I don't think 55 is too old to start experimenting. Maybe you could borrow a bike to try it out? Try to find something around 65 to 70 gear inches, that seems to be the range that most riders settle into.
Stick to flat terrain to start and yes, you can ride with flat pedals and normal shoes. But simple pedal straps can help the pedals from "getting away from you" on descents and on climbs the ability to pull up on the back pedal stroke is advantageous. I currently am using very simple straps that are fairly loose so they are easy to get in and out of and I don't feel trapped.
I'm actually most comfortable on a fixed gear bike in traffic. Since my bike has both rim brakes and the braking power of my legs, I have more control of my speed on the fixed than any of my coasting bikes.
Fixed gear riding isn't everybody's idea of a good time, but I find it to be my favorite kind of riding.
Hi Sekhar,
ReplyDeleteI don't think 55 is too old to start experimenting. Maybe you could borrow a bike to try it out? Try to find something around 65 to 70 gear inches, that seems to be the range that most riders settle into.
Stick to flat terrain to start and yes, you can ride with flat pedals and normal shoes. But simple pedal straps can help the pedals from "getting away from you" on descents and on climbs the ability to pull up on the back pedal stroke is advantageous. I currently am using very simple straps that are fairly loose so they are easy to get in and out of and I don't feel trapped.
I'm actually most comfortable on a fixed gear bike in traffic. Since my bike has both rim brakes and the braking power of my legs, I have more control of my speed on the fixed than any of my coasting bikes.
Fixed gear riding isn't everybody's idea of a good time, but I find it to be my favorite kind of riding.
OK, many thanks. Will see what can be done.
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Sekhar