Do's and Don'ts for the beginner 'Fixie' riders.

Hi,

Below is a photograph of me, not so much your average 'fixie kid'. Or should I say I'm not so much now after a whole bunch of years riding and being apart of cycling.

So around 5 years ago I caught wind of a video called 'Pedal' on youtube, based around NYC messenger riders an from there as we all do I delved in to find 'Line of Sight'. Which if you haven't seen I would definitely recommend watching both at some point if you're going to be a 'Fixie' rider.

I bought my first fixed gear bike 2 days later, I was a total cliche. Tight short shorts, lock in the back pocket, usually a cool pull over jacket or no top at all in the sun and stupidly no helmet. Oh they was the days...

Right lets get back to it, I don't want this to be a reminiscing piece!

Lets keep this short and sharp,

10 Do's and Don'ts here we go....

1. First and foremost DON'T call it a 'Fixie'. Its a Fixed gear or Track bike.

2. Make sure you're comfortable on your ride, DO purchase cycling shorts and read about setting up your ride to fit you comfortably.

Elsewise you're already off to the 'I don't like riding it hurts'.

3. DON'T jump on brakeless and think its cool, it isn't. Learn to ride your bike and respect the power Track bikes have.

(Before you all ask, yes I rode a break for at least 2 months)

4. DO learn about your ride, an most definitely learn about LOCK RINGS and CHAINS as they are an extremely vital part.

5. DON'T go out an buy stupidly expensive track bikes, hit up EBAY, GUMTREE or CRAIGSLIST. Theres nothing worse than seeing 'Only ridden twice' or some crap like that. Get yourself a starter ride and you'll learn a lot more respect for bikes after you gain a bond with your first Track bike.

6. DO enjoy yourself, ride where and whenever you want. There are no rules, if you feel you want to explore cycling further as a sport let it come to you. I personally started as a fun hobby to relax after work, 5 years later I'm a full time cyclist (sponsored/unpaid) it is a life now for me.

7. DON'T be a dick, always smile or wave at other cyclists. Also ALWAYS stop and offer help if you can to another cyclist when in trouble, we need to stick together.

8. DO be aware of safety, HELMETS are cool. Lights also are rad, you can go on late night rides and they're so much fun, like on Stranger Things but without the alien crap.

9. DO drink coffee and SUPPORT your local shops, the internet shops cannot fix your bike.

10. The most important DO, DO enjoy yourself. DO NOT let anyone tell you their opinions, riding is great for our health physically and mentally. I wouldn't have come so far if I'd of listened to what people thought.

So there we have it, short sharp and straight the point.

If you're interested in Track bikes / Fixed gear lifestyle and riding please don't be afraid to email me personally 52mmcollective@hotmail.com OR @52mmcollective on Instagram!

As we're now arriving into spring I'm happy to welcome anyone into cycling with myself on rest days.

Thanks as always,

Dan.