Unstoppable - New York Times

Unstoppable - New York Times

Net article in the Sunday NYT on fixed gear bicycles. The multimedia link is a good audio/visual interviews with a fixed gear bike shop owner, some racers, and bicycle messengers in NYC.

I recently converted an old Bianchi frame to a single speed. It's not a true fixed gear because I have a freewheel with a single, 16 tooth gear in the rear. A true fixed gear would not freewheel - you have to pedal while the rear wheel turns. Purists brake by pedaling backwards. I have a front brake.

There is an odd pleasure about riding a single speed bike. The simplicity of the bike is very appealing. I don't even have tape on the handlebars. Next week I will tape the handlebars and put a rack on the back so I can run errands to the store more easily.

I still ride with a heart rate monitor because I'm trying to lose weight and I want to moderate my exercise, but I don't plan on installing a computer or any other accessories on the Bianchi.