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Semi-tangential, I took my fixie to Harris Cyclery for a tuneup before it closed. Boy, was I floored when the guy working at the counter told me that fixies weren't cool anymore. Sheldon was a big part of my journey to riding fixed gear. I learned everything I know about bikes from his site and he even answered questions personally by email.

I'm pretty sure when the guy said fixies weren't cool, I heard Sheldon spin in his grave a little.

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Yeah the hipsters ride ill-fitting vintage steel racers now, some of the girls look so uncomfortable straining forward to reach the brake leaver. Fixed gear has gone back to being for a few enthusiasts and messengers and other bike weirdos like me. I’ve ridden one as a daily for years and years due to how awesome the virtually zero upkeep is, plus I personally find them safer, especially in winter.

Don’t worry, fixies are still cool among a select bunch of people. I’ve never cared for them, but plenty still do. There is also a budding fixie racing community outside of the track (including crit and CX), which is simply terrifying to me.

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