Commuting Distances...

ed- ride gears for a while and gearing down at stops becomes second nature. on my commutes id much rather use my index finger to click down two gears, than push a too large gear from a standing start.

i used to ride fixed all the time, as i only had a fixed and SS bike. now i have a road bike i have to admit that im riding fixed less and less. i dont live in flat london, and gears make my commute faster and more pleasurable. now i have gears i can go for those long rides in the country i tried to do on fixed, but fell short, so i only use my fixed on increasingly occasional flights of fancy.

i still like riding fixed, it has a certain a unique fun factor, but i cant see myself going back to commuting on one unless i live somewhere pretty flat, or if i was scared of theft. but hey, thats me.

I've only rode a proper geared bike (as in campag groupset, decent frame, etc.) for a day and immediately I can see how much comfortable and easier on that bike, I can imaging it get better once I get used to it.

I don't think I would enjoyed riding that geared bike had I not been riding a fixed wheel bicycles for years, it taught me to keep a smooth rythm, keeping a good cadence (choosing the right gear), getting the feel of the road a bit better, even thought it's freewheel.

going uphill, downhill, etc. is so much easier after being able to keep a good rythm and cadence.

being in London obviously I'll still ride fixed, it's easier in the central and a lots more fun as well as a better viewpoint (higher BB), I'm defintely going to find a good steel frame and build it up with modern component thought.