Jack's Fixie Obsession | Stupid But Fun Gravel & Hill Climb Fixed Gear Bikes

Рет қаралды 62,594

3 жыл бұрын

Fixed gear bikes - depending on whom you ask, they're a great way to train or a dumb hangover of circa-2008 messenger culture that refuses to die and is only good for Instagram likes. Assistant editor Jack Luke embraces them as both and, in this video, he talks us through two very different takes on the genre 💥💪
The first bike - a State Undefeated - is a regular on the BikeRadar channel, having featured in both the 2018 and 2019 editions of hill climb diaries. The bike has received a thorough update for the 2020 season and Jack talks through everything new on the bike 🆕⚠️
The Surly Steamroller is an altogether different and bewilderingly niche bike, featuring flat bars, rim brakes and 40mm tyres... oh and, of course, a fixed gear drivetrain. This is one of Jack's all-time favourite bikes and he talks us through why 🌹👏
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Пікірлер: 230

@makkomise 3 жыл бұрын

Fixed gear is stupid and pointless, and i freaking love riding one. Been commuting on fixed gear (with a front brake mind you) for over 10 years, and it still makes a smile on my face every freaking morning no matter the weather. No other bike can do that for me. And of course the fact that there's less maintenance/less breaking parts to worry about, is a bonus.

@cornishalps9870 3 жыл бұрын

I agree, fixies are so fun I've only done two rides on mine it's definitely very stupid and pointless, while on a freewheel I could aero tuck up to 40mph on the fixed I'm on the brakes spinning at 160rpm at 32mph

@queertales 3 жыл бұрын

I bought a used fixed gear bike a few years back, and it really got me back into riding just for sheer fun. Sure, they're the most impractical stupid bikes you can get, they're not the fastest downhill, hopeless up hills and are basically the same bikes as the 1880s safety bicycles, but they're just so much fun ride. I read about some research that said that religions that put a lot of restrictions on their followers have more adherent followers., so maybe it's the same thing with fixed gear bikes and riders. With all the limitations of the bike, we just love them all the more.

@kristyy420 3 жыл бұрын

fixed gears have no business being as fun to ride as they are! i still adore my fixed commute to work

@marklewis1884 Жыл бұрын

Well said sir

@wallacepelletier698 Жыл бұрын

I'm 61 years old and still ride fixed gear and I'll ride them till the day I die. The first time I rode fixed gear all those years ago for me it was love at first ride. I loved then and I love it even more now.

@armyfreak1367 16 күн бұрын

Wild flex but alright rock on

@GeekonaBike 3 жыл бұрын

Oh, I think there are Way more than 10 of us. On this side of the pond we call them TrackloCross bikes. #PureFun

@TheBRad704 3 жыл бұрын

At least 12 of us

@balazsnagy5781 3 жыл бұрын

tracklocross worldwide!

@AdrianHansenBikes 3 жыл бұрын

The perfect unpretentious fixie video, truly. The messed up collar is really just the icing on the casual cake

@bikeradar 3 жыл бұрын

Haha! I didn't realise it was like that till after the video - the mic dragged it into scruff-central.

@christiankilleen7626 3 жыл бұрын

Yes! Definitely want to see that long distance flat bar aero fixie adventure!

@Wolfman1250s 3 жыл бұрын

Christian Killeen yep definitely. I remember see the pics and story on Jack’s Insta

@stinkypete3900 3 жыл бұрын

Another vote to see that adventure!

@datdudeinred 3 жыл бұрын

It looks like the editor of this video misses joe already.. Miss him myself too... Especially Jack & joe's favourite series.

@bikeradar 3 жыл бұрын

While I miss working with him, you’ll be pleased to hear we still live very close by, so the BikeRadar family is still together!!! Thanks for your comment, Jack xxxx

@datdudeinred 3 жыл бұрын

@@bikeradar awww hehe never thought i will say that on a bike radar comment.. But nice to know... Great news as I could feel the friendship between you two in the videos sadly that won't be there but still no worries...

