How to Choose Fixed Gear Bike | Buyers Guide – 2022
The fixed gear bikes are perhaps the trendiest in the market right now. With its simplicity and very budget-friendly price tag, this cycle is slowly yet surely starting to win the heart of its users. Like many other riders out there, you also want to know more about how to choose fixed gear bike; this article will help you do that.
Here, we have discussed every little aspect of fixie bicycle so that you know everything about it and decide whether it would be wise to buy one or not.
How to Choose Fixed Gear Bike: Everything You Should Know
What is a Fixed Gear Bicycle?
A fixed gear bike (or a fixie, however you call it) is a special kind of bicycle that comes with a drivetrain with no freewheel mechanism. As there is no freewheel mechanism, the cog is directly tied to the pedals motion, which means that when you pedal forward, the bike moves forward and vice versa.
In recent times, fixies have gained immense popularity among urban cyclists because of their simplicity compared to any standard multi-geared bicycle.
Why Buy a Fixie?
Several reasons would support you to buy a fixie. The top reasons why you should own this are:
- Fixies are relatively lightweight and therefore, extremely easy to maneuver and control.
- While riding a fixie, you have to pedal continuously to keep it moving, and you would burn a lot of calories and lose weight on it.
- A fixed-gear bike requires less repair and maintenance than a multi-geared bicycle.
- Fixies tend to be cheaper than multi-geared bikes.
Use of Your Fixed Gear Bicycle
You can use this bicycle in several different ways. We have discussed the top reasons for your better understanding.
- A fixie can be used as an exercise bike. As you are always pedaling to keep moving, you burn a lot of calories and shed weight to become fit and active in the process.
- Because it offers an unlimited speed range, a single speed bike can be used for racing as well.
Components of a Fixie
A fixie consists of several components to make your riding experience delightful as well as efficient. Here, we have discussed those components so that you know them well.
Frame & Fork
The frame is the most crucial factor of a single-speed bike as it holds the cycle altogether. Therefore, it is most commonly constructed with materials like aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, etc.
Even though a fixie follows a standard road bike design, a fixie frame must have horizontal dropouts because these are essential for tensioning the bike's chain.
In addition to the frame, the fork of a fixie is also similar to a road bike’s one. However, the fork is either placed at the front for better suspension.
Flip-flop Hub
One of the most important parts of a single gear bike is its flip flop hub. A flip flop hub (also known as a double-sided hub) is mounted in the rear of a fixie and is specially designed to accept both fixed cogs and freewheels on both sides to provide the best convenience to its riders.
Brakes
Surprisingly, the brakes are not an integral part of a fixie. In fact, if you even don’t have brakes in your single-speed bike, it won’t matter much as you can always stop or slow it down by pedaling backward.
However, many single gear bike models come with both front and rear rim brakes to provide maximum safety to their riders.
Handlebars
Fixed gear bikes can come with different types of handlebars to choose from according to the riders’ preference and comfort level. However, there is no fixed rule that a fixie has to have special kinds of handlebars for phenomenal operation.
From a mustache, riser, pursuit to bullhorn, flat and drop bars, you have the freedom to choose any type of handles for more enjoyable riding.
Tires and Wheels
The combination of wheels and tires is the most crucial and most vulnerable part of a fixie. Due to how a fixed gear bike is ridden, the wheels take a severe toll on them and need frequent truing for better and safe performance.
Even though it generally uses 700c wheels, you can also use 26″ wheels, depending on your preference. On the other hand, single-speed bikes usually incorporate thinner tires, between 23 and 28 mm wide, to provide the best speed to the riders.
Stem & Headset
The steam is a metal part that connects the handlebar to the headset. It is also an important aspect to consider as it affects how well the bike steers and how comfortably you can ride.
Similarly, a headset is a component that connects the fork and stem to the handlebar. Aside from determining the handlebars overall height, a headset also helps the bars rotate freely.
Crankset/Rear Cog
The crankset is also a crucial factor as it determines how well it rides and how comfortable it is to ride in terms of accelerating and maintaining speeds.
On the other hand, a rear cog is a smaller version of the crankset mounted in the bike's rear wheel and determines the fixie's gearing ratio.
Saddle & Seat post
Fixed gear saddles and seat posts are quite similar to that of a regular road bike one. However, to provide an adequate comfort level for the riders, the saddle of fixie is cushioned and has minimal seat coverage.
