What is the optimal form of a fixed gear bike for the streets? The sight of free-spirited riders effortlessly cutting through the overwhelming traffic – that's the very essence of the street fixed gear bike I admired as a teenager.
Ever since the release of "MASH 2007", fixed gear bikes have evolved beyond being just a means of vehicle – they've taken on a strong cultural dimension. The way Emi Brown, a rider of LEADER and MASH, rides feels like a definitive answer to what riding a fixed gear is truly about. In my previous blog post, I wrote about FGFS (Fixed Gear Freestyle) bikes, but this time, I am thinking of showcasing a custom build of the LEADER 735TR as an example of an aggressive fixed gear bike for tearing through the streets.
LEADER 735TR BLACK $1,150.00 USD (Frameset)
The 735TR is the flagship model in the LEADER lineup – a track frame engineered specifically for the streets. Its oversized tubing, which has become its identity, is custom-made from the ground up. The bold silhouette makes a strong visual impact, and there's no doubt it will turn heads when spotted in the city lol.
As I mentioned before, this custom build focuses on street performance. Unlike race builds that prioritize pure speed, street riding demands toughness and durability as well. With that mind, I've selected components that can handle real urban conditions.
Anyway, let's start by taking a look at the drivetrain.
ROTOR VEGAST TRACK CRANK SET $543.00 USD
This is a track bike crankset made by ROTOR. It’s a mid-range model that retains the same technology found in their higher-end ALDHU series, but uses 6082 aluminum instead, making it more affordable. It’s a great way to experience ROTOR’s engineering at a more reasonable price.
By BROTURES TRACK COG $45.00 USD
For the cog, I picked our original product, the BROTIRES TRACK COG. Taking gear ratio and skid spots into consideration, I went with a 17T cog. Since the stock chainring on the VEGAST is 49T, the gear ratio is 2.88. If the gear ratio is too heavy, you will lose out on acceleration – too light, your top speed suffers. Personal speaking, a gear ratio around 2.9 is ideal for city riding. I have written a blog post before that goes into detail about gear ratio and skid spots, so if you’re interested, be sure to check it out.
MKS MASH STREAM x MKS TOE CLIP STEEL DEEP TWIN x MKS FIT-α Sports 2-buckle
For the pedal setup, I went all in with MKS, a trusted Japanese brand. When it comes to pedal, opinions often split between strap users and toe clip fans. In my opinion, for trick setups, a flat pedal with a strap is the way to go; for riding performance, using a toe clip is a better choice. While they may not offer the same efficiency as SPD pedals used in racing, the combination of steel toe clips and NJS straps provides a solid hold and allows for efficient, loss-free pedaling.
BROTURES SHRED60 CARBON WHEEL $920.00 USD (F/R sets)
A carbon wheel with excellent vibration absorption and high-grip tires – it’s a solid setup. Some might argue that for the toughness required in street riding, aluminum rims with many spokes offer more peace of mind, but I also want riders to experience the aero benefits unique to carbon wheels. A 60mm rim height makes a nice balance – anything taller, and you are likely to feel the effects of crosswinds more significantly.
There is a reason for using different tires on the front and rear. On the front, I chose the Continental GP5000. For fixed gear bikes, where the rear often skids, having strong front-end grip is absolutely essential. On the rear, I mounted the Gatorskin from Continental as well. This tire, consisting of multi-layer construction, offers solid performance while providing the durability needed for hard riding. If you are planning to do a lot of skidding, this tire is definitely the way to go.
I went with the Selle SAN MARCO Concor for the saddle. Both the handle and stem are ZERO100 from DEDA ELEMENTI. Using components from the same brand brings a more cohesive and stylish look to the build. Emi Brown, the iconic LEADER rider, was also known for using the DEDA PISTA track handlebar. His distinctive riding style, gripping the base of the track bar and aggressively swaying the bike side to side, has captivated countless fixed gear enthusiasts. I also like track handlebars, but for this build, I decided to go with DEDA’s road drop handlebar instead. I think LEADER and DEDA parts have an inseparable connection. For the bar tape, I went with BURGH, a brand that originally started as a family-run business in Tasmania. Their designs are clever and full of character, but they don’t compromise on performance. With excellent grip and comfort, this is a bar tape made for serious riders. And best of all, it’s super easy to wrap.
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In racing, speed is the ultimate virtue and the definitive answer. Riders tend to seek out high-performance components to gain any possible advantage. However, in the street scene, the "right" setup varies from rider to rider. Depending on what each individual prioritizes or wants to express, the bicycle evolves accordingly.
Through this blog, I aim to share various customization ideas with you. If you have a vision but are unsure how to bring it to life, feel free to consult with us. We're here to help realize your pure intentions. Reach out via What up or our order form—we're looking forward to hearing from you.
TATSU