Rod Brakes Are the New Fixed Gear
I have it under good authority that rod brakes are the new fixed gear. Just wait and see: This time next year, any cyclist worth their salt will be riding proudly upon one of these hi-ten steel beauties – cottered cranks glistening in the Autumn light and brakes mooing soothingly at intersections. What, you doubt me? Well, fine, I admit I’m full of it. But a girl can dream…
This is my way of introducing myself as a new guest bloggerist at Open. I live in glorious Somerville, work in Europe, and love my 1972 Raleigh DL-1 Lady’s Tourist. I am also the author of Lovely Bicycle! and, apparently, a bike photographer. Hopefully my posts here will offer a novel – albeit slightly insane – perspective on bicycles, on bicycle-related products, and on cycling in the Boston area and abroad.
Velouria, you’re full of it, but dream on!
There aren’t enough DL-1’s of any type to go around, much less become a “craze”. You bask in the exclusivity of the Roadster, you are one of the “lucky ones”. The Sportsters, the 26″ 3-speeders, are the mass of wanna-be’s who must be content with 2″ less.
I have recently been restoring an India-built Hercules roadster from the 50’s or 60’s, which came to me with 26″ wheels and a coaster brake. Only after stripping and repainting, then trying to figure out what wheels and gear to mount, have come to realize what it originally was. This will be a speedster compared to yours, as it will have 27″ alloy wheels.
I will be looking forward to your posts here.
For the record, well adjusted rod brakes work just fine when it is not raining. Some will make that gentle mooing sound – but it’s quite nice really. In the rain though, the stopping power is %&/( … but you can learn to brake by leaning your body back. And who doesn’t like to learn new skills?
Wow… i love setting a trend. So I guess I’d better finish up my fixie with the rod brake on the front!
[...] “I have it under good authority that rod brakes are the new fixed gear. Just wait and see: This time next year, any cyclist worth their salt will be riding proudly upon one of these hi-ten steel beauties – cottered cranks glistening in the Autumn light and brakes mooing soothingly at intersections. What, you doubt me?” (openbicycleblog) [...]
Enjoy the rod brake craze while it lasts – I heard roller brakes are the new rod brakes 
I love a rod-braked roadster, but not in rain, I’d like to also have a fixed wheel in that case.
@Velouria: Leaning your body back brakes in what manner, friction?
I don’t understand.
[...] seems my earlier prognosis about rod brakes has come true. Yielding to the demands of the times, Open is clearing its stock [...]
RSS feed for comments on this post · TrackBack URI
Leave a Comment
I think you’re right.
And for those concerned with the lack of braking-power, most of the converts won’t have any brakes on their current bikes to begin with.