{"id":1149,"date":"2022-06-29T17:46:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-29T21:46:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/?p=1149"},"modified":"2024-02-05T22:40:18","modified_gmt":"2024-02-06T03:40:18","slug":"fixies-vs-road-bikes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/bikes-and-parts\/fixies-vs-road-bikes\/","title":{"rendered":"Fixed Gear vs Road Bikes: 10 Reasons Fixies Are Better"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I love my fixie, but I often struggle to keep up with the roadies. No matter how hard I pedal, the roadies pass right by me. A fixed-gear bike, by definition, doesn’t have gears. So, sometimes it seems like road bikes are ideal for commuting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not so fast! (Pun intended<\/em>). Because fixies are better than road bikes for city living and commuting.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fixies and single-speed bikes are better than road bikes for several reasons: they are lighter, easier to maintain, and more fun to ride.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But there’s a lot more to it, so in this post, you will learn the difference between fixies and road bikes and which bike is more suitable for city commuting. Before we go into the debate of fixie versus road bike, let’s first define what fixies and road bikes are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If only it were this easy to beat the roadies.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What is a fixed gear bike?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fixies (also known as fixed-gear bikes<\/a>) are bicycles with no gears. Instead, the pedals are directly attached to the rear wheel hub. This implies that if the wheel turns, so will the pedals. Because of this, you can’t freewheel<\/strong>, but you can use the pedals as brakes to slow the bike down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A single-speed bike is similar to a fixed-gear in almost every way, but single-speed bikes have freewheel cogs, which fixed-gear bikes do not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a road bike?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Road bikes are multi-geared bicycles designed for long distances. They often emphasize speed. The road bike gets its name from the terrain it is designed for (the paved road). Road bikes have many gears and components<\/strong> and can be extremely expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ten reasons why fixies are better than road bikes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Below are some reasons why fixed-gear bikes are better than road bikes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Fixed gear bikes are lighter.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A fixed-gear bike typically weighs less<\/strong> than its geared counterpart. The difference in weight is accounted for by the lack of gear levers, a lighter chainring and rear sprocket setup, and the lack of d\u00e9railleurs. Okay, it’s only a couple of pounds lighter, but less weight makes all the difference if you spend all day on your bike, as bike messengers do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, cities usually have multi-story buildings. And not all of those buildings will have elevators. And even if they do, sometimes they don’t work. So, having a lighter bike is very important for city use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. They are less expensive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In general, fixed-gear bikes are less expensive<\/strong> than geared bikes. Why? Because there are fewer components involved. Also, they are often constructed using less expensive materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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You might be spending way too much on a road bike.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3. Fixies are not as likely to get stolen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On average, over 188,500 bicycle thefts are reported stolen every year<\/a> in the United States. Yikes! But consider this: Fixed gear bikes have fewer parts, making them often less expensive. The resale value just isn’t there for a thief to risk their freedom for. In short, road and mountain bikes scream “steal me!<\/em><\/strong>“ to a thief.<\/strong> Not so with a fixie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another reason they are less likely to get stolen is that, well, they are harder to ride. Most people have heard the story about the thief who failed to make his getaway in the car he was stealing, simply because he couldn’t drive a stick-shift. Riding a fixed-gear bike is somewhat similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It takes some time to get used to it. Most people can’t just hop on and go. So go ahead, as one of your non-fixie friends, hop on and steal your bike. You’ll immediately see why most bike thieves steer clear of fixies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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An impressive bike thief.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Of course, it entirely depends on the make and model. Dosnoventa bikes are well over $2,000\u2014but that’s not the type of bike you’ll find locked up outside overnight, is it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are concerned about your bike getting stolen, check out some of these top-rated bike locks<\/a> below. These are the best in the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n[azonpress template=”grid” asin=”B009D30X7U,B06XZT8KZ1,B001SMSUNI”]\n\n\n\n

4. Easy to repair and work on<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fixed-gear bikes are easier to maintain and less expensive to repair since they contain fewer components. All that you need to do is to lubricate the chain drive and ensure that all other fixtures are tightened and secure. Furthermore, the brake pads are the only parts that need to be replaced due to natural wear and tear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regular use will cause wear and tear on a road bike’s derailleurs. A fixed-gear bike does not have these issues because a fixie lacks the complex gear d\u00e9railleurs seen on geared bikes, so regular repair, wheel removal, cleaning, and so on are much easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, the chain or one of the spokes could break, but these are generally simple and inexpensive to replace. Road bike repair is both expensive and complicated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A costly and complex road bike repair.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

5. Easier to sore in an appartment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In tiny spaces, fixed-gear bikes are easier to store than geared bikes because the front and rear wheels and handlebars may be removed with relative ease. In addition, storing your bike for an extended period gives you a lot of flexibility. For example, you might store your bike in the closet or beneath the bed. This is much more difficult with a geared bike. Take a look at our article on how to store your bike in an apartment<\/a> for more tips on cycling storage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Fixies are more efficient<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cycling on a fixed-gear bike is more efficient in transferring energy from the pedal to the rear wheel. This is because the chain is shorter and straighter, and there is no gear pulleys at the back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Again, it might be a minor factor for some cyclists, but those who spend enough hours on their bike daily or do long-distance commuting will feel the difference after a while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Fixies are more relaxing to ride<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It’s easier to ride when you never have to shift gears; you simply focus on pedaling, braking, and being aware of surrounding traffic. The keyword is traffic<\/em>. Of which there is no shortage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The city streets demand your attention at all times. There are several traffic laws<\/a> to follow and cars speeding by. A simpler bike lets you concentrate on the road rather than the bike’s bells and whistles. When riding a fixed-gear bike, you never have to decide which gear to use or where to stop. Instead, you simply ride, making riding easier and more enjoyable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The remarkable simplicity of a fixed gear bike.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

8. Fixies provide a better cardio workout<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There is no coasting on a fixed-gear bike. The lack of gears and the connection to the wheels require more work. You are always moving your legs along with the wheels. This effort keeps your heart pounding and your cardiovascular system running at top speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not everybody rides their bike to get fit. But a fixed-gear bike makes your legs work harder, and that work keeps you fit. This is one of the reasons why people love fixed-gear bikes for exercise<\/strong>. But, of course, you must use all of your strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Stronger connection between you and the road<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most riders will agree that riding a fixie is more engaging and enjoyable. Due to the lack of complex gearing mechanisms and, in certain cases, brakes, the link between rider and bike is more direct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Fixies just look so damn cool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Let’s face it\u2014fixed gear bikes are sexy as hell<\/strong>. They are so damn sleek and streamlined; more streamlined than their geared counterparts. The combination of their modern design and mechanical simplicity makes them visually appealing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you looking for more? Look at this video called “Global Cycling Network<\/em>: Fixie vs. Geared.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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