About Fixed-Gear Bikes

Fixed-gear bikes have a sort of cult following. It takes practice and patience to adapt from riding a free-wheel bike to riding a fixed-gear bike, or fixie. They are the most basic of bikes: two wheels, pedals and a seat. No gears and sometimes no brakes. People who like fixed-gear bikes say they are simple to ride, since there are no gears to figure out; they're simple to maintain; and there are few parts to break.

Identification

A fixed-gear bicycle is a single-gear bike that cannot coast. The wheels move only when the bike is being pedaled. Some feel that a fixed-gear bike allows for a more intense workout, as there is no resting and no gears to assist with hill climbing. Proponents of fixed-gear bikes say they allow the rider to feel the road surface better and are excellent for riding in poor weather conditions.

History

The first bikes were fixed-gear bikes. Although the derailleur (the device used to switch gears) was invented in the late 1800s, it did not become common equipment on racing cycles until the 1930s.

Types

Track bikes are also fixed-gears, but they are designed strictly for use on a velodrome track. Track bikes do not have brakes; road fixed-gear bikes do. Fixed-gear bikes also come in mountain bike and BMX styles.
Fixed-gear bikes can be handmade from recycled bike parts: old 10-speeds converted to fixed-gears.

Considerations

Fixed-gear bikes should be used with toe-clips and straps to prevent your feet from flying off the pedals. Riding without straps is for advanced riders only.
Many fixed-gear bikes have only front brakes, since the rear wheel can be stopped by your legs when you stop pedaling.

Warning

A fixed-gear bike has some dangers: pedal strikes, throwing the chain and catching fingers. Because the pedals of a fixed-gear bike are in motion whenever the wheel is moving, it is easy to be hit by the pedal. If you bang the pedal you can lift the rear wheel off the road and cause an accident.
You can also cause a crash by throwing the chain, which can lock up the rear wheel on a fixed-gear bike.
Caution must be used when working on a fixed-gear bike. If you catch your finger or clothes in the bike it is more likely to cause injury.

Resources

• Advice on riding a fixed-gear bike