Gotta say, this video is definitely targeted to the older fixed gear riders. For a new comer like me, all of this sounds fun and exciting, skinny tires, mismatch wheels. Hell I run a conversion with mismatch wheels and I didn’t even realize that was a culture thing lol.
I also started riding fixed recently and I have enough money for a lighter set of wheels but I still got that urge to change just the front wheel because it looks sooo cool
@@touchMelilbro the bike shop in Elizabeth Street Melbourne, laughed at me for buying 1 very expensive wheel. So I cancelled the purchase and they still haven't sold anything to me in 50 years.
I'm still rocking 23c's, carbon bull horn bars and velocity b43 olive green wheel set. Honestly, its a throwback, fun to look at and I get compliments everywhere I ride. I love it lol.
Wow! I was a courier for 4 years and this brought back so much nostalgia. Especially seeing the evolution of bar styles and rim shifts. Thanks for posting this. Now I am a school teacher and I am riding a cyclocross bike with a 1x and a few gears. I will say, the greatest advantage to riding a track bike was the cardio. It was priceless. You could sprint 2 blocks and ramp your heart rate up more than most people do in a day or even a week. The downside was, without brakes, you destroy the cartilage in your knees. After being a mule for courier companies for so long, the glamor wares off and the risk to monetary return isn't worth it. Anyways, stay strong and keep riding guys. Riding is our only escape from the hell of the city.
Cause you've chosen to ride a weird'o bike, you've got nothing to say to the general public. Stop talking. ✋️ What you experienced, has nothing to do with us.
@@underdog2400 Don't mind them, probably a Gen Zer, they have their own vernacular. Give them a vape and an energy drink, that should quieten them down.
I love how the fixed gear scene targeted such a specific generation of riders - got into it when I was 17 with a super flashy pre built State Bicycle steel. Just this year I upgraded to a MASH steel frameset (in my 20s now!) with custom parts and pieces I dreamed of getting when I was younger....all in more muted colors of course to stay classy !
Until recently, I rode a converted 1972 Peugeot PX-10. It had chopped and flipped drop bars (ghetto bullhorns) wrapped in inner tube (probably a 23C) with a TT brake lever. I had both clincher and tubular wheels for it. (I built the rear tub wheel myself.) A few months ago I acquired a circa 1985 Serotta pursuit frameset with Suntour Superbe Pro crankset and new wheels (Phil Wood hubs/Velo Orange rims) for $0! I spent a little to complete the package and love it (except for the tight tire clearance and toe overlap). There is no hole for a brake and I installed Profile bullhorns and tri bars, in keeping with the pursuit theme. So I guess I'm still stuck in the 2010's...at 66 years old!
My entry into fixed gear riding happening around 2009ish, when I converted my trusty old 80s 10 speed. Not only was it inexpensive, it was a great learning experience. I still see old bikes and frames and think "that would be a cool fixie!" I hope these conversions make a comeback. Now, most conversions are from old bikes into gravel bikes (which I'll admit I did to this same bike after I got a "real" fixie). thanks for the trip down memory lane!
I started riding fixed 12 years ago at 36. It kicked my ass but I had never been in better shape. I’ve particularly liked being able to easily swap bars. I don’t see them much anymore but mustache bars have been a fav. Great video!
Narrow risers. I went from bullhorns, to 48cm Nitto b220 risers. Recently switched to 65cm Nitto For Shred, and while it's comfortable, and fun to ride, I have to admit that the b220, being a good 17cm narrower made a big difference when trying to squeeze through traffic.
I still have my old 2005 fix gear in the UK which I ride most days. We don't have the gatekeepers of the fix gear community here really. Anything goes. . My bike with different wheels, tires, old parts and bull horns from the past etc still gets comments and people stopping me. Most people are more intrigued by how it rides than the looks, I always allow cyclists to ride it if possible, most comments are it's so silent, comfortable, smooth and glides forever. Which is my main goal not trends or aesthetics. It makes me happy and it's nice to ride that is all that counts.
This video is awesome and it was so cool to jump back to that time where these bikes were new. I was 14 in 2010 and at that time I remember how stoked I was to see a fixed gear mob past me on the street. I remember how badly I wanted one and the pure euphoria I got when I finally saved enough money to purchase my own. I'm 26 now and been riding fixed gear bikes ever since and to see this video has brought back all that excitement and nostalgia for that particular time in my life. Thanks for doing this video man!
back in the seventies, I went to cotter cranks to get away from Schwinn's. I've been enjoying being back on a bike like I was in my teens. I definitely ride with brakes!
Throwback! Saw a lot of conversions on the streets back in 2008 and by 2011 there were a lot more Leaders and Fuji Track Pros and the like. Everybody loved deep Vs because they were "bombproof" in the city but I thought they were unnecessarily heavy. Wrapped with 23mm slicks pumped to 110psi to avoid pinch flats from potholes and riding off curbs. And then by 2014 the kids were riding wide flat bars while I still rocked bullhorns and that's when I realized I'm no longer part of the culture😅
This was a bit pre-2010, but you missed top tube pads (or maybe those were just out of style by 2010 lol). Also bullhorn and pursuit bars. My first successful fixed gear was a road conversion on a Fuji frame from the 80s, can't remember the model anymore but built it in 2008. It had pink velocity deep-v's and I mostly ran 28 mm vittoria randos because it's what my local shop had in stock and they were cheap, but this was the first I heard of them being trendy--I remember gatorskins being what the "cool" kids seemed to have back then. It had flop and chop bullhorns with zebra-pattern bar tape. I never cared about track components though and always had a front brake that I used extensively. I had a pink top tube pad that I made and sewed some crusty punk patches on, but eventually ditched that and put a couple tasteful stickers on instead. I eventually bought a no-name cheap steel track bike and turned the fuji into a polo bike, then put my deep-v's on the track bike along with some new components including nitto pursuit bars. Nowadays I just ride a geared bike though, but I do miss riding fixed
I've only been on board for 4.5 years, but feel like I've noticed a decrease in popularity of bullhorns. When I first started it seemed reasonably popular but declining, but now I almost never see it.
I found a fixed gear on marketplace today and bought it. It’s my first track bike in 10 years. It has a brake that I’ll be leaving on. It’s interesting that crit racing has taken up aero wheels while it’s not desirable to do on fixed anymore. I guess it was a massive flex at the time when we were spending our money on beer instead. Personally, I like the look of people’s race setups and there is a ton of data showing those 50mm carbon wheels are fast. I’m also surprised the geometry isn’t more slacked out now.
