{"id":3491,"date":"2022-06-12T19:41:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-12T23:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/?p=3491"},"modified":"2024-02-05T22:36:45","modified_gmt":"2024-02-06T03:36:45","slug":"what-is-a-fixie-bike","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/bikes-and-parts\/what-is-a-fixie-bike\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is a Fixed Gear Bike? The Complete Fixie Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Fixed gear bikes are some of the most fun bikes on the planet. They are lightweight, easy to maintain, and have many benefits. And the fixed gear scene is supported by a large community of passionate cyclists. But if you’re new to fixed gear cycling, you probably have many questions, like, what is a fixed gear bike?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re unfamiliar with fixed-gear bikes, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will cover everything<\/em> you need to know about fixed-gear and single-speed bicycles<\/strong>, including how they operate, some background history, their benefits and drawbacks, how to buy one, and much more. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know everything there is to know about fixed-gear bikes. So let’s get to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A fixed-gear bicycle (sometimes called a fixie) is a bike with no freewheel system. On a fixie, you must constantly pedal the bike to move forward or stay upright. Most fixies only include a single front brake because riders lock their legs to slow down or stop the cycle.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a fixed-geared bike?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A fixed-gear bike is a bike with, as the name implies, one single gear. Fixed-gear bikes are also called fixies, and you will often hear the terms used interchangeably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A fixed-gear bike requires continuous pedaling. Unlike a typical bike, a fixed-gear bike does not allow you to coast. Most bikes have a freewheel cog that allows the wheel to move independently of the pedals. You must pedal (even while riding downhill) with a fixed gear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fixed-gears typically include both a front and rear brake. However, fixie purists stick to only a front brake because they tend to stop the bike<\/a> using the power of their legs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Black
Image of a black look fixed gear bike.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

However, riding a fixie without brakes is illegal in New York City<\/a> and many other municipalities. This is why you will always see bike manufacturers ship a front brake along with a bike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many fixed-gear riders prefer the simplicity of these bikes because they are easy to maintain due to the fewer moving components that may get damaged and need to be replaced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are often cheaper and lighter than a regular multi-geared bike, making them great for commuting. But what is a fixie? There’s a beautiful quote that goes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cYou can always add something to your bike, but you’ll get to a point where you can’t subtract anything else, and that’s a fixed gear.<\/em>\u201c<\/p>\nGraeme Obree<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

I think this statement perfectly captures the essence of fixed gear and the beauty of its simplicity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below are a few inexpensive single-speed and fixed-gear bikes you can purchase right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n[azonpress template=”grid” asin=”B07VVGW8JD,B07613BRH6,B01B5H1ADM”]\n\n\n\n

How does a fixed gear bike work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As the name indicates, a fixed gear employs a drive train that is “fixed” and cannot be shifted to another gear. Consequently, the rider is limited to a single-speed and can not coast. So, as the back wheel rotates, the pedals also rotate. This is done by directly connecting the rear wheel with the drivetrain chain and, by extension, the pedals. The chain is engaged when the hub rotates, which contacts the front crank wheel, which spins the pedals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Constant pedaling might sound like a drawback, but it is one of the most alluring parts of a fixie for several reasons. For one thing, it keeps your body engaged, which is great for exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bike will ride and feel much different from the freewheel version, bringing you in sync with the road. Additionally, the fixed-gear drivetrain provides an alternative stopping technique for people who dislike using hand brakes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Benefits Of A Fixed Gear Bike<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fixed gear bikes provide noticeable features that freewheel bikes do not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pedal efficiency <\/strong>– Cycling on a fixed-gear bike provides greater energy transfer from the pedal to the rear wheel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Better cardio workout – <\/strong>There is no coasting on a fixed gear bike, so your legs work harder, and that work keeps you fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lightweight –<\/strong> Due to the absence of derailleurs, shifters, levers, a cassette, and brake components, the bike drops a significant amount of weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aesthetics – <\/strong>Fixed gear bikes are sexy bikes. Their modern design and mechanical simplicity make them visually appealing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inexpensive – <\/strong>A bike with fewer parts is usually less expensive. The lack of a multi-gear transmission significantly reduces the cost of a fixed gear. Simply put, road and mountain bikes have many additional components that make them very expensive. Fixies do not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Low maintenance – <\/strong>Because they have fewer components, fixed-gear bikes are easier to maintain and are less expensive when it comes to repairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Easy to store – <\/strong>Fixed gear bikes are easier to keep in tight spaces than geared bikes due to their easily removable front and back wheels and handlebars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fun and unique riding experience – <\/strong>Most riders will tell you that a fixie is more engaging and fun to ride. Because there aren’t as many gears, there is a more direct link between the rider and the bike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out our article on all the benefits of a fixed-gear bike to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The disadvantages of a fixed gear bike<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While a fixed gear has several advantages, some clear disadvantages may turn some riders off from riding fixed altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It takes some getting used to <\/strong>– The constant pedaling action will initially feel very strange. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Braking is harder<\/strong> – Braking on a fixed gear can take some getting used to. In addition, riders have to learn to use their legs to stop or slow down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They may be Illegal<\/strong> – <\/strong>In certain regions, riding without brakes<\/a> is prohibited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not great for hilly terrain –<\/strong>Fixed gear bikes are best on flat ground due to the lack of gears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It may hurt your knees over time<\/strong> – Fixed gear cycling requires constant pedaling, which may accelerate joint wear. However, all physical activity contributes to joint wear, and riding a fixed-gear bike casually with proper technique should not do too much harm to your knees in the long run<\/a>. Skidstopping, however, can do long-term damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are fixed gear bikes street legal?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fixed gear bikes are 100% legal. <\/strong>However, riding brakeless can land you in hot water. Remember that a fixed-gear bike does not necessarily need to be brakeless. You can have a fixie with both front and rear brakes. Of course, you will lose “fixie points”, but you will be on the safe side. Check out our article on NYC cycling laws<\/a> to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parts of a fixed gear bike<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Compared to most bikes, a fixie has few components, making them easy to clean and maintain. The components that make up a fixed gear bike include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frame<\/strong> – The frame is the body of the bike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fork – <\/strong>The fork will sweep slightly forward, positioning the front wheel optimally. Forks are made of steel, aluminum, or carbon fiber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Handlebars<\/strong> – Steering the bike is accomplished through the handlebars. Almost all off-the-shelf fixed gear bikes will come with riser bars, but there are many different types of handlebars you can choose from, including<\/p>\n\n\n\n