Fixed gear bicycles are robust and smooth. If you are keen on cycling, go for stationary gear bikes. A completely synced bike with just rider and cycle doesn’t have brakes, freewheeling, or gears. The simple equation is you pedal forward; your bike goes ahead, you pedal backward, your bike goes back. This late 19th-century bicycle still has cult followers in the world of bikes.
This fixed-gear bike is an integral part of urban biking. New York and San Francisco are track bike meccas for bikers, and the fixed gear bikes are getting popular with each passing day. All over the world, cyclists prefer fixies due to being comfortable and fast rides.
Fixed gear bikes have one gear fixed to the hind wheel so that you don’t coast and continue to pedal while the cycle is in motion. Fixies is slang used for fixed gear bikes. Fixies are perhaps the most simpler bicycles as these function without brakes, shifters, derailleurs, and double or triple-chainring cranksets instead of standard bikes.
For instance, pro bikers stop their bikes by holding back on the pedals with their feet; they don’t require brakes! While most fixes are road bikes, some even get their fixies customized for mountain biking.
Factors to consider while choosing the fixed gear bikes:
Only one gear? Which one?
Fixed bikes have only one gear, so it is critical to choose the best fixie for you. It would be best to decide where you want to ride, which terrain, how fast you’d like to pedal, and how fit you are to handle higher gears. Given its higher efficiency, it is possible to get away with a slightly higher gear than you generally are accustomed to with fixies. The fixed gear and the hind wheel keep the momentum on for pedaling around.
The other to consider is: which gear to use? The key is selecting the equipment that is easier to ride up the hill and yet doesn’t lose control while climbing down the mountain. Select the perfect gear suitable for every kind of terrain, meets your requirements, and fits you overall.
Rear Hub
The rear hub is the essential feature of a fixie. It has a high-quality threaded axle and nuts, unlike standard bikes, which have quick releases. This feature stops the wheel from the drivetrain of fixed-gear riding and changes positions under the rear wheel’s additional torque.
Do I need a particular chain?
Primarily there are two types of bicycle chains: ⅛ inch and 3/32 inches in width. While most fixies have 1/8 inch chains, some fixed bikes are for mountain biking, and on 8,9,10 speed roads use 3/32 inch wide chains. Dated roadsters, BMX bikes have ⅛ inch chains.
3/32 inches chains are more compatible with fixies meant to ride on 10 -speed; the crankset that came initially with the bike can easily be used with a 3/32 chain. In addition, these chains are smoother and quieter than ⅛ inch ones giving you a better pedaling experience on the road. Besides, they are light in weight as well.
Track versus road fixies
The general perception among people for fixed gear bikes is that track bikes and fixed gear are the same, but they are different. Track bikes are built for riding on velodromes, outdoor and indoor oval bike tracks are developed for racing. Brakes are not included in the cycle as they are not required due to the uniform travel path, no corners, and the best part is that you can stop the bike as fast as possible. Many velodromes avoid having brakes in the fixed gear bikes for safety purposes.
Since velodrome surfaces are typically very smooth and similar, they are perfect for racing events that are demanding and fast as track bikes’ brag frames which are created stiff for maximum supremacy. In addition to that, it promotes better-increased speed handling; the track bicycle’s frame is extra race-oriented and much fitter.
What frame to use?
Any frame is convertible to a fixie if it has a horizontal dropout as these are primarily responsible for tensioning the chain. It would be good to find a second-hand road frame to transform into a fixed gear bike. Check in your neighborhood garage and see whether it’s apt for 10-speed or not? You may have a great chance there!
Fixed gear bicycles are not so standard among people. Athletes ride fixed gear bikes on the track in the Olympics, racing laps around a banked oval at incredible speeds. You must have seen the messenger that travels on the bike to deliver the parcel through city streets, weaving in and out of traffic on time. Many events keep happening, such as sanctioned criteria, off-road track across races, skid competitions, trick contests, alley cat races, etc., and you will see the road jammed.
