Fixed Gear Tips & Riding Brakeless?

[@jayclark1551]

It’s amazing how the muscle memory just takes over. I switch between road and track but ride my track bike way more. A track bike will really make you a much stronger more efficient and skilled rider. The thing with a fixed gear is there’s nowhere to hide, you either got it or it defeats you. It’s a very pure form of cycling and forces you to break through walls physically.

[@DaveNoakes]

Couldn’t say it better myself.

[@thundermerc]

Well said.

[@theforgottenbrawlers]

dammn son

[@reytampubolon6390]

agree. When i'm on my roadie stopping at redlights and starting over is a matter of pulling hard on the brakes, then pressing hard on pedals. On fixies i actually had to see ahead for people and estimate redlights, forcing me to ride much more "efficiently" (not to mention that not putting effort to pedaling on a fixed is equivalent to putting a very slight pressure on the rear brake of a roadbike)

[@dirkoltmann8935]

And it's the funniest anti theft device out there.

[@sephiroth7818]

When I was a young lad in the late 80s/early 90s, all my bicycles were SS but had coaster brake hubs. The game of the day was who could leave the longest tyre mark on the tarmac.

[@dreyn7780]

They don't care. Jackass generation.

[@marianneoelund2940]

They are apparently still playing that game today - at my local outdoor velodrome! Can't believe the number of long skid marks on the rail side of the track, where people stop to exit. I'm sure it's not the track bike riders since the types and widths of the marks suggest various wide tires. Lots of kids visit the track when it doesn't have track bikes running on it.

[@ryanr.a.f2052]

agree with you sir, riding a track bike/fixed is all about having fun! and if you already get used to it or more experienced, a little speeding in the streets will be a lot more fun!

[@DaveNoakes]

Hell yeah!

[@davidmartin305]

Track bike at the Velodrome is some of the best fun I've had cycling, dropping from the top of the 42 degree banking into a flying lap 🙂👌

[@DaveNoakes]

Facts!

[@dreyn7780]

Control yourself. This video has nothing to do with velodromes.

[@abhinqv3490]

@@dreyn7780 calm down let people enjoy things bro

[@RadC-mc6hz]

​@@dreyn7780 so?

[@dannystarkridesfixed]

Always think it’s good advice for new comers to fixed gear riding: going on roads that are less busy and as smooth as can be. I always mix my rides up and I’ve been riding fixed on/off since 2008. Just because of the city I live in and some other places that are around (but most people are annoying in my city). Also good to know how the traffic is around town and the pot holes and such. To be as safe as you possibly can be. Always looking at the ground every few feet just as you said about looking ahead to be aware. Also good to pay attention to the rode Incase you are in a city that has tough roads:

[@theodoreraithby6914]

Great video! I've been riding fixed for several years 48x14. Such a different feeling and recommend it to everyone. I've always ridden with a front brake but try not to touch it unless it's an emergency and it has saved me a couple times over the years. Keep up with the great content!!

[@paulschliebeck5678]

Kh

[@juanpalomo5532]

48x14? Damn son!

[@strbskepleso]

yes, front brake is good thing, especially if you tear out a spd cleat off the shoe, like me yesterday :D

[@dreyn7780]

1 brake maxxed out ISN'T going to stop you hitting cars.

[@dreyn7780]

Fixed gears have been around for over 150 years. You're a bit slow.

[@Hard-truth949]

“Reason behind that I think it looks cool” you have earned a subscriber and fan

[@C.Radulescu]

I haven't used my single speed as a fixie however, I think I will give it a try after seeing this video ...

[@dreyn7780]

Road fixed gear is nothing like a track bike and that's a good thing.

[@KevAlberta]

@@dreyn7780 new commuter fixed gear here idk the difference please explain?

[@dreyn7780]

@@KevAlberta school gives people the impression you're allowed to ask questions. In reality you pay people for their time. They're different designs. The Designer tuned them differently. You should be able to just look at them and see the different designs.

[@tonymartino7892]

Thx man. Yes fixed settles you down to enjoy the flow and the fun of the ride. Love it!

[@DaveNoakes]

Thank you

[@brooklynboyzfixedgearpov9867]

Thanks, as a experienced brakeless. I found these tips helpful & would recommend to anyone starting out brakeless.

