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Isn't it an accepted fact that fixed and gears do not work well together in the same group?
A group riding fixed has a different rhythm from a group on gears - the geared group will almost certainly descend faster, and although it may not be obvious, the fixed group may well climb faster where the gradients are not super steep, because it's necessary to keep up a reasonable cadence.
Are the 'other people' you mention above on fixed or gears?
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I've been riding fixed exclusively on the road now for about 6 years. I ride weekly with a club and regularly ride audaxes on fixed with some club members.
If I want a tough ride I'll go with the fast or intermediate group where they'll be pushing a bit but I'll be pretty much balls out the whole ride.
If I want a steady zone 2 with a few challenging climbs (which is most times now as I do the tough stuff on the track) I ride with the 'social' group. I'm aware I'm working a bit harder than they are but still maintaining my fitness and can chat and look at the scenery!
There are a few riders who like to just randomly stop pedalling once in a while on a group ride which is frustrating for me following on fixed but generally we all work pretty well together.
I'm almost 50 and will stick with fixed as long as my body will let me.
I think if I couldn't keep up with anyone or generally felt like an outcast on fixed I would probably do gears as well just to keep up the social side but as long as I can hold my own, I much prefer fixed. Not much point to make really just sharing my thoughts...
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clubman
aniki
@M_V
I wonder if some of it is to do with riding with people verdus riding alone.
The longer rides I’ve done on my ‘boring geared bike’ have been solo so the pace has been entirely at my choosing.
Riding fixed tends to be with some other people and generally my friends like to ride faster than I do so I’ll tend to be pushing myself.