{"id":16265,"date":"2024-02-07T00:12:45","date_gmt":"2024-02-07T05:12:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/general\/should-you-convert-your-fixie-into-an-ebike-please-dont\/"},"modified":"2024-02-07T00:12:46","modified_gmt":"2024-02-07T05:12:46","slug":"should-you-convert-your-fixie-into-an-ebike-please-dont","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/bikes-and-parts\/should-you-convert-your-fixie-into-an-ebike-please-dont\/","title":{"rendered":"Fixed-Gear Bike: Should You Electrify Your Fixie? (Think Twice)"},"content":{"rendered":"
Ever pondered if you should give your beloved fixie an electric twist<\/strong>? Cycling purists might cringe at the thought, but the idea of an e-fixie can be tempting for some.<\/strong> You’ve got to wonder, is it worth tampering with the simplicity of a fixed-gear bike?<\/strong> Check out the collection of the best fixie bikes to remind yourself what pure cycling feels like.<\/p> In this post, you’ll discover the essentials on why converting might not be the best move.<\/p>\n Key takeaways<\/strong><\/p> When confronted with the question of whether to convert a fixie into an ebike<\/strong>, my advice is to steer clear from it. Here’s why:<\/p>\n Here are a few concrete points that resonate with why the essence of a fixie should remain untouched:<\/p>\n As someone who isn’t an expert in electrical engineering\u2014but knows a thing or two about the joy of riding\u2014converting your fixie into an e-bike just doesn’t mesh well with why we ride fixed-gear bikes in the first place. There’s something gratifying about powering through the streets, relying solely on your own muscle and grit, that just isn’t found on an electric motor’s hum.<\/p>\n “Fixed-gear bikes are the epitome of cycling minimalism. No gears, no fancy tech, just bike and rider in perfect harmony. Simplicity reigns supreme in the fixie world.”<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure> Moreover, I remember this one scene from an indie film where the protagonist, an avid cyclist, debates over keeping his fixie pure or going electric. His final ride through the city, full-on fixie style, broke all his doubts, reinforcing the unmatched feeling of a manual ride over an assisted one.<\/p>\n Sticking to the roots and harnessing the raw power of pumping pedals is where the magic happens, and that’s something no motor can replace. Plus, doing wheelies on a fixie is awesome, and I can’t imagine it being quite as cool on an e-bike. Just swing by some fixie freestyle to see what real bike control looks like.<\/p>\n Fixed-gear bikes are the epitome of cycling minimalism. No gears, no fancy tech, just bike and rider in perfect harmony. Simplicity reigns supreme<\/strong> in the fixie world.<\/p> If you’re shopping for parts, you’d be hunting for the best fixie bike handlebars to complement your style, not a power meter or battery level indicator.<\/p>\n A fixie, or fixed-gear bike, is distinctive because it has no freewheel mechanism\u2014the pedals turn when the bike moves, and vice versa. You get total control, allowing you to maneuver deftly through traffic with precision and mindfulness<\/strong>. When riding a fixie, you’re literally one with your bike, tuned into every vibration and squeak.<\/p>\n\n If this purity of cycle-life is disrupted by electronic components, the fixie isn’t truly a fixie anymore.<\/p>\n You ride a fixie for the connection you feel to the road and your bike; it’s a truly visceral experience. Mastering a fixie takes skill<\/strong>, a skill that’s clouded by unnecessary electric assist. It’s like learning to drive in a manual car\u2014you wouldn’t swap it for an automatic if you relish the challenge.<\/p>\n The marvel of technology allows us to turn nearly any bike into an e-bike, but at what cost to the bike’s soul? Ebike conversion kits like the Swytch Kit are tempting, but we must ask ourselves if the trade-off is worth it.<\/p>\n Technically, yes. Kits such as the Swytch easily accommodate a variety of wheel sizes, making them suitable for many bike types. These conversion kits come with all the gear needed to flick the switch on electrification<\/strong>.<\/p> However, a crucial question remains: should you do it to your fixie?<\/p>\n On the surface, it might seem simple enough, but complicating a straightforward machine is rarely a good idea. A fixie thrives on its absence of complexity<\/strong>, and an e-bike kit, while designed for ease of installation, adds layers that just aren’t necessary for the purist’s ride.<\/p>\n The conversion from fixie to ebike not only impacts the bike\u2019s character but also its performance. Let’s dive into how this change could affect the way you ride.<\/p>\n Added weight from a battery and motor can significantly alter the bike’s dynamics<\/strong>. The added mass affects acceleration, handling, and the joyous nimbleness a fixie is known for.<\/p>\n Ride feel changes dramatically when you introduce an electric motor. The tactile feedback from the road, a trademark of the fixed-gear experience, is muted. Direct pedal control<\/strong> gives way to assisted riding, a different beast altogether.<\/p>\n Considering these points, if you’re seeking a comprehensive guide to ensuring your bike is street-safe and in top riding condition post-conversion, despite the added components that come with electrification, you might find some useful tips on making your bike street-safe or legal.<\/p>\n\n Before moving to the data table section, let’s summarize the main points. Converting a fixie into an e-bike using a kit like the Swytch can indeed transform any bike into an electric one. However, from performance to personal connection with your ride, the compelling reasons to keep your fixie pure are numerous.<\/p> Now, let’s glance at some pivotal Swytch Kit information you’ll need if you decide to walk that path:<\/p>\n | Swytch Kit Specification<\/p>\n | AIR Power Pack (15km) | MAX Power Pack (30km) |\n|—————————|————————————–|—————————————|\n| Battery capacity |<\/p>\n 90Wh<\/p>\n | 180Wh |\n| Motor Wheel Torque | 40nm | 40nm |\n| Weight | 700g (2.2kg with full AIR kit) | 1100g (2.6kg with full MAX kit) |\n| Dimensions | W212 x L100 x H25mm | W228 x L100 x H36mm |\n| Range | 15km | 30km |\n| Charger | 2A | 2A\/3A (fast charging) |\n| Waterproof rating | IPX6 | IPX6 |\n| Wheel Size Compatibility | 16\u201d to 700C and more | 16\u201d to 700C and more |\n| Top Speed | 32kph\/20mph (restricted in some areas) | 32kph\/20mph (restricted in some areas) |<\/p>\n Navigating the world of cycling, specifically when it comes to fixed-gear and track bikes, can feel like riding a technical trail without a map. To help you stay on track, here are some dos and don’ts\u2014think of them as the road signs guiding your journey.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t overlook the importance of saddle fit |\n| Do maintain your bike regularly | Don\u2019t ignore unusual bike noises |\n| Do learn the basics of bike maintenance | Don\u2019t skimp on quality tools |\n| Do invest in good quality bike parts | Don\u2019t use incompatible components |\n| Do respect traffic rules while riding | Don\u2019t neglect bike safety gear |<\/p>\n\n
Should you convert your fixie into an ebike? (Please don’t)<\/h2>\n
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The essentials of a fixie<\/h2>\n
What makes a fixie unique?<\/h3>\n
Why stick to a raw fixie experience?<\/h3>\n
Decoding ebike conversion kits<\/h2>\n
Can any bike become electric?<\/h3>\n
Is converting easy and practical?<\/h3>\n
Performance considerations<\/h2>\n
How does extra weight impact handling?<\/h3>\n
What about the ride feel?<\/h3>\n
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\n \nDo<\/th>\n Don\u2019t<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Do get a proper fit for your fixie<\/td>\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n