{"id":2687,"date":"2022-06-15T05:15:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-15T09:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/?p=2687"},"modified":"2024-02-05T22:36:23","modified_gmt":"2024-02-06T03:36:23","slug":"can-you-stop-pedaling-a-fixie-bike","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/tricks-and-performance\/can-you-stop-pedaling-a-fixie-bike\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Stop Pedaling on A Fixie? (And What Happens if You Do?)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Fixed-gear bikes are excellent for those looking for affordable bikes for commuting around their city. However, these bikes have a few quirks compared to other bikes. If you stop pedaling with other types of bicycles, it isn’t a big deal. However, with a fixie, well, things are a bit different. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The number one questions people tend to have around fixed gear bikes are: how do you stop, and what happens when you stop pedaling a fixed gear bike?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bike will slow down gradually when you stop pedaling on your fixie. First, however, you need to make sure you’re using pedal straps. Otherwise, your feet will fly off the pedals and spin uncontrollably until you slow down enough to put them back on. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But there’s a lot more to riding a fixie<\/a> than that. So, in this article, you will learn what happens if you stop pedaling on a fixie, how to pedal, and why some people prefer bikes that don’t coast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Editor’s note: This article was updated on June 15, 2022<\/strong>, to include additional information about how to stay safe on a fixed-gear bike.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before learning what happens when you stop pedaling on a fixie, let’s first understand why someone would want a bike that requires constant pedaling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why would someone want a bike that requires constant pedaling?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fixed gear bikes have more pros than cons, especially for people who want to race, get in shape, and have fun.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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An image of a man in shorts riding a white fixed gear bike. Source: michael browning, unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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  1. Personal fitness<\/strong>

    They also provide their users with a great workout while they help them with their commutes. For some, the quirk of constant pedaling is a tradeoff they are willing to make for the exercise.
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  2. Track racing on a velodrome or criterium competition<\/strong>

    For others, it’s the things you can do on a fixed-gear bike that make it worth not being able to coast. Fixies are great for those who want a commuter bike. However, most fixies are used for     indoor track racing<\/a>. A racing bike doesn’t need the ability to coast. That is the opposite of what you need when you are racing. You need constant momentum to try and win the race you are in. Fixies are top-notch bikes for training as a cyclist.
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  3. Gravel cycling, mountain cycling, or offroading<\/strong>

    While not seen as often, there is now a push to bring fixed gear bikes to outside terrain. Coasting isn’t something that you should do when riding in rugged terrain. So, since you can’t stop pedaling your fixie, this is perfect for rugged mountain or forest trails. There are now fixies used as mountain bikes. This seems to go against all the common wisdom of offroad cycling. But with a set of brakes installed, your fixie is good to go on the trails.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    What happens to your fixie when you stop pedal<\/strong>ing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The very nature of a fixed gear bike is that the rear wheel cog is affixed to the rear wheel. So when the cog moves, the wheel turns\u2014and vice versa. If you are in a situation where you are riding downhill, you also can’t stop pedaling your bike. Your fixie will pick up speed as you head down a hill<\/strong>, which means your pedals will start moving faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    So, if you stop pedaling the bike, the bike stops moving. Of course, it won’t stop immediately, but without you providing energy to the pedals, there is nothing to keep the bike moving. If you are trying to stop or break your fixie, there are ways to do that by using your legs or reversing your pedals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How to avoid accidents when stopping or slowing down your fixie. <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Stopping your pedaling motion isn’t the best way to stop your fixie. If you don’t stop your fixie correctly, it could also seem like you are trying to coast on your bike. This can come with some negative consequences. Trying to coast on your fixie could lead to you crashing. Below are four tips to help you stop a fixed-gear bike quickly.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Practice <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The more you ride your fixed gear bike, the better your stopping will get. This does not imply that you must ride your bike everywhere\u2014but practicing in a controlled situation can help you become acclimated to the mechanism and enhance your chances of executing a smooth stop. Try to maintain a reasonable cadence when riding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Use foot straps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    You can mitigate this by using pedal straps or toe cages. Pedal straps and cages secure your feet to the pedals while you ride, so if you stop pedaling, your legs will move along with the momentum of the cranks. As a result, they won’t fly off, and you won’t look like a jackass, uncontrollably zooming through the city streets<\/strong>. Pedal straps or cages are a must when riding fixed. Below are some excellent toe cage straps we recommend checking out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

    3. Make sure you have enough traction<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    One of the most challenging aspects of stopping on a fixed-gear bike is that you can not rely on your brakes to stop you. Instead, check that you have adequate traction on the ground to maintain a strong grip on the bike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Shift your weight forward<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When you’re ready to come to a complete halt, move your weight forward as much as possible. This will allow you to slow down fast and prevent collisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Use a gear ratio that works for you<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Just because someone says you should utilize a 7:1 gear ratio doesn’t imply it’s ideal for you. Instead, it would be best to experiment with different gear ratios until you discover one that works well for your riding style and terrain. Then, you’ll be able to stop your bike smoothly and without incident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you want to see how to stop on a fixie, watch this video on how to stop a fixed gear bike from the Pure Cycles YouTube Channel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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