The fixed gear bicycle has been around longer than your grandma, so why has it become so popular? Why do I want one? And just what the heck is a "Fixie" !? 
I made this FAQ page to inform the consumer of the meritts of the fast growing fixed gear bicycle category.

Q: What is a fixed gear?

A: A fixed gear is a gear or "cog" that does not move independently of the wheel. This means if the wheel is moving, so is the gear, and so is the chain, and your legs!

Q: What is the purpose of a fixed gear?

A: Fixed gears were at one time the only technology available in bicycle drivetrains that used chains and chainwheels. With the invention of the freewheel (allowing the rider to coast) you may wonder; why keep the fixed cog? The fixed gear was used in track cycling for over a century because it keeps the cyclists on the track at a more similar speed. Since track bicycles have no brakes and the riders are in very close proximity to one another, speeding up and slowing down has to happen as uniformily as possible to avoid accidents. 


A vintage roadbike, early 20th century with fixed gear drive.

Q: Why do I see fixed gear bicycles on the street so often recently?

A: The popularity of fixed gear bikes has exploded. Bicycle messengers in major cities took on the use of fixed gear bikes because they are simple, light, fast, and are relatively more difficult to steal parts from. All of which are great features for the profession of bicycle courier. These bikes have gone beyond just the realm of the courier and the track. Many avid cyclists, comuters, and young adults have taken on the fixed gear bike. 

Q: Where are the brakes!? I've seen some fixed gear bikes with no brake calipers at all.

A: Some of these bikes are not equipped with brakes. While this is the norm on the racing track, it has become popular on bikes used in the city as well. We do not condone the use of bikes without proper brakes and neither does the law. The reason that these bikes can be operated without brakes at all is because of their fixed cog. The rider can lock the rear wheel of a fixed gear bike by moving their upper body forward and resisting the forward pedaling motion with their legs. This is not very well controlled and isn't much of a functional brake, but many cyclists use this method of no brake riding. It's mostly a display of recklessness or vanity, and is also one of the reasons the fixed gear bikes are popular with young people. 

Q: What kind of bike is a fixed gear bike?

A: While almost any bike can be outfitted with a fixed cog, the popular idea of a modern fixed gear bike is a road bike. True "Track" bikes have a special geometry with steeper head tube and seat tube angles, and different features as well. One of the biggest differences between a proper fixed gear bike and a road bike is the rear dropouts. The dropouts are the mounting surfaces for the rear wheel. Track bikes have rearward facing horizontal dropouts. This type of dropout makes adjusting the chain tension easy, and helps prevent the wheel from falling out under extreme pedaling forces. It is common for non-professional mechanics to convert standard road bikes with forward facing diagonal dropouts into fixed gear bikes. This kind of bike is DANGEROUS in several ways and should be avoided.


Forward Facing Diagonal Dropouts:   Bad :(

Rearward Facing Horizontal Dropouts: GOOD!

Q: So after all of those warnings, what should I be looking for in a fixed gear bike?

A: A complete track bike from you local bike shop. Most will come with brakes front and rear, with the correct type of dropouts. This kind of bike can be found starting around $300, with enthusiast level bikes for around $600-$1000. Here at The Pedaler, we have track bikes in all price ranges from several manufacturers. Another common feature of these bikes is a rear wheel with provisions for both a fixed cog and a freewheel. This is a nice feature for those who may want to ease into their fixed gear bike, of as an option simply for convenience.


A 2008 Cannondale Capo Track Racing Bike $799.95

Q: Why do people call fixed gear bikes, "great training bikes"? 

A: The mechanics of the fixed gear bike keep your legs moving at all times. This gives the rider a challenge. The challenge is twofold; To spin the cranks at very high speed while descending, and to climb in a taller more difficult gear. Road bike racers frequently tune up their skills on the fixed gear bike, and gain in efficiency. The pedal stroke of the cyclist is also improved by the fixed gear bike. This is because the cyclist feels the cranks moving his/her feet while maintaining speed or while decellerating. A natural reaction to this is to follow the "desired path" of the cranks, and if the rider focuses on this he/she can carry the skill onto other bikes with standard drivetrains.

Q: I've seen this kind of bike with lots of colorful parts, modifications, and different style handlebars. How can I do that to my bike?

A: We can help you customize your bike here at The Pedaler. We stock many fixed gear bike parts and accesories in multiple colors and options. Handlebars are one common item to customize, changing to flat or bullhorn bars being the most popular. Different colored grips, tires, bar tape, hubs, rims, almost anything! We also carry a large assortment of cogs, freewheels, chainrings, and chains. 

I hope that this article helped to inform you about this popular new style of bike. There are a few things to be aware of, but a fixed gear bike can be a lot of fun, convenient, and a great learning experience. Come down to The Pedaler Bike Shop, and we will be glad to help you find your new fixed gear bike!