Switching from fixed to geared - strange experience - is this normal?

Whilst I've enjoyed riding singlespeed for a number of years through the winter, this year I made the leap and now ride fixed. Absolutely love it and now kicking myself for not doing it sooner.

Anyhow, I'm doing a race this weekend and as such have been using the geared bike again a little bit. What I've noticed switching back to the geared bike is that having ridden fixed for a while, the cranks on the geared bike feel slightly odd, almost like the BB is a little seized, but the main thing I've noticed is that it almost feels like I'm pedalling in squares. Hard to describe but almost like the cranks stiffen up and the top of the pedal stroke i.e. 12 o'clock.

Never noticed it before and never noticed it after extended period of using the singlespeed. Is this a result of the mechanical advantage of fixed not being there i.e. the momentum of the wheel isn't pulling my crank over the top dead centre or is my BB on the way out or I've actually got cranks that spin in squares. The cranks spin freely with the chain removed btw.

I think I know the answer, but I wanted to see if anyone has experienced this.

Thanks, Damian.

Yeah, you haz bad stroke. gg ul no re

You haz longer cranks on geared bike? Am I reet?

just put loads of gravel in your cassette problems solved bruv

You haz longer cranks on geared bike? Am I reet?

Nope, both 172.5mm.

It's only a subtle feeling I have and I'm not aware of it all the time and it's not a problem as such in that it's not slowing me down or anything, but I just wondered if anyone experienced something similar.

I think you are just used to having the momentum of the rear wheel carry your pedals past the dead-spot. A few more miles on the geared bike and it will feel normal again!

Yep, reckon that too. Just didn't know if was common. Cheers.

Is the same 'feeling' present when you are hammering it, or only at mediocre/relaxed effort?

Don't notice it at full throttle or even moderate throttle. Only really noticeable when easing off. You sound like a man with a theory :-)

are you riding a high ish ratio on your fixed, are you a masher or do you spin?

if you have got used to pushing a high gearing you may now be pushing squares and this is more noticeable when you have get on a bike with a freehub. the pedals wont be taking your feet through the deadspot in your pedal action, so if you have got used to pushing not spinning you may feel it more now

It's hostile object theory. The geared bike resents the lack of attention, and is fucking with you. Unfortunately you're now in the situation where the geared bike will take a few months to win round again, and the fixed, should you ride it, will be in the initial throes of jealousy and will probably do its best to sabotage your body in some way.

The easiest solution is to sell both bikes immediately and then buy something new, making it very clear that it's the best bike you've ever had, a sentiment which will be rewarded with the gift of speed and souplesse.

Bio pace? Mine feel the same to begin with, it goes away though

are you riding a high ish ratio on your fixed, are you a masher or do you spin?

if you have got used to pushing a high gearing you may now be pushing squares and this is more noticeable when you have get on a bike with a freehub. the pedals wont be taking your feet through the deadspot in your pedal action, so if you have got used to pushing not spinning you may feel it more now

Good question. I ride 48/18 so a medium gear I guess. Used to be a masher but these days I spin a lot more (particularly since riding more SS/fixed). Only time I mash now is on the climbs when riding fixed! Even my race bike is 50/34 and 13/26 so I don't have the option of big gears on that.

It's hostile object theory. The geared bike resents the lack of attention, and is fucking with you. Unfortunately you're now in the situation where the geared bike will take a few months to win round again, and the fixed, should you ride it, will be in the initial throes of jealousy and will probably do its best to sabotage your body in some way.

The easiest solution is to sell both bikes immediately and then buy something new, making it very clear that it's the best bike you've ever had, a sentiment which will be rewarded with the gift of speed and souplesse.

Interesting idea. Not sure it helps me with my OP but I think you've solved my conundrum regarding my wife and girlfriend :-)

Bio pace? Mine feel the same to begin with, it goes away though

Ah! I'm not alone. Thanks.