Your first time...

So I finished my first build late last night and decided to ride it work this morning (also, I cannabalised my road bike to build it, so had no option). I made it from chelsea embankment to oval tube before the slack chain of death jammed my rear wheel and provoked a short-soiling skid. Didn't fall over, sorted chain and finished my ride. And it was glorious. No slower than with gears (timed it to see), and it even seemed easier in terms of effort.... Why haven't I done this earlier??

My first time was on my flat mates Bianchi Pista. No brakes, flat plastic pedals. It felt fantastic. My first real time, I fell over at a junction (hadn't gotten used to clips).

Why haven't I done this earlier??

Because you're a wannabe. Although you should probably now change your screen name to Be.

I too finished my first bike build late last night! Haven't riden it out yet but might take a set of spanners with me now ;)

tempted to put a pic of it here and see what (^constructive) abuse I can get?

My first time was on my mate sheepboys bike riding back from the pub. I hassled him so much he eventually let me have a go after telling me I'd definitely stack it.
I made it 400 yards round the corner where i really started enjoying the feeling of riding fixed and then forgot i couldn't stop pedaling. My friends found me in a heap on the floor, bike on top about 30 seconds later. Been riding fixed for a year now

All over very quickly, slightly painful and a bit of a let down?

Update -- just cycled back (seven miles Lewisham-Victoria) and the cycling gods smiled on me -- not much traffic about, all the lights went in my favour, and it was brilliant. A lovely introduction to riding fixed. Although I did graze a pedal in one corner, which was hairy.

I'll stick photos of my beater up in the relevant section when I get round to photographing it

smug and proud like a new parent

Glorious and disappointingly short, the second time around...

When i first got my bike i initial wanted to run it as a single speed, as i have flip flop hub with fixed on the other side. El squire could not fit the rear brake caliper, because the clearance on the back wheel of my conversion was so small. Had to go fixed out of default.

I new i could not stop pedaling, so i pushed on through. I didn't fall off, but fallen for my new bike.

1986- i think

All unitentional, I built up a frame with 120mm oln and then brought a fixed wheel and sprocket from a jumble in Muswell Hilll

Then I rode over to the eastway and practised riding it . It was sunday afternoon in July and the eastway was empty . Though back then cycling in london was a made up of three masonic lodges, the clubmen on tubs, the LCC actvists and the CTC. None of whom spoke too each other never mind rode together. Moutain bikes were emerging but they were too odd to comprehend . To ride fixed was to be very singular.

...first time? My legs continuously screamed "what the fuck is this!" and lurched around like some kind of stubborn child.

my first time fixed was on a bianchi pista owned by dogsballs.

building up a bunch of speed and then trying to coast down the busiest road in nottingham and bouncing up and down before thinking - shitters i need to carry on pedalling.

I went to germany on an exchange trip whilst in school (must've been around 14-15) and was given a fixed delivery bike (his dad was a butcher) for the journey to his school one morning.. Funnily he didn't tell me anything about it so I tried to coast and got a bit of a shock

I went to germany on an exchange trip whilst in school (must've been around 14-15) and was given a fixed delivery bike (his dad was a butcher) for the journey to his school one morning.. Funnily he didn't tell me anything about it so I tried to coast and got a bit of a shock

I remember riding bikes with coaster brakes when on holidays in Austria - at the time I thought pulling massive skids on them was probably the raddest thing I could ever do!

building up a bunch of speed and then trying to coast down the busiest road in nottingham and bouncing up and down before thinking - shitters i need to carry on pedalling.
Yeh, I had that exact same sensation, it felt very odd. I haven't yet tried to stop pedalling mid-corner but I'm sure it's only matter of time before I do. Which I imagine will mean road rash? I keep looking at my bike and thinking how damn cool it looks compared to my racer, which is strange cos I wanted an ugly bike no-one would try and nick. Of course, when I get photos up, I'll probably be told in no uncertain terms that it is in fact extremely hideous. It is just like parents with ugly babies, isn't it? Your own is always the nicest!

[FONT=Trebuchet MS]Had to build up to this in the park with some expert guidance from a few chums. Just about getting the hang of it, but by gosh is it fun! Only downside is I can’t imagine riding clipped in and really don’t want to lose my prised sidi boots! Does anyone ride clipped in? And tips for a novice?[/FONT]
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[FONT=Trebuchet MS]Cheers and happy riding.....................[/FONT]
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First time was at a couple of Herne Hill inductions in 2003 (I think--might have been 2004). Loved it, although it wasn't the easiest ride as I had terrible knee problems at the time. I didn't get a bike to fit me, either. This was before they got their new stock of Fujis in and they had very few large-framed bikes.

wockawocka clipped in is for the win. more control, innit. safer, faster, more fun.

My first time was one week ago, was really weird, nearly got thrown out of my seat a few times! Had a few goes since then, and its getting progressively more normal. Still haven't worked out how to stop with the back wheels properly, but it's a pretty awesome experience.

I'm riding clipped in, and I'm able to slow down brakeless, but I've only managed a tiny skid (late night, wet road, nobody to watch me flailing about!). I can't imagine riding with no foot-restraint, clips or straps.

building up a bunch of speed and then trying to coast down the busiest road in nottingham and bouncing up and down before thinking - shitters i need to carry on pedalling.

Mansfield Road or Carlton hill?... by any chance?

my first time fixed was on a bianchi pista owned by dogsballs.

You poor, poor guy. Therapy costs must be as horrific as the incident itself.

My first time i got carpet burn on my knees!

my first time fixed was on a bianchi pista owned by dogsballs.

Did he catch you nicking it?