And as for the seat post, it is usually made from aluminum alloy or steel and ensures that your saddle doesn’t break while riding.
Pedals
The pedals are the main parts that drive your single-speed bike's crankset; therefore, they are also important.
Generally, fixies come with flat platform-style pedals because of their simplicity. However, more recently, manufacturers included clipless pedals and holster versions to give you more control, especially during the braking.
Fixed Gear Bicycle Maintenance
It doesn’t matter if you own a budget bike or a super expensive one. However, maintaining it regularly would undoubtedly prolong its durability.
However, you must know that taking care of a fixed gear bike is extremely easy and fuss-free. You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on the maintenance and replacement parts that you normally do with your multi-gear bikes.
For the most part, maintaining a fixie is quite effortless. You must always clean and oil the chain for smooth riding. Dirt and dust clog the chain and make riding quite annoying.
Similarly, never forget to check the brakes and make sure that they are in good condition; otherwise, you might not be able to stop or slow it down in times of need.
Differences from Other Bicycles
By now, you have understood that the fixed gear bikes are a bit different than other types of bikes that you have known/ let’s discuss how these bikes are different from the others.
BMX
A BMX is an off-road sport bicycle used for racing and stunt riding. Like the fixies, the BMX also uses one speed, but it is the only similarity between these cycles.
BMX is designed with a smaller frame and a different handlebar design to handle the dirt tracks, pavement surfaces, and tricks effectively. A single-speed bike would not last for long on a BMX course.
MTB
Mountain bikes are one of the strongest bikes among others and can handle the most demanding riding conditions with ease and comfort.
However, even though a fixie has a hybrid/road bike feel to it, it definitely cannot handle the terrains like a mountain bike, ever.
Road
By now, you know that a fixie and a regular road bike are quite similar. There are more than a few similarities between these two cycles from the seat post to the frame styles. However, you must also know that there are still plenty of differences between them.
For instance, road bikes incorporate a high amount of gears and brake levers that are absent in fixies. Moreover, while fixies come with quite wide wheels and tires, road bikes tend to have skinnier ones.
But then again, despite the differences, a fixie is more similar to a road bike than any other on our list.
Cruiser
Even though a cruiser and a single-speed bike use only one speed, this is where all the similarities end. Cruiser bikes weren't designed for trails, speed, or stunts; instead, they were specially designed for the casual, relaxed type of riding that gives you a very fun vibe.
On the other hand, fixie bikes provide anything but relaxing.
Benefits of a Fixed Gear Bicycle
A fixed-gear bike offers plenty of notable benefits to its users. Some of the most prominent advantages are:
Pedal Efficiency
One of the greatest features of a fixed gear bike is its pedal efficiency. As there is no gear, this type of bike tends to use momentum and your pedaling power to maintain the speed.
And because it relies on your pedaling speed to move forward, the drivetrain and you pedal more efficiently for a smoother riding experience.
Furthermore, the drivetrain also keeps your legs engaged so that you can lose weight and become more healthy and active.
Lightweight
The best benefit of a single-speed bicycle is that it is extremely lightweight. Since this cycle doesn’t have a derailleur, levers, a cassette, and sometimes brake assemblies and comes with only the frame, drivetrain, handlebars, seat post, and wheels, it is incredibly light in weight compared to others.
In general, a fixie weighs around 15-17 pounds, making it easy to control and effortless to maneuver and ensures that it is portable and easy to carry around in times of need.
Looks
Even though it’s not a component, a fixed gear bike's aesthetic will surely please its users. It doesn’t matter what the style of your fixie is. Its cool stripped-down look is extremely alluring and will add more to your style whenever you ride it.
Moreover, as the outer appearance is fully customizable, you can always deck up the bike as you want for a more personalized look and vibe.
Low Cost
Fewer components mean less cost and therefore, the price range of single speed bikes will leave you in awe. In addition, the absence of multi-gear drivetrains, levers, a cassette,and other parts helped fixies to cut manufacturing costs by several notches, which also contributed to keeping the final price very affordable and budget-friendly.
Furthermore, you can also cut down additional costs by opting for a brakeless version.
Low Maintenance
Again, as there are fewer parts and components in a fixed gear bike, it requires less maintenance than a multi-gear bike. However, on a regular bike, you have to keep an eye on the multi-gear drivetrains, disc brakes, and caliper brakes because they require a good deal of maintenance if you want to enjoy a smooth ride.
