by Andrew G » Wed Mar 12, 2008 4:48 pm
[quote="Mike I"]If you get this machine, do not use a freewheel under any circumstances. At least, not if you want to ride in an Andrew Green-led group.
Too bloody right, if you want a freewheel ride gears!
Some people are scared of the idea of not being able to stop pedaling but it is not a problem and actually helps teach you to look further down the road to predict earlier what might happen.
Joanna rode fixed for the first time at Calshot and was very soon riding around at the top or bottom of the steep banking comfortably.
Must have a front brake legally and also if you want to keep your knees longer than a year. Didn't think the Bianchi Pista as standard came with the front fork drilled for one, if this has one good. If not then there are clamp on brakes you can get (although I don't know from where) that clamp to the fork legs, but an easier option would be to replace the forks.
It is designed and built as a track bike so probably won't have bosses for bottle cages, and certainly won't have mountings for mudguards - if you're going to use it for winter fitness training may be worth considering.
The Pearson's Touche is a great bike but they are about £550 I think (mine was different as I was swapping bits about with my old fixie and upgrading some of the standard bits). These are designed more as a road fixed wheel bike so have a bit more relaxed geometry for comfort and also clearances for full mudguards etc. Mind you I'm still going to be taking mine to Herne Hill for the Wednesday racing.
Oh and clipless pedals aren't a problem, just use what you normally use.