That’s the main reason behind the thriving fixie community; they are doing their activities with enthusiasm. Some of the places you can see the most like, Red Hook Crit, Mission Crit, or Tracklicross Nationals, where the craziest people perform with bikes at top speed.
However, fixed gear bikes are not just for Olympic athletes and psycho bike messengers and pro cyclists. A fixie bike is a very efficient and robust bike that doesn’t waste any of your efforts. Every effort in pedaling transfers to the wheels, and there you go with a smooth and fast ride. They are fun to ride once you get the hang of it. Each bike is different, so are fixies. Therefore, it is imperative to decide and opt for the style you are looking for and budget. Here are some of the best fixies you can consider buying:
6 KU urban track fixed gear bike
Best value set-gear bike
Price: $299
One of the most reasonable options looks identical to the track and the street. However, it is significantly different from the other bikes; it is created from aluminum instead of steel. Aluminum material makes it lightweight; the 6 KU weighs 18 to 22 pounds, though it depends on the size. In addition, a light bike helps the frame shape be sleek looking and more aggressive with comfort and ease.
Incredibly in looks, this bike is undoubtedly a high-grade. Its deep-walled wheels keep the bike on the track and save you from blowing in the wind. Ensure to get extra-long valves when buying spare inner tubes. The riser handlebars are fitted with a comfortable grip that gives a retro vibe as it is exceptionally functional and modern.
Retrospec Harper
Most Colorful Fixed Gear Bike
Price :$299
If you desire a geared bike that is not only wallet-friendly but also rides easy while looking great, you should take a look at Retrospec Harper. It is designed for cruising and commuting through the city and is as low-maintenance and straightforward as it can get, but that does not mean it looks dull. On the contrary, its geometry is solid, and Retrospec’d gaudy branding brings out a sharp look on the steel tubing of this bike.
In addition, it is offered in a variety of color options; it is available in nearly a dozen color variations.
Like several bikes on this list, this gear bike comes with a flip-flop hub, unlike several more focused fixies. It has two cogs at the back, and one is freewheel while the other is fixed, allowing you to choose between a single-speed or riding set by simply flipping the back wheel around. Switching out of fixed-gear mode can feel like a respite for your legs as well as your mind. Moreover, it comes in handy when a fixie-averse friend needs to borrow for a ride.
Squid Bikes SO-EZ V2
Best Tracklocross Frame
Price: $666.00
In northern California, and probably worldwide, a select group of bike enthusiasts prepares their bike for a cyclocross race, unlike any other – Tracklocross. This variety of racing involves using wide tires on track bikes and taking them off-road, so this recommendation is different from other bikes previously mentioned in the list since it is solely a frame and for a severe fixed-gear rider.
Nevertheless, it’s an exciting opportunity to develop a bike that is not unique but also a perfect fit for you.
This bike frame from Sacramento-based Squid Bikes is probably the funkiest frame you can get for yourself. It is like a velodrome, and the cyclocross course got together to make a bike that is perfect for conquering both. It is designed with Squid’s love for fixie culture and cyclocross racing. Its frame is apt for fixies and comes with big, knobby cyclocross tires that can be used off-road.
In addition, you can also pick several colors and styles to have the frame in as well as fork custom painted for an extra $136.
Bottom Line
It would help if you considered the purpose of buying a fixed-gear bike first. For example, if your intention is racing, you need a bike with features that help reduce mechanical drag and aerodynamics. Also, the cycle should have a razor-sharp design. However, many would want a sleek-looking, comfortable sitting with a large saddle.
Factor in gear type, chain width, rear hub, terrain, and kind of frame while choosing the best-fixed gear bike for you. Some of the best-fixed gear bikes are 6 KU urban track, Retrospec Harper, and Squid Bikes SO-EZ V2. Log on to reviewscast.com for more information!
