Bikes Of 2025: Shogun Fixed Gear

 It's another end-of-year period on the blog. You know what that means? Yep! Another round of my bikes I used in 2025. This round-up will not include some of the bikes I did not use this year much, or at all. I focus only on the bikes that played a big role in my riding during this year.  As always, any changes or future plans for any bike I feature will also be detailed. I hope that you enjoy this year's round-up.

 Last year I found a Shogun road bike from the 1980's which had been donated to the Cedar Valley Bicycle collective. I looked it over and determined it would be a great fixed gear bicycle candidate. As it turned out, I was correct. I bought the bike, stripped it down, and re-fitted it with new wheels and handle bar/stem. The old crank I used but I did remove one ring. 

I used a cheap, Bell department store 1 1/8th pitch chain and I used some Fyxation Mesa pedals. The Brooks saddle was on the bike when it came in, by the way. So was the water bottle cage. I did use one of the original caliper brakes but the front one was not able to clear the 30mm Panaracer Pasela tire, so I went with one brake actuated by a single Velo Orange lever. 

I also added the awesome and highly recommended Velo Orange Burrito Supreme handle bar bag.  I also added on a sweet sounding brass bell. 

I got to where I would find excuses to ride this bike. I did all of my main commuting in warmer weather on the Shogun. It used to be I liked fixed gear in smaller doses, but this bicycle really turned me on to wanting to ride fixed gear more and more. 

So much so I was wishing the Shogun had clearances for wider tires to ride out on the gravel. This led me on a few internet seeking sessions and after a chat with my good friend Ari, I have decided on a course of action to satisfy an itch. 

All of which to say that the Shogun will, most likely, be scuttled to make way for a special project which will bring a bicycle I already have back to life again and become my fixed gear gravel cruiser. (Plus still be a very capable urban commuter!) 

I think this may be the last you see of the ol' Shogun. While it did not last for long with me it did spur a love for fixed gear riding which has led to something new and better. (I hope!) Stay tuned....