Fixing what does not need to be fixed.

Ever since I've started riding singlespeed, I've been interested in trying off-road fixed gear riding. I was fascinated by the tales of crazy descents and

I even had an 18T Tomicog patiently awating in my desk for more than a year. But to ride fixed, first I needed a frame that didn't require external tensioners and a rear wheel combining disc mounts with v-brake ready rims. The first problem was solved with the sliding dropouts of my Explosif frame. The second problem was solved when a few months later I picked an SS specific wheel with the required hub and rims rims mount from an online sale.

The assembly was quick. Mount an old tyre, tighten 6 screws, retension the chain and recenter the rear brake. Off to the trails.


The first impression was shocking. I tought I had forgotten how to ride a bike, it pushed me up and down incessantly, placed my feet in the wrong places at the wrong times and didn't leave a single second for me to rest.

But I insisted. First slowly without clipless pedals to gain confidence. I learned to stop gradually with my feet, to control the position of the cranks using slides. With time, everything becomes more natural and the final result is a whole new level of control over the bike.

Climbing with fixed gear is also a really cool experience. There are no dead centers and the stroke becomes more fluid. Each climb is always taken in full attack position, there is no single moment of hesitation.


In the end of my third week riding a fixed bike, I was already descending (albeit somewhat slowly) really rough terrain, including a local DH track. Once you understand the basic rules it becomes natural.

I'll probably just use the fixed gear setup occasionaly, because it is a bit slower and more tiring. But whenever I feel like having real fun in a bike, I know that I can just mount a rear wheel and hit the trails.