Touring on a fixed

Climbing, pretty much the best part of having a fixed wheel transmission.

If you're touring in the Alps why the fuck would you do it fixed?
Possibly the best ever times I have had a on a bike were the downhill parts in the alps, if my touring bike had been fixed it would've been a nightmare. I cannot conceive a single thing good about cycle touring the alps on a fixed touring bike.

Of course that's just me.

Well I'm not touring all the alps, just a few of the less challenging parts, i also find riding a freewheel no where near as fun as a fixed and would have no use for one other than this one ride. Then there would be the sense of satisfaction after doing the alps fixed.

Because it's hugely enjoyable.

The descent not so.

How?

Could run a couple of cogs on the rear to alternate if it looked like any of the descents would be seriously challenging.

Please please please make sure you have a freewheel as well, you will not enjoy descending on the fixed side.

I learnt my lesson when I have two fixed cog, a 20t and a 22t climbing gear that I never even use! next time, a 19t freewheel as well as a 20t cog.

Ed what ratio did you run most of the time?

No point having a freewheel without a back brake mind, definitely want two forms of stopping. Seta has no rear drilling.

That too, and I got an email from Dolan stating that they do not recommend drilling the rear (but admitted it is a brake bridge).

My ratio I run for Morocco is 48/20, which felt like 48/19 when laden.

Climbing, pretty much the best part of having a fixed wheel transmission.

It's personal preference I suppose. I can't say I've ever found riding up hill on a fixed hugely enjoyable compared to riding up hill on a geared bike.

Well I thought if I needed a rear brake i would not drill but have 2 tool dip coated plates on each side of the stays with a front brake and the bolt going through both to act as a clamp, not to be completely trusted with carbon I don't think though.
The thing that scares me most about this whole prospect is getting onto a really windy road and not being able to slow down enough to turn.
If it's a straight road I know that I could take my time to slow down (mentally)

^^ That is true, it is down to personal preference.

Was awful with rack and panniers I have to says.

It's personal preference I suppose. I can't say I've ever found riding up hill on a fixed hugely enjoyable compared to riding up hill on a geared bike.

I find climbing on a fixed with appropriate gearing mush easier than a freewheel bike, just power through it.

To each their own.
For me, I think it's total fucking nonsense even riding the less steep parts of the alps on a fixed touring bike. Uphills will be hard, you will have to get off and walk, downhills will be slow because you won't be able to spin fast enough.

What is this walking you speak of?

I wonder if he get off and walk...

And.... is it foolish to want to do it on a fixed wheel bicycle?

1800miles, literally pedalling the entire way, hmm...

To each their own.
For me, I think it's total fucking nonsense even riding the less steep parts of the alps on a fixed touring bike. Uphills will be hard, you will have to get off and walk, downhills will be slow because you won't be able to spin fast enough.

It's a matter of fitness and gear ratio, run one for climbing and one for descending, could be 49/20 and 49/17.

Even on fixed, I'd rather have two brakes than one.

I hear, problem would be a rear brake on a Seta, I'm not 100% sure my plan wouldn't damage the frame, last thing I'd want would be snapping the seat stays at 40mph on a decent.

Why ride a seta? it's lightness won't matter when it's loaded up

Speak to him perhaps?

http://www.fibre-lyte.co.uk/

Why ride a seta? it's lightness won't matter when it's loaded up

Might be my only option, probably won't be loaded up because we're not doing it alone and we're not touring per se.

What is this walking you speak of?

If he's not got a polo gearing he'll be walking.

Or getting off, resting, cycling for a bit, getting off, restting, cycling for a bit.....

Supported riding without carrying stuff? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

And as ed just showed, you could get a pomp or dolan fxe for about 100 quid, could always buy one and just swap your components over for the ride.

Supported riding without carrying stuff? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.

That's a different story altogether.
I'd love to do that, not on fixed though.

Hi,

Me and my friend are looking to do a bike ride in the summer, Barcelona to Gibraltar averaging 80 miles a day. We literally just fancied something different ,initially thought fixed gear, but then read your comments and others. Don't really want to be shattered going up mountains! Would you recommend a single speed freewheel instead?!