So you say you’re in the market for a brand new bike? Well, have you ever considered getting a fixed gear bike? For those of you who aren’t sure what that is, a fixed gear bike is a bicycle variation that has a drivetrain but doesn’t possess a freewheel mechanism. In some places, it is known by its shorter alternate name: a fixie. Pretty cute, right?
For those who are well-versed in their bicycle design history, you may know that the freewheel is something that’s been present since nearly the very beginning. Despite that, fixed gear bikes have continued to be the standard when it comes to track racing design. It’s only been in recent years that fixed gear bikes have become popular alternative choices for enthusiasts, particularly urban cyclists. Personally, I think the simplicity of it has a lot to do with its rise in popularity, especially when you compare it to the usual, multi-geared bicycle.
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If you want to know the differences between this variant and others, here are some details that you may be interested in: most bicycle hubs tend to use a freewheel, which helps the pedals remain in a stationary state whilst the bike itself is in motion. By doing so, the rider can coast or ride without doing any of the pedaling. All the rider has to do at that point would be to rely on forward momentum to move.
The fixed-gear drive train, on the other hand, has the drive sprocket bolted to the back wheel’s hub. This makes the pedals directly coupled to the wheel. The direct coupling can allow cyclists to apply braking force with either their legs or their body weight, through the resistance of the crank rotation. Fun fact: this whole mechanic can also make it possible for you to be able to cycle backward.
So does the info I’ve presented make for a compelling case for the use of fixed gear bikes? Maybe it is, maybe it’s not. For those that say it isn’t, maybe you’d like to browse through a few product examples and see for yourself. If you’re one of the people that I’ve managed to convince already, I’d still recommend that you look through the following bikes. You may be tempted to go out and get your own bike and I’d like to be the first to present you with some key choices.
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Perfect For Commute & Exercise
At a very affordable price, unYOUsual U Transformer is perfect for commuting and exercising. This fixie comes with Shimano 6 speed shifter and derailleur, and with a semi-alloy front and rear V-brake.
It is also portable as it is a 20-inch easy-to-fold bicycle by just adjusting the seat and handlebars making it a minimal assembly out of the box.
Lightweight
The unYOUsual U Transformer folding bicycle weighs only around 32lbs making it easy to be carried wherever. It is great for RV’s, boats, apartments, and if you are living in a small space. Its foldable feature makes it also easy to be stored in any area.
Make your daily commute practical, fashionable, and affordable with unYOUsual U Transformer!
- Affordable price
- Folding city bike
- Easy assemble
- Handlebars tend to wobble
Worth the Price
The 6KU Aluminum Single Speed Fixie Urban Track Bike comes with a 6061 double-butted alloy smooth welding and a 32H F/R flip-flop hub, which is for optional fixed or freewheel riding. Its front and rear brakes are easily removable, and it also comes with a 30mm deep V double-wall alloy wheels with a flip-flop hub.
It doesn’t exactly come cheap, but it is certainly worth every penny you spend on it.
- Weighs less than expected
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Front and back brakes for added safety
- Wheel reflectors are a bit unstable
- The rear wheel is slightly unbalanced
- Not for people under 5'2" tall
Economy & Environment Friendly
Save the economy and environment by starting to use a bicycle. One of the best offers when it comes to these aspects is the fixed-gear bike from Golden Cycles. Equipped with both front and rear brakes, this fixie is perfect to avoid the hassle of everyday commute whether you’re in the city or rural area.
Enjoy High-Performance
This fixed gear bike was built for everyone to enjoy with an extremely stiff and strong 130BCD crank. Golden Cycles also ensures that your bike ride is at its highest performance with its high-tensile fully tig-welded steel frame that is built to last.
Every user never has to worry about the quality of this bike since every unit has been inspected and tested before leaving the manufacturing facility.
- With front and rear brakes
- Perfect as everyday transportation
- A flip-flop rear hub gives you the flexibility to ride fixed or freewheel
- Comes in different design, color, and size
- Installation tools are not complete
- Pedals tend to fall off in some units
Ideal for Casual Riding
Ride smoothly and safely anywhere with Firmstrong Urban Lady Single Speed. Ideal for afternoon riding with friends and casual riding, this fixie has white-wall balloon tires for a cushioned ride and easy-to-use coaster brakes.
It also has an oversized seat with dual springs for added comfort for long rides, and wide handlebars with rubber grips.
Have a relaxed ride by the beach, around town, or any paved path as you don’t have to worry about cables hanging off the bike or complicated gear systems.
Comes with Different Gear Options
You can also choose the right bike for your terrain or favorite activities as this fixie also comes in three different gear options: one, three, seven, or 21 speeds, and with the double coil springs on its cushioned seat, any type of ride will be as smooth as the trails.
This bike fits most women from 5 feet to 6 feet tall and comes 80% pre-assembled. Start your limitless journey with this Firmstrong fixie and make it a fun and enjoyable one!
- Will arrive in factory sealed box approximately 80% assembled
- Excellent bicycle for daily commute and stroll
- Good quality for its price
- May take time to adjust to the most comfortable level
Stability & Durability in One
The Schwinn brand offers a steel racing frame and fork that guarantee a dependable and swift ride. This fixie offers stability and durability with its high-profile alloy rims that are light but strong. It has a 46t by 18t single-speed drivetrain with a versatile flip flop hub that includes a freewheel for convenient fixed-gear capability.
Easy to Assemble
This fixie from Schwinn is easy to assemble even for a person who has never built a bike before. Its urban seat and grip also add comfort, while the dual alloy calliper brakes supply crisp all-condition.