I was just think about the whole, convert your old road bike into a fixed gear trend! My first fixie was an old khs that I converted. I really miss it, you should do an episode dedicated to this or review a rider who had converted an old roadie! I
People still do this to this day, at least on Reddit people still flex their tire to frame clearance, or lack there of. I think it’s idiotic that people will ride something that a leaf would cause it to lock up
All my fixies have been conversions. The wheel clearance is almost always better than “official” fixie framesets, and in my large size the bikes tend to have pretty aggressive geometry. The most recent one is a 74 deg HT and 80mm of rake. Add the 650b wheel size and this thing rides like a dream!
I bought my first fixed at the end of 2020 and intended to split time as a townie and actually racing on the track. I fell victim to the pista bars trend and eventually sold them once I realized they WERE impractical for townie use and too wide for track use. I now have a set of bullhorns that are still too wide for me to use for timed events on the track (the only thing I'll race) but offer a good hand position in the townie set-up. I also have a narrow (38cm) set of road drops that work in either situation. My shoulders measure 38 in across, so the 38s are practical, regardless of whatever trend exists in racing or fixed circles. I also tried to never use the term "fixie."
Much love and respect from the elder track community. Started my fixed experience in 1987 then to roadie and now back to fixie/fixedgear riding. I LOVE the clown vomit..with practical components.
i actually saw a narrow riser in the wild a few months ago had to do a double check but yup defiently this dude pretty much had one hand on top of the other, was quite entertaining to seehim pull off from the light
This is super nostalgic. I remember getting a set of super cheap wheels back in the day for my Aventon. Put 23C Gator Hardshells on it and was skidding to my hearts content. I was skidding so much the hub in the back wheel started cracking so I had to buy a new set. Ended up getting velocity deep v wheels and loved every minute of riding those. Ahh the memories. And for those wondering, yes my knees are now fucked lol
I was the fool with the front aerospoke and the super deep dish rim before H+Son and velocity perfected it. As I grew up, got a real job I upgraded my bike from top to bottom. Good times
@@greyguy.960 I was those trend-kids. As I matured, so did my appreciation for fixed gear did. Components matter when you use your bike as a mode of transportation and a tool for work.
@@Joser167 I've had the multiple fix gears. The main bike I ride now is my old globe with mixed rims, bull horns etc. It's all black including the rims nothing special to look at but it's a really smooth and completely silent ride. Might be different in the UK as most riders appreciate still running an older bike and parts but the majority ask what it's like to ride, which I try and give every opportunity for others to have a go. Most all say it's so quiet, comfortable and very smooth than talking about the looks. Might be are different cultures in Britain than in America on such bikes?
Origin8, Thickslicks, b43 velocities, and All City was where it was at when I was growing up. I still use a BMX chain on my fixie. This is what I still have since 2010. Great video my dude.
Zach, I think it’s odd that I’ve never heard you talk about the Specialized Armadillo tires which have the reputation of being the best when it comes to flat resistance and durability. Your opinion?
hey this is the kind of niche fixie content i want!! i was just thinking about how these trends change so much, from those tiny pencil eraser nub bars through to the mega wide ones from recent days.
Got into fixed gears in 2010, bought a pake rum runner, some velocity deep v's off Craigslist, cut the bars down to shoulder width, and i BENT the fork for barspin clearance.
When I was getting into it (2004?) I ran a conversion with flip and chop bullhorns and a freewheel hub with a track cog jb welded to it. I saw a lot like top tube pads, and spoke cards too. Big ass chain locks around the waist too.
My current ride is a (geared) Cannondale Alu 3.0 from the 90's set up w/ cruiser bars, a basket, velo-orange (brooks style) saddle, and bmx pedals. Get's the job done.
I ride a roadbike but if I ever decide to switch to a fixie I def would convert a roadbike rather then buying a fixie, not because I already own one but because a conversion seems so much nicer in my opinion.
Still have my 1990's cannondale track frame with the hugh coke can diameter downtube. NJS (Japanese Keirin approved & stamped) parts were the rage, too. Nitto B123 and B125 chromo-steel drop bars. Dura-ace or Campy track cranks! Takes me back. I used to roll up to a Saturday morning group ride on the that fixie frame!
In the middle of my own conversion, and its been a bit of a pain since kits and whatnot dont really exist any more. People have actually told me i should just buy a track frame/track bike lmao. Glad to have my parts choices decided on finally and almost have all of it ready to install
Just looked over and yep I'm running Vittoria Rubino 28c front and Roubaix Pro 25c rear, it's the biggest rear I can fit. Cobbled Euro city Commuter very thankful to fit the 28 front, tram tracks are still scary AF.
I have been out there steady since 1972 while in the U.S. Air Force and just went to singlespeeds 10 years ago, and finally to the Wabi Lightning this past week. Thanks for the info which helped me make the choice with confidence.
Was a messenger in mid 2000’s Philly. This is hilarious and a throwback. I was ahead of most of these (rando’s in the back?? But rubino/zaphiro ALL DAY). 23’s? Absolutely. Deep V’s? Everywhere. Fancy front wheel? You betcha. This is good. Good work.
My rear tire is a panaracer and my front is a vitorio. I am stuck in 2013 MASH SF videos lol 😂. The narrow bar thing also hit a chord with me. Real enjoyable video :)
Man those videos were so inspirational. My favorite is the one where they went to Austin Texas and rode with Lance Armstrong, but that dates way back to 2008.
Riding a converted 1980 centurion. I did build it in 2014. I was thinking of buying a new frame set, cinelli mash work. But now I see there are more options these days... its kinda nice to realize I've been biking a little dated hahah
I never drank the kool aid. I had a Schwin Racer that had a front brake and coaster brake. Frame was made of a cheap, springy steel that made the bike compliant and fun to ride. I never got any fixie points, but it was a cheap, fun ride.
Started in 2010. Rode I think 23c. Now I'm on a gravel bike riding 40c and looking to go wider! Also had nitto b123 that were extremely uncomfortable but #tracklife
This is what I have heard as well but it is very hard to tell the difference between the 1st and 2nd versions. I still wouldn't trust a 25 year old carbon wheel though.
About 8 years ago all the hipsters in my town were riding fixed gears without brakes and now they all have switched out to gravel bikes with flared drop bars, 1x11 drivetrains, and fat gum wall tires.
I've observed the same changes over the years. Great video my dude. I actually started riding fixed around the time of your first yt vids. Cheers to ten years bud🤙🏾 no sticker bombing for me anymore. Just a clean, green Wabi Special. Still brakeless tho.
