When considering the purchase of a single speed bike, you first need to realize how significant of a purchase this could be. For most single speed riders, their bike is a big part of their lifestyle. Before making a decision on whether or not to join the fixie community, you need to consider a few things…
Single Speed Bikes
So you’ve seen all the cool videos of single speed bikes and you’ve seen all the tricked out fixies that folks have. Maybe you’ve even read up quite a bit on a fixed gear forum to figure out everything you’ll need for your first bike. Oftentimes, though, people can get caught up in the emotion of such a cool toy and not stop to think whether it fits their unique lifestyle or desires. As previously mentioned, a single speed bike should be a significant and meaningful purchase for your life if you do it right.
Purchasing a Single Speed
So what’s a single speed bike kinda person all about? Well, if you’re big into biking but you want more connection with your ride, then a single speed might be right for you. Along with that comes very low maintenance or repair needs, since you’re shedding the most complicated aspects of a typical bike. So where do you go to find out more about the right bike for you? How about FixedGear.net, where you can get all the best up-to-date info on fixies along with some great recommendations on the best bike for you?
Find an affordable and durable single speed bike with help from FixedGear.net!
We’ve been so into talking about fixed gear bikes lately that we realized many of you may not even have had a chance to read our introductory posts and learn about us. So, consider this your reintroduction to what FixedGear.net can do you for in your search for a great fixie.
Fixed Gear Information
Perhaps the most important element of the FixedGear.net site? The informational posts available to our visitors. Here, you can find info on topics ranging from fixed gear parts to fixie conversions to any other hot topics in the fixed gear world. We try to keep our visitors in touch with the most up-to-date information and trends, while also providing solid starter information for those just getting going. You can read our pasts posts and even sort by topic by clicking here.
Fixie Community
If there’s one thing fixed gear riders love almost as much as their bikes, its the communities that develop around them. Both in person and online, these communities are strong and supportive, with a wealth of knowledge and advice. Fixed gear beginners would do themselves a great favor by getting in touch with these various communities and learning all they can from the get go. We try to keep our visitors in touch with these communities by covering some of the hot topics on fixed gear forums, along with the comments section after each of our posts.
Your Fixie Search
Of course, all the info in the world won’t directly help you find your next/first fixie. That’s why we provide an easy fixie search right on our homepage. You just need to know two things; your skill level, and your budget. It’s just that easy to be setup with some of the best fixed gear manufacturers out there.
So, thanks for coming by the site. Stay awhile and check out all we have to offer.
So you’re ready to stop researching and wondering…it’s time to get your first fixie. First off, good for you. You might be looking for some guidance on where to buy your new ride. Perhaps that’s why the title drew you. Anyway, there are a few place you can go to find a fixie. But, you’re in the market for the fixie, right? As in the exact right match for your wants and needs. Rather than settling for a bike you won’t be happy with, take the time to read the guide below and find your best match…
Bike Shop Fixies
If you happen to live in one of those rare and/or progressive cities that has a bike shop that stocks fixed gear bikes, congrats. But, if you’re like most of the rest of us, you’d have to search far and wide to even find someone in the area who knows what you’re talking about when you say, “fixie.” Even if your bike shop has fixed gear bikes, it’s unlikely that the two or three they stock are exactly what you’re looking for. Again, this is not the time to settle. You want your first fixie to be one that satisfies your excitement and expectations.
Building Your Own Single Speed Bike
As addressed in another recent post, building a single gear bicycle can be surprisingly expensive, even to advanced users. If you’re just diving into fixie riding, now is definitely not the time to blow a big wad of cash on your first ride, no matter how convinced you are that you’re going to stick with it. Not only that, but you certainly want considerably more experience in the world of fixies before you go riding down hills on top of something you built yourself.
FixedGear.net
When you visit FixedGear.net, you’ll notice that your fixie search starts with two simple questions. Your experience level and what you want to pay. Those two factors more than any other will help guide you to the proper single gear bicycle. And if you have any questions or concerns along the way, that’s what our handy FAQs and information center are here for.
Find your a single gear bicycle you can love with help from FixedGear.net TODAY!
