As evidenced within Fixed Gear Gallery, riding fixed is an increasingly global phenomenon, doubtless inspired by the internet’s ability to mobilise and unite like minded people. Here in the UK, riding fixed has never been so popular, not since the 1950s and early 1960s when car ownership was less prevalent and the now comparatively silent Velodromes heaved with spectators. Enthusiasts of the day, emerging from post war austerity could seldom afford a bike specifically for track duties and out of this was born a unique breed of machine known as Road/Path. These were a precision hybrid of full on track mount and road bike used for everything from club runs, time trials and as a daily driver, so needed large clearances to accommodate mudguards(fenders) and stout tyres. Ridden to the weekend track meets, they were quickly pared to the essentials and raced competitively. Sadly, like the once bustling Velodromes, these bikes are now very rare, although some frame builders will oblige with a bespoke frameset of this genre.
Fixed has since followed the tradition and influence of continental neighbours, relegated to training duties through the winter months and used as a means of developing strength what the French term “Souplesse”. Being restricted to a single gear and learning to spin high cadences were considered essential ingredients for success in the road racing season. Bikes were battle weary race mounts, stripped of all unnecessary components and relegated to training duties. This was my introduction to fixed as a teenager some twenty years ago. I bought a hard used 501 framed Raleigh training bike and rebuilt it using money saved from a paper round. I ran it winter in and winter out, night after night with a like minded classmate where we’d talk about our dreams, trying to emulate our cycling idols on the climbs, oh and philosophising- (that’s a euphemism for talking about girls in case you were wondering).
Three winters and periodic indoor trainer slavery resulted in a phenomenal mileage and noticeable chink of daylight where the head and down tubes met. Uneconomic to repair, I cannibalised the components, built a geared winter trainer around a new frame. Some fourteen years and countless miles later, I happened upon On One’s Ilpompino- in essence a cyclo cross bike with track ends that embodied the spirit of the road/path tradition. I was smitten again… After a couple of years and some serious temptation in the form of an IRO Rob Roy (the cost and hassle of importing one from the States shelved that purchase) saw me acquire an Ilpompino with 120mm rear spacing. This has undergone a steady and continual process of evolution. Presently sans guards, it sports 38mm wide rubber, offering comfort and confidence along the winding, poorly surfaced lanes which constitute the local infrastructure.
One of the fabled road path framesets has registered on my radar and I’m hoping to take delivery of said frameset very soon. Meanwhile I’ve been choosing the colour scheme and ringing round some powder coating firms for prices. This is to be a comparatively minimalist build, used as a sunny days/ time trial steed but more of this when it unfolds.
Thanks to their popularity on the messenger circuit in recent years, fixers are spoilt for choice in terms not only of complete, competent and affordable off-the-peg packages (most manufacturers have a fixer in their range but consequently components have become far more robust). Pure track hubs are super smooth but they’re not designed to repel dirt and ingress thrown up by unsympathetic city streets. Even budget hubs enjoy reasonably good seals and will stand up to the rigors of daily riding. The same goes for headsets and bottom brackets which are notoriously in the line of fire.
Messenger culture has become de-rigur and brought with it a new practicality to cycling, clothes which are stylish alternatives to Lycra and trade jerseys. I’ve nothing against looking like a refugee from the Tour De France but for more general riding I prefer something a little less conspicuous. It has also brought a new and exciting sub-culture of racing and grass roots participation.
Events for your diary: 22-24th August 2008
London’s Calling introduces the capital’s only three day Courier led bicycle racing extravaganza. An open event, meeting at the foundry in EC1 welcoming messengers and civilians alike. The original event, held in 2007 was a pre-cursor to the messenger championships in Dublin. Friday the 22nd is all about registration, top cat and an art show, Saturday the 23rd being the main day of racing sponsored by Tour De Ville, followed by an after-party. Sunday the 23rd sees the messenger Olympics, followed by Roller Plazza-high octane roller racing at the Imbibe bar situated at 173 Blackfriars Rd, Southwark, London SE1 (nearest train/tube station Waterloo). All proceeds go to the London Courier Emergency Fund.
Those seeking a more regular fix need look no further than Brick Lane where bicycle polo matches are held every Sunday at 1pm (location between brick lane and Shadwell St London E2).
Meanwhile, those in Birmingham, oft referred to as the second city might like to know there’s a regular meet every Thursday night at 6.30pm by St Philips Cathedral-so if you fancy a beer and a blast drop by.
Michael Stenning
