Okay Okay- generally fashion icons are born and blow-up due to a confluence of factors.
a. There is indeed something to riding a fixed gear: it can be challenging and satisfying to master. It can be fun simple light etc etc. . . super fun actually.
b. It is macho: the "challenge" refered to above. get rid of the front brake and it can be dangerous (you're then relying on the fixed assembly not coming unfixed and your ability to slow and stop with only your drive train and only the rear wheel)
c. it is highly romanticized: the image of gritty, hardcore messengers flying thru SF and NY traffic up and down hills with just one gear and "no brakes" has obviously captured the imagination of many a young cyclist (myself included)
d. It "requires" special equipment- you can build a fixie out of an old road bike and freewheel hub "If you know what you're doing" or you can invest in specific track equipment. This places the fixed gear in a special class of cycling- People "in the know". such differentiation seems to always inflate the ego and elevate the class.
So, It makes sense that folks are captivated by it, and it makes sense that people are trying to capitalize on it. I think that for the most part, we are all ready to hate on Urban outfitters on multiple levels, but it's just cause their taking something we like and finding the cheapest, catchiest, and most soulless way to mass market it and make a buck all the while hoping someone will think they're way cool for doing it.
josh
<mailto:instructions@gmail.com>>
<mailto:thethinktank@bikecollectives.org>>
> Date: Thursday, September 10, 2009, 12:06 PM
> there's defintely a romanticism of
> riding with fixed cogs. It is a more mechanically simpler
> design and therefore, conjures up the connotations of
> 'purity' that is really fashionable. >
>
>
>
>
> On Thu, Sep 10, 2009 at 2:39 PM, Wendy Monroe
<wendy.monroe@usermail.com <mailto:wendy.monroe@usermail.com>>
> wrote:
>
> This reminds me to ask something I've been wondering
> for awhile: why is riding with a fixed cog relatively
> fashionable, compared to riding with
>
> a. a one-speed coaster brake hub, or
>
> b. an internally-geared rear hub?
>
>
>
> Please educate me!
>
>
>
> Wendy Monroe
>
> ( 'no official name for project yet', Amsterdam)
>
>
>
>
>
> On 10 Sep 2009, at 19:04, N.O.Bike Project wrote:
>
>
>
>
> Hey y'all,
>
>
>
> This isn't vital or on topic, unless you dig deep and
> start thinking about the commodification of bike culture,
> and the way that capitalism always seems to persevere.
> Just thought y'all would like to see what's cool
> these days.
>
>
>
>
> I don't know why, but this just made me puke a little.
>
>
>
> Enjoy.
>
>
>
>
http://bikes.urbanoutfitters.com/
>
>
>
> Victor
>
>
>
> Plan B
>
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>
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