So I got everything running right, and went out after dark (after
mid-afternoon, then) to give fixed riding a try. I've tried one road
bike at a shop years ago, but this was MY bike, that I'm used to, that
fits me as perfectly as I can make it.
THOSE.
I
tried it on the level first, just to see if everything was tight enough.
Yep. I tentatively took on a hill. Not a big deal. It really feels
like the way I already ride, to a large extent. Especially climbing
hills.
CRANKS.
But two things gave me pause (paws?)-
turning, and things like hopping up onto curbs/dropping off of curbs. I
would say that these two things apply pretty directly to riding in the
woods. And while I primarily bought this fixed cog thinking of the
Danvers Rail Trail, and other flat non-technical areas, it does pop into
my mind.
JUST.
So how do you lean into a turn when
the cranks don't stop moving? Just time it? Just make sure to keep the
bike upright while you round the turn? That will be something to work
on. And while it's easy to hit curbs like a freight train or
steamroller, the weight transfer I'm used to will certainly be tricky.
Copy that for dropping off of something (and by that, I don't mean 10
foot drops, I mean more like 1')
KEEP.
Still, there IS something amazing about
controlling the bike's speed and never touching the brakes. This was
only my second ride (counting yesterday's mini-ride) on the bike with
this set-up, and it's undeniable there's something neat going on.
COMING.
On the other hand, though- I like my
coasting moments. I don't think I'm quite ready to give those up. Not
completely. But this is just one after-dark ride. And the Christmas lights were pretty, too- by the way. I was pursuing a moment there, y'know- fixed gear- late december, and Xmas lights, dark early....
AROUND
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