To say Randonneurs are sluggish, hard and uncomfortable is mental. I've been riding fixed gear for decades and when I switched to Randonneurs I never went back. I found Gatorskins to be one of the tyres with the higher rolling resistance of the puncture resistant tyres. And getting them on and off when you got a puncture was a nightmare. The Randonneurs are difficult but the Gatorskins were like donkeys. They just refused to get on and off the tyre. I also found the Gatorskins punctured more and you didn't get nearly as many kilometres on them before you had to change them. The Randonneurs I found were smooth, low rolling resistance and barely ever got a puncture and they are extremely comfortable. I've used all types of tyres over the decades and I can say the Rando's are the best I've used. They're literally made for puncture resistance and comfort over crazy KMs
I bought my 1st fixed gear bike 2 months ago and out of 12 of my personal bikes, it is by far my favorite. It's an old Fuji Road Racer with Surly wheels, 42/15 gear ratio and bull bar. Continental tire on the rear and kenda on the front. I only have 1 brake pad on the front because I broke the other over tightening the bolt. I paid $80 for the bike, sprayed it with colorshift spray paint. Also installed aluminum mountain bike pedals. So far in 2 months I have over 400 miles on it.
I started riding fixed gear in 2008. It was a converted 83 Trek 520 on blue Deep Vs wrapped in 23c tires. This video was accurate 😂 The BB on my Trek finally wore out and it's time for a new bike. It's a different world full of options now.
Well, I've been riding fix gear late in life since last year but I'm still doing the deep dish rim and a pair of brakes (Which I use only for emergency stops) 😅 Another "Trend" I have done that apparently I am the only one in my area to do it is. a silver chrome BMX handlebar which to ME looks absolutely dope and has saved my back from pains!
I switched from a super short straight bar to a bmx handlebar as well since i'm not commuting in city traffic anymore. Infinitely more comfortable ride 💯
@@fehrcarlo2381 Most definitely. Especially since I'm a back pedal-er, I never wanted to learn to whip brake or skid and fuck my back even more goin over the handlebars that high up 🤣
Moved to Amsterdam, can't ride breakless here 😥16 years of breakless Barcelona and seeing these old silly trends made me all nostalgic! 😆 Nice video! 👍
@Bebo yeah, the Netherlands is indeed a place of amazing riders. 6 years here riding my bike daily on my commute (3-4h a day), has really showed me some naturals all over the place, can’t deny that. Tho, I can deny the “making it for attention” part tho. I just enjoy the bike. Break-less fixed always felt like being one with the bike, the only problem with using it here on the Netherlands (which I still ride it, I just have brakes now) is that normal use of it on the daily commute where you have packed bike lanes is dangerous because of the skid. On the mornings you have literally a line of 3 bikes side by side in a 170m lane, so I don’t want to bother no one with the back tire skid.
Oh dear. I have 22c tyres on my Harry Quinn track bike, and all Campagnolo Pista drivetrain. Still have 23c on my 2008 Cinelli Vigorelli with white deep Vs and narrow risers: I lived in central London - narrow was important. I have front brakes on both, though, and I even had white Vans Kool Stop brake pads on the Cinelli back in 2010. I started fixed gear riding on a conversion too.
i got a wabi classic in the early 2010s and have loved it ever since- road geometry, fixed gear, drops and brakes with clipless pedals has always been my ideal setup. still running that vittoria randoneur for my rear tire tho lmao
Still rocking the 650 front until I can't find gatorskins in that size anymore. Velocity rims are replaced by the H Plus sl42 formation face. So good, can't break. 36 years old now. Been riding since it was still cool and will never stop.
Guilty of so many. 23c tires and constant flats. Lots of deep Vs and mismatched wheels. Narrow risers. Conversions. Loud colors. The only thing on that list I I still stand by are conversions. Anything that will keep old bikes rolling and give people enjoyment.
Hard disagree. There are so many old bikes out there not being ridden. If they get used instead of sitting neglected or thrown away, that's a good thing. Nothing is damaged or ruined by doing a conversion. You can always put components back on.
I own two fixed gear bikes. The first one is a Golden Cycles Redrum with a hi tinsel steel frame, and a Crew Defender FGFS chromoly frame and fork. They are both about 25 pounds, but are my lightest bikes and I love them along with my other bikes.
I used to ride from about 2010 to 2016, but then got a job that required me to drive more and I stopped riding. Lately I started missing it and I watch your videos for that throwback feeling. Thanks so much for your videos! And as for your question about what we did back in the day, I did have narrow bars (one bar was literally handles next to the stem and it was dangerous because it was hard to control the bike). I had track drops that came with my bike (2011 model steel Langster in chrome). I never got Aerospokes but I was tempted too and would have done it if I had more cash. (They were expensive.)
Idk about other countries in europe or america, but in here indonesia. There’s still a lot of people converting old bike to track bike, there’s a lot local mechanical workshops that can converting the vertical drop out to track/horizontal drop out.
10 years riding fixed, first with mismatched wheels because it was a conversion, then got one taco'd by collision with a car, then briefly a matching set, then got one stolen, then a new fixie with a matching set, then got another one stolen
My fixie was a late 80's rigid Panasonic mountain bike I found in a ditch. It was spray painted baby blue. First I just ditched the trashed derailleur and ran it single speed. Then one day I discovered that I could just pop a 23c road wheel right into the front fork. Hit the local bike shop for a cheap wheel and fixed cog, slapped it on and fell in love. I kept the original "gooseneck" stem and flat bars, chopped them down of course. I also sticker bombed it. Kept the baby blue paint cause it looked cool as it peeked away, showing the original silver paint underneath. I ground off the teeth on the biggest chain ring, it made a nice guard as I ran the middle. Velo Orange leather saddle and even had those crazy monkey lights for my wheels. I actually busted it out of the cellar the other day, hosed it off and am planning on reviving her!
I guess I will be riding fixed gear till I can't I'm 60 years old have been riding fixed gear since I was a teenager and still ride fixed. For me it's fixed gear for life they'll prey the handle bars from my cold dead fingers I love my fixed gears and always will . And fixed gear never ruined my knees. Keep on riding your fixed gear doesn't matter how it looks or how it's made
Been riding fixed for 8 years. Love it. 20 miles 4 times a week. Just ordered myself a Ribble 725s. Fed up building bikes and watching them fall apart.
Yup, my converted Raleigh m-trax is running trektro aero brakes, but to be fair they came piecemeal from upgrading two other road bikes... total serendipity that they happen to make a matched set! Brakes good (and required in England) as I use it on the road so the nice Deda newton road drops also make sense. Running tough 50mm black No Logo rims on big flange quanda hubs but subtly mismatched with stainless 2x lacing on the rear and black straight spokes on the front. I even really broke the rules and put on QR scewers for practically but gave up on the rear as I constantly slipped... lesson learned. Tyres are cheap nasty kenda 28Cs so no worries for the odd skid. Finishing kit is all matte back Deda with Celeste bianchi tape and spds... I think it’s pretty cool, with some tasty bits and a little colour coordination and I’m happy to take on a ride or just a beer run to the shops. Shame we can’t post pics. I should say I gathered the bits over months off eBay and gumtree and built the whole thing myself including lacing the wheels. Building the bike definitely deepens the relationship with the thing and, as mentioned below, a conversion is the way ahead in Europe. Most prebuilt fixes look expensive and seem to rust out fast. My bike is robust, lightish with 501 tubing, has a bit of heritage and the best bit is owes me less than £100.
