Doubts

but actually you have so much more control at low speeds I think I'd find it harder on a freewheel now.

Yes - I was thinking about that. For example, Bike Polo must require extraordinary control and various speeds, and most people use fixed bikes for that - so it's just about getting used to it.

65-70gi, spin to win! Why stress your knees? Kentish ten to Waterloo, have done this many times, fix would be perfect for that (epsc the central section). Also, a good ergonomic laptop rucksack would be fine for the amount of kit you are carrying.

Not going to lie I hated riding fixed gear when I actually got my first bike and started riding it a lot. But one day something just clicks. I didn't have a choice it was my only form on transportation so I kept riding and one day just felt like I could ride forever. And the getting your left foot in will get easier with practice. i was that person without them for ages just because I couldn't get the hang of it. And Hills become fun, again with a bit of practice.

65-70gi, spin to win! Why stress your knees? Kentish ten to Waterloo, have done this many times, fix would be perfect for that (epsc the central section). Also, a good ergonomic laptop rucksack would be fine for the amount of kit you are carrying.

Could you advise a route? Also, any recommendations for a rucksac?

I've got a eastpak which is good, can't remember the model, but I found it on the rucksack thread on here so have look. Routes, I just went ketish town rd, Camden st, evershot st and go strainght until you hit the strand, then go over the Waterloo bridge. It's not the quietest of routes but is the fastest.

if you're worried about losing control going downhill fully loaded, why not just fit a pair of brakes? you don't have to use them, but it might be nice to know they're there in an emergency.

if you're worried about losing control going downhill fully loaded, why not just fit a pair of brakes? you don't have to use them, but it might be nice to know they're there in an emergency.

Are 105 brakes much better than Sora? I've always wondered if there is a huge amount of difference. I've read that the difference between Ultegra and Dura Ace is minor, but not so sure about the differences between Sora, Tiagra, and 105.

Don't buy below 105 would be my recommendation. They are affordable.

Are 105 brakes much better than Sora? I've always wondered if there is a huge amount of difference. I've read that the difference between Ultegra and Dura Ace is minor, but not so sure about the differences between Sora, Tiagra, and 105.

to be honest i have NFI. i run a Tiagra front brake on my fixed, and it's fine and dandy. Have never used Sora so I don't know how much difference there is. I assume that for each step you get incremental improvements in weight, finish, durability and a little bit of performance, but don't take my word for it.

Thanks, guys! I am thinking of getting a new brake, and will probably go with 105. Maybe get some fancy pads, too.

Going smoothly downhill comes with practice. First time I went down a steep hill was a bit hairy, but now I barely need to use the front brake on the steepest hills

on the budget end, ever thought of building a conversion yourself? it's cheap to try you can easily end up with more than half of your 500quid budget left.
if you're not savvy with the mechanics ignore me.

on the budget end, ever thought of building a conversion yourself? it's cheap to try you can easily end up with more than half of your 500quid budget left.
if you're not savvy with the mechanics ignore me.

Definitely an option - I've built bikes before. I also have an old bike i could use - but the frame is heavy, and bars and wheels and brakes utterly hosed, so it'd be more or less a complete rebuild.

I have considered looking out for a reasonable frame on ebay, and perhaps some other kit. Also looks as if stuff may come up on this forum.

However it looks expensive to me - eg:

Frame + Forks: £100 (or free if I use the clunky old thing)
Bars/stem/tabe/headset:£50
Brakes:£50
Cranks:£50
Front wheel (including dynahub): £120
Real wheel + sprocket: £120
Chain:£10
Seat/post:£40
Pedals:£30
Mudguards/rack:£50

Total: £620 - before I spend any time making it.

Or am I completely missing the point?

I don't think you'll pay prices like these if you hang around here for long enough. I got a pair of Mavic Open Pros on ambrosio hubs, plus gatorskin tyres and tubs for £130. Fair prices abound if you have the patience (cue music).

Definitely an option - I've built bikes before. I also have an old bike i could use - but the frame is heavy, and bars and wheels and brakes utterly hosed, so it'd be more or less a complete rebuild.

I have considered looking out for a reasonable frame on ebay, and perhaps some other kit. Also looks as if stuff may come up on this forum.

However it looks expensive to me - eg:

Frame + Forks: £100 (or free if I use the clunky old thing)
Bars/stem/tabe/headset:£50
Brakes:£50
Cranks:£50
Front wheel (including dynahub): £120
Real wheel + sprocket: £120
Chain:£10
Seat/post:£40
Pedals:£30
Mudguards/rack:£50

Total: £620 - before I spend any time making it.

Or am I completely missing the point?

Thats a rather expensive build. My commuter fixed cost about £200 all up. Brought a complete old 10 speed bike from e-bay for £100 and spent $40 on a second hand wheel from the might forum, then picked up crank set, chain and bottom bracket for around £60 from e-bay and shops. Left with a bike that is fine for a 10mile commute through London and i don't have to worry about leaving locked up at stations and stuff. For the price your looking at you could have to cheap conversion bikes, one for each section of your journey then no need to fuck around with bikes on the train during peak hour.

My 2p's worth... I'm on day three of riding fixed - it's quite a come-down, having got very fast through central London on a Specialized Sirrus.

I'm taking it in stages: I wimped out and swapped out the toestrapped pedals for 'normal' ones. Once I'm comfortable weaving in & out of traffic and going at speed, I will then learn to trackstand, then (some weeks later!) I will master being strapped in. Trying to do everything once is a headfuck.

Straps are handy though as I discovered earlier today when I spun out going under the Hyde Park Corner underpass. Thank god for my front brake.

For any mods reading, might it be a good idea to have a section of the forum dedicated to learning fixed / going fixed for the first time??

If you dont like fixed, why ride fixed?

Sounds like a basic 5-8speed touring bike is what you want.

If there are things about fixed you like, just persevere, experiment with gearing, get some brakes & better fitting clips/clipless.

Youll soon adjust, youll be spinning down hills with souplesse in no time.

For any mods reading, might it be a good idea to have a section of the forum dedicated to learning fixed / going fixed for the first time??
Mods?

Yes, every good mod knows that riding fixed for the first time requires fewer dexys. *Moderators *have a different opinion.

Cope I'd say run a rear brake even if you go fixed if you're using panniers. Run the bike single speed if you don't end up liking fixed. I've run panniers fixed touring before and it was fine though, I only wish I had a rear brake, bt it was only for a week so not worth it.

Consider a on one on one pompino, cheapish bike, good brakes, relaxed geometry, will take a rack, sound perfect for you.