- Stylish design
- Could be easily assembled
- Skinny tires. Not heavy at all
- The brake calipers are a bit cheap
- Break pads are somewhat cheap and tend to squeal
- Plastic chain cover is touching the chain
Wide Range of Riding
If you’re looking for exceptional performance for leisure, transportation, and exercise, this fixie from Sixthreezero is the right pick for you. This men’s 7-speed cruiser bike has an external hub for a wide range of riding, geared with front and rear handbrakes, so smooth stops are guaranteed without the worry of falling.
For Tall Riders
The Sixthreezero fixie ensures a comfortable seat as it puts riders in an upright, heads-up position with its seat and handlebar geometry right in place. It also promises a cushioned ride with its 26-inch wheels with large waffle tread tires. It is 85% pre-assembled, so putting it together is quicker. This bike suits 5 feet to 6 feet tall riders.
- Geared with front and rear brakes
- 26-inch wheels with large waffle-tread tires for a cushioned ride
- Cushioned dual-spring bike seat and high-density foam handgrips for comfort
- Only fits 5 feet to 6 feet tall riders
- Tall riders may need to crouch
A Reliable Ride
Another fixie bike from Schwinn guarantees a steel racing frame and fork for a responsive and reliable ride whether for the everyday commute, exercise, or leisure. This single-speed bike comes in great style and has simple features free from complicated looks.
It also has front and rear caliper handbrakes, a 46t by 18t single-speed drivetrain, and a flip flop hub which gives you the choice to flip the rear wheels to the other side for free-wheel coasting or fixed-gear riding.
A Perfect Match for You
The Schwinn Kedzie has two different colors to choose from that are a perfect match for you: matte red and blue. Perfect for urban living, this bike can take you wherever you want to go or challenge yourself while enjoying comfort and durability all throughout with its 700C wheels with 32H alloy rims.
- Designed for city riding
- Has a limited lifetime warranty
- Has 700C wheels with 32H alloy rims for strength and performance during commutes
- Bottom bracket tends to be too tight
- Does not come assembled
- Seat tends to be hard and uncomfortable for some user
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the point in a fixie?
Having a fixie means having an alternative to most other bikes out there. There are numerous advantages that you can get out of it, such as cheaper costs, less weight, a safe and fun ride, among several others.
What should you look for in a fixie?
When eyeing a fixies for sale, you may want to consider the following: its price, the look of the bike, the frame material, the size, and for those particular about this sort of thing, the heritage. There should be little explanation needed for the price.
As for the look, you may have something particular in mind, but this is largely a matter of personal choice. The size of the bike needs to be appropriate to your own size as well, which is kind of an obvious point that so many riders tend to forget.
Concerning the frame material, there are few choices out there, really. Aluminum can get dented rather easily, carbon isn’t that much better in my opinion, but if you want to get your money’s worth, I’d say hi-ten steel would be your best bet.
Those who want a piece of bicycle history for themselves may want to look up manufacturers. Due to the outsourcing of manufacturing becoming so common these days, many tend to ignore it, so this is just for those who something specific in mind.
Is a fixed gear bike good for commuting?
The short answer to that is yes. Skeptics that want a more detailed answer won’t be disappointed either. Those of you who enjoy riding bikes to work would definitely approve of this bike variant, simply because it can provide an incredibly enjoyable ride. After all, shouldn’t fun always be a factor in these cases? The reason for this is due to the way these fixed gear bikes are structured.
Their motion, along with that of their rider on its pedals, is always in sync. For that reason, riders will feel a greater connection to not only the bike but to the ground as well. Some might even say that this type of bike will make itself feel like it’s a part of your own body.
The better feedback you get from the road also translates to greater levels of safety, which is essential during commutes. The improvement to your response time and alertness will be a boon should anything unexpected come your way.
What are pros and cons of the fixie bike?
As far as the advantages are concerned, the first and foremost should be stated: the overall weight of the bike tends to be low. There are no additional parts needed for a fully geared drive train.
For those who’ve had problems with their bikes’ chains, fixed gear bikes have chains that are subjected to even less sideway force. Basically, this means it is less likely to wear out compared to those on a derailleur system.
When faced with slippery road conditions, this bike can be preferable due to the transmission that provides greater feedback on its back tire grip.
However, with that said, there’s also a greater risk of you losing control in those conditions. Yes, this is where the disadvantages come in. Remember that many riders of these things also ride brakeless. Those who descend on any notable gradient should know that this is now harder to pull off.
The enforced faster spin during descent can increase flexibility — and pedalling performance — but many find this ‘boost’ to be negligible when compared to the perks of riding free wheel.
Conclusion
Well, this has been a long enough article. The fixed gear bike definitely has a lot going for it, wouldn’t you agree? With enough simplicity, fabulous features, and amazing designs, fixies have proven that there’s more than one way to ride, and that it can be just as fun and safe — even safer in various ways.
It is my hope that you finish this article with more knowledge about bikes and why the fixed gear bike is always an awesome choice for you to go for. If I’m right, perhaps you’ve even decided that you want a fixie to call your own.
Just in case the fixed gear bike reviews I’ve provided weren’t enough, you can always check out other sites or maybe consult others with knowledge of fixies to help you out. If you’re ready to go out there and ride like there’s no tomorrow, note that what I’ve provided you with is just the tip of the iceberg.
There are more products just waiting to be found other there. No matter what you choose, just remember to stay safe at all times and to have as much fun as you can get out of this. That way, we all win in the end.