@emmber19 3 жыл бұрын

I built my fixie out of parts that people discarded at the bike shop I worked at. I built the rear wheel from a pair of trashed wheels (good hub on one, good rim on the other), got the frame from a dumpster, and the fork from a crashed carbon frame. I had the other parts lying around and boy oh boy, trashbike is perhaps my most ridden bike. All I ever bought were a pair of tires for the winter here in cleveland.

@anton005 3 жыл бұрын

Recently converted my geared cross-check to fixed gear, I've been cycling for decades and this has been the most fun and exciting riding since I was 5 and learning the two wheeler.

@vinsona20 3 жыл бұрын

Hahahahaha!!! I appreciate this video so much. I have a Specialized Allez Red Hook Crit edition fixed gear bike that’s like with carbon wheels and stupidly dumb stiff light components and a Mash Steel frame with tubeless gravel wheels on it. Love both of them for totally different reasons.

@Mwindefeldt 3 жыл бұрын

I am sooo inspired for a stupid (perfect) winter commuter now. Thank you! I haven’t been this stoked to build wheels or ride fixed, but now I am, in a BIG way. Thanks!!!

@jonburnell532 3 жыл бұрын

I absolutely love your Undefeated! It looks amazing. And as for aero bars on a flat bar, some people will always protest against the norm. But if its comfortable, then more fool them.

@spencerclayton7692 3 жыл бұрын

Recently built up a free wheel steamroller with 650 x 47 wheels. It's an absolute beast and I ride it primarily on single track. Granted, I do live in a VERY flat area but it's big fun. Love your build!

@bikeradar 3 жыл бұрын

Fixed gear bikes - frivolous fashion statement or fabulous fun? ⚠️What do you think of Jack's bikes? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! 🧙‍♂️🏆

@maximilliandickens96 3 жыл бұрын

Fixies were rendered irrelevant with the invention of the free hub. Insisting on using one is just pointless and dangerous.

@RoryMacdonald-pfff 3 жыл бұрын

My 2c. Sorry dude (or whoever cares on your marketing/biz side) - way way too many adverts interrupting the flow. Ditched viewing this vid 3 times and came back, but ultimately didn’t make it much past half way before doing something else with my time. Shame - was a fun vid.

@ewanjshort 3 жыл бұрын

Maximillian Dickens. Have you ever ridden one?

@maximilliandickens96 3 жыл бұрын

Ewan Short yes, on a track.

@simonpowell2559 3 жыл бұрын

Cycle technology has come on leaps and bounds. Why on earth would you want to go back 150 years? I just don't get it.

@l.d.t.6327 Жыл бұрын

I really love these kind of videos where you go into detail about the build! I was looking for fixed / freewheel hubs / wheels with some requirements, e.g. wide rims with a braking surface (for rim brakes) to fit wider tires, nicely sealed hubs to withstand adverse weather, and some ideas to build a superlight single speed bike. I thought nobody else had the same ideas (because I don't find many wheels with my requirements on the market...), but it turns out you got exactly what I was looking for! I really dig those components: I love Surly bikes, having build up one for my brother, you made some excellent choices (e.g. the Mack hubs, extralite stem, EE brakes, Paul components,...) and I am fully convinced both bikes are a joy to ride. Thanks for the video.

@rafaelpierluisi1430 3 жыл бұрын

Love my Steamroller. Only bike I have. Set up for gravel. Pure awesome.

@peckermusic 3 жыл бұрын

Bought a very 'lived in' fixie for £108 this summer and absolutely love it. Cleaned it up, changed the bars, brake levers and cables, stem, saddle and now it's my favourite bike to ride.

@richardstratton4993 3 жыл бұрын

Nailing a short climb with the right gear on a super-light fixed build is cycling nirvana for me. Nothing better.

@baronvonhoughton 3 жыл бұрын

Being honest fixies scare me! Fair play to you fixey bravehearts.

@MAGAIVER 3 жыл бұрын

there’s nothing too crazy about them, fixed gear riders like to overhype how “dangerous” they are. A fixed gear bike with brakes is very easy to ride.

