Full-On Fakenger Styleeee

[blackpuddinonnabike]

Since Reg accused me of being a fakenger yesterday. Hell yeah! And proud!

I've admitted so in the past:

I can't help but think he's right, once you've discovered the ease and sheer enjoyment it would be churlish to lose that sense. I'm happy to be a fakenger, and still will be when fixed wheel riding is 'square' rather than 'hip'.

[Frenchie]

I don't think fakenger refers to the bike one rides; rather the style one adopts. I love fixed riding, but haven't changed my roadie's wardrobe to "accomodate" a style.

[Wendy]

OTOH I've put in a small amount of effort to avoid looking like a posenger.  Lycra, saddlebag, drops, drink and proper shoes when I'm riding the fixed. 

[MSeries]

My view is that of Dr Frenchmans

[Hot Flatus]

I went to Lundun last weekend.  Didn't see many fixies but loads of singlespeeds 

Expect a lot of secondhand faux-track bikes when the fashion changes.

[blackpuddinonnabike]

I don't think fakenger refers to the bike one rides; rather the style one adopts. I love fixed riding, but haven't changed my roadie's wardrobe to "accomodate" a style.

The rest of the article linked to kinda suggests the same. It's not about the bike, if you like. It's just those adopting the fakenger look (I've kinda fallen into it as I find it comfy rather than a conscious effort) also tend to ride fixed because that's seen as part of the look.

[Greenbank]

Fakenger exam:-

That bike looks like it will handle well. You'll need something far more twitchy for the fakenger look.
It doesn't have luminous green or orange deep section rims (and matching bar tape and chain).
No casquette (bonus point for it having a stripe down the middle, be it Rapha or the World Championship colours).
Wrong type of lock. You either need a short stubby mini D-Lock or an Abus Steel-O-Flex around the waist.

I have too many brakes, too much carradice and even less style. No-one would ever call me a fakenger (not that I'd care anyway).

[andygates]

Wot no spoke cards?

[MSeries]

I don't think I look like a Fakenger, the messengers here in Leeds are a right motley crew anyway, they all wear red and don't ride Fixeds. I do have a rainbow stripped casquette though but don't use it during the week.

[Charlotte]

Black, no-name fixed?  Check.
Skinny tyres, twichy handling and one brake?  Check.
Abus Steel-o-Flex round waist?  Check.
Customised Chrome bag with stuff dangling off it?  Check.
Cut-offs and no helmet?  Check.
Bags of attitude?  Check.

Oh dear.  Is there a support group?

[harrumph]

No casquette (bonus point for it having a stripe down the middle, be it Rapha or the World Championship colours).

Grrrr. I've been wearing one, with WC band, for donkey's years - since before bike messengers existed!

It keeps the rain off my specs.

[pcolbeck]

the messengers here in Leeds are a right motley crew anyway, they all wear red and don't ride Fixeds.

That'll be because of the hills. London is flat as a very flat thing.

[blackpuddinonnabike]

the messengers here in Leeds are a right motley crew anyway, they all wear red and don't ride Fixeds.

That'll be because of the hills. London is flat as a very flat thing.

But I live in Edinburgh.... 

[pcolbeck]

Yes but as you say your not a courier and don't have ride all day every day.

[Regulator]

I also offer into evidence this photo...




I rest my case.

[nicknack]

Shouldn't the handlebars be straight and about 6" long?

Or have I got completely the wrong idea?

[andygates]

Premium-brand track iron inappropriately rejigged for road use?  Check.
Baggy manpris?  Check.
Messenger bag covered in stickers?  Check.
Cotton cap with sly nod to drug cheats?  Check (cheers C!).
Tattoos, stupid sideburns and free use of naughty words?  Check.

I think this IS the support group.

[clarion]

Fakengers round here are prize pillocks.  RLJers, cut people up, damn near mow down pedestrians, get in the way and (fortunately) get left behind very quickly.

[blackpuddinonnabike]

Hmmm, so it appears I'm a fake fakenger. Ah well.

[clarion]

Hmmm, so it appears I'm a fake fakenger. Ah well.

I believe you are.  And you do it so well!

At least you got the 'posing next to the bike rather than actually riding it' bit right

[Frenchie]

I'm way too practical to be a fakenger: I want a responsive but well mannered bike; I like drops to have multiple positions, over various distances, sometimes involving hilly profiles; I also have two brakes; my commuter has guards AND rack! No Rapha, although I do like caps.

[Chris N]

I've got 3/4s, a courier bag and a fix, but it's bars are too wide, there are too many brakes and it's got 'guards and a dynamo.  I'd love a real fakenger bike but haven't got the space or the cash.

[rogerzilla]

Not trying hard enough.  A true fakenger:

One trouser leg rolled up
Cotton cap but the peak isn't broken (the no.1 clue - *all* real messengers have caps with broken peaks)
Singlespeed, although they may try to disguise the fact by pedalling to a halt when they think people are watching.
Spoke cards for a NYC alleycat.  On a bike in London.
No radio.

[clarion]

I got a fixie, but it's got brakes and mudguards anna Super C Saddlebag!

*stays behind for detention after fakenger class*

[TimO]

Singlespeed, although they may try to disguise the fact by pedalling to a halt when they think people are watching.

Guilty.

...but I do have mudguards, a rack, and a pannier, and I never wear caps, borked or otherwise.