Being in high school in sacramento from 2014-2018, it was near impossible to escape the fixed gear scene. The bike rack at school was filled with fixed gears, from the cheap purefix frames all the way to leaders. Recently started riding my retrospec track frame again as I just started college and it really takes me back to those good days. I still ride brakeless, deep red rims and wide red flat bars, and I’m still stickerbombing my frame too. Sure wish I saw more fixed gears in Chico, I miss seeing mobs of them owning midtown sac
I had a dawes for a long time. Then shifted to a conversion. Went through several bikes after....a leader 725, all city thunderdome, bianchi pista, cinelli mash work, and a cinelli vigorosa. I ended up keeping the vigorosa to this day with enve parts and sugino 75 cranks. At some point there was a specialized trispoke.. XD
i knew the trend was huge when my younger brother (about your age) got himself a cheap fixie and actually rode it. I thought it was cool that he was exercising for once... didn't last long lol
I used to ride in 2009 and just started again last week. This video has me laughing! Now im updated to the latest trends! And bonus city call out, Sacramento!
i built my first fixed gear bike in 2009 and it was a conversion of a 26" 2×5 steel town bike, putting on a 21mm wide classic tubular wheelset (that determined all my cycling since then, because i use tubulars for everything, commuting, road or rarely track), and an upside down riser bar made for kids, so it was very narrow. now i have an aluminium fixed commuter with bullhorn bar. i do use front brake but because it feels awkward to have asymmetric position, i ended up having two bar end brake levers. the rear one was loose, so even put a rear brake just to have the same feeling with both hands (the pads don't even reach the rim). used shimano triangle pedals for about five or so years but dropped them for spd. my track bike is made of steel with 25mm high carbon wheelset, 24mm wide tubulars, compact road bar and keo pedals.
I still ride my 2010 Specialised Globe Roll 2 in light blue. Guilty of still riding it and riding as it was albeit upgraded to Velo Orange stemless with a narrow flat bar, Orange front tire on a white Encore carbon Wheel, a deep V Velocity rim on the rear running 23c's. So yeah im definitely still living in the past 13 years later. But it my baby, wouldn't change the bike at all and love it more and more as the years go by. Still in emaculate condition :D
I still love my cut riser bars I have some that I never got rid of and have had on so many of my bikes over the years lol buying a new bike to get back into it after quoting for like 5 years
Good summary, thank you! I agree with most of your observations though I lived through those fashion phenomena where I lived which is Poland. But it went down almost exactly the way you describe. I remember being into the narrow riser bars thing for sure :)
I feel so attacked. Lmao. I was waiting for the dig on omniums. Still have velocity on formulas, mix up wheels often, pursuit bars (which didn't get a mention), and randos because of the sweet reflective stripe
I only JUST recently did a conversion for the first time and used spare parts, one of the only things I bought was my 1987 Fuji Palisade but put wide bars on it and I LOVE this way of riding fixed. It really got me back into it again. But my first fixed gear was surprise surprise, "Vice" model from State Bicycle lol
Your making me feel old Zach!! I remember thinking my glow-in-the-dark deep v's were the greatest thing ever. Still thinking about putting on bullhorn bars and sticker bombing my fixie like wilee's from premium rush.
you forgot three big things. 1. The NJS obsession and obsession/elitisim with running crashed Keirin frames 2. TOPTUBE PROTECTORS. I'm not talking about the narrow tasteful clips that would protect a frame from bar slap, I am talking about the big foam roller people would velcro around their top tube 3. Spoke cards. First used in dirtbag bike races, then they were just anything laminated that looked cool.
![BIKE HANDLEBARS EXPLAINED [FIXED GEAR]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LesvN8EMhRw/mqdefault.jpg)
Gotta say, this video is definitely targeted to the older fixed gear riders. For a new comer like me, all of this sounds fun and exciting, skinny tires, mismatch wheels. Hell I run a conversion with mismatch wheels and I didn’t even realize that was a culture thing lol.
I also started riding fixed recently and I have enough money for a lighter set of wheels but I still got that urge to change just the front wheel because it looks sooo cool
@@touchMelilbro the bike shop in Elizabeth Street Melbourne, laughed at me for buying 1 very expensive wheel.
So I cancelled the purchase and they still haven't sold anything to me in 50 years.
No it's not.
Older riders are aged 70 and beyond.
@@Gma7788 yawn
old compared to what? I was converting old Schwinns into fixies back in 2003...
I'm still rocking 23c's, carbon bull horn bars and velocity b43 olive green wheel set. Honestly, its a throwback, fun to look at and I get compliments everywhere I ride. I love it lol.
Wow! I was a courier for 4 years and this brought back so much nostalgia. Especially seeing the evolution of bar styles and rim shifts. Thanks for posting this. Now I am a school teacher and I am riding a cyclocross bike with a 1x and a few gears. I will say, the greatest advantage to riding a track bike was the cardio. It was priceless. You could sprint 2 blocks and ramp your heart rate up more than most people do in a day or even a week. The downside was, without brakes, you destroy the cartilage in your knees. After being a mule for courier companies for so long, the glamor wares off and the risk to monetary return isn't worth it. Anyways, stay strong and keep riding guys. Riding is our only escape from the hell of the city.
Cause you've chosen to ride a weird'o bike, you've got nothing to say to the general public.
Stop talking. ✋️
What you experienced, has nothing to do with us.
@@Gma7788 u lost me.
@@Gma7788 wtf are you talking about old man
@@underdog2400 Don't mind them, probably a Gen Zer, they have their own vernacular. Give them a vape and an energy drink, that should quieten them down.
It wont be much harder on the knees to brake than accelerate hard, at least not with foot straps
I love how the fixed gear scene targeted such a specific generation of riders - got into it when I was 17 with a super flashy pre built State Bicycle steel. Just this year I upgraded to a MASH steel frameset (in my 20s now!) with custom parts and pieces I dreamed of getting when I was younger....all in more muted colors of course to stay classy !
Well I've installed a Rolls Royce grill on my bicycle.
@@Gma7788 ive removed my car brakes and now i have a car fixie
Because of the abundance of old, decent road bikes in Europe conversions are still very popular.
