Why Do People Love Fixies? And Are They Still Popular? (2022)

We love fixies! In this article, you will learn what a fixie is, why people love fixed gear bikes, and and why they are still popular in 2022.

The first time you heard that fixies are popular despite their lack of gears and breaks, you might have thought—that’s ridiculous! Who would want a bike like that? However, many people love these bikes. So, why are fixies so popular? 

Fixed gear bikes are still popular in 2022 because they provide several benefits. People love them because they provide simplicity. And on a fixie, your pedal stroke becomes virtually faultless since your feet are directly coupled to the rear wheel, and you are more efficient because there is no dead spot in the stroke. 

But there’s a lot more to it than that. So, in this article, you will learn what a fixie is, why people are drawn to them, and some of the advantages fixed gear bikes have to offer, so you can find out if one is right for you.

Editor’s note: This article was updated on June 14, 2022, to include additional information about fixed gear bike popularity.

Before we get into the reasons why fixies are popular, let’s first understand what a fixie is and what the advantages of riding one are.

What is a fixed-gear bike?

Bicycles with no gears are known as fixies (also known as fixed-gear bikes). The pedals are connected directly to the rear wheel hub. This means that the pedals are also spinning if the wheel is rotating. As a result, freewheeling (rolling down a slope without moving the pedals) is impossible, but the pedals may be used as brakes to slow the bike down manually.

Thumbnail for a blog post why do people love fixies? And are they still popular? (2022)
Thumbnail for a blog post why do people love fixies? And are they still popular? (2022)

If you want to buy your own fixie? Check out the best fixed-gear bikes here. 

Image of a fixie cyclist on a trackstand in the city streets.
Image of a fixie cyclist on a track stand in the city streets. Source: tom austin on unsplash
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My favorite bike (at the moment):

State Bicycle Co. Black Label 6061

Best overall fixed gear bike state bicycle co 6061 black label v2
My favorite bike (at the moment):

State Bicycle Co. Black Label 6061

This is my daily ride, my trusty Black Label It’s lightweight and beautifully crafted. It looks like a beast and rides like one too. I upgraded the saddle, but everything else is pretty much as it was out of the box. I highly recommend it.

6 reasons why fixie bikes are still popular

Many people (myself included) love fixie bikes. Here are six reasons why we love these bikes and why they will remain popular for years.

1. Strong culture

Bike messenger culture, hipster culture, and modern urban culture are just a few cultures that have embraced fixed-gear bikes. They’ve all combined to form a new fixed-gear bicycle subculture.

2. Low maintenance

Fixed-gear bicycles are preferred by bike messengers for five reasons: they are lightweight, low-maintenance, dependable, cost-effective, and have a strong culture. This makes them interesting to bike couriers who desire a machine that requires the least amount of maintenance compared to a road bike. Some riders prefer to commute on fixies in wet climates like Seattle because they are less likely to get muddy.

3, Minimalistic designs

Because of their elegant shape, traditional appeal, and ability to do numerous stunts, non-bike messengers also embraced them. In addition, some people love their simplicity and minimalistic aesthetics. Because there are no gears, they are mechanically simpler, which means there is less to break, repair, or clean.

4. Intimacy with the road

The rider-machine connection is solid. Fixed-gear bicycles offer a one-of-a-kind riding experience that connects you to the road like nothing else.

5. Lightning fast

Finally, these bikes are lightning-fast due to there being only one gearing mechanism, no derailleurs, and fewer parts. As a result, the bike can be used for crits and velodrome competitions.

6. Great for fitness

There is no freewheel, so there is no freewheeling, so the rider’s legs must be in continual motion both up and downhill. This necessitates a distinct riding style, which some individuals enjoy (and others hate). Some cyclists utilize fixies for training because they inspire greater discipline and emphasis on riding cadence and a smooth pedaling manner. This may be done in various ways, but a fixie “forces” it (especially when riding downhill).

If you want to burn calories in the comfort of your home, consider getting a bicycle roller. They’re cheap and super effective. And they will keep you using your bike even when it’s snowy or rainy. Take a look at the options below.

[azonpress template=”grid” asin=”B005YX5P4Y,B07VX4J2JD,B08L1TP668″] Fast and lightweight

What is the point of riding fixies?