On the other hand, as all these components are absent in a fixie, you just need to take care of the chain, the brake (if any), and the tires before you hit the road for a more delightful and safe riding.
A Different Riding Experience
As a fixed gear bike is largely dependent on your pedals, it offers a unique riding experience than any other bike available.
Since your pedals never stop turning as long as you are on the bike, it helps you engage with your bike more and helps you experience a different style of riding.
Geometry
The riding position of a fixie greatly influences the bike’s comfort level as you are constantly pedaling it. And that’s why the geometry of this bike is super important.
A fixie always ensures relaxed geometry with an upright riding position rather than the steep geometry of track bicycles for a comfortable riding session.
Sizing
Like any other regular bicycle, single-speed bikes also come in several different sizes to accommodate a wide range of riders. It doesn’t matter if you are tall or short; from the various sizes of fixies, you can always pick the right one for your ridings.
Drawbacks of a Fixed Gear Bicycle
In addition to the several benefits, a fixed gear bike also comes with some flaws you must know about. These flaws are:
Braking
One of the most talked-about disadvantages of a fixie is that it doesn’t come with brakes to provide instant stopping power. And the lack of brakes might be too much for some riders because they have to learn how to stop or slow down all over again for safer cruising.
Moreover, as the absence of a braking system is illegal in some areas, you just cannot ride your fixed gear bike in those areas or even own one despite your skill levels.
Lack of Gear Options
As the name suggests, single speed bike comes with only one gear or speed. Therefore, riders accustomed to multi-gears and enjoy different speeds will find it difficult to like this bike even though it comes with more than a few amazing aspects.
Takes Getting Used to
Another drawback of fixie bicycles is that it requires constant pedaling to keep moving. It might take more than a couple of days to get used to this riding type and annoy some riders.
Top Fixed Gear Bicycle Brands
There are numerous brands in the market that manufacturers fixed gear bikes. However, all of them are not as excellent as the others. Below, we have discussed the top 6 popular brands who produce top-notch fixies to meet your demands.
Vilano
Based in Florida, USA, Vilano is a world-renowned manufacturing brand specializing in producing highly affordable bikes that many users can afford.
In addition to making different types and styles of bicycles, Vilano also offers several different models of fixed gear bikes with numerous designs to cater to its customers' needs.
Vilano markets fixies with both brakes and without brakes to provide options to its customers.
Micargi
Founded and formed in 1998 and based in Los Angeles, California, Micargi Bicycles also offers a wide range of bicycle styles and models to its customers, including road, mtb, fat, BMX, and even tandems.
Aside from these bicycles, Micargi also manufactures top-quality fixies to cater to its versatile customers' demands. As a result, it has one of the biggest lineups of single speed bikes compared to many of its close competitors to provide its customers with a wide variety of choices.
6ku
Based in California, 6KU mostly manufactures commuter, road, and fixie bikes to satisfy its customers various needs.
Even though it has several different bicycle models, 6KU currently offers just two fixed gear models in several different color options to meet the growing demands of its users.
Aventon
Unlike the other companies in the list, Aventon is a relatively new one; yet, it still managed to be one of the top fixie manufacturers. It specialized only in producing fixed gear bikes and frames and is quite successful in it.
Even though this newly formed company has a very limited lineup, it offers a huge variety of options in different budget range to its users to pick from according to their needs and preferences.
Retrospec
Rooted in Los Angeles, USA, Retrospec is committed to providing high-quality, low-priced products to its customers.
This bicycle brand produces a wide range of bicycles to ensure that all its customers can enjoy its phenomenal craftsmanship and amazing features when riding its cycles.
Retrospec also included single gear bikes of different models and color options in its wide variety of bicycles to make sure that none of its users return empty-handed and has actually something to buy from their store.
Pure Fix Cycles
Founded in 2010 as Pure Fix Cycles, another top bicycle manufacturer manufactures different bikes for its customers.
With a motto of getting people on the bike, this company is continuously designing, developing, and delivering the coolest bikes on the market so that people are allured and get interested in riding.
In addition to its amazing range of different types of bikes like road, mtb, and commuter, Pure Fix Cycles also manufactures a wide variety of fixies to meet the demands of its versatile customers.
Wrapping Up
Fixed gear bikes are no longer a fantasy. Instead, what once was a fad has become one of the most popular bicycle in the market because of its amazing features and phenomenal benefits.
If you want to buy a fixie for yourself, we can guarantee that this article will guide and help immensely to find the best one in the market.
