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When it comes to bikes, the variety is endless—different sizes, types, and purposes make choosing the right one a challenge. While there's no one-size-fits-all solution, if you're considering a new bike in 2024, I highly recommend looking into a fixed-gear bike. Despite their simple design, fixed-gear bikes are often misunderstood, and many people have never ridden one, making it difficult to convey just how unique they are.
At the shop, explaining fixed-gear bikes in just a few words is nearly impossible. While test rides are great for getting a feel for it, they don't always give you a full sense of what it's like to ride one in your daily life. If you're intrigued by fixed-gear bikes, this post is for you—stick with me as I dive into the details.
What Exactly Is a Fixed-Gear Bike?
When discussing fixed-gear bikes with friends, I often hear comments like, "Oh, those are the bikes without brakes!" or "Aren't those the really fast ones?" While there's some truth to these statements, they don't capture the full picture.
First off, let's clarify what a fixed-gear bike is. The term "fixed-gear" comes from the French word "piste," meaning "track," which is why they're sometimes called "track racers." In essence, a fixed-gear bike is one where the cog (the gear attached to the rear wheel) is directly connected to the hub, meaning it moves whenever the pedals move. If you stop pedaling, the crank, chain, hub, and cog all stop simultaneously. This direct connection gives the bike its unique characteristics, including the ability to pedal backward to move in reverse.
In contrast, most bikes have a "freewheel" mechanism, allowing the pedals to remain stationary while the bike coasts forward. Fixed-gear bikes don't have this feature—hence the name "fixed."
The Unique Nature of Track Bikes
Fixed-gear bikes used in competitions are often brake-free because they're designed for closed tracks, free from traffic, pedestrians, or stoplights. On a track, riders slow down by gradually reducing their pedaling speed, making brakes unnecessary. In fact, brakes could be dangerous in a race, as stopping suddenly could cause accidents with other competitors.
In Japan, fixed-gear bikes are also used in Keirin, a form of bicycle racing that's part of the gambling industry, similar to horse racing. The bikes used in Keirin must meet strict regulations, known as "NJS" standards, ensuring fairness and uniformity. These bikes are minimalistic, with no brakes, reflecting the principle of racing with only the essentials.
In the photo, you can see that all the bicycles look the same and none of them have brakes. The idea is to ride with the "minimum necessary" equipment for competition. In bicycle racing, the focus is on the cyclist rather than the bicycle. Similar to how you don't pay attention to the pole vaulter's pole, the emphasis is on the cyclist's skill and training.
The Evolution of Fixed-Gear Culture
The fixed-gear bike, originally designed for track racing, found new life on the streets when American bike messengers adopted it for its speed and simplicity. For these riders, being fast wasn't just about pride—it was essential for earning a living. Much like today's Uber Eats couriers, the quicker they could make deliveries, the more jobs they could take on. A fixed-gear bike's direct drive and lightweight build made it perfect for weaving through city traffic with agility and efficiency.
Beyond practicality, fixed-gear bikes became symbols of personal style. Riders began customizing their bikes, turning them into expressions of individuality. This trend spread internationally, leading to a fixed-gear boom in Japan in the early 2000s, where bikes became a staple of urban street culture.
As popularity grew, regulations followed, requiring brakes for bikes ridden on public roads. Despite this, the fixed-gear bike continues to embody the essence of cycling: simplicity, speed, and style, making it a lasting icon in the cycling community.
Riding a Fixed-Gear Bike: A Unique Experience
One of the standout features of a fixed-gear bike is its simplicity—just you, the bike, and the road. Every pedal stroke matters because the cog on a fixed-gear bike is directly connected to the hub. When you stop pedaling, the bike stops immediately, making it feel almost like a two-wheeled unicycle. This direct connection gives you a sense of control and responsiveness unlike any other bike type.
But what really sets fixed-gear bikes apart is how they allow you to stop. By applying reverse pressure on the pedals, you can slow down or even come to a complete stop without using the brakes. This maneuver, known as a "skid," is not only effective but also a lot of fun once you get the hang of it. For many riders, skidding becomes second nature, and it's common to find yourself calculating your stopping distance long before you need to come to a halt. This means that fixed-gear riders are constantly aware of their surroundings—monitoring traffic, pedestrians, and road conditions with heightened attention.
Although fixed-gear bikes are legally required to have brakes for riding on public roads, many riders use them sparingly. The brakes are often seen as a backup—a last resort for emergencies. Most of the time, riders rely on their legs to control the bike's speed and bring it to a stop. This might sound daunting at first, but it becomes a natural part of the riding experience with practice. You'll develop a deeper connection with your bike as you learn to read the road and anticipate every move.
Another critical feature of fixed-gear bikes is their single-speed nature. Unlike bikes with multiple gears, a fixed-gear bike has only one gear ratio, meaning you can't shift gears to adjust for different terrains or speeds. The typical gear ratio is set between 2.7 and 3.0, similar to a basic commuter bike. If you find the gearing too light or too heavy, you can adjust it by changing the chainring or cog. While this process requires special tools and might seem inconvenient, it's part of the charm of riding a fixed-gear bike. It's a hands-on experience that deepens your understanding of your bike's mechanics.
The simplicity of a fixed-gear bike also means fewer parts to maintain, which translates to less time spent on repairs and more time enjoying the ride. With fewer components, these bikes are generally lighter, making them faster to accelerate and easier to handle. While heavier bikes maintain speed more easily, the quick acceleration of a light fixed-gear bike offers a different kind of thrill. You'll feel every pedal stroke and every movement, making your ride more engaging and dynamic.
In a world where convenience often takes center stage, riding a fixed-gear bike reminds us that sometimes, the challenges and the little inconveniences bring the most joy. Whether it's mastering the perfect skid, maintaining your bike with care, or simply enjoying the minimalist design, riding a fixed-gear bike is an experience that connects you with the essence of cycling.
The Simplicity and Appeal of Fixed-Gear Bikes
The beauty of a fixed-gear bike lies in its simplicity. With no derailleurs, shifters, or extra cables, these bikes offer a pure cycling experience that's both functional and aesthetically pleasing. With its sharp, angular frame, the streamlined design gives fixed-gear bikes a sleek and modern look that stands out on the road.
But the appeal goes beyond just looks. Fewer parts mean less maintenance, making fixed-gear bikes easier to care for than traditional city bikes. Their lightweight build also means quicker acceleration and more agility, perfect for navigating city streets or enjoying a spirited ride.
What really sets fixed-gear bikes apart, though, is the connection they create between rider and machine. With every pedal stroke directly powering the bike, you're more in tune with your ride, leading to a more engaging and responsive experience. This simplicity invites riders to dive deeper into the mechanics of their bikes, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in customization.
In a world focused on convenience, fixed-gear bikes offer a refreshing alternative—an opportunity to enjoy the essence of cycling in its most straightforward and rewarding form.
Experience the Joy of Riding a Fixed-Gear Bike
Riding a fixed-gear bike is about more than just getting from point A to point B—it's about connecting with your bike and the road in a challenging and rewarding way. This year, we at Brotures want more people to discover this unique joy and immerse themselves in the world of fixed-gear cycling.
We invite you to explore our collection of top-quality fixed-gear bikes, each one carefully selected to offer the best riding experience. Whether you're new to fixed-gear bikes or a seasoned rider, Brotures is here to help you find the perfect ride.