Until recently, I rode a converted 1972 Peugeot PX-10. It had chopped and flipped drop bars (ghetto bullhorns) wrapped in inner tube (probably a 23C) with a TT brake lever. I had both clincher and tubular wheels for it. (I built the rear tub wheel myself.) A few months ago I acquired a circa 1985 Serotta pursuit frameset with Suntour Superbe Pro crankset and new wheels (Phil Wood hubs/Velo Orange rims) for $0! I spent a little to complete the package and love it (except for the tight tire clearance and toe overlap). There is no hole for a brake and I installed Profile bullhorns and tri bars, in keeping with the pursuit theme. So I guess I'm still stuck in the 2010's...at 66 years old!
Tight clearances, toe overlap and no brakes is part of the track bike game! Enjoy your ride!
My entry into fixed gear riding happening around 2009ish, when I converted my trusty old 80s 10 speed. Not only was it inexpensive, it was a great learning experience. I still see old bikes and frames and think "that would be a cool fixie!" I hope these conversions make a comeback. Now, most conversions are from old bikes into gravel bikes (which I'll admit I did to this same bike after I got a "real" fixie). thanks for the trip down memory lane!
You're wrong.
Not cool at all.
We believe in professionalism.
You learned to go backwards in life and waste your time.
@Dreyn who p!ssed in you're corn flakes?!
@@Gma7788lol hey hey hey... Plenty of vintage 80's bikes out there. All rusted and dusty
@@Gma7788stay off of fixie videos next time
Show us how... Lol some say just stay in the same gear and never stop pedalling lol
no matter what, track drop bars will always look the best 😩 still rocking mine to this day
I started riding fixed 12 years ago at 36. It kicked my ass but I had never been in better shape. I’ve particularly liked being able to easily swap bars. I don’t see them much anymore but mustache bars have been a fav. Great video!
As a BMXer it's great hearing about other bike discipline's insider trends, we have a fair few weird ones ourselves....
Tell me about those trends.
When your a 50 year old cyclist, 10 years is not a long time ago 😳
😆😆
Amen brother ;) I was too old (40) ten years ago for this fixed gear scene. I love the simplistic look of the fixies, but they are not for me.
Hey hey hey...I love my sticker bombed frame. LMAO
Built my first fixed gear about 4 months ago, had a lot of fun building it as a conversion, would recommend
Narrow risers. I went from bullhorns, to 48cm Nitto b220 risers. Recently switched to 65cm Nitto For Shred, and while it's comfortable, and fun to ride, I have to admit that the b220, being a good 17cm narrower made a big difference when trying to squeeze through traffic.
I still have my old 2005 fix gear in the UK which I ride most days. We don't have the gatekeepers of the fix gear community here really.
Anything goes. . My bike with different wheels, tires, old parts and bull horns from the past etc still gets comments and people stopping me.
Most people are more intrigued by how it rides than the looks, I always allow cyclists to ride it if possible, most comments are it's so silent, comfortable, smooth and glides forever. Which is my main goal not trends or aesthetics.
It makes me happy and it's nice to ride that is all that counts.
This video is awesome and it was so cool to jump back to that time where these bikes were new. I was 14 in 2010 and at that time I remember how stoked I was to see a fixed gear mob past me on the street. I remember how badly I wanted one and the pure euphoria I got when I finally saved enough money to purchase my own. I'm 26 now and been riding fixed gear bikes ever since and to see this video has brought back all that excitement and nostalgia for that particular time in my life. Thanks for doing this video man!
I miss the conversion days when I had the worst fast ratio 42x14. I still laugh at the thought that my brother used cotter pin cranks on his fixie.
back in the seventies, I went to cotter cranks to get away from Schwinn's. I've been enjoying being back on a bike like I was in my teens. I definitely ride with brakes!
@@johnmcclain3887 I'm glad you're back on a bike. It's raining where I am at, so sliding in the rain is fun.
Throwback! Saw a lot of conversions on the streets back in 2008 and by 2011 there were a lot more Leaders and Fuji Track Pros and the like. Everybody loved deep Vs because they were "bombproof" in the city but I thought they were unnecessarily heavy. Wrapped with 23mm slicks pumped to 110psi to avoid pinch flats from potholes and riding off curbs. And then by 2014 the kids were riding wide flat bars while I still rocked bullhorns and that's when I realized I'm no longer part of the culture😅
I still have narrow bullhorns on a sticker-bombed pista. I love the look of wide bars but it just seems like a nightmare for NYC traffic.
This was a bit pre-2010, but you missed top tube pads (or maybe those were just out of style by 2010 lol). Also bullhorn and pursuit bars. My first successful fixed gear was a road conversion on a Fuji frame from the 80s, can't remember the model anymore but built it in 2008. It had pink velocity deep-v's and I mostly ran 28 mm vittoria randos because it's what my local shop had in stock and they were cheap, but this was the first I heard of them being trendy--I remember gatorskins being what the "cool" kids seemed to have back then. It had flop and chop bullhorns with zebra-pattern bar tape. I never cared about track components though and always had a front brake that I used extensively. I had a pink top tube pad that I made and sewed some crusty punk patches on, but eventually ditched that and put a couple tasteful stickers on instead. I eventually bought a no-name cheap steel track bike and turned the fuji into a polo bike, then put my deep-v's on the track bike along with some new components including nitto pursuit bars. Nowadays I just ride a geared bike though, but I do miss riding fixed
I've only been on board for 4.5 years, but feel like I've noticed a decrease in popularity of bullhorns. When I first started it seemed reasonably popular but declining, but now I almost never see it.
yeah I loved bullhorns! I seemed to be one of the few people running them in my group, but I found so much more comfy than track drops.
I found a fixed gear on marketplace today and bought it. It’s my first track bike in 10 years. It has a brake that I’ll be leaving on. It’s interesting that crit racing has taken up aero wheels while it’s not desirable to do on fixed anymore. I guess it was a massive flex at the time when we were spending our money on beer instead. Personally, I like the look of people’s race setups and there is a ton of data showing those 50mm carbon wheels are fast. I’m also surprised the geometry isn’t more slacked out now.
I was just think about the whole, convert your old road bike into a fixed gear trend! My first fixie was an old khs that I converted. I really miss it, you should do an episode dedicated to this or review a rider who had converted an old roadie! I
Having almost zero clearance between the fork and tire used to be a thing. Had to shave down all the little tire hairs to prevent rubbing.
People still do this to this day, at least on Reddit people still flex their tire to frame clearance, or lack there of. I think it’s idiotic that people will ride something that a leaf would cause it to lock up
All my fixies have been conversions. The wheel clearance is almost always better than “official” fixie framesets, and in my large size the bikes tend to have pretty aggressive geometry. The most recent one is a 74 deg HT and 80mm of rake. Add the 650b wheel size and this thing rides like a dream!
I had an Eighth Inch Scrambler. Loved that bike! Had the deep V’s, track drops and modified Brooks saddle.
Me too sir! Miss that thing. Had those obnoxious red anodized Chinese knock off b43s on it too! Haha good times.