[@jregulatori4672]

Great video. I agreed with everything you've said. Been riding fixed for 15 years now and a bit scared to go back to a freewheel because it's become second nature. I also completely agree with you gear ratio recommendations. I think some people get too hung up on having a massive chainring/tiny cog because that's what they see on velodrome bikes but it's all about spin-to-win. I live in Seattle with LOTS of hills and run a 47x18 on one bike and a 49x19 on my other. When I teach friends to ride fixed, I do a 47x20. It all about being comfortable. And like you said, you have to be hyper aware when riding brakeless fixed, especially in a busy city. But at the same time it forces you to slow down and enjoy the scenery around you. Track bikes are ridiculous and not to be taken too serious (I even run an 80's tubular HED disc on one of my bikes haha). I'm in my early 40s and don't see myself slowing down. Rarely come across brakeless fixed gear anymore in the city as opposed to 10+ years ago. Take care from across the pond.

[@steelisreal]

Big fan of riding my fixed gear, it gets used for everything. Usually ride 47x17 for whatever as I'm too lazy to change it! Works well for the West Coast of Scotland and gets me up and down pretty much everything I've tried (couple of old videos on my page). Gear range in our group seems to vary from 44x19 to 49x15 depending on the rider and route. I always have a front brake fitted as I do a lot of club riding on it and you need it in a bunch where others are on geared bikes, but it doesn't get used much, even then.

[@steph19892010]

Here in the Netherlands it’s so normal to ride brakeless bikes. I recently got a road bike ... I keep forgetting I have to use my hands to brake !!

[@bardzoszybki7420]

You had me at " get a bunch of tyres cos you gonna love skidding " 🤣

[@DaveNoakes]

Facts though 🤷🏻‍♂️🤣

[@justineaves1977]

For you beginners out there I suggest you try a 44f x 18r starting out because you will have more control if your spinning and it will slow you down and help you build strength and get up hills.

[@DaveNoakes]

Great tip

[@dreyn7780]

Wrong. You really are dumb. 7 year olds can ride adult bikes. 7 year olds don't know how to change parts on bikes.

[@surfjat15]

i ordered 46t 14t setup , any good? what about skids

[@justineaves1977]

@@surfjat15 I would have gone 46 16 but you will definitely get a nice and fast on the flat and downhill.

[@general-sauce]

This is a good tip im still using a brake with my fixie but i will remove the brakes soon good tips par 🤝🤝👍👍

[@DaveNoakes]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@susoarias7348]

Nice vid, dude. You must've gone through rear tyres like mad if you were skidding with a 48x18 gear. Which reminds me of one tip you forgot to mention when it comes to skidding... Making sure you have a gear that gives you plenty of skid patches so you don't have to change rear tyres every couple of weeks.

[@DaveNoakes]

This is a really good point!!!

[@finleylucy8054]

Dave la, your vids have been an absolute godsend throughout lockdown, it hasn't been easy, unemployment, fighting for furlough, and looking for other jobs, but honestly, your channel has really been a solace. keep shredding my dude, I got onto you through fixed gear, and I'm so happy I did; keep shredding my G.

[@dreyn7780]

Wrong. This is a terrible series. Waste of your life.

[@pete801]

Great video. Most videos on here are anti fixed gear and especially anti brakeless. The first vid I've seen educating people who would probably be riding brakeless regardless

[@DaveNoakes]

Thank you, I'm always reluctant to do vlogs on my fixed gear as I ride brakeless and it's a debate I wanted to stay away from. That said it would make for an interesting discussion.

[@enigmaticreverieproduction5169]

Just ordered my first state bike co fixie! Excited to try, last time I was on a bike was in my ttenage years almost 20 years ago

[@mowgli5679]

Incredible mate, I’ve been riding a fixie for a month which is my only bike since I was 6! I’m 36 now and loving learning! Still relying on my front brake in emergencies tho!

[@DaveNoakes]

Such a fun bike to ride. I would say keep the brake on…better safe than sorry.

[@leebridgwater]

Fixed is the way, thanks Dave

[@DaveNoakes]

It sure is

[@omens_slays]

Riding a 700C single speed with no brakes. I absolutely love it.

[@DaveNoakes]

Me too

[@kidkarbon4775]

Good to see you back on fixed 🤟

[@DaveNoakes]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 I missed your question about the NLTCBMBC, yup I’ve left the team. I loves being part of the team, they are a rad bunch, but I’ve always liked doing my own things and there’s been a few sponsorship clashes. As the channel has grown I want to put as much time into it as possible. 👍🏼

[@aauden]

Front & rear brake on my fixie...'cos my skills are whack...!

[@DaveNoakes]

Andrew Auden 👍🏼👍🏼

[@silentcyclist]

I don't have brakes since day one on my fixed gear. It's not skills, its focus on the road and seeing things ahead.

[@sneekz07]

@@silentcyclist Which are skills.

[@andomare]

front brake on my fixie because it sucks to waste enegry on downhills. And I like to slipstream other vehicles, which would be total insanity to do brakeless

[@tomrachellesfirstdance7843]

Glad to see you on your fixie I got one just to get to work on I like it as there are no speedos or anything just ride to enjoy.

[@DaveNoakes]

Same here, I had no cycle computer or power...it was really nice.

[@minhtùng-v3j]

tips for a person who wants to use clipless pedal to skid: adjust your pedal to really hard to avoid uncliping while skidding

[@DaveNoakes]

Good tip!

[@A_AAA232]

nice one dave - love tip no2....dont ever stop pedalling until you stop! Fixies are for the cool cats in east LDN....i'll stick to being one of those sketchier riders with two brakes for now! the vlog, ride and a little chat format works better for me than watching an indoor training session - plus, you get to go out and have fun smashing it and a coffee thinking up things to put out in your videos :) train hard indoors, have fun outside! cheers

[@DaveNoakes]

A A thanks mate and appreciate the feedback 👍🏼👍🏼

[@showmethatthang]

Fixie gave me my first bicycle fall resulted in my knee scrape in a very long time. Still has a lot of work to do to be able to ride comfortably on a fixie bike.

[@witnessmoyo5584]

More fixed gear videos plz! Also, can you talk about how to measure the gear ratio.

[@DaveNoakes]

witness moyo thank you. Was there anything in particular you wanted to know. I have an app that works out gear inches. There’s lots of charts online www.velodrome.shop/gear?gclid=Cj0KCQjws536BRDTARIsANeUZ59m-WsFAClFkEzSIn2OaPCOJZrViX1er8AsApLtJL8fSs0PW2zHrV8aAo0yEALw_wcB

[@bob-ny6kn]

Another brake option - Foot atop the rear tire at the seat tube/stay junction.

[@venturetuffco9239]

This is easiest on the knees and really good stopping power

[@brendantran1457]

It’s always useful when your chain has popped off or you’re bombing a hill

[@another3997]

Yes, because everyone knows rubbing your shoe on a tyre is the best way to stop a bike. Much better than a £10 front brake. Apart from the fact that a front brake provides over three times the overall stopping power of a rear brake. It's all cuz of them 'fizzics' ya know. Having an accident with your foot wedged against the tyre is great... say goodbye to your ankle joint and probably your knee joint too. 🙄

[@bob-ny6kn]

@@another3997 you use it, yet you do not understand the word. Trolltard.

[@cityhops]

Dave is my new favorite fixie youtuber now. More fixie videos, please !

[@themoz1965]

Wish I followed tip number 4. Switched from single to fixed and got bucked off first time . Been a long time since I've come off a bike 🥴

[@anton005]

I just started riding fixed, that is such a terrible feeling! Luckily It hasn't knocked me off...yet.

[@Will-pz1lf]

One to help the algorithm. Keep it up Dave!

[@DaveNoakes]

Will thank you 👍🏼

[@mervincortes2139]

"get a bunch of tires" part really made me laugh and also makes ma wallet cry🤣

[@DaveNoakes]

🤣🤣🤣

[@321bytor]

Good for you - I'm sure I couldn't manage one of these at all

[@DaveNoakes]

I’m sure you could 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@markjthomson]

Auckland is sort of rolling... I ride 48-15 on the fixed... good cruising 30 to 40 km/hr, sprint to 60 (ok... spin up downhill...) and I can pick my route to avoid evil hills! Front brake on for "just in case" stopping and squeaking past any "law" issues.

[@David-gn5wo]

Finally been waiting for this video for a long time!😹

[@DaveNoakes]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@petegough1533]

Only just started watching your videos. Loving the content so far......👌🏻

[@DaveNoakes]

Pete GOUGH thank you

[@carlostrejo9558]

X2

[@samskisamsonof]

for me its more dangerous whenever i get on a geared bike, i forget that the brake are on the bars. im so use to control my speed with my legs. i know its weird but Fixed gear feels so pure that anything else feels unnatural

[@leepatty6543]

I used to have a fixed gear back in the 80’s. I’ve just bought one two weeks ago. No brakes. Thinking about going with a 16t and a 32t/34t just like the old days. Do you think the ratio is ok. Would like your opinion. Cheers.

[@szewal]

Larger chainring up front and larger gear in the back if you want to maintain that gear ratio, if you want something easy I'd recommend 18/46 or 49. If you use such a small chainring you are limiting the adjustability as the lowest cog you can use is a 13 and even 13/34 is a pretty easy ratio

[@alleneire2197]

You will be spinning a lot

[@zacharineemi]

Been riding and used to road bike for a long time. I'm scared to try a fixie coz we have steep roads here and asphalt yet I'm eager to ride a fixie tbh. nice video, sir. 🥰🥰

[@sirmixalot3332]

Just do it baby!

[@livingthroughtv]

Nice bonkers paint there, Dave-o. For what it's worth, I'm gonna suggest 47x19 - spin to win!

[@dashfasto6955]

I prefer a 48x16, some top speed and easy acceleration and deceleration. Sometimes I go even harder with a 48x13

[@tbz1551]

5:15 48x18 is a bad ratio if you skid/skip to stop or slow down as it only has three skid patches. 48x17 gives you 17 for example, way easier on your tires.

[@joshuabalmores2562]

well it is a gear ratio he is used to so we don't know he may changed to 48:17 but yeah true 48:17 is way easier on your tires

[@JLMcDC]

Great content Dave. Although track bike not my thing, but this is a really informative and entertaining at the same time. You’re hitting a niche and that’s a good thing. BTW why did you start so late? What stopped you from putting content on yt early? Cheers mate :)

[@DaveNoakes]

Jalal Maqdisi thank mate. I’m not sure to be honest. I planned to but as Juliet vlogs and I helped out with hers it was about finding the time. Glad I started it though, I really enjoy it.

[@paullacey2999]

Just started fixed gear riding,oh boy you are connected to the bike for sure!Cant skid to save myself but.....Both brakes are staying on the bike,Ive gone far enough on the darkside already....

[@vitaliygorbunov3599]

Thx for FG content =) and, btw, you've got an amazing logo

[@DaveNoakes]

Thank you 🙏🏽

[@ZacFelts]

I love, love, love riding fixed, but I basically HAVE to have clipless pedals. Riding flats+straps feels like I have zero braking power, no matter how I adjust them or what shoes I'm wearing. It's a fine setup for just milling around town, but my average speeds drop way down because I can't drag the bike to a stop like I can with clipless.

[@DaveNoakes]

Zac Felts I know what you mean, I can’t pin it in straps. Definitely prefer clipless.

[@another3997]

You realise that over 100 years ago they invented something to overcome this problem? They call them "Brakes". Stopping becomes really easy when you use them. It's why they put them on bikes, cars, trucks, buses and trains. Fancy that. 🙄

[@ZacFelts]

@@another3997 you gotta be shittin' me, that's wild

[@goonzjav]

My Cinelli Mash is by far my favourite bike, Run a 49x17 and its great for London and also hillier stuff. So much fun. Wouldnt dare no brakes though!

[@brenthackray8640]

Nice1 Dave 👍, I practised fixie riding on my 1speed freewheel by not stopping pedalling, getting my mind trained, I've been bucked off a fixed wheel years ago, not nice!🤣 oh & I run a brake, safety first 🤣🤣🤣

[@paulciccarelli1656]

Can you do a video on skidding? I for the life of me cannot skid. Tried everything.

[@silentcyclist]

It took me a few months to learn how to skid, watched all youtube videos but it didn't help. Try to learn how to skid on a slippery surface or grass. And you need straps or cliples pedals. I learned how to skid in one day, after trying 2 hard, somehow it just clicked in my head when I was going downhill on a grass. Don't worry about it, you are going to learn how to skid soon.

[@DaveNoakes]

Sure!

[@zoobenben5875]

Practice skip stopping over gravel and slowly build up your skills

[@alamfung2522]

I literally learned it on the second day

[@duncanmartin2626]

One thing to remember when transitioning to fixed - corner wide. If you try to lean it over and hit the apex, you increase your chances of getting pedal strike, and that hurts. Fixies also rock for TTing - if you are a modern rider who tends to keep in a narrow cadence then I think you need 90+ gear inches (I was using 54x15). I don't know how the old skool guys did their times on the 72" medium gear TTs - I guess they could spin like crazy.

[@ROOTrevanger]

I moved out from England a few years ago, after graduating there and spending years and years perfecting my English. And even though I'm happy to be back in my country of origin, I so f*ckin' miss those wonderful Norfolk landscapes, British sense of humour and general lack of worrying in daily situations. I came here to watch a fixie vid, but went down the memory lane instead

[@DaveNoakes]

Where did you move to? When I lived in Italy I missed all those things too!

[@ROOTrevanger]

@@DaveNoakes Warsaw, Poland

[@gregthomas2296]

Nice one Dave, thanks for this. I’ve been thinking about building a track bike. Got a single speed at the moment. Want to explore the realms of fixed gear. Cheers!!

[@1truechamp46]

I like single speed, havnt gone the full fixie yet, and not sure if I want to. To me single speed is the best of regular bike and fixie in one

[@DaveNoakes]

Single speeds are good fun, but fixed gears are just so different. There’s nothing quite like riding a fixed gear.

[@iansoutdoorsrecovery7971]

Fantastic I so want a fixed gear because of you lol all the best to you and family

[@DaveNoakes]

Thanks mate.

[@anton005]

Great video! I just started riding fixed, it is becoming addictive. Do I have to go the future to get shades like yours? Love em.

[@dreyn7780]

Fixed gear has been around for over 150 years.

[@jackdanvers3411]

Would you ever consider doing a bike packing trip on the shred sled? Obvs a short one.

[@DaveNoakes]

Tempted but it’s so hilly here it wouldn’t be too much fun climbing with a fully loaded bike. But never say never.

[@CharlesDelisle]

did that earlier this summer. definitely recommend it but be ready for a tough ride!

[@shanewimble7006]

Interesting, and enjoyable video Dave 👌. Keep up the great content buddy 👍

[@DaveNoakes]

Shane Wimble thanks mate

[@dreyn7780]

You're WRONG shane wimble. I don't want to hear another word out of you. Gossip gossip gossip that's all you do.

[@sandydennylives1392]

The doyenne of fixie 'tube land, Zack G, was off the bike for four month's with knee pain. I tried 'em but never got the hang of going downhill, so I ride single speed. I have a flip flop hub, but I fear it will never be flipped.

[@codythomas5913]

how do you feel about risers vs drops vs bullhorns? or the difference between an aero drop and a more standard pista drop bar? (and a side question just for someone that's been out of the gear game for a few years, what are the wheels you're riding?)

[@DaveNoakes]

I like all of them, I went for drops because of the classic look. I like risers for riding about town or climbing, bullhorns are also good for climbing. I won’t use Pista bars on the road as the curve doesn’t give enough room for my hands on the top. My preference is risers.

[@cuednb8566]

Cool guy, thanks for the advice!

[@cb6866]

Dude....I had a bad crash in the Alps riding those pedals!! Never again , Mate. Be safe!!

[@DaveNoakes]

That sucks, sorry to hear that. What happened?

[@cb6866]

I wasn’t paying attention , in a group, got cut off and forgot how to get out??? Yeah , knee to the pavement , opposite pedal came up behind other knee , missed the tendon by 1 MM and cut me pretty badly. Ended that day for me.

[@macchi100]

Quality video as usual Dave!! 💥👌 I love riding fixed on the roads but really I'm pushing too big a gear for the sake of feeling calmer on descents...I'm pretty sure this is moronic but I just can't convince myself 😅 Would be interested to hear your thoughts on how a beginner should approach back-braking on descents... Would you say overgear to be on the safe side (gradually increase the cadence you're comfortable keeping up with) or start with a smallish gear that needs less resistance? Sorry for the mammoth question 🤠

[@leebridgwater]

Start easy then up the size, you'll know when you've got the right gear, I went easy then to too hard and then perfect.

[@macchi100]

@@leebridgwater Interesting, thanks for this 👍

[@DaveNoakes]

JMac thats the main problem with fixed gear, if I have a gear that’s decent for climbing up spinning at 200rpm on descents. If I go harder it’s so tough to climb. I always chose the easier gearing, I’d say you’re on the right track, you need to get comfortable spinning out when descending. I can’t descend as fast with a spinny get but riding fixed isn’t always the most efficient type of cycling.

[@macchi100]

@@DaveNoakes Great stuff, thanks Dave 🙌

[@desartster71]

Great vid. Thanks.

[@DaveNoakes]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@SiklistangPagod]

Lets go been riding fixies for like almost a year now and ive been enjoying it with 50 19 gear ratio, ride sfe

[@pazuso]

Maybe 1st skill to learn is put feet in straps while rolling, then 2nd is brute force leg power to stop at an intersection from a steep downhill lol

[@DaveNoakes]

Good tips!

[@november161167]

Great to see you out on the fixed, bud...! Just one question on foot retention. Do you have any tips for getting your free foot into the strap/toe clip from a standing start...? I bought some clips last year but, after the best part of 30 mins of stop/starts and chasing the pedal with my foot but not being able to slide it securely into place, I went back to flats. I probably gave up too quickly but looking like Homer Simpson for half an hour was too much to bear, haha.

[@maxvancraen3965]

your straps might just be too tight which makes it difficult to get into. If not just practice, it becomes really natural over time.

[@november161167]

@@maxvancraen3965 Cheers, Max.

[@DaveNoakes]

I actually put a small cable tie in the rear holes of each pedal, I have the bit where you tighten it up on the outside so it grips my shoe. Does that make sense? If you’re on Instagram I can send you a photo of what I mean.

[@november161167]

@@DaveNoakes Damn, nah, I'm not on Instagram, mate :-( I think I'm getting what you mean, though....you have it set up so that the cable tie square heads protrude from the pedals rear holes and, if the pedal is not horizontal, you use the front of your shoe to locate the square head as an additional contact/reference point to move the pedal to a flat position before sliding it under the strap...?

[@keycapslapper7080]

@@DaveNoakes Wow that's a great idea, thanks! It's easy enough for me to flip my pedals up when it's dry, but once it rains I often end up riding with one strap cause I just can't get my other foot in.

[@jtlmful]

What tires would you recommend to stock up on while practicing skidding? Also need recommendation for pedal straps?

[@DaveNoakes]

So a great tyre for skidding is the WTB thickslick, it’s pretty affordable and also lasts ages. Not sure about straps tbh, I think skin grows back make some. Also Holdfast are good.

[@jtlmful]

@@DaveNoakes Thank you!

[@nguyenho9591]

Noakes = "No" Br"akes"

[@alessandropinto5204]

For all the fixies out there... I never really understood why not having at least front brakes. You might choose not to use them, and skid stop in turn, but at least they would be there, be it as a backup or to be strictly legal. Is there any particular reason to avoid the brakes?

[@sillymesilly]

Chain can also fail

[@joshhaibike1365]

The idea of fixed gear scares me 🤕 took longer enough to get used to clipless

[@DaveNoakes]

They are weird to start with but you get used to it pretty quickly.

[@hannahsmovies5612]

Whenever I now get on my normal bike after riding my fixie for a while, coasting actually kinda scares me haha. It's weird but true

[@Ray.J]

@@hannahsmovies5612 Same here. I rode a single speed yesterday and at first I wouldn't stop pedaling because of that very fact. You have to flip a switch in your brain I guess.

[@Ray.J]

Fixed gears aren't for everyone, but if you love biking, I think everyone should at least try them in order to see what all the fuss is about. You may end up hating it, but there's a greater chance you'll love it. I know I did. I began like Dave suggested, off of the street. I am lucky in that I live near a nice flat trail. Once I got comfortable with the whole thing I became quite addicted. It can have that effect on people. If I only have time for a short ride I will generally grab one of my fixed-gear bikes.

[@kentswarroom8919]

Great vid....thanks

[@DaveNoakes]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@sc4140]

Hella yea epic, Dave! Just building my fixed gear now. Cheers for the hawt tips

[@dreyn7780]

You're 150 years too slow.

[@juanpecan7089]

Fly new logo! I got into an accident on a country road on my track bike in July and since picked up a gravel bike, so haven't been back on it yet. Do you think skidding is a necessary skill? I feel like I can stop shorter keeping the wheel just on the other side of locking it up, so I ride 46:16 with 1 skid patch. But after this crash (death wobble>over the bars on a long downhill initiated by a glass spike in the back tire) it will take some practicing up to feel confident on the Undefeated again. Think it's worth going to a 17t to get lots of skid patches, and getting a hang? PS: the Surly Jethro wrench is fun and tiny.

[@stuarthenderson7354]

Excellent vid mate. Building a fixie at the moment with Enigma, can I ask for a beginner, toe straps, clips or clipless ?? cheers

[@samskisamsonof]

clips are the best after that straps and then shoe cage. i would not recommend not having any kind retainer on the pedal.

[@MrJFOuel]

Nice video. What is the drawback of riding brakeless? Weight saving is not the issue.

[@XaoChaosInitiative]

What frame are you riding? I’d love to find a fixie with that kind of paint job!

[@erlanggaprasetyo3541]

Looks like a liberty frame

[@DavosPessos]

I wanna build a fixie ( built a road bike already) and just doing my research on what to set it up with also I might set up the back with a flip flop hub ( would that be a good/bad idea ?)

[@silentcyclist]

Great idea. You are going to have 2 bikes in 1.

[@ziiwol]

Fun content there man! Watching this video makes me miss riding a fixie!!

[@dreyn7780]

Its not a fixie. Its A Track bike. There's a difference.

[@ziiwol]

@@dreyn7780 I know.

[@solomedia8914]

Thanks for the tips bro!

[@OliC2]

Loving these videos Dave. And of course Juliet’s. Keep up the good work both! 👌

[@MustardDonkey]

thanks dave

[@DaveNoakes]

Thank you

[@luman1109]

One more tip: Listen, use your ears to inform you of oncoming traffic. Never wear earbuds on a brakeless fixed gear ever. And NEVER I mean NEVER wear earbuds, how ever nice it is to listen to jams. Your ears are like eyes that can look around corners, you can hear a car approaching from atleast a 50 meter (thats about 160ft)

[@another3997]

That tip applies to all bikes, because hearing is your second most used sense, after vision. And unless you have eyes dotted around your head, you can't see everything at once, but you can hear things you can't see.

[@DesertStarr]

Can someone explain why you would want to ride a bike with no brakes? Is it lighter? aerodynamics? just curious.

[@DaveNoakes]

For me...I like the challenge it presents. It makes you ride in a different way, it’s certainly not for everyone. It sounds really cheesy but you feel really connected to the bike, the constant pedalling, having to be alert, it’s just fun.

[@jesuszuniga1257]

Hi I currently have a unknown singularity with a 48×17. Do you recommend upgrading to a 49t in the front. Also what degree on the stem do you recommend to be aero as possible.

[@weesamexpress6730]

Welding a cassette to a rear hub makes a shiftable fixie... Only problem is taking the cassette out to replace spokes

[@DaveNoakes]

I prefer the traditional method of sprocket and lockring

[@weesamexpress6730]

@@DaveNoakes can you add a lockring to a cassette?

[@brandonrifenburg4508]

I’m enjoying the bike so far kzbin.infoUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA My only real complaints are the brakes and the pedals. I feel like a bike designed for bigger people should have much larger pedals and more heavy duty brakes. I’ve only gotten two really good rides out of it, minimal downhill action, and the brakes feel like they’re already going out. A larger person has more momentum, so I think this wasn’t thought through very well. Also, I wear size 13-14 wide shoes. My feet cramp up on these pedals that are clearly made for smaller feet. Since I’m not a pro rider (and I don’t think many are who purchase this bike) I don’t think that the straps on the pedal are necessary at all. None of this takes away from the enjoyment I get from riding, however. I’ll just head to a bike shop to improve on a few things.