There are many different reasons people ride fixies. Some people do it for fun, some to get around town, and some to save on transportation costs. The point is that there is a reason someone might want to ride a fixie, and it’s up to you to find out what that reason is.

Riding a fixie may be the perfect solution if you’re just looking for a way to have fun. They are easy to ride and can be handled by even the most novice riders. In addition, they are a blast to ride—you’ll never get tired of zipping around town on one!

Whatever your reason for wanting to ride a fixie, the chances are good that one is available right near you. So hop on one and take your first steps into the world of fixed-gear riding!

Why would anyone ride a fixed-gear bike?

These bikes may not have a freewheel, but that does not stop people from wanting one—to the contrary. Fixed-gear bikes are perfect for people who want to get a true sense of what it feels like to ride a bike without the convenience of gears. With fixed gears, you are always in the same gear. This can be difficult at first, but once you’ve mastered it, you’ll be able to ride in complete control.

Fixed-gear bikes are also great for people who want to exercise in a more challenging way. Because there is no shifting, you are constantly working against the resistance of the pedals. This makes cycling a great workout and helps to tone your muscles evenly.

Why do hipsters like fixed-gear bikes?

Hipsters are frequently stereotyped as trendsetters, and their love of fixed-gear bikes is a prime example. These bikes are remarkable because they do not have gears; you either pedal or do not. This allows for a more direct connection between the rider and the bike, which gives hipsters a sense of control and stability that they can’t get from other types of bikes.

Need some more proof that fixies are awesome? Take a look at this video called “Reasons Why Fixed Gear Is Awesome!” from the Keira McVitty YouTube Channel.

A video called “Reasons Why Fixed Gear Is Awesome!” from the Keira McVitty YouTube Channel.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Below are some commonly asked questions regarding fixed gear bikes.

Are fixed gear bikes still popular in 2022?

Fixies have always been popular but have been more popular in recent years. And almost everyone has seen one. Despite its obvious distinction from other bikes, most people are unaware they’ve seen one. A real bicycle enthusiast’s keen eye is required to spot a fixie. So they are still popular. You just might not have noticed it. 

Are fixed gear bikes still cool?

They may not be as popular as they were ten or eleven years ago, but many people still ride fixed-gear bikes. This is obvious in the outstanding models that have been introduced to the market this year and the increasing number of outstanding accounts that have been popping up recently.

Are fixies hipster bikes?

Yes, fixies are unquestionably hipster bikes. Hipsters are frequently stereotyped as trendsetters, and their love of fixed-gear bikes is a prime example. They’re a versatile mode of transportation that can be used for everything from commuting to sightseeing. Fixies, being so popular these days, are ideal vehicles for anyone looking to embrace the hipster lifestyle.

Conclusion

There are many reasons why cyclists like myself love fixed-gear bikes. If you’re considering getting yourself a pair of wheels, I strongly recommend it. You may just fall in love with a whole new method of transportation. 

This article covered what a fixie is, why they are so popular, and some advantages fixed gear bikes have. Here are some key takeaways:

Key takeaways

  • Fixies are beloved by many and are especially popular amongst bike messengers.
  • Bike messengers and non-messengers alike.
  • Some people use them for training and fitness.
  • Some people love their simplicity and minimalistic aesthetics.

So, do you love your fixie? Let us know in the comments below (we read and reply to every comment). If you found this article helpful, check out our full blog for more tips and tricks on everything fixie. Thanks for reading, and stay fixed.

Helpful resources

Image of a black unknown track bike leaning on wall. Pinterest
Image of a black unknown track bike leaning on wall. Pinterest
Bradley Knight Image
Written by Bradley Knight, Staff Writer

Hey there! My name is Bradley, and I've been riding fixed for years. I love all the joy and pain that comes with this unique style of cycling and the passionate community that drives it. If you love fixed-gear bikes, this is the place for you.

Nick eggert.
Edited by Nick Eggert, Staff Editor

Nick is our staff editor and co-founder. He has a passion for writing, editing, and website development. His expertise lies in shaping content with precision and managing digital spaces with a keen eye for detail.

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