I bought my first fixed at the end of 2020 and intended to split time as a townie and actually racing on the track. I fell victim to the pista bars trend and eventually sold them once I realized they WERE impractical for townie use and too wide for track use. I now have a set of bullhorns that are still too wide for me to use for timed events on the track (the only thing I'll race) but offer a good hand position in the townie set-up. I also have a narrow (38cm) set of road drops that work in either situation. My shoulders measure 38 in across, so the 38s are practical, regardless of whatever trend exists in racing or fixed circles. I also tried to never use the term "fixie."
Still got my sticker-bombed Cinelli bootleg mystic, mash bullhorns, h plus son sl42’s with GP4000 25’s.
And still love the way it looks.
Much love and respect from the elder track community. Started my fixed experience in 1987 then to roadie and now back to fixie/fixedgear riding. I LOVE the clown vomit..with practical components.
I began my fixed gear experience in the early seventies, got back to it a couple years ago, along with a couple road bikes, for my health.
i actually saw a narrow riser in the wild a few months ago had to do a double check but yup defiently this dude pretty much had one hand on top of the other, was quite entertaining to seehim pull off from the light
This is super nostalgic. I remember getting a set of super cheap wheels back in the day for my Aventon. Put 23C Gator Hardshells on it and was skidding to my hearts content. I was skidding so much the hub in the back wheel started cracking so I had to buy a new set. Ended up getting velocity deep v wheels and loved every minute of riding those. Ahh the memories.
And for those wondering, yes my knees are now fucked lol
First exposure to a track bike was Quicksilver from 1986. Just found my 84 Raleigh Competition USA in a 57 to covert.
2010s.I still prefer smaller width bars. Easier to get through traffic.
I was the fool with the front aerospoke and the super deep dish rim before H+Son and velocity perfected it. As I grew up, got a real job I upgraded my bike from top to bottom. Good times
Who cares about what it looks like and if it's on-trend. it's you enjoy riding it that's all that counts.
@@greyguy.960 I was those trend-kids. As I matured, so did my appreciation for fixed gear did. Components matter when you use your bike as a mode of transportation and a tool for work.
@@Joser167 I've had the multiple fix gears. The main bike I ride now is my old globe with mixed rims, bull horns etc. It's all black including the rims nothing special to look at but it's a really smooth and completely silent ride.
Might be different in the UK as most riders appreciate still running an older bike and parts but the majority ask what it's like to ride, which I try and give every opportunity for others to have a go.
Most all say it's so quiet, comfortable and very smooth than talking about the looks. Might be are different cultures in Britain than in America on such bikes?
Origin8, Thickslicks, b43 velocities, and All City was where it was at when I was growing up. I still use a BMX chain on my fixie.
This is what I still have since 2010.
Great video my dude.
Zach, I think it’s odd that I’ve never heard you talk about the Specialized Armadillo tires which have the reputation of being the best when it comes to flat resistance and durability. Your opinion?
hey this is the kind of niche fixie content i want!! i was just thinking about how these trends change so much, from those tiny pencil eraser nub bars through to the mega wide ones from recent days.
getting “my legs are my brakes” tatted above my knees
Got into fixed gears in 2010, bought a pake rum runner, some velocity deep v's off Craigslist, cut the bars down to shoulder width, and i BENT the fork for barspin clearance.
I don't even have a bike (yet). I just enjoy watching your channel
When I was getting into it (2004?) I ran a conversion with flip and chop bullhorns and a freewheel hub with a track cog jb welded to it. I saw a lot like top tube pads, and spoke cards too. Big ass chain locks around the waist too.
My current ride is a (geared) Cannondale Alu 3.0 from the 90's set up w/ cruiser bars, a basket, velo-orange (brooks style) saddle, and bmx pedals. Get's the job done.
I ride a roadbike but if I ever decide to switch to a fixie I def would convert a roadbike rather then buying a fixie, not because I already own one but because a conversion seems so much nicer in my opinion.
Conversion arent nicer in anyway. Having that garbo hamger hanging and having to run a specific ratio that would just work with the frame is so ass.
Still have my 1990's cannondale track frame with the hugh coke can diameter downtube. NJS (Japanese Keirin approved & stamped) parts were the rage, too. Nitto B123 and B125 chromo-steel drop bars. Dura-ace or Campy track cranks! Takes me back. I used to roll up to a Saturday morning group ride on the that fixie frame!
In the middle of my own conversion, and its been a bit of a pain since kits and whatnot dont really exist any more. People have actually told me i should just buy a track frame/track bike lmao. Glad to have my parts choices decided on finally and almost have all of it ready to install
Just looked over and yep I'm running Vittoria Rubino 28c front and Roubaix Pro 25c rear, it's the biggest rear I can fit. Cobbled Euro city Commuter very thankful to fit the 28 front, tram tracks are still scary AF.
I have been out there steady since 1972 while in the U.S. Air Force and just went to singlespeeds 10 years ago, and finally to the Wabi Lightning this past week. Thanks for the info which helped me make the choice with confidence.
Shout out to all us 2010 riders :)
Rode fixed gear for awhile in the 90s, a friend welded a BMX freewheel solid for me. Scary as heck on downhills.
Was a messenger in mid 2000’s Philly. This is hilarious and a throwback. I was ahead of most of these (rando’s in the back?? But rubino/zaphiro ALL DAY). 23’s? Absolutely. Deep V’s? Everywhere. Fancy front wheel? You betcha. This is good. Good work.
My rear tire is a panaracer and my front is a vitorio. I am stuck in 2013 MASH SF videos lol 😂. The narrow bar thing also hit a chord with me. Real enjoyable video :)
Man those videos were so inspirational. My favorite is the one where they went to Austin Texas and rode with Lance Armstrong, but that dates way back to 2008.
Riding a converted 1980 centurion. I did build it in 2014. I was thinking of buying a new frame set, cinelli mash work. But now I see there are more options these days... its kinda nice to realize I've been biking a little dated hahah
Oh, it gets worse for you.
A converted bike isn't the bike any more.
It's a detuned pile of junk.
You'd look silly with that frame.
@@Gma7788 the cinelli?
I never drank the kool aid. I had a Schwin Racer that had a front brake and coaster brake. Frame was made of a cheap, springy steel that made the bike compliant and fun to ride. I never got any fixie points, but it was a cheap, fun ride.
Started in 2010. Rode I think 23c. Now I'm on a gravel bike riding 40c and looking to go wider! Also had nitto b123 that were extremely uncomfortable but #tracklife
What I've read with the Rev X is the ver. 2 are the ones you should get cause it's the one that doesn't suddenly shatter by itself.
This is what I have heard as well but it is very hard to tell the difference between the 1st and 2nd versions. I still wouldn't trust a 25 year old carbon wheel though.