@nickc4716 3 жыл бұрын

Bought a steel framed Fixed gear off Facebook for £50. It’s my only bike that strangers comment on. Brightens up the commute and useful for riding with the family- it turns a slow coasting ride into an actual ride whilst all staying together.

@randyjackson155 2 жыл бұрын

Though the $ figure was a bit different, same experience here. The fixie is just so stinkin' fun!

@paulobrien4794 3 жыл бұрын

I didn’t expect this video to be as fantastic as it is; I am fairly new to the channel so am looking digging into the hill climb videos.

@walshman70 3 жыл бұрын

Hilarious rabbit hole of cycling Geekery... Love it. Niche, sure. But, still awesomeness.

@davidide1525 3 жыл бұрын

Great video, food for thought . I like the mix of old, really old, and new.

@seanmcdonald4566 2 жыл бұрын

Fantastic...I have ridden a variety of fixed gear bike for past 42 years. I can say I am addicted to fixed gear riding and rarely use gears. I have just purchased a surly steamroller frameset and am looking forward to building it for Devon C2C. Great article Jack. Cheers Sean McDonald

@tombarton7043 3 жыл бұрын

I love them because they look so simple! So many bikes look alike right now and it’s a breath of fresh air to see something other than an aero-disc-probike! Would love to see the video of your fixie trip to the south coast also :D

@cd0u50c9 3 жыл бұрын

I love that Steamroller. I have used a On One in a similar setup with drops and it is indeed so much fun.

@fixieebro 3 жыл бұрын

Great to see some fixie trail riding! I just did a 180km ride on trail last week. Steel Jamis Sputnik w/ 35mm Donnely USH and 40/16 gearing. I agree- they are a HOOT to ride.

@MrJonas2255 3 жыл бұрын

I'm not a fan of fixies personally but I sure do love that people like you are out there ripping up gravel trails and working up Instagram comment sections with builds like these.

@MrFunkeymonkey12 3 жыл бұрын

+1 for the long distance fixie ride vid

@datdudeinred 3 жыл бұрын

Coolest fixed gear bikes ever seen. Very drastically different

@johnmaingay6529 2 жыл бұрын

I run a fixed gear rim brake tubeless steamroller with a hub dynamo for lighting. It's a total blast. I love it to bits.

@sapiens7821 3 жыл бұрын

Great to see a guy who thinks outside the box. I too ride a Single speed steel bike cooper 16/42. Flat bar with mini aero bars and I absolutely love it. I love the look on people’s faces too as I overtake them as my wee legs spin like the clappers 🤪

@neelsahay5227 3 жыл бұрын

As a Bay Area Boi fixies will forever have a place in my heart as well- that surly build (“tracklocross” as we call it here lol) is absolutely beautiful

@ZOB4 3 жыл бұрын

I have a Single-Speed, Flat Bar, Gravel idiot wagon with disc brakes, but it’s made by All-City. It has by far the most personality of any bike I’ve ever had. Great video, nice to see something that isn’t the newest or best or fanciest.

@conormullen7532 2 жыл бұрын

I'm in the midst of piecing one together myself. What kind of terrain do you ride and what sort of gearing do you like on the idiot wagon? Cheers!

@wasupwitdat1mofiki94 2 жыл бұрын

I'm getting a Fixie to add to my collection of bikes. They look like a lot of fun to ride but that is not my only reason for wanting one. I feel buying one helps to send a message that we are fed up with 1 the pricing of new geared groupsets, and 2 the hydraulic brake option only choices we are being forced to adopt. Thanks for making this video, it makes me want this even more.

@markjthomson 3 жыл бұрын

Love my fixed gear! Great fun.

@marcinswidzinski 3 жыл бұрын

Me and my friend recently did a 200km fixed gear ride. At the end I almost died of pain and fatigue, but damn, the satisfaction and fun! Plus a top time on one of the segments on Strava was a nice bonus :D Get the Deflated and come to Kraków in Poland to ride. Hella fun!

@htdtr 3 жыл бұрын

I love that steamroller, my pompino is fairly similar in set up, great fun

@Mati03x 3 жыл бұрын

I love fixie bikes !!! Its to much fun !!!!

