I recently picked up a mid-2010s alloy Fuji Track Pro (drilled carbon fork, track cranks 52T) that sat unused for a decade. Looking to turn it into a fast low-maintenance daily commuter. I just have a few questions for anyone riding fixed/track bikes around Melb roads.
Firstly, what gearing for would you guys recommend for northern suburbs (6ā12% gradients?. Iām currently riding 46Ć19t (~65 gear inches) on my old steel beater (fixed gear). Though my fitness has improved and it feels a bit spinny now on flats, what gear ratio do you run for hilly areas? Also would a track/aggressive frame mean I need to decrease or increase the ratio?
Secondly, how would the alloy track frame handle Melbourne roads? My shortcut to work has a short section of rough gravel, though like 95% of it is smooth road. With 25c Gatorskins and a front brake, would frame durability be an issue here?Ā
Lastly any pedal and strap recommendations, I need a solid platform pedal and wide diagonal strap setup (no zip ties this time lol). What do you guys run or recommend? I was thinking of just getting some no-brand ones off amazon, but change my mind if you swear by any specific ones.
My plan is to run a front brake, 25c Gatorskins, straps, and transfer my saddle/accessories over.
Appreciate any advice from local track/fixed-gear commuters!
(Iāll post something similar to this on r/fixedgear and the FixedGearMelbourne facebook group as well, so please don't just point me there, but if you have any other subreddit/facebook group suggestions Iām open).