Folks who own and ride fixies have formed impressive communities of support and guidance. If you’re thinking of jumping into the fixed gear world, you may be somewhat intimidated by your first visit to the fixed gear forums frequented by the members of this community. Fear not, the folks there are always willing to help and answer any questions you have regarding your new biking desires. And if you’re an advanced fixie rider, you can always stumble across new ideas and modifications on an almost daily basis. Here are a few of the hot topics on a popular fixed gear forum, BikeForums.net:
Brakeless Single Speed
A large portion of the fixed gear community actually rides their bikes brakeless. May seem crazy to some of us, but they have developed the knack for weaving in and out of traffic with only their feet to slow them down. The brakeless ride is thought to have evolved from bike messengers in big cities, who simply did not have time to stop or slow down. The fixed gear forum shows a pretty hearty debate on the topic, along with a video of one extreme brakeless scenario in San Francisco. Please note that brakeless riding is not recommended for beginning riders. Read the full discussion by clicking here.
Single Speed Accessories
If there’s one thing fixie riders love as much as their bikes, it’s upgrading their bike’s look with some sweet accessories. If you’ve developed a group of fixie friends, you’ve probably seen some pretty wild paint jobs and accessories. The guys over at BikeForums.net discuss some of their favorite recent purchases. As expected, this particular thread is quite long and diverse. Read the discussion by clicking here.
Building a Fixie
Some guys get the desire to build their very own fixie right out of the gate. If you’re considering doing the same, hopefully you are experienced enough in the field to know the right components to fit your wants and needs. Even so, it can be quite a bit more costly than you’re anticipating. Be sure to sit down and really add everything up before you jump headlong into such an important project. One of the users on BikeForums.net put together a spreadsheet of all his components and tools before he started his project. Good thing, too, since he and the other users on the fixed gear forum basically decided it was too rich for his blood. Read the post by clicking here.
If you’re ready for your first fixie but you don’t want to spend a ton, check out the great lineup from FixedGear.net.
CLICK HERE to join the fixed gear community with help from FixedGear.net!
If there’s one thing fixed gear riders like as much as their bikes, it’s showing them off. Earlier, we did a post of pictures and videos of some fixies, many which had a custom fixed gear paint job. This is just one example of the many ways that riders like to add a little style to their fixed gear frame. Having a fixie helps you stand out, but putting some extra time and effort into a stylish look really helps it pop.
Fixed Gear Frame
Before you start focusing on adding style to your ride, make sure to keep in mind the greater importance of functionality. Especially if you’re putting a bike together piece by piece, you have to be able to ignore any strong desires to buy a frame you know will not be an optimal fit, just because it has a certain stylish appeal. Remember, you will be riding this bike for many years to come and you need it to be comfortable way before you need it to stand out. But, once you have the right frame for you, there are several easy ways to spruce it up to match your own individual style.
Painting a Fixed Gear Frame
The quickest way to make your ride stand out is a custom paint job. There are plenty of shops out there that can do this for you. Then again, having a fixie is all about you, right? So, if you’re interested in doing it yourself, take heart that there are plenty who have come before you and pulled off some great looking paint jobs. This includes tfrancis over at Fixed Gear Wales, who used graffiti paint to create a real eye-popping paint job on a fixie he built for his girlfriend (see here). Probably the most ethical use of graffiti paint I’ve ever heard of. In general, painting a fixed gear frame so that it lasts is somewhat of a time consuming process. But, if you’re willing to put in the time to make your ride look good, then check out reckon’s tips at San Jose Fixed Gear (click here).
Fixed Gear Wheels
The other major component to your fixie is the wheels. Whether they buy them painted or do it themselves, people will often coordinate the color scheme of their wheels to match that of the frame. Or maybe you have a cool style in mind with contrasting colors. For my next fixie, I’m considering using the colors of my favorite sports team. Whatever colors you’re looking for, know that they’re out there or you can find a way to make them yourself. For example, take a look at the classy blue and yellow combo on this Schwinn (click here). Those who want to stand out in the pack a little bit might want to try something more along these lines (click here).
However you go about adding style to your fixed gear frame, just keep in mind that it’s all about you. You’re going to be riding this bad boy around town, so you want it to say something about you.
If you’ve been paying attention to the bicycle world at all lately, you’ve probably heard about single speed bicycles. Also known as fixed gear bikes or fixies, these bikes are a huge departure from the ten-speeds you remember from your childhood. These bikes are not only simpler and easier to maintain, but they’re also becoming more and more stylish and trendy (if you’re into that). Whatever you’re motivation, getting a single speed bicycle can be a new and exciting experience.
