SRAM Torpedo fixed/free

[kp]

Yes, switch between fixed and free with just "7 rotations" of a screwdriver.

http://www.fixedandfreegear.com/singlespeed_e.html

[mihai]

This is an excellent idea, IF it is as sturdy as having separate cogs on each side of the hub.  I hope it doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

[steveby3]

this scares me.

[Jaz]

this scares me.

+1

A screw holding the balance of ability to brake, or not to brake. No thanks.

[Larry]

this scares me.

+1

A screw holding the balance of ability to brake, or not to brake. No thanks.

How is this any different than the other screws, nuts and bolts holding your bike together?

If you guys are actually worried about giant magnets somehow tearing parts off your bikes, you might want to consider welding your wheels onto your bikes. You know... safety first.  =)

[Larry]

Yes, switch between fixed and free with just "7 rotations" of a screwdriver.

http://www.fixedandfreegear.com/singlespeed_e.html

I bike it.  Although I'd prefer a version that allowed me to switch between fixed and free w/o having to stop.

Any word on the price? 

[steveby3]

How is this any different than the other screws, nuts and bolts holding your bike together?

the difference is that none of the other screws are actuating a fiddly german mechanism that I can't even see. drum brakes scare me too.

[kp]

I would not dismiss drum brakes. They've been stopping cars pretty reliably for a while now and I've seen 30+ year old drum brakes on bikes that continue to work fine without any maintenance worth mentioning. It is incredibly simple inside. Plus, they work just fine in rain. As for fiddly German mechanism;

Audi R10 TDI. Winner of 24 hours of Le Mans, 2006, 2007 and 2008. Ultimate endurance race. Running on diesel and for 2008, they've even added a bit of bio-diesel to fuel mixture.

But this is getting off topic...

I am willing to give SRAM Torpedo a try.

[Larry]

KP -- clearly, SRAM has underestimated the engineering requirements of fixed gear bicycle hubs.   Are these things even rad hardened?  Terrifying. 

[steveby3]

Sorry I hadn't realized that engineers and production lines are completely infallible.

[Gern]

Life causes death.
Try to have fun in between.
That's still why I ride bikes.
They are fun.
Everything can be dangerous!
Next.