@maxvancraen3965 3 жыл бұрын

got to love the humble track bike

@geoffwoods3653 3 жыл бұрын

Very cool, so much so I'm considering a dabble!😎

@tpawlicki 3 жыл бұрын

Loved this video! Stupid fixies are so much fun. I like the unique drivetrain on your State, don't see something like that very often. How easy is it to change the chainring on the State bike? I've been riding a fixie for fun weekday rides since March. Loved it so much that I'm building a single speed gravel bike (using a track frame).

@lloydnynes 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Just got an idea with my flatbar. I was thinkin to get other set of handlebar and stem(bullhorn) for climbing and touring, but i think the aero bar idea is not bad. I think its unique and efficient, just attached/dettached. 👌

@fyedka2 3 жыл бұрын

Please do a video on your big "stupid" fixie ride. Sounds amazing!

@benhorobin8755 3 жыл бұрын

am currently building myself a fixie after seeing your surely one on instergam cant wait to get out on it once its done

@brycebott6798 3 жыл бұрын

Let's see that epic ride!

@eto2352 3 жыл бұрын

Hill Climb Diaries: The greatest series of bike vids! I still watch the original ones with Joe and then the joy of the NFTG attitude that Jack brought. Still waiting for the Jack tandem hillclimb bike and race vlogs!!! Who will be the stoker?? A guest appearance by Joe maybe?...

@erich8258 3 жыл бұрын

It's funny: supposedly the allure of fixies is their simplicity, and yet (like Jack in this video) to make them work in any but the simplest conditions, you have to obsess over every part. And good luck with any descent that involves cornering.

@miaflore 3 жыл бұрын

you just turn the bars and lean. Plus there is fun in hunting down the parts.

@The1trueDave 3 жыл бұрын

If you can get a track bike with a front brake hole, all the hard work of sorting the chainline should be done for you. Just bung a caliper and lever on and you're good to go. And maybe some RaceBlade mudguards if you live somewhere rainy!

@ashab1 3 жыл бұрын

@@miaflore What without the pedals hitting the ground?

@DerperyPooslinger 2 жыл бұрын

Track frames have a higher bottom bracket than a road frame, and shorter crank arms

@jonathanbartolome64 3 жыл бұрын

Cooooool! A gravel fixed gear! I use mine for long distances Bull horn and all

@1truechamp46 3 жыл бұрын

Great vid, came across this whilst trying to find out if single speed gravel riding was a thing

@jasonbkmand6529 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome bike's Jack.

@kimrice394 3 жыл бұрын

I have those bars. Got them as extras when I bought a Langster. Took me a while to try them after no one would buy them. Actually really like them.

@prentissberry7691 3 жыл бұрын

Oh man does this mean we are going to get hill climb diaries again and maybe some sweet steamroller diaries? I love fixies . I have two a Bianchi Pista with drops and brakes . Then I have a Dean ti track bike. Man I really hope we get those diary videos !

@wei-hongwang4789 3 жыл бұрын

01:06 Jack... watch out, missing a chainring bolt

@tacconelli 3 жыл бұрын

I got into fixed gear riding this year and have logged over 1000 miles. Fun indeed, but it also causes you to look MUCH further ahead versus when riding a regular bike with gears. I feel it has also made me stronger on my geared bike. Next, I want to put clipless pedals on now that I am more comfortable.

@theodoreroberts8524 3 жыл бұрын

tri bars for long off road rides are so good! I put my tri bars on my hardtail to ride to Suffolk and back (from Bristol) and it was so nice to have an alternative position, and to be able to get aero and comfy on the tow paths and smoother bridleways. All bikes, regardless of use, should have tri bars.

