If you didn't know, a fixed-gear bicycle lacks the freewheel mechanism, which means it cannot coast -- if the wheels are turning, so are the pedals. Most bikes of this type are also single-speed. The combination makes them lighter, but also more challenging to ride. It's a purist thing.
It's also a cool kids thing; the bikes have recently become potent signifiers. Ride one and what you're saying is "Hey, check out my social milieu!"
Ayyyhnnyway. Guess what I came across in Seoul, near the artsy Hongik University, at that parkette frequented by a mix of punks, hip-hop thugs and club kids that is often venue to live music and booze picnics.
I got to ride one. The owner's sole instruction: "Slow." These machines are not cheap. They were definitely being shown off more than they were being ridden. If you're sexy and you know it...
We got treated to some noraebang nearby, and of course the bikes joined us. They parked right in the song room, no questions asked. It was another example of a certain laxness exercised here that I really, really want to export to North America.
Korea Sparkling? How about Korea, Yeah Dude Whateeevs, Just Take Your Shoes Off When Appropriate.
If you have any tips for cyclists in Incheon/Seoul (where to buy, where to ride), let me know.
If you're on facebook there's a bit of a group happening there; it's just called 'Cycling in Korea'
and you can find it at this link:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=552616005&v=info&viewas=552616005#/group.php?gid=11799660100
Don't know how many single speed types there are, but you never know 'till you jump on in.
This was a big fad in San Francisco...not just having the bike but playing the look. The boys would wear tight jean pants and a t-shirt...
The one I used to have when I measured less than 5 feet was of this kind. I remember I had to pull my feet up to go coaster.
justin, sturmey make in-hub gears.. and for a short period in the 60s i think they made a 3 gear fixed.
those hubs are very rare and hard to find... but you can use a standard 5wpeed or 3speedd (if manufactured before a certain date - i forgot), and convert it to a 2speed or 4speed fixed respectivly.
this will require some mechanical know-how though.
i think sheldon brown wrote about it? --> google him.
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