New bike issues

mattyfez · 4 Jul 2023 at 14:08

CliffyG said:
Yeah I was going with the theory that the harder it was to cycle the better for my legs. I did have to exert some serious force to get going.

Bikes are more cardio than muscle building, TBH.
You will develop leaner stronger legs from cycling as a by-product, but your cardio and flexibilty will develop more.

If you want to build big leg muscles you're better off weight training, Squats and leg press, etc.

Junglist · 4 Jul 2023 at 16:01

My fixed gear is 48x17 and that can take some effort getting up anything above 5% but at least that has the benefit, or should I say at least it has the feeling, of being a fixed gear bike.

On my road bike I'm always changing gears, spin to win and all that jazz.

fez · 4 Jul 2023 at 16:33

Junglist said:
My fixed gear is 48x17 and that can take some effort getting up anything above 5% but at least that has the benefit, or should I say at least it has the feeling, of being a fixed gear bike.

On my road bike I'm always changing gears, spin to win and all that jazz.

Theres something brilliant about fixed gear bikes. That lovely solid chain direct between 2 cogs. Used to ride one a lot in my younger days. Was in Norwich back then though so not too many hills. Around here I would die.

Junglist · 4 Jul 2023 at 16:41

fez said:
Theres something brilliant about fixed gear bikes. That lovely solid chain direct between 2 cogs. Used to ride one a lot in my younger days. Was in Norwich back then though so not too many hills. Around here I would die.

I used to knock fixies, until I tried one, then I fell in love with them immediately. The feel of them is just so fun. Speed up? Pedal faster. Slow down? resist the spin. Plus I love how quiet it was. I was obsessive over getting my drive train silent

fez · 4 Jul 2023 at 17:17

Junglist said:
I used to knock fixies, until I tried one, then I fell in love with them immediately. The feel of them is just so fun. Speed up? Pedal faster. Slow down? resist the spin. Plus I love how quiet it was. I was obsessive over getting my drive train silent

Yep! My knees did not thank me at times though. Slightly dangerous as well at times. Lot of fun though.

mattyfez · 4 Jul 2023 at 18:25

fez said:
Theres something brilliant about fixed gear bikes.

I can see the appeal if it has a proper free hub at the back... But I wouldn't fancy a 'proper' fixie, recipie for disaster, or at least a recipie new knee caps and a big dentists bill.

COYS · 4 Jul 2023 at 18:52

Sounds like you'd have been better with a single speed

Junglist · 5 Jul 2023 at 08:43

mattyfez said:
I can see the appeal if it has a proper free hub at the back... But I wouldn't fancy a 'proper' fixie, recipie for disaster, or at least a recipie new knee caps and a big dentists bill.

It's not all that bad if you get your gearing right. It can get a bit uncomfortable going down big hills with your legs spinning fast but you get used to it and learn to let the pedals take your legs around. It's if you rely on your back wheel to do a lot of the braking you end up busting your knees.

Plus everyone digs a good fixie skid, right?