@theodoreroberts8524 3 жыл бұрын

Also, would you be up for a fixie gravel ride at some point? I'm curious to see what sort of paths you attempt. DM me on insta @tedventure_time

@robberry5413 3 жыл бұрын

frivolous, maybe. addictive, yes. I've got seven. The Miche cog system is really good too

@ek8507 3 жыл бұрын

whoa whoa you talk about lightness on your deflated, but then you go and add about 3cm of steerer tube and spacers?? psh might as well use schwalbe marathons at that point. (^: much love for the tracklocross steamroller. truly the epitome of silliness and reckless abandon. the cockpit is absolute perfection, you should keep on it all the time. i think its similar to xc racers using barends at the bar-middles. i think youve convinced me to give that a shot on my next iteration bike build!

@davidburgess741 3 жыл бұрын

Got that right. Should have started with carbon frame finishing at 5kg or so as well. Even borrow a pro level track sprint bike with appropriate chainring and sprocket would make this build look feeble. A challenge might be the front brake though.

@JPusername 3 жыл бұрын

So much more fun being on a fixed gear, if you haven’t tried it you must!

@thecyclingmaker 3 жыл бұрын

I have a dream that one day, Jack, Joe and Ruben will be reunited, even if just for one video

@Casual_BackPacking 2 жыл бұрын

I love them great bikes

@robbchastain3036 3 жыл бұрын

I like your taste in bikes, Jack, and Deflated works as a name and I like that, too, all sorts of funny names would work, like Stupid, Unravel, Dirtbag, Loser. And then the crowd at the climb would wonder where you found the inspiration to take the laurels.

@Fixed_Sprint 3 жыл бұрын

TT & flat bars are the bomb.

@K1989L 3 жыл бұрын

That flatbar + aero extensions setup reminds me of Velo Orange Crazy bars.

@Fixingeverthingwithaengine567 3 жыл бұрын

One of my mtb I converted to a single speed with wolftooth,q2,and space adjust a shimano alivio 3x crank.

@njm3211 3 жыл бұрын

Jack, I get the impression from videos of you pedaling that your seat is a bit low for a tall guy like you. Do you prefer it so? Great content as always.

@johnhilton1360 3 жыл бұрын

Missing the jack and jo show.....was best bike stuff on KZfaq

@robertsmme 3 жыл бұрын

Definitely would like to see a vid of that long ride

@charlieworsfold2661 3 жыл бұрын

what a great video

@suspiciousninja1220 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome bikes

@SamSkjord 3 жыл бұрын

16:13 "down dodgy, dogging paths" Someone's been up Tog Hill

@dominicspencer1496 3 жыл бұрын

Sam Traeger looking at badgers

@daverinker 3 жыл бұрын

My SuRly SSRoller ‘Leviathan’ - named after my first born son in a Spray.Bike finish- has a similar set up.. with the Paul ELever (ultegra brake 🤞) and some Rene Herse extra light 28s, I’m between these builds. Got some great ideas for differentiating my two bike fixed quiver. Thanks!

@godismeme272 3 жыл бұрын

Fixed Gear is heaven on your knees 👍

@igniaulfsborg8946 3 жыл бұрын

Further proof Jack Luke is the most interesting member on staff.

@jackporteous 3 жыл бұрын

Love it. I have a surly straggler that I've been wanting to convert to fixes for a while! What's the front rack you have in the steamroller?

@TOCycleCommuter 3 жыл бұрын

Looks like it may be a Surly 8-pack rack

@jashEQ 3 жыл бұрын

Were you able to fit a front brake on your Steamroller with the Raddlers? I’m hesitant to go up past the recommended 38s on my new build, but boy would I love to throw on some 40s! For context, incoming rims are Velocity Quills (21.1mm I.D.). Thanks for the great content.

@toniedvardsen8169 Жыл бұрын

I have a Surly Lowside singlespeed. Absolutely love it. But now you really got me interested in fixie, Should I?

@MW-ud8zp 3 жыл бұрын

This is literally what I wanted to see from you guys! PS those clean handlebars are to DIE for!

@drbaglyosdaniel 3 жыл бұрын

Such a prodigy - can pedal a bike without pedals...cheers mate

@K1989L 3 жыл бұрын

I rode a fixie for a couple of years. Probably won't go back. Maybe if it's my 3rd 4th or 5th bike then maybe yes but no more commuting in all wheather and carrying gear on a fixie. I think I've grown more lazy and I probably would still opt for a single-speed.

