Really minimal compared with being able to comfortably change gears as you accelerate and decelerate, IMO. And I used to carry my bike up to our house in central Padova all the time after long, hilly rides.
That's not entirely accurate. There are plenty of carbon fiber or titanium bikes that completely change your understanding of what is light with regard to a bike.
...and an expensive carbon fiber or Ti frame w/o a 10-speed cluster on the back and required shifters/derailleurs is still going to be heavier than the one-speed/fixie version.
I used to race off-road, and when racing in N. California (1994) came upon a bunch of guys racing for (iirc) Ventana/Paul -- lovely bikes, one speed (freewheeling, not fixed). For me, it was love at first sight. I had my own single-speed built up by next year, and raced it in (Canadian) National races, long cross country races (Cheakamus Challenge Squamish->Whistler), World Cup races, NORBAs, blahblahblah, and ultimately the First Annual Single Speed World Championships[1] in LA (1999).
I do it because I love it. After years and years of completive cycling, I knew "bike riding" very well, so the one-speed aspect allowed me to explore a new facet of cycling. Sort of full-circle in a really good way, if you consider that your first bike as a 3,4,5yo is probably a one-speed too. And when you want to get up a hill, you just pedal harder. I'm glad I got into it and was able to enjoy that aspect again while I'm fit. My current rig is a fixie (for last ~3-4 years). I ride it because I like it. If somebody tells you should try a fixie (or even single-speed) because it's simpler, or lighter, they're kidding themselves or lying to you. Ride it because you like it.
[1] Started and ended at a bar. Winners got tattoos; if you didn't accept tattoo, you forfeited your position. IIRC the site of next years race was determined by a rally, and the winner got to pick. The fun and joy of bicycles is (was?) alive in that culture.
davidw|14 years ago
sukuriant|14 years ago
[edit: missed a word]
bch|14 years ago
I used to race off-road, and when racing in N. California (1994) came upon a bunch of guys racing for (iirc) Ventana/Paul -- lovely bikes, one speed (freewheeling, not fixed). For me, it was love at first sight. I had my own single-speed built up by next year, and raced it in (Canadian) National races, long cross country races (Cheakamus Challenge Squamish->Whistler), World Cup races, NORBAs, blahblahblah, and ultimately the First Annual Single Speed World Championships[1] in LA (1999).
I do it because I love it. After years and years of completive cycling, I knew "bike riding" very well, so the one-speed aspect allowed me to explore a new facet of cycling. Sort of full-circle in a really good way, if you consider that your first bike as a 3,4,5yo is probably a one-speed too. And when you want to get up a hill, you just pedal harder. I'm glad I got into it and was able to enjoy that aspect again while I'm fit. My current rig is a fixie (for last ~3-4 years). I ride it because I like it. If somebody tells you should try a fixie (or even single-speed) because it's simpler, or lighter, they're kidding themselves or lying to you. Ride it because you like it.
[1] Started and ended at a bar. Winners got tattoos; if you didn't accept tattoo, you forfeited your position. IIRC the site of next years race was determined by a rally, and the winner got to pick. The fun and joy of bicycles is (was?) alive in that culture.
silentbicycle|14 years ago