Top tips for a fixie wanna be please

[Polar Bear]

Whislt I await progress in here I guess that I need to learn lots of things about fixing.

Ratios?   Wheel sizes?  Brakes?  Chains?  How to ride one, etc., etc., etc.

So, pointers would be very helpful for a true novice, please. 

Oh, and I've got my eyes on a project bike on ebay at the moment.   I'm also going to stroll down the local tip later

[Chris N]

Boringly, most of what you need to know will be in the Fixiefaqs.

More specifically,
Ratios: lower = better (at least to start with).
Wheels: whatever you've got.
Brakes: one or two (or none).
Chains: 1/8" for track kit, 3/32" if you're converting roadbike stuff though 1/8" will work too.
How to ride: Like a normal bike.  Don't stop pedalling.

[MSeries]

Ratio: Depends on your terrain and fitness level. I have a hilly commute and I was worried about getting up in a large gear. The bike I got had 42x19 and I was able to manage that OK but had to brake on the downhill. As I got better and stronger I raised the gear to 42x18 then 42x17 then 44x17 each steo about 6 weeks apart.

Do you have a bike already ? try riding round in one gear and see how you get one. I found the fixed easier for the same gear.

[andygates]

I find that fixed wants a higher gear than I'd choose for a singlespeed, but that's just me: I can brute up climbs, but can't super-twiddle down 'em.

Tip 1: JFDI.

Tip 2: You will not die, nor achieve enlightenment.

Tip 3: Wear sunscreen.

[clarion]

Tip 1:  Spin

Tip 2:  You can 'freewheel'!    Just relax your legs

Tip 3:  JFDI

a newbie fixer

[Charlotte]

Like Sheldon says - keep your fingers the hell out of the drivetrain when you're cleaning and fettling.

Do not click on this image or this image if you prefer not to see the results of ignoring the above.

[Polar Bear]

Like Sheldon says - keep your fingers the hell out of the drivetrain when you're cleaning and fettling.

Do not click on this image or this image if you prefer not to see the results of ignoring the above.

Yeuch! 

Lesson already learned.

[andygates]

Wear clothes when fetting.  Srsly.

[Polar Bear]

Wear clothes when fetting.  Srsly.

    My name's not Kathy Pike   

[clarion]

Wear clothes when fetting.  Srsly.

    My name's not Kathy Pike   

And there's fewer guys want to see you fettling naked. Srsly. 

[Polar Bear]

Wear clothes when fetting.  Srsly.

    My name's not Kathy Pike   

And there's fewer guys want to see you fettling naked. Srsly. 

Mebbe but what about the ladies though? 

[francisbarton]

Don't do your first ever fixed ride up a hill and then down. You will enjoy going up, and relax; and then turn round and start descending. You will then instinctively try to freewheel. It will not be a fun experience. Chavs Local youth will overtake you in their car laughing at you. That night you will have nightmares and decide it was a really stupid idea. This will pass.

Some more tips for starting out:

1) Fit two brakes and make sure they work.
2) Learn to let your legs go gumby on the downhills (wot Clarion said)
3) Use clips, but make sure you can get out of them fast  - at traffic lights you can't just freewheel with one foot ready to put down.
4) Seek enlightenment regularly from this very board and its resident gurus. The fixed-gear mailing list is also a source of inspiration.
5) Stick at it, it's worth it!

[Frenchie]

Just go and enjoy it.

A 68'' or 72'' should take you to most places.

You may never really want to ride another bike.

[Pingu]

Do you have a bike already ? try riding round in one gear and see how you get one.

This is what I did to find a reasonable ratio for my fitness/terrain/climate