the dark, 9 miles in and 9 miles back!Narrow 7 on the back, 3 sunwheels, kevlar tyres, kevlar strips but car type valves. Dropped bars, made for me seat, and a made to fit me Reynolds frame! Swiss 'dog-cutter-head' pump!
Plus!
A GOOD generator with (DIY'd) battery switch-in for whenever I stopped, LED ripple rear red light and arm-band lights, as well as the usual rear light!
Proper bike-rider longtailed weather jacket breathable laminate and reflective, water-proof winter booties over the toe-clips, touring cycling shoes I could WALK in, and big breathable cross-country ski-ers mits, so I could still change gear, knitted polypropylene wicking gloves, undies, balaclava, and socks.
gear diagram on the stem!
Diy'd helmet mount rear-vision mirror!
'Kay?!
Betcha think yez invented sex, too, eh?!
I was fit, bouncy, cocky, and whip-cord thin!
WarmestTimbo in Oz
The Skyptical Mensurer and Audio ScroungerAnd gladly would he learn and gladly teach - Chaucer. ;-)!
'Still not saluting.'
I was also cycle commuter for many years but I have to confess that I hung it up for a couple months in the winter. If the temps were below about -10C when I would have to leave for work I drove or took the bus. Friends of mine do ride all winter back in Minnesota even in -30C temps.I also did quite a bit of cycle touring in the U.S. and in England, Wales and Cornwall.
As a racer I was decidedly third-rate although I did do a stint of Cat 3/4 racing. The only ego revenge I got was riding up the Ditchling Beacon in Sussex on the London to Brighton ride. After weeks of touring, shorn of all my touring gear but equipped with a triple I showed a clean pair of heals to quite a few English club racers riding straight blocks. For a about fifteen minutes I could almost believe I was Lucien Van Impe (a personal cycling hero).
.
The problem of leisure, what to do for pleasure. Ideal love a new purchase, a market of the senses. Dream of the perfect life.
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors: