Some well needed advice for a first time lady riding fixed?

Ok so after ridding into work for the last 6 months on a really crap bike I decided to get my self a beautiful 2nd hand converted condor fixed. I have only just started ridding it (this morning to work) and to be honest am finding it a little harder than thought. Do you have any useful tips to stop me crashing into the backs of taxis or flying over the handlebars? I have toe straps as never really liked slipping in but do you think they are better to use? I did 5 miles this morning and my legs are killing me-
Any input would be great.
Thanks

Charlie.

; )

It's mainly a question of getting used to it, because:
a) You'll keep getting surprised by the kickback when you can coast, and this will hurt your knees slightly to start with.
b) Over your usual distance your legs will make possibly up to double the number of revolutions that they did previously so it might be more tiring.
As said, the good news is that you get used to it. I'd have recommended initially practising over shorter distances to familiarise yourself. As far as traffic goes, look a bit further ahead, look for gaps and avoid sudden movement. Before long it will all be second nature. Enjoy!

i agree, keep commuting on your old bike for a bit and practise fixed somewhere safe in the evenings.
it gets easier.

not sure if you have a brake, but get one to start. what gearing has it got? ie 46T front 18T rear, would be a nice commuter.

i switched from straps to clipless/cleats and found i had more controll over the pedal stoke = more controll when reducing speed and more force when accelerating. just practice cliping in and out. do you have a front break??? thats generally a good thing to stop you from flying in to the back of taxis..as for your legs killing you..is that good ache from work out, if so thats good.

Brakes, yes, brakes will make all the difference. And clipless pedals.

Best thing is to take it out at the weekend and spend a nice leisurely day riding it, without trying to take it anywhere fast. By the end of that you'll have the feel of riding fixed. Fun!

And welcome :)

thanks - yeah have one front brake. yeah my legs are killing me but a good pain for sure.
all ready got rid of the old bike so maybe will train it half way to start- its going down hill's that gets me.
did love that i got smiled at by at another fixed ridder today though, all most makes the leg pain's worth it......

could be that the gear is too big? i reckon you'll be fine by the end of the week. and watch out for those sluttish male riders who see a lady riding fixed as a vision of untold beauty...

have fun, join one of the rides or come to polo...

Exactly what PJ said!

true peejay. but really how many fixed chics are in london? i'd be lucky to get to double figures (which you could see blokes in 1 day). seriously though, the more the better i say!!

charlie1, the guys were probably checking out the bike, most are bike nerds (well the ones on here!) :p

also, post a pic of your ride in the sticky above.

Hi Charlie,
I'm a recent convert too, gotta say it felt very natural right from the off...
I was building up two bikes (one SS, one fixed), the fixie was finished first so started riding on that one... Loved it so much that the SS also became a fixie (flatmate got my ENO freewheel!)... I'm riding 48:17 on one and 46:17 on the other, the 46 is definitely easier on the knees for a newb... Considering getting my old Sidis and eegbeaters out cuz I think it'll give more control and definitely be more efficient when pedalling... I also don't like riding with toe clips on both pedals (I just strap the right foot in), feels much safer in traffic...
My journey to work is only 4 miles each way and, to be honest, I wish it was a much, much longer ride!
Enjoy!

peejay78 could be that the gear is too big? i reckon you'll be fine by the end of the week. and watch out for those sluttish male riders who see a lady riding fixed as a vision of untold beauty...

have fun, join one of the rides or come to polo...

great by me-

where is polo???? can any one play? i saw it in brazil on bike's last year looked fun.

check out the locations at top of screen 1pm but sliding towards 3pm recently at the top end of brick lane bethnal green end

thanks ; )

dicki is pretty good at polo too..

if you want another girl to ride with my work mate and i are all ways up for a girl's ride. if you fancy we could do sunday then take you to polo- we have not been yet eaither? not sure if they can cope wit 3 girls though : )
lol

where do you live???? have whispered you my number feel free to call us.

My Lady has just started riding fixed, she loves it, actually i was happy to see her learn to skid on holiday last week, she can also ride sitting on the handlebars pretty good,
boast actually i reckoon she might be better than me :P, shes taken to it amazingly

millierider if you want another girl to ride with my work mate and i are all ways up for a girl's ride. if you fancy we could do sunday then take you to polo- we have not been yet eaither? not sure if they can cope wit 3 girls though : )
lol

where do you live???? have whispered you my number feel free to call us.

can i come ; )

millierider if you want another girl to ride with my work mate and i are all ways up for a girl's ride. if you fancy we could do sunday then take you to polo- we have not been yet eaither? not sure if they can cope wit 3 girls though : )
lol

where do you live???? have whispered you my number feel free to call us.

I'm pretty sure we can :-)

@ matt NO !

too many blokes already !! we need more laydeez

millierider if you want another girl to ride with my work mate and i are all ways up for a girl's ride. if you fancy we could do sunday then take you to polo- we have not been yet eaither? not sure if they can cope wit 3 girls though : )
lol

where do you live???? have whispered you my number feel free to call us.

Hey Millie,
great lets do it. got your number sent you mine. maybe we could start a lady's forum ; )

matt your welcome to-

yeah got it-
we are out tonight if you fancy the ride back with me?

matt you can definately come.

charlie1 [quote]millierider if you want another girl to ride with my work mate and i are all ways up for a girl's ride. if you fancy we could do sunday then take you to polo- we have not been yet eaither? not sure if they can cope wit 3 girls though : )
lol

where do you live???? have whispered you my number feel free to call us.

Hey Millie,
great lets do it. got your number sent you mine. maybe we could start a lady's forum ; )[/quote]

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