@CameronPriceJ 3 жыл бұрын

just bought a used S-Works Tarmac but now I want a fixie! haha

@randyjackson155 2 жыл бұрын

Late to the party....I thought I was crazy for wanting FG gravel set up tubeless. NOBODY would take the time to build one, right? Then I finally googled it and found this. Brilliant on both bikes! Inspiration and stoke have gone through the roof. Curious, did Vijay ever get his Tourney group set video? ;-)

@adhamdanil5601 3 жыл бұрын

I like your content 😉

@WidePhotographs 3 жыл бұрын

Great video. I noticed your Bull Horns have that wide area for aerodynamic. Is it normal for riders to place their hands on the wide area of those Bull horn handlebars? I currently have a standard flat handlebar on my Single speed but i want to switch it for a bull horn handlebar to have different hand positions for long distance riding.

@yf224 Жыл бұрын

I love climbing up hill with bullhorn fixed gear. Now considering building a steel frame fixed gear gravel bike, thinking about using alt bars, do you have any suggestions that any alt bar is also good for hill climb?

@stijnw8626 3 жыл бұрын

Which clamps are used to keep the front bottle cage in place, on the surly? Does this damage the paint a lot? I'm thinking about drilling holes in my frame... But it isn't an easy decision. These look pretty good! I would love to find a good solution for my track bikes! Btw I'm glad I'm not the only one who likes riding a track bike in places it's not really meant for...! 😁

@sunnyflaco651 3 жыл бұрын

Want to see more of the Surly bro

@docouchi7929 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve been climbing with fixed gear for years, My knees are fine … and I’m old

@joebob1994 3 жыл бұрын

Was your big day out with the TT bars using your slick 35mm tyres on just road or off road too?

@conorverbruggen5133 3 жыл бұрын

"Dodgy dogging paths" .. you knew where they were though didnt you ... 👀😂

@SR20DEWhitebird 3 жыл бұрын

I see Jack, I click.

@SeargentFirestone 3 жыл бұрын

Have you guys seen Jospeh Anderson's loop of Australia on a fixed gear bike? He sported the same cockpit layout, with a wide riser and a set of aero extensions on top.

@oddharmonix 3 жыл бұрын

I’d watch that stupid day video!

@bmxjoel828 3 жыл бұрын

I have a Brother Allday set up similar to the Surly and it is very fun!

@bikeradar 3 жыл бұрын

The Allday was another choice on my list, particularly as it will take mudguards. However, the fashionista in me couldn't face unused canti' bosses on the rear! Haha.

@bmxjoel828 3 жыл бұрын

@@bikeradar I've actually got the older version without the mounts, will definitely be looking into centre pull brakes after watching this video for some extra clearance!

@brokespoke5424 Жыл бұрын

Subbed

@wrenpyle7098 3 жыл бұрын

i feel like anyone whose ridden fixed has fallen in love and gets it. i definitely wasnt sure if track bike riding was worth the hype but now even when i ride my road bike i wish it was fixed instead

@Ey_up 3 жыл бұрын

I really enjoyed the series of Cornetto ads that interspersed the video. They seemed quite apt. Just one...

@frizzen 3 жыл бұрын

I was looking at Surlys, but they have a really low bottom bracket, I think it would be a real problem when cornering with a fixed gear. The State Black Label looks nice, but I want bigger tires. The Posiden Tracklocross looks like the one to get.

@leebridgwater 3 жыл бұрын

Love a fixed gear.

@jc10747 3 жыл бұрын

Surly front brake clearance from top of tire to underside of brake will snag mud badly on true gravel roads with soft patches, water or dirt. Aero bars with flat bars are common on Tour Divide setups, but Moloko bars remove the tank-gun feel, and adding sweep will save the hands for carpal tunnel syndrome on washboard. Let’s see a video of fixing descending with mad braking required over 5km; single but free plus another brake may be healthier. Single, free, double brakes are also common on Tour Divide and other alpine or desert events (AZT) where carrying the bike is necessary.