10 Best Fixed-Gear Bikes and Buying Guide
Table of Contents
Top Rated Fixed-Gear Bike
What Are Fixed-Gear Bikes?
The fixed-gear bikes are popularly known as “Fixie”. These bikes drive-train through a single gear fixed to the rear wheel. It needs constant pedaling when the bike is moving. These are the simplest bikes known. They don’t have shifters, derailleurs, double or triple cranksets, and sometimes brakes too. Fixed-gear bikes don’t come with too many fancy components. They are the simplest ones sought. They are lightweight machines that never go wrong till the wheels are pumped. These stylish fixies are powerful machines and durable keep.
The fixed-gear bikes are available either with rear and front brakes or only a front brake mechanism. The fixed-gear bikes are found unsuitable to ride tough terrains. As a beginner, you may feel challenged riding this simple machine. It is hard to pull these bikes off during immediate or emergency stops. They are considered ideal for commuting in urban areas.
How Do Fixed-Gear Bikes Work?
It is easy to ride a fixed-gear bike. Staddle over the bike seat, and here it goes. Put your weight on the pedal moving it forward with one foot. Lift the other foot from the ground and push it forward balancing the ride. While you build the right momentum, it is necessary to maintain balance.
Due to their unique riding style, fixed-gear bikes are fun. They are elegant with their operations. Unlike electric bikes, you can’t stop pedaling with fixed-gear bikes. It needs constant pedaling. Your legs automatically spin while the bike is moving.
Riding the fixed gear bikes downhill is a major task. You have to be careful when riding downhill. Brakes are essential if you commute downhill. With fixie, you should be gentle with brakes. Press them until your legs stop spinning. Backward pressure can help to speed down and lower the momentum.
What to Consider When Buying A Fixed-Gear Bike?
It is pertinent to understand this simple yet robust machine for a fun ride. While you struggle with knowing what to buy, we give you a quick look at the main features.
Braking System
Although it is possible riding a fixed-gear bike without brakes, we highly recommend having one. Most of the fixed gear bikes have both the front and rear brakes, or just front brakes. It is a basic mechanism followed by many to slow down by back-pedaling. It needs immense skills, years of experience, and ability. If you consider yourself a fast rider, brakes get necessary. It lets you free and allows safety.
Fixed Gear Ratio
Many fixed-gear bikes are dominantly available in the 46:16 gear ratio.
Gear Hubs
The rear hub is an essential part of any fixed-gear bike. The flip-flop hub for a fixed-gear bike is good. It allows freewheel on one side and fixed on the other side. The rear hub has a threaded axle and durable high-end threaded axle nuts. It allows better chain tensioning. It doesn’t lock the rear wheel.
Bike Chain
The fixed-gear bike chains come in two sizes. The size is referred to in its width. They are either 1/8 inch or 3/32 inches.
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