Maintaining a Single Speed Bicycle
Picture the ten-speed you have in your garage right now. What would you say is the most complicated and potentially intimidating piece on the whole bike? You’re probably picturing the gears on the back wheel. For most of us, such a complicated system of chainwheels and derailers is not only overwhelming to watch in action, but potentially difficult to fix or maintain. A single speed bicycle is much simpler, as all the derailers, shifting cables, etc. go right out the window and your chain attaches directly to a hub on the back wheel. Right there, you have eliminated a large portion of the more complicated maintenance time and cost from your bike.
The Advantages of a Single Speed Bike
You may have seen a few folks around town with a single speed or maybe one of your friends has one and loves it, but you might not know what the big deal is. If you talk to a fixed gear rider, you’re likely to hear a passionate and glowing review of all the advantages to riding in one gear. First off, as mentioned earlier, a bike is significantly easier to maintain in good working order without the complex machinery of multiple gears. Also, riding a fixie will keep you much more connected to your ride. Without the ability to coast, you will “feel” the ride in a much deeper sense. Lastly, you will be surprised how much less your new single speed bicycle weighs compared to the typical multi-gear, simply due to the removal of the aforementioned complicated gears.
Where to Buy a Single Speed Bicycle
Even though fixies are becoming more and more popular every day, unless you live in a bigger city, you may find that your local bike shop is woefully behind the curve. You may get lucky if they have one on consignment from a private seller. Otherwise, if you’re interested in buying a fixed gear bike online, you can also try checking out Craigslist for used fixies in your area. Last but far from least, there are quite a few reputable retailers of new single speed bikes currently offering their wares online, helping to fill in the gaps for those of us not lucky enough to have a fixie store right down the street.
CLICK HERE to find just the right fixie for you!
One of the biggest draws to joining the fixed gear community is the customization that folks are doing with their bikes nowadays. Fixed gear owners are proud of their rides, particularly those who converted their bike themselves or put a lot of time and energy into jazzing it up. That having been said, we’ve decided to put together a nice sampling of fixed gear videos and galleries for your viewing pleasure. If you’re on the fence about getting a fixie or souping up the one you have, maybe these images will help you decide to get on it…
Fixed Gear Tricks
If there’s anything fixie owners like as much as their bikes, it’s pulling off crazy tricks with them. You’ll notice in the following videos that a lot of these trick moves simply are not possible with a traditional bike. Things like shifting cables and freewheel hubs would definitely get in the way of these sweet moves…
Click here to see “Bike Jerks” show off their moves in Minneapolis.
Click here to see the Millers try their hardest to not hurt themselves with these tricks.
Fixed Gear Uses
Sure, tricks are nice, if you’ve got the time. But what about the daily use of a fixie? Are they really applicable to my life? Maybe you’re a little concerned about using such a bike in the big city. If so…
Click here to see a first person use of a fixie in mother England.
Click here if a place like New York City is more your style.
Most of us don’t have nearly as many cars and pedestrians to deal with, making our ride even simpler and safer.
Fixie Galleries
All right, enough of the videos. Let’s focus on what makes it all possible, the bikes. There are hundreds of picture galleries out there for fixed gear bikes, some better than others. In the interest of giving us all something to aspire to, we’re going to go ahead and skip Jimmy’s Fixed Gear Gallery and cut right to the good stuff…
Click here for some great shots of fixies from around the world.
Click here for a Facebook gallery of some fixie conversions.
So, do you have your fix now? Ready to jump head long into the fixed gear world? Good, get out there and get started!
A fixed gear bike is essentially a stripped-down version of the bikes with multiple gears that most of us are used to riding. The direct connection to the back wheel not only means no shifting, but it also means no coasting. Folks who ride fixies feel this gives a better connection to the ride. Those with a little more experience with fixed gear bikes may feel ready to convert a traditional bike to a fixie, with some of the following tips as a starter guide…
Starting a Fixed Gear Conversion
Before you get started on a fixed gear conversion, it’s important to take realistic stock of what you’re about to do. If you’re comfortable with your own skill level in this venue, and you have a bike that you’re willing to risk in the process, then you’re probably ready to get started. That having been said, it is a relatively easy process and won’t put your bike at much risk, provided you follow a reliable guide and don’t do anything you’re not comfortable with.
