Monday, April 15, 2013

Hating on Fixed Gears

   My experience with fixed gears is limited to the bikes I rode for a few weeks each and decided to go back to freewheel. I found it fun but inconvenient. I have a few friends who ride fixed all the time and can ride without paying attention. That said, I stumbled across a picture the other day of an anti fixed gear thing that I thought was funny:


   After a little more internet research, I found several really aggressive anti-fixed gear sites:

http://www.fixedgearbikesarefuckinggay.com/

http://www.manolith.com/2009/07/13/fixies-fad/

http://fagsonfixies.com/  (warning: audio advertisement)

   ...As well as a bunch of threads on other cycling sites with varying opinions of riding fixed. In my opinion, the animosity comes from the perception of fixed gear riders as using a bike as an accessory. With stores like Urban Outfitters selling them, it's easy to understand why they seem like a fashion statement.

   I find it hard to see the practicality or attractiveness of this:

Pure Fix Cycles Lima

   But I sure find this sexy as hell:

Specialized Langster Pro

   Both are fixed gears... I guess you gotta take the good with the bad. 

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