{"id":4472,"date":"2022-06-21T15:20:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-21T19:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/?p=4472"},"modified":"2024-02-05T22:41:06","modified_gmt":"2024-02-06T03:41:06","slug":"history-of-fixie-bikes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/culture-and-community\/history-of-fixie-bikes\/","title":{"rendered":"History of The Fixed-Gear: Origins and Future of Fixie Bike"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Fixed gear cycling has a passionate culture. There is no shortage of Facebook groups and Instagram accounts dedicated to sharing the passion of riding fixed. And with their recent surge in popularity, it can sometimes seem like fixies are something new. However, the history of the fixie<\/strong> goes a long way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this post, you will learn the origins of fixed-gear cycling, how they came about, and where the fixed-gear culture is headed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Editor’s note: This article was updated on June 22, 2022<\/strong>, to include additional information about cycling history.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Before getting into the future of fixed gear bikes, let’s first understand their origin in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A fixed-gear bike<\/a> is a bike with only one gear. Fixed-gear bikes are often revered for their visual simplicity and minimalist design. <\/strong>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<\/a> 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 usually include both a front and rear brake. However, fixie purists stick to only a front brake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many cyclists prefer the simplicity of a fixed-gear bike because they are easy to maintain due to fewer moving components that may get damaged and need to be replaced. And, they are often cheaper and lighter than a regular multi-geared bike<\/a>, making them great for commuting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But what is a fixie, really<\/em>? Again, there’s a wonderful quote that goes.<\/p>\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 bikes and the beauty of their simplicity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re in the market for a fixie, check out our post on the top 10 fixie bikes<\/a>, or check out some of the options below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n[azonpress template=”grid” asin=”B07VVGW8JD,B07614W85S,B01B5H1ABO”]\n\n\n\n Giovanni de la Fontana invented the first bicycle<\/strong> like contraption in 1418, describing it as a human-powered, four-wheel creation with a rope loop attached to gears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Though not exactly a “bike,” the earliest fixie bikes may be traced back to Fontana’s invention.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is a fixed-geared bike?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Who invented the fixed gear bike?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n