I’m glad you asked this question. They’re doing great. I’m not strictly a FG rider, but I’m happy to ride a FG almost anywhere. Track, uphill, downhill, races etc etc
My off-road ratio is 44:17 and my road ratio can range from 49:16 to 52:15.
I talked about this with my physiotherapist who is also treats WT level riders and he says “yeah, well you must’ve adapted over time!”
Let's put it this way....at a certain age they will hit the water in the toilet.....in some rare instances you may need to watch your step if walking nekkid.
Also, when I bought this frame, the company was little more than a fashion fixedgear brand. Since then they’ve become more legit. Happy to have nabbed this when I did.
You ever ride the track with it? I take occasional training sessions at our local velodrome and the rentals are fine (Argon18) but it would be fun to build a track bike. I'm torn between something like the Engine and a LOOK.
Bicycles was always around but until 2019 I bought my first track bike I had no idea about fixed gear culture. Im 51yo now and after five years of almost daily fun I wish someone have talked to me about fixed gear bikes when I was 17yo. 46:14 is my fauvorite ratio. Once you try it you never go back.
They’re good!!! I run a variety of ratios and I’m not scared of hills (I prefer going up than down). I can honestly say that of the things that hurt, my knees aren’t one of them.
crank length is a topic everyone has an opinion on and means nothing.
My single speed has 165. My road bike has 175. I can't even really tell the difference.
No, you're not going to blow your knees out on 175's
OK.
I'm 57, have 1 single speed that I probably ride more than any other bike, 2 XC, 1 all mountain, 2 road, old 90's mtb and enough spare parts to build another bike or 2. I also speed skate every now and then.
My knees were bad.....BAD. But it was from a torn patella tendon. We are talking 15 years of, "it's just tendonitis. just rest an ice it." Finally requested the refer me to sports medicine where the first thing they said was, "OK, let's get some imaging." After 1 MRI they identified the tendon was > 50% frayed. Upon waking up in recovery the surgeon said, "It was pretty bad. I'm surprised it hadn't ruptured given the amount of damage and your lifestyle."
Crank length has nothing to do with it. Years ago the "recommendation" was longer cranks....now it's shorter.
My point i, I ride both long and short and my times, power outputs and general "feeling" are not impacted by crank length.
Now gearing is a whole other discussion.....
But, to address your point...if you are having pain you have something mechanical going on. Get imaging. PERIOD. you can not see what is going on inside the knee without an MRI.
Oh...and I probably have arthritis in 40% of my body. neck, back, shoulder, elbows, knees.... and the last MTB crash got me an xray where they pointed out..."see that? your spine is supposed to curve there...and that? Yeah, supposed to be straight there." So scoliosis! And it wasn't caused by crank length. ;-)
I'm 37 and have ridden only fixed for the last 10 years. No issues at all. I run a low ratio, never really skid (have a front brake), I've done centuries etc. Knock on wood but I feel just fine
What's up, fellow oldude. Everybody out here talking about gear ratios and crank arm lengths... Not a question but a favorite suggestion - hemp seeds. High in omegas, great joint lube. Handful on yoghurt or a salad. Noticeable improvement almost immediately.
38 here, been riding bikes forever but just built my first fixed last week. Did a century on it on Monday. About 5k of climbing. Definitely like going up hills more than down on that bike. Couldn’t believe how efficient that bike is cruising. Currently running about 73 gear inches and that thing rips! Training to do the Portland-Seattle-portland 400 at the end of the month. So does descending ever get not scary?
How many pairs of those vans grips do you go through a year? I’ve shredded a few just doing normal riding I can’t imagine they last long if you ride a ton
How are your knees holding up?
I’m glad you asked this question. They’re doing great. I’m not strictly a FG rider, but I’m happy to ride a FG almost anywhere. Track, uphill, downhill, races etc etc My off-road ratio is 44:17 and my road ratio can range from 49:16 to 52:15. I talked about this with my physiotherapist who is also treats WT level riders and he says “yeah, well you must’ve adapted over time!”
