I am a messenger in NYC. I trip a brakeless monitor bike. it is the usual. Mountain bieks and monitor bikes rule the NYC messenger scene.
I used to have a brake, but it surely was malfunctioning and I had no cash to get a brand new one so I simply acquired used to stopping with out it. I Then I used to be driving 48×17, 74 G-Inches. I acquired a brand new brake… however then I acquired an Aerospoke and it was rubbing on the composite so I took it off and simply mentioned f*** it. Ive been brakeless for about 3 months now. Been operating a 49×17 (77 G-inches) for 2 weeks now. I do know some guys operating 80-90 inches and a two others operating a 50×13 brakeless and one other 47×13. I do not actually agree with pushing such a gear round all day… Ive achieved it and its extra work then I might like.
Nothing beats the sensation of a monitor bike, IMO. Feeling as if you might be “one” with the bike. With the ability to management your velocity with simply your legs. Going quick on a monitor bike can also be a sense I personally love. When you discover ways to spin at a excessive charge and sustain with site visitors transferring 25-30mph… my vocab is not broad sufficient as I am unable to discover the proper phrases to explain it. It is simply enjoyable, exhilarating.
I believe one of many keys to driving brakeless (or any bike in site visitors actually, however moreso with brakeless clearly) is to trip like you might be enjoying a chess recreation. Count on the sudden and assume 4-5 strikes forward. Know your limits.
There are guys who’re simply reckless for the sake of being reckless. However the majority of us know what we’re doing and do the transfer which you assume is “insane” or “silly”, on a regular basis… dozens of occasions a day.
There’s a basic envy and hate with messengers. You’d assume different bike owner help us… nope. We get essentially the most hate from the Roadie guys… particularly if you happen to’re on a monitor bike. They sneer and problem and get actual near you…attempt to make the identical strikes we do after they actually don’t have the identical ability we do generally.
It is disgusting how a lot hate exists Messengers are in all probability a few of the nicest guys you’ll ever come throughout. Solely doing our job.
Anyway, to the OP.
The fellows I do know have not less than $1000 invested into their bike. I do not know anybody driving a $100 bike and truly retaining it in a single piece. $1000 will get you a really messenger work worthy singlespeed/monitor bike.
