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Last week i had 3 punctures on my fairly new but crappy off the peg Conti Ultra Race tryes that came with the bike (Genesis Flyer). They were all in different places so my ropey mechanics cannot be blammed.

The existing ones are 23mm but i was wondering if 25mm would help - especially with the crappy pot-holed London road or is it just a case of getting something with better puncture resistance.

What do all you guys and gels ride on?

Like a baby learning to walk, i'm still struggling to get the hang of this fixed melarcy. I'm getting there but i've noticed slightly stiff/sore calves. Because i'm no longer freewheeling, I am using those calf muscles a lot more - or am i just a wuss.

Yes - It's getting a bit better but still awkard and fumbling around like a 14-year-old boy trying to undo a bra.
On the way home last night managed to keep feet on the pedals and this morning with the clipless was better as concentrating on slowing down gently etc.
But starting off was a mare. My pedals natuarlly fall clip in side down so really struggled to get the other foot in after the lights. I know ideally i shouldn't take pedals out but i'm a few weeks away from having the confidence to to try a track stand so any tip on how to get my bloody feet in?

[FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial][SIZE=2]First time ride on my fixed today (with brakes and everything). [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial][SIZE=2]Bloody hell - is it always this tricky? Had trainers rather than clips as walked to bike shop but even setting off was weird as pedals went off without me. I was left floundering at the lights. 1st efforts at braking we strange and did it too hard and legs came off pedals, likewise 1st attempt at sitting back down after honking up a hill and then on my first down hill went over a bump and legs came off and pedals carried on at 25mp. [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial][SIZE=2]I feel like my seven-year-old daughter (excpet she's just got a bike with gears!) [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial][SIZE=2][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=2]Will try with the clips tomorrow. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=2]Please tell me it will get easier. [/SIZE][/FONT]
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As you've all been v helpful to a novice, the least i can do - if anyone is still interested - is let you know my decision cue drumroll.............the Genesis.
Evans are going to have to order it in so should have it in next 2-3 weeks or so. And look like will have to be green as no more white left. In fact chap at Evans said very few left around at all and they are not making it in 2010!

I'm definitely sold on the fixed idea. I will get one, you have my anonymous cyber word. But i'm going to find a Genisis to test ride 1st before deciding so it will be a week or so yet

Did some test rides at Evans today - they were pretty helpful. Paddy and Charge too heavy, Fuji was too track for me. I kow i'm going to ridiculed for being uber-uncool by i quite liked the Langster Polish.
But the Langster was a 58 at felt too high at the front end and annoying they didn't have a Gensis to test.
I think it is Langster V Genisis - i'll have to get some more test rides in.
My 'perfect' size is a 57 so with a fixed am i better to go down to a 56 or try to lower the front of a 58. Or does geometry make a differnce to that too. Questions questions i know.

I'm loving all your expert advice - makes me want to get onboard the fixie ride.

Off to Evans tomorrow for a few test rides but in the meantime a few random thoughts - Evans, don't do the Ridgeback, I quite like the green of the Flyer (although yet to see it in the flesh) and no one seems to have mentioned the Kona Paddy Wagon which my man at my LBS recommended me.

The Fuji looks good but as a 1st time fixie whose handling skills are pretty ropey and i fancy trying to use it for the odd winter club ride, i need brakes....badly.

I very tempted to dip my toe into the fixed/single speed world. I commute every day on my racer but reckon fixed will be fun, help with the cadence etc for my racing/sportives etc, save on the repairs and mean i can leave the bike locked up outside the pub a bit more (well that's my excuse).

I know if could go down the 2nd hand route but i'mcrap at mechanics and while i'm just starting out in the fized world i reckon the virtual half price Ride2Work scheme is for me. My work is signed up to the Evans Ride2Work scheme so i'll have to pick one from them. Full list here http://www.evanscycles.com/categories/complete-bikes/single-speed-bikes/single-speed-road-bikes

I'm looking for a road-style with drop handle bars, probably a flip/flop hub and at this stage i'm not too bothered about it being 'cool' or personalising it (especially as my mechanical skills are non existant). My racer has a compact geometry already and ideally i'd like something that i could take on the odd winter club ride too.

I was erring towards a Langster (cheapest), Charge or Genesis Flyer but nothing more expensive.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Usain Bolt V Mark Cavendish - bring it on.

Did your mole at Specialised happen to say Evans will sell it? My Ride2Work scheme only deals with them!

Happened to me a few times - once in Regents Park when i got 'off' with a lecture and a warning and once inthe City when i got a £30 fixed penalty and a lecture! City cops don't seem tohave much else to do, others you just have to be lucky.

I just turned up (by bike of course), had a few beers, watched a bit of racing and wobbled home - great night out.

Wow - nice!