My now stolen, Mash Parallax with all track components and 25c tires is a stark contrast to the steel, track/road build I’m aiming for now.
I do have a set of bars that is exactly the width of the grips and the stem clamp and nothing else. I ride them often enough just for the fun of it.
It's also a good way to troll Roadies
Wide bars are practical for when you have a front rack and are carrying heavy loads
About 8 years ago all the hipsters in my town were riding fixed gears without brakes and now they all have switched out to gravel bikes with flared drop bars, 1x11 drivetrains, and fat gum wall tires.
Conversion is still great fun, especially for those who need a winter trainer.
I think my Pre Cursa can accommodate 25c tires but I'm riding 23c
I've observed the same changes over the years. Great video my dude. I actually started riding fixed around the time of your first yt vids. Cheers to ten years bud🤙🏾 no sticker bombing for me anymore. Just a clean, green Wabi Special. Still brakeless tho.
still rocking randos to this day!!!!!
To say Randonneurs are sluggish, hard and uncomfortable is mental. I've been riding fixed gear for decades and when I switched to Randonneurs I never went back.
I found Gatorskins to be one of the tyres with the higher rolling resistance of the puncture resistant tyres. And getting them on and off when you got a puncture was a nightmare. The Randonneurs are difficult but the Gatorskins were like donkeys. They just refused to get on and off the tyre.
I also found the Gatorskins punctured more and you didn't get nearly as many kilometres on them before you had to change them.
The Randonneurs I found were smooth, low rolling resistance and barely ever got a puncture and they are extremely comfortable. I've used all types of tyres over the decades and I can say the Rando's are the best I've used.
They're literally made for puncture resistance and comfort over crazy KMs
Try taking off a randonneurs without tire levers :(
I did love those tires until i found out about gatorskins and said why not.
Hardshells last way longer than the regular gators. 100% worth it
I bought my 1st fixed gear bike 2 months ago and out of 12 of my personal bikes, it is by far my favorite. It's an old Fuji Road Racer with Surly wheels, 42/15 gear ratio and bull bar. Continental tire on the rear and kenda on the front. I only have 1 brake pad on the front because I broke the other over tightening the bolt. I paid $80 for the bike, sprayed it with colorshift spray paint. Also installed aluminum mountain bike pedals. So far in 2 months I have over 400 miles on it.
I started riding fixed gear in 2008. It was a converted 83 Trek 520 on blue Deep Vs wrapped in 23c tires. This video was accurate 😂
The BB on my Trek finally wore out and it's time for a new bike. It's a different world full of options now.
Well, I've been riding fix gear late in life since last year but I'm still doing the deep dish rim and a pair of brakes (Which I use only for emergency stops) 😅 Another "Trend" I have done that apparently I am the only one in my area to do it is. a silver chrome BMX handlebar which to ME looks absolutely dope and has saved my back from pains!
I switched from a super short straight bar to a bmx handlebar as well since i'm not commuting in city traffic anymore. Infinitely more comfortable ride 💯
@@jonqualls1034 Have you noticed it is easier to stop with the BMX handle since one can "stand" straight up to apply backward pressure to the pedals?
@@fehrcarlo2381 Most definitely. Especially since I'm a back pedal-er, I never wanted to learn to whip brake or skid and fuck my back even more goin over the handlebars that high up 🤣
Moved to Amsterdam, can't ride breakless here 😥16 years of breakless Barcelona and seeing these old silly trends made me all nostalgic! 😆
Nice video! 👍
@Bebo yeah, the Netherlands is indeed a place of amazing riders. 6 years here riding my bike daily on my commute (3-4h a day), has really showed me some naturals all over the place, can’t deny that. Tho, I can deny the “making it for attention” part tho. I just enjoy the bike. Break-less fixed always felt like being one with the bike, the only problem with using it here on the Netherlands (which I still ride it, I just have brakes now) is that normal use of it on the daily commute where you have packed bike lanes is dangerous because of the skid. On the mornings you have literally a line of 3 bikes side by side in a 170m lane, so I don’t want to bother no one with the back tire skid.
Oh dear. I have 22c tyres on my Harry Quinn track bike, and all Campagnolo Pista drivetrain. Still have 23c on my 2008 Cinelli Vigorelli with white deep Vs and narrow risers: I lived in central London - narrow was important. I have front brakes on both, though, and I even had white Vans Kool Stop brake pads on the Cinelli back in 2010. I started fixed gear riding on a conversion too.
As someone who is still riding a Single speed bike with road bars I think it’s funny I was looked down on for not getting all the fixie points.
i got a wabi classic in the early 2010s and have loved it ever since- road geometry, fixed gear, drops and brakes with clipless pedals has always been my ideal setup.
still running that vittoria randoneur for my rear tire tho lmao
Still rocking the 650 front until I can't find gatorskins in that size anymore.
Velocity rims are replaced by the H Plus sl42 formation face. So good, can't break.
36 years old now. Been riding since it was still cool and will never stop.
Also wide bars are not impratical, but rather essential for climbing!
Guilty of so many. 23c tires and constant flats. Lots of deep Vs and mismatched wheels. Narrow risers. Conversions. Loud colors. The only thing on that list I I still stand by are conversions. Anything that will keep old bikes rolling and give people enjoyment.
Hard disagree. There are so many old bikes out there not being ridden. If they get used instead of sitting neglected or thrown away, that's a good thing. Nothing is damaged or ruined by doing a conversion. You can always put components back on.
I own two fixed gear bikes. The first one is a Golden Cycles Redrum with a hi tinsel steel frame, and a Crew Defender FGFS chromoly frame and fork. They are both about 25 pounds, but are my lightest bikes and I love them along with my other bikes.
23s, short bars, drops, ..bought a leader, sticker bomb, purple b43s
I'm still rocking my 11yr old Unknown lv3 with a front chinese trispoke and my Affinity LoPro with standard Velocity deep V's
I used to ride from about 2010 to 2016, but then got a job that required me to drive more and I stopped riding. Lately I started missing it and I watch your videos for that throwback feeling. Thanks so much for your videos!
And as for your question about what we did back in the day, I did have narrow bars (one bar was literally handles next to the stem and it was dangerous because it was hard to control the bike). I had track drops that came with my bike (2011 model steel Langster in chrome). I never got Aerospokes but I was tempted too and would have done it if I had more cash. (They were expensive.)
Composite bladed wheels are still cool! The awesome swishing helicopter noise when you're going fast is great. :)
I'm still riding track drops and deep wheels but the bike is a dual purpose commuter/track bike, and I've gotten comfortable with the position.
Idk about other countries in europe or america, but in here indonesia. There’s still a lot of people converting old bike to track bike, there’s a lot local mechanical workshops that can converting the vertical drop out to track/horizontal drop out.
