Seriously, I don’t like fixies

They’re dangerous, difficult to use, and for some, it’s viewed as reckless cycling.

Don’t get me wrong though- I respect Fixed riders because we share the same passion as some of us have-But riding Fixed isn’t really for me.

While many see fixies as a lifestyle, some push their rigs to the limit…

Anton is one of them. Meeting him before in a long distance ride at the Sierra Madre Route in Rizal, I found him quite odd that he used single speed. But when I joined the group that he was part of (Surly FFFinas) I was even more surprised he had different bikes that are set up in unique ways but all shared a common characteristic-either fixed or single speed, and fat.

Anton is obviously one of those strong riders out there but very professional. Don’t let the beard strike fear in you! He’s one of the most humble and kindest out there and his knowledge and skill with the bike will obviously make you believe that anything is possible.

Good thing I had a chance to chat with him about that Fat Fixie of his

PV: So what’s the story behind the bike?

A: this i got second hand.. Not my idea- wish it was.. Tristan (a friend) built this frankenstein!! The only thing i did was give it life..

PV: hmmmm, I’m curious since we both ride Surlys it appears to me that the Fat Fixie isn’t one, so what is it?

A: It’s a Scott Boulder mtb size 24 steel frame converted into a fixed gear. The rear end was ‘katay’ (cut up and reassembled) by a local frame builder Mr. Avelino Maldea (the legendary Filipino framebuilder) to fit those 3.0 tires on 50mm rims on the rear & 85mm rims up front.. Placed a bmx handlebar to make it like a bmx i used to ride when i was a kid.

PV: Wow, I’ve recently had an interest in Single Speed and would like to setup my own ride with those cool BMX bars- a tribute to that reckless youth in me, but what’s strikes me curious is why ride fixed?

A: After riding roadbikes for 10yrs & riding Ss for about 8years(not as long as others, a little longer than some) I kinda got bored riding free wheeled bicycles.. That’s why I liked this (fixed gear) build so much it gave cycling a new life…

PV: I see, I even rode with you at Reverse Palace in the Sky down South, Magnetic Hill +Sungay and Another Sierra Madre ride at the East (all at least 120km) and you used this with relative ease…so tell, me what’s the most difficult ride you’ve had then?

A: . I don’t have one in mind, But i have a difficult time waking up early for rides. Basically that’s the hard part.

PV: hahahahaha! Well, it’s a testament to your skill and strength that I think any ride is a welcome challenge for you. To end, What advice can you give tourers?

A: For me getting a good bike fit is a must.. Spending hours on a wrong fitted bike is the last thing you want & hydrate 3 days before a tour/long ride. Bow!

Perhaps one of the things, I appreciate in his builds is that clean look that everyone yearns for. I personally pack heavy and would like a lot of stuff on my rigs but perhaps someday, I’ll setup mine like this one. Just don’t get me riding fixed though (as I am clumsy as ever)