If you’re thinking about buying a track bike, just started riding one, or want to try out a fixed gear, you might be wondering: do you really need straps?
The answer is simple: absolutely, yes!
I mean it—absolutely necessary. Sure, you might occasionally see people riding around the city without straps, but honestly, that’s a huge missed opportunity.
Without them, you’re only experiencing half the thrill of riding a fixed gear. In this blog, we’ll break down exactly why straps are essential.
1. Intuitive Speed Control
The biggest appeal of a fixed gear is that your pedals are directly connected to the rear wheel, allowing you to brake with your legs. Unlike a freewheel bike, you can control your speed by stopping or even backpedaling.
This leg-braking, intuitive control is unique to fixed gear bikes. You just can’t get this sensation anywhere else.
It feels like the bike is an extension of your body—you can accelerate and decelerate exactly as you intend. To fully enjoy this unique control, securing your feet to the pedals is absolutely essential.
2. Smooth Pedaling with “Pulling Up”
On a regular bike, you mostly push down on the pedals. With a fixed gear and straps, you can also use your "pulling up" motion, applying force on the upstroke.
This can be somewhat effective on a freewheel bike, too, but on a fixed gear, the pedals are always moving, making it more natural and efficient to use the pull-up technique.
This not only makes acceleration smoother but also reduces fatigue on longer rides. Especially when starting from a stop at traffic lights, you can blast off faster than most road bikes.
The feeling of using every rotation of the pedals without wasting a single stroke—once you experience it, you’ll be hooked.
3. Try the Iconic Skid
Every newcomer to track bikes dreams of the "skid"—a braking technique where you lock the rear wheel and slide to a stop. This is where straps really come into play: without them, it’s almost impossible.
Many tricks and variations stem from this basic skid, and straps are essential for all of them. (Even standing tricks are easier with straps.)
At BROTURES, when we talk about the Fixed Gear Street Culture, learning to skid is basically the entry ticket.
For first-timers, start with a simple strap setup.
BROTURES ORIGINAL PEDAL & STRAP
Our original pedal set comes in all-black. The stock reflectors on complete bikes? Totally uncool—swap them out.
If you notice your foot slipping or having trouble getting into the strap, it’s probably the pedal. Swapping to a pedal with smoother rotation solves this instantly.
Our pick: BROTURES INFEEL Pedal
It’s just as smooth as pedals from major brands. No more struggling to get your foot in at every stoplight.
Once you’re used to straps, step up to toe clips for an even more secure ride.
Mix and match according to your frame and components: straps for a street-oriented vibe, toe clips for a more classic feel. Many BROTURES staff riders prefer toe clips.
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So, if you want to fully experience the thrill of a fixed gear, make sure to equip straps.
Intuitive control, efficient pull-up pedaling, and iconic tricks like skids—all of these are made possible by straps. They’re an essential part of the ride.