Fixie Bikes

Bicycles are becoming more popular all the time. They are green, don’t cost anything to operate, and allow you to get some exercise done while being transported to your destination. Many people have one, and many more are always looking to buy one of their own. There’s many types of bikes, but one particularly interesting type is fixie bikes. Here’s what they are, how they work, and why you would want to use one.

A fixie bike, also called a fixed-gear bike, is a bicycle with a single speed, where there is no free wheel. Instead, the pedals are linked directly to the wheel. This has a few consequences. First, it means you cannot have multiple speeds, since every movement you do with the pedals translate directly on the wheel. It also means that you cannot move the pedals at all without moving the wheels. Finally, it means you don’t really need a separate breaking system, since simply stopping the pedals in their tracks will stop the wheel, and force the bike to stop. The way this is done is by using a sproket, linked between the chain and the wheel. A typical bike has multiple cogs that link together, and that allows the chain to move in a free way between the various cogs. Instead, the single sproket locks the chain in place, which is also attached to the pedals. That way, fixie bikes have a direct link between the pedals and tires, and are also less complex to build.

There’s many uses for fixie bikes. The primary one is speed. A fixie bike is a popular choice for track cycling in a velodome, for example. Some road racing like to use these types of bicycles as well. The idea is that you have more direct control over what the wheel is doing than on a traditional bike. Also, because of the direct connection between the pedals and the wheels, a fixie bike allows you to stand on one wheel while your feet are still on the pedals, and navigate it this way. One of the advantages of such a bike is the lower weight, since you don’t have all of the extra cogs on the wheel. The direct connection also gives a more precise level of control. However, riding a fixie bike can be harder, and the learning curve is steeper. There’s also a potential issue with breaking. Since fixie bikes don’t actually need breaks, many don’t come with any. But many cities have laws that force all vehicles to have breaks, and thus these are illegal on public roads, even though you can effectively break by stopping the tire from rotating.

Overall, fixie bikes are very interesting types of bikes, something that’s made for a specific purpose, and can be fun to try out. They aren’t a replacement for traditional bicycles, and certainly you should be careful when taking them to the roads, making sure it’s legal for you to do so. Typically any good bike store will have them available, and some people are very adept at riding them.

Fixie bikes aka fixed gear bikes are traditionally lightweight, stripped down bikes with a fixed gear which means that whenever your back wheel is turning the pedals will turn with it. In other words you can not simply coast along without your legs being moved. Traditional fixie bikes don’t have any breaks and all the breaking is done by resisting the movement of the pedals which can be extremely dangerous especially when riding on public roads at greater speeds. Despite the dangers fixie bikes have developed quite a following over the years. There are fixie bike clubs popping up everywhere as well as regular competitions and various fixie bike events. Because riding a fixie bike can be challenging these competition often require a different set of skills most regular cyclists do not have.

So what is so cool about fixie bikes? They tend to be very lightweight due to the lack of parts. Not only that the fixed gear is much more efficient mechanically. The end result is a very efficient bike that requires far less effort to ride. However the lack of gears also means being stuck in high gear all the time. You will struggle to climb up the bridge from standstill. Besides from that fixie bikes are very easy to maintain. There aren’t many things that can go wrong and spare parts can be easily adapted from regular bikes. There are no wires to deal with, no suspension to adjust and no breaks to replace. Finally by purchasing a fixie bike you don’t just get your hands on a lightweight bike, you enter an exclusive club and for most people it’s the feeling of belonging that matters.

There are a few things you should know however. Before you go ahead and buy one of these beasts make sure to check your local laws. Fixie bikes are banned from driving on public roads in many countries and states due to their lack of breaks. According to most laws you are required one to two sets of breaks on your bike. The last thing you want is your brand new fixie bike to be taken away from you.