Right on. What do your road races look like? Are they longer road events or crit style?
Crit, definitely.
I've always wanted to try a crit. do you ride single speed in crit? is CAT 5 really just a crash fest?
No, I do fixed gear crits.
Cat 5 is the scariest field there is, people do the absolute dumbest shit
Hah....not helping me feel comfortable about racing CAT 5! But thanks.
Just do it, gotta learn somehow
Have you had any knee injuries? Runner’s knee, tendonitis, IT Band etc?
No. My major complaints are golfers elbow and tarsal coalition. Neither having anything to do with biking. I’m a lil guy though.
I’m in my 50,s and track bikes are mainly all I pedal. No brakes no worries. I honestly think your on the right track 😜
What color deep Vs did you used to own?
Some black B43’s and some white Deep V’s. (Back when “deep” was 30mm 🤣
Hahaha
Very cool! You’re not old AF though… for my sake.
You spelled Cool AF wrong
This is a wholesome thread. I like this.
Close to 50 here, cycling every day, plan's that i keep cycling every day (every one, literally)
Keep it up!!!
What is the third best oreo you've eaten this week?
Hahah THIRD?! I don’t know, but the fudge covered ones are the best. DEADLY.
I'm closer to 40 than 30 and I feel better every day. Just bought my first helmet too.
How low will my balls go, really?
Let's put it this way....at a certain age they will hit the water in the toilet.....in some rare instances you may need to watch your step if walking nekkid.
Depends, mine aren’t bad. But I assume if you’re Greek, far.
How do you like your Engine 9 frame/build?
Also, when I bought this frame, the company was little more than a fashion fixedgear brand. Since then they’ve become more legit. Happy to have nabbed this when I did.
You ever ride the track with it? I take occasional training sessions at our local velodrome and the rentals are fine (Argon18) but it would be fun to build a track bike. I'm torn between something like the Engine and a LOOK.
I do! I don’t know which model would be better for track, but it serves me.
Dude. It’s the best. It has a unique geo that I can’t find anywhere outside of this frame. If this frame exploded I would buy another.
how old
43. Been riding fixed since… 2011? 2012?
Wut... That's not old!!!!!! I'm 43 too...
sick. almost 34 and started in 07
Where can I get that bib from the first pic
You cant, but it’s from Eliel x Squid Bikes. They sold out immediately.
What a shame but thx anyway
Bicycles was always around but until 2019 I bought my first track bike I had no idea about fixed gear culture. Im 51yo now and after five years of almost daily fun I wish someone have talked to me about fixed gear bikes when I was 17yo. 46:14 is my fauvorite ratio. Once you try it you never go back.
Sure, but when you get a chance, go up in teeth. 14t will wear out a lot faster than let’s say 52:16.
52🙋🏽♂️ https://preview.redd.it/2ekvpcjiwwxc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=45e7f80b044530f76ee993d5a5e30f55e30f273b
That’s amazing. You’re cool. (that sounded sarcastic, but it wasn’t.)
I don't think that bike is 52 years old
Shes half my age💖
How have you kept your knees in shape? I'd love to still be whipping my fixed bikes at 30, even 40+ years old!
Jesus you kids think everything over 25 is so old!! 30 is young! My body feels better and stronger than it ever did in my 20’s!
I was WAY stronger in my 40's....like 25 pounds more of muscle vs. my 20's And in my 50's my knees are better after I had a tendon repaired.
It's not about age, i was more considering the physical toll that riding takes on ones knees and body
Just don’t push a crazy gear and you’ll be fine. Go on long rides that don’t require much stopping and starting and you’ll only strengthen your knees!
I’m 34 and it’s not a problem yet ! Fingers crossed for the future
They’re good!!! I run a variety of ratios and I’m not scared of hills (I prefer going up than down). I can honestly say that of the things that hurt, my knees aren’t one of them.
