A Track Bike is a Thing of Beauty
Just had the pleasure of redeeming the NYTimes in my own mind after ranting about them the other day. They did it with a great piece about fixie bikes and urban bike culture. I can tell you this, riding a track bike is really one of the most beautiful things. The machine is so elegant, so simple. It’s almost an art. And the great thing is that fixies were around a lot longer than modern geared bikes.
Truth be told, I no longer ride a fixed-gear bike. I got my front wheel caught in a trolley track and did a front header into traffic a couple years ago. Scared the bejesus outa me. I ain’t got health insurance, after all. Luckily I wasn’t hurt, but I really like the idea of brakes (so does my mama). I sold that bike to my buddy Jay who promptly got plowed by a car and smashed up his face. He still rides it, though. For better or worse!
Now, my bike is only one step removed from fixie. Brakes and a freewheel hub. I might go back, though. It’s so tempting after watching an amazing video - truly sublime - about fixie riding in San Francisco like this [via BoingBoing]:
Technorati Tags: video, trends, bikes, NYTimes, boingboing, trackbike, povertyjetset, fixedgear, biking
Add New Comment
Viewing 7 Comments
Thanks. Your comment is awaiting approval by a moderator.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Add New Comment
Trackbacks
(Trackback URL)