Shedding Gears
One of the best things you’ll notice right off the bat is how much weight and complexity you’ll shed off your bike in the first few steps. Things like derailleurs, shifters, and cables can all go for good. You will also see the benefit of shedding these extras in the weeks and years to come, as maintenance time will be way down.
Fixed Gear Hubs and Chains
The most important part of your fixed gear conversion could very well be the rear hub and chain you select. Lots of things play into the selection of a fixed gear hub. Things like the type of bike and even the number of spokes are all relevant. At a time like this, some of us may be most comfortable visiting the local bike shop to at least talk about the process, if not have them finish it up. One type of hub that seems to be getting popular is a “flip flop” hub, which allows you to switch to a straight single-gear as need be (with coasting). When it comes to your chain, you’ll now want to pay attention to your chain line. Your old bike setup had a lot of gears taking up room, meaning you may need your rear hub “redished” to fill in the space and keep the chain running straight and smooth. See previous bike shop comment if need be.
Whether you’re interesting in buying a fixie or looking to do your own fixed gear conversion, congrats on joining the club and seeking a closer connection to your ride.
For more great tips and a little how-to, check out the About.com fixed gear guide by clicking here.
So, you’ve decided it’s time to try out a fixed gear bike for yourself. Maybe you’ve read some of the information on this very site to help you decide. However, you got to this point, congratulations on making the choice to improve the simplicity and fun of your ride. Before you buy, take a gander at these helpful tips:
1. Price Isn’t Everything
Fixies are getting more and more popular every day, so you’ll probably have quite a few to choose from once you start looking. You know doubt have a price range you’re using to guide your efforts. Just keep in mind, though, that you should be looking for value, not simply price. Whether you’re going to buy new or used, you want to get the most for your money. Gunning for the cheapest fixie can come back to bite you, as can simply buying the one with the biggest price tag you can find. Be sure to take your time to carefully inspect each component of every bike you’re considering. This is your first fixie experience, don’t ruin it by purchasing a bike without doing your homework.
2. Skill Level
Be honest with yourself. If you are just now getting into fixed gear bikes, you do not want to shoot for the top of the line fixies for advanced riders. No doubt fixies are simpler than the bikes you’re used to, but that doesn’t mean you can conquer the professional bikes right off the bat. Again, if this is your first experience riding a fixie, you may not come back for more if you purchase a bike you cannot handle.
3. Your Bike
Since this is your first time buying a fixie, you probably have some friends, family, or co-workers who originally introduced you to the idea. You might even lean on them for some advice during the buying process. Remember, though, that this is your bike that you will be using for years and years to come. Don’t let anyone talk you into anything you’re not comfortable with. Stick to your own standards of price, quality, and skill level, and you should do just fine.
Congrats on joining the fixed gear community. You’re going to love it!
Fixed gear bikes are becoming more and more popular, and for good reason. There are a lot of advantages to owning and using a fixed gear bike, in comparison to more typical bikes. Fixed gear riders will likely fill you in on dozens of reasons they prefer to ride fixed gear, but we’ll just discuss two of the biggest advantages here:
Low Maintenance
A fixed gear bike is inherently simpler than most bikes you’re probably used to. Removing the freewheel greatly improves the simplicity of your bike, thereby reducing maintenance. Think of how much time and money you’ve spent either repairing, maintaining, or even replacing the complicated gears on your current bikes. Now ask yourself if you would enjoy being rid of all that hassle, without losing any of the thrill and enjoyment of your bike rides. If the answer is yes, then you need to look more closely at a fixed gear bike.
Smoothness and Efficiency
Many of us didn’t even know that we were missing anything when we first heard about fixed gear bikes. Ten-speeds are more advanced and complicated, so they must be better, right? Actually, there’s probably a large number of people out there who would prefer the fixed gear experience over their current bikes, they just don’t know it yet. When you’re riding a fixed gear bike, you will soon find that you are pedaling more effectively and maintaining a smoother ride. You also feel more connected to the ride, as coasting is removed from the equation.
Riding a fixed gear bike is certainly not for everyone, but it’s definitely for more people than you’d think. Give a fixed gear bike a try and you’ll probably find out that it’s just right for you!