10 years riding fixed, first with mismatched wheels because it was a conversion, then got one taco'd by collision with a car, then briefly a matching set, then got one stolen, then a new fixie with a matching set, then got another one stolen
My fixie was a late 80's rigid Panasonic mountain bike I found in a ditch. It was spray painted baby blue. First I just ditched the trashed derailleur and ran it single speed. Then one day I discovered that I could just pop a 23c road wheel right into the front fork. Hit the local bike shop for a cheap wheel and fixed cog, slapped it on and fell in love.
I kept the original "gooseneck" stem and flat bars, chopped them down of course. I also sticker bombed it. Kept the baby blue paint cause it looked cool as it peeked away, showing the original silver paint underneath. I ground off the teeth on the biggest chain ring, it made a nice guard as I ran the middle. Velo Orange leather saddle and even had those crazy monkey lights for my wheels.
I actually busted it out of the cellar the other day, hosed it off and am planning on reviving her!
I guess I will be riding fixed gear till I can't I'm 60 years old have been riding fixed gear since I was a teenager and still ride fixed. For me it's fixed gear for life they'll prey the handle bars from my cold dead fingers I love my fixed gears and always will . And fixed gear never ruined my knees. Keep on riding your fixed gear doesn't matter how it looks or how it's made
Been riding fixed for 8 years. Love it. 20 miles 4 times a week. Just ordered myself a Ribble 725s. Fed up building bikes and watching them fall apart.
Yup, my converted Raleigh m-trax is running trektro aero brakes, but to be fair they came piecemeal from upgrading two other road bikes... total serendipity that they happen to make a matched set! Brakes good (and required in England) as I use it on the road so the nice Deda newton road drops also make sense. Running tough 50mm black No Logo rims on big flange quanda hubs but subtly mismatched with stainless 2x lacing on the rear and black straight spokes on the front. I even really broke the rules and put on QR scewers for practically but gave up on the rear as I constantly slipped... lesson learned. Tyres are cheap nasty kenda 28Cs so no worries for the odd skid.
Finishing kit is all matte back Deda with Celeste bianchi tape and spds... I think it’s pretty cool, with some tasty bits and a little colour coordination and I’m happy to take on a ride or just a beer run to the shops. Shame we can’t post pics.
I should say I gathered the bits over months off eBay and gumtree and built the whole thing myself including lacing the wheels. Building the bike definitely deepens the relationship with the thing and, as mentioned below, a conversion is the way ahead in Europe. Most prebuilt fixes look expensive and seem to rust out fast. My bike is robust, lightish with 501 tubing, has a bit of heritage and the best bit is owes me less than £100.
Being in high school in sacramento from 2014-2018, it was near impossible to escape the fixed gear scene. The bike rack at school was filled with fixed gears, from the cheap purefix frames all the way to leaders. Recently started riding my retrospec track frame again as I just started college and it really takes me back to those good days. I still ride brakeless, deep red rims and wide red flat bars, and I’m still stickerbombing my frame too. Sure wish I saw more fixed gears in Chico, I miss seeing mobs of them owning midtown sac
I had a dawes for a long time. Then shifted to a conversion. Went through several bikes after....a leader 725, all city thunderdome, bianchi pista, cinelli mash work, and a cinelli vigorosa. I ended up keeping the vigorosa to this day with enve parts and sugino 75 cranks. At some point there was a specialized trispoke.. XD
i knew the trend was huge when my younger brother (about your age) got himself a cheap fixie and actually rode it. I thought it was cool that he was exercising for once... didn't last long lol
I used to ride in 2009 and just started again last week. This video has me laughing! Now im updated to the latest trends! And bonus city call out, Sacramento!
I still keep my narrow risers for practical reasons lol I live in Chicago and have to deal with cars that don’t like staying in their lanes.
i built my first fixed gear bike in 2009 and it was a conversion of a 26" 2×5 steel town bike, putting on a 21mm wide classic tubular wheelset (that determined all my cycling since then, because i use tubulars for everything, commuting, road or rarely track), and an upside down riser bar made for kids, so it was very narrow. now i have an aluminium fixed commuter with bullhorn bar. i do use front brake but because it feels awkward to have asymmetric position, i ended up having two bar end brake levers. the rear one was loose, so even put a rear brake just to have the same feeling with both hands (the pads don't even reach the rim). used shimano triangle pedals for about five or so years but dropped them for spd.
my track bike is made of steel with 25mm high carbon wheelset, 24mm wide tubulars, compact road bar and keo pedals.
I still ride my 2010 Specialised Globe Roll 2 in light blue. Guilty of still riding it and riding as it was albeit upgraded to Velo Orange stemless with a narrow flat bar, Orange front tire on a white Encore carbon Wheel, a deep V Velocity rim on the rear running 23c's. So yeah im definitely still living in the past 13 years later. But it my baby, wouldn't change the bike at all and love it more and more as the years go by. Still in emaculate condition :D
I still love my cut riser bars I have some that I never got rid of and have had on so many of my bikes over the years lol buying a new bike to get back into it after quoting for like 5 years
I love my C dale Capo fixed gear , and it’s black and silver . It a looker, many love it. So rare to see. 👆🏻😉
Good summary, thank you! I agree with most of your observations though I lived through those fashion phenomena where I lived which is Poland. But it went down almost exactly the way you describe. I remember being into the narrow riser bars thing for sure :)
I feel so attacked. Lmao. I was waiting for the dig on omniums. Still have velocity on formulas, mix up wheels often, pursuit bars (which didn't get a mention), and randos because of the sweet reflective stripe
Definitely should have added the 650 front wheel combo for barspins.
Continental tire is popular too in my country but Maxxix detonator 700x25 is way to go great for all weather
I got my left shoulder really mess up in a fixie accident, so now I ride my fixie with both brakes
I only JUST recently did a conversion for the first time and used spare parts, one of the only things I bought was my 1987 Fuji Palisade but put wide bars on it and I LOVE this way of riding fixed. It really got me back into it again. But my first fixed gear was surprise surprise, "Vice" model from State Bicycle lol
Why buy something that's built bu the professionals and then detune it?
That's madness.
Your making me feel old Zach!! I remember thinking my glow-in-the-dark deep v's were the greatest thing ever. Still thinking about putting on bullhorn bars and sticker bombing my fixie like wilee's from premium rush.
you forgot three big things.
1. The NJS obsession and obsession/elitisim with running crashed Keirin frames
2. TOPTUBE PROTECTORS. I'm not talking about the narrow tasteful clips that would protect a frame from bar slap, I am talking about the big foam roller people would velcro around their top tube
3. Spoke cards. First used in dirtbag bike races, then they were just anything laminated that looked cool.