[@DaveNoakes]

Amazing company

[@silentcyclist]

Great video and good tips. But I prefer drinking tea instead of coffee.

[@DaveNoakes]

Coffee only just wins for me but it’s close.

[@mryotahead]

More fixed gear videos distance rides for fun!

[@dreyn7780]

Its a Track bike. It rides terrible on the road. It dies in a straight line. The Wheelbase is too short. It slows down all by itself. The front end can't return to the upright position cause the seat gets there first. The frame pushes the front end away from the upright position. Its too slow to get back to vertical position and always causes the bike to be leaning into a turn. A velodrome isjust 2 corners joined together. Track bikes are always leaning into the corner. They can't drive in a straight line.

[@whistlingoat801]

does goodyear have a durable road tire like thickslicks or gatorskin hardshell?

[@DaveNoakes]

Alex R honestly I’m not sure but I’m planning to find out.

[@sid5451]

What do you thing about bull horn bars for fixed gear?

[@DaveNoakes]

I like them

[@DavosPessos]

Could you run a 50 tooth up front with the 17/18 at back like on road bike or does it have to be 47/48 chainring?

[@DaveNoakes]

You can use any size at the front, a 50/18 would be fine.

[@bob-ny6kn]

I deliver with 53x16 in a hilly city. It takes getting used to, but you will.

[@sid5451]

Nice one Dave! Quick q : Is it safe to try skidding on spd pedals.. I'm afraid they'll unclip!!

[@garrettnalle6949]

Chances are your fine even if you do unclip

[@WyattFunk96]

You’ll want to press down equally as hard as you pull up with the opposite foot, that way you don’t destroy your knees or risk unclipping. With medium to high tension setting on SPD (not SPD-sl) you shouldn’t have an issue unclipping. With SPD-Sl, you’ll likely never unclip accidentally unless you have extremely worn down cleats.

[@WheelersAtLarge]

Not sure these old knees would be up to riding fixed and drops with no hoods must be a bit weird? Is it tops and drops only? Love the simplicity but lack the courage😂

[@thomaspopp9351]

Is more difficult to skid with a heavy bike or bigger gear ratios?

[@DaveNoakes]

Heavy bike not really but bigger ratios are harder to stop at slower speeds

[@jisu222]

I used to ride alot in my 20s especially mountain biking but my bike got stolen i never got a new one now im 44 just ordered a fixed gear/single speed. In my crazy brain i just want to rip the brakes off flip the hub to fixed and just go but my rationale side says your old now dude maybe start single speed get your road legs back then flip the hub.

[@Altimis]

Pretty random question. Did you find deep wheels unable to ride no hands? Sometime I can, sometime I can't. I have 88 super deep. I think its obvious? I have no confident when car passing by or catch a wind.

[@DaveNoakes]

I don’t get too much but have to be careful, mine are 60mm, 88 is definitely going to catch the wind sometimes.

[@dashfasto6955]

Be careful a strong side wind is enough to make you fall on your side. Once time I was able to grab my Handle bar but pulled a muscle in my arm from the force.

[@Altimis]

Its all good. I am getting used to 88 now, the handling, the wind push, the car passing close, the roughness feeling of deep wheels. I just wonder why its so hard to no hands rides on these beast. Maybe I overkill. However, on the roller I can no hands just fine. So its obvious wind push... its no fun at all to get push all the time lol Thanks guys.

[@dashfasto6955]

Altimis Nuel you can buy a set of low profile rims, but that’s personal preference.

[@Ponder_lust]

what glasses are those? looks dope

[@DaveNoakes]

SunGod Vulcan 👍🏼

[@munchies047]

Tips on how to ride fast , and for a long time ?? I try everyday to bike and it gets harder and harder each time . I can ride for 5 blocks and I will be stupid tired , and my legs will start to burn up . But, I see all these other people doing it like nothing . Is it because I’m a beginner , or is there other ways to get better ?