Reader Photo: King of the mountain

A quiet moment and a gorgeous view are the reward for Rob Rovira as he paused to take this image after climbing up to Griffith Observatory on his custom-built fixed-gear bicycle.

Unlike a standard geared bicycle, a fixed gear has only one gear, which means a rider can’t adjust for uphill or downhill inclines, and also can’t coast, which make climbing and descending hills much more difficult.

“There is a connection and simplicity with a fixed gear bicycle that you don’t get with any other bike, it is something that has to be experienced to be appreciated,” Rovira said.

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