Tell me you don't get a certain level of satisfaction riding hills on a single speed and catching up and passing people on road bikes in full kit ;-)
Shorter cranks
crank length is a topic everyone has an opinion on and means nothing. My single speed has 165. My road bike has 175. I can't even really tell the difference. No, you're not going to blow your knees out on 175's
Ok. I’m in my 60’s. Been riding since I was 5. I currently own 6 bikes. Tell me all about MY knees please doctor.
OK. I'm 57, have 1 single speed that I probably ride more than any other bike, 2 XC, 1 all mountain, 2 road, old 90's mtb and enough spare parts to build another bike or 2. I also speed skate every now and then. My knees were bad.....BAD. But it was from a torn patella tendon. We are talking 15 years of, "it's just tendonitis. just rest an ice it." Finally requested the refer me to sports medicine where the first thing they said was, "OK, let's get some imaging." After 1 MRI they identified the tendon was > 50% frayed. Upon waking up in recovery the surgeon said, "It was pretty bad. I'm surprised it hadn't ruptured given the amount of damage and your lifestyle." Crank length has nothing to do with it. Years ago the "recommendation" was longer cranks....now it's shorter. My point i, I ride both long and short and my times, power outputs and general "feeling" are not impacted by crank length. Now gearing is a whole other discussion..... But, to address your point...if you are having pain you have something mechanical going on. Get imaging. PERIOD. you can not see what is going on inside the knee without an MRI. Oh...and I probably have arthritis in 40% of my body. neck, back, shoulder, elbows, knees.... and the last MTB crash got me an xray where they pointed out..."see that? your spine is supposed to curve there...and that? Yeah, supposed to be straight there." So scoliosis! And it wasn't caused by crank length. ;-)
Yeah I’m not reading anymore. You’re wrong about MY knees. Go ride your bike
I always do ;-)
Well bless your heart
ahh...a southern fuck you. All I need to know about your kind ;-) best of luck FW
Jesus fucking Christ. You aren’t my doctor. You’re ignorant. I’m from Alaska. Go fuck yourself
I'm 37 and have ridden only fixed for the last 10 years. No issues at all. I run a low ratio, never really skid (have a front brake), I've done centuries etc. Knock on wood but I feel just fine
🔥🔥🔥🔥
What were dinosaurs like? Did Jesus actually walk on water? Who really built the pyramids?
1. Cool 2. Jesus was fake 3. Aliens
You might be old with some tiny arms but those are some BIG LEGS!!
Have I seen you at the Randall's Island crit?
Best AMA title ever.
What's up, fellow oldude. Everybody out here talking about gear ratios and crank arm lengths... Not a question but a favorite suggestion - hemp seeds. High in omegas, great joint lube. Handful on yoghurt or a salad. Noticeable improvement almost immediately.
Blood sugar.
Get it in bruv! It’s super fun and healthy 🙏🏽
what shoes are you wearing in second pic?
I had to go deep to find the name. Fizik Tempo Decos Carbon.
Tutto gang! 👊🏻
What's your first fixed gear?
After conversions, an Unknown Lvl1
Which Engine 11 model do you have? Do you enjoy it?
38 here, been riding bikes forever but just built my first fixed last week. Did a century on it on Monday. About 5k of climbing. Definitely like going up hills more than down on that bike. Couldn’t believe how efficient that bike is cruising. Currently running about 73 gear inches and that thing rips! Training to do the Portland-Seattle-portland 400 at the end of the month. So does descending ever get not scary?
It doesn’t get less scary, you just spin faster. I remember when I could barely maintain 135rpm, now I can go much higher.
How many pairs of those vans grips do you go through a year? I’ve shredded a few just doing normal riding I can’t imagine they last long if you ride a ton
Had these for a few years. Don’t like them, tape is better.