Fixed-gear bicycles are the simplest of bicycles. You need a fixed-gear bike (Or a “fixie”, as it is commonly called) If you want a hassle-free ride with some hardcore pedaling.

A fixed-gear bike is so called because it does not allow freewheeling or coasting. You must have your feet on the pedals at all times when riding a fixed-gear bike. We call it hassle-free because you do not have to care for gears, shifters, or anything else that comes with Mountain bikes or Hybrid bikes. Some fixies don’t even come with brakes; riders who are skilled enough in riding fixies don’t usually need an extra set of brake to come to a halt.

In this article, we will be talking about everything you need to know before buying a fixed-gear bike. We will also be taking you through five of the best fixed-gear bikes we have come across in quite a while.

Why Should You Buy a Fixed Gear Bike

People mostly buy fixed-gear bikes because they are so simple to use. You can simply hop on to once and start riding and keep it going that way. The speed of the bike, the direction where you go and everything else depends on you and not on complicated mechanics.

Fixed-gear bikes are usually sturdier and more durable than other bikes. This happens because the mechanics of the bike are so few that more effort is put into the structure of the bike. There are many less delicate parts and no loose wire hanging around!

The less clutter of fixed-gear bikes also makes them stylish. There are many classy color schemes and unique designs to choose from.

Serial	Name	Rating	Price	Reviews
1	6KU Aluminum Fixed Gear Bike	4.3	$$$	Reviews
2	Pure Fix Original Fixed Gear Single Speed Fixie Bike	4.2	$$$	Reviews
3	Critical Cycles Classic Fixed-Gear Single-Speed Track Bike with Pursuit Bullhorn Bars	4.2	$$$	Reviews
4	Critical Cycles Harper Fixed Gear Bike	3.9	$$	Reviews
5	Vilano Fixed Gear Bike	3.4	$$	Reviews

Fixed Gear Vs. Single Speed Bikes

We have determined that fixies are awesome, but if only there was a way to combine the simplicity of a fixie with a bike design that let us coast as well, am I right?

The good news is that these bikes already exist. They are called single-speeds. A single-speed bike is one that has only one gear, like a fixie, but you can change the configuration of the rear wheel to be able to freely coast on it.

Single-speed bikes are actually easier to brake as well. And if you think you are missing out on the experience of a fixed-gear bike, you can simply change the position of the rear wheel on the “flip-flop” hub and make your bike fixed-gear as well.

A purely fixed-gear bike will grant you a better cult status amongst bike riders and will also help you go pro. A fixie is also much easier to maintain than a single-speed bike because of its less moving and adjustable parts.

Things to Consider When Buying a Fixed Gear Bike

Speed:

A fixed-gear bike has one gear.  This means it has one maximum speed which it cannot transcend. This is why it is very important to decide on what speed you want this to be. If you are an avid rider, you should know the speeds you are comfortable with, otherwise, it is best to go with a bike that is neither too fast nor too slow.

Budget:

Fixed-gear bikes range from super pricey ones for pros to cheap makes for people who want to try their hands at on it. Cheap fixie bikes are best for newbies and people who won’t be using it too much to commute. Know how much you are going to use the bike and then spend accordingly.

Also remember that when it comes to bikes, expensive does not always mean better; sometimes the cheapest fixie bikes will also provide you with quality that is on par with high-end manufacturers.

Skill:

Are you a newbie bike rider, a newbie fixie rider, or an experienced fixie rider? The bike you buy must be suitable for your skillset.

If you have never ridden a fixie before and are not sure about the difference between fixies and other bikes, it is best that you start off with a cheap single-speed instead of a pure fixie.

Looks:

The biggest reason why fixies are suddenly so popular is that they look clean and stylish. So you would not like it if you were to buy the perfect fixie bike and then found out that it is not as beautiful as everyone else’s. So keep your aesthetic sense intact when looking for the perfect bike.

Where Can You Get a Fixed Gear Bike From?

You can easily find fixed-gear bikes for sale anywhere now that they are so trendy. Even so, your best bet to get a fixed-gear bike is Walmart, if you want to handpick the bike.

Other than that, you can also have a fixed-gear bike delivered to your doorstep if you order it through Amazon.

The Best Fixed Gear Bikes:

• 6KU Aluminum Fixed Gear Bike
• Critical Cycles Harper Fixed Gear Bike
• Critical Cycles Classic Fixed Gear Bike
• Vilano Fixed Gear Bike
• Pure Fix Original Fixed Gear Bike

Reviews of The Best Fixed Gear Bikes

1- 6KU Aluminum Fixed Gear Bike

Claims and General Information

The frame of this bike is made of double butted alloy, smoothly welded together.

This fixie can also act as a single-speed because of the Flip-flop hub on the rear wheel.

There are also deep V double wall alloy wheels on this bike to ensure a smooth riding experience.

It comes with both front and rear brakes, both of which are removable.

The 6KU is a very lightweight bike as well.

It comes with a limited 1-year warranty.

Review

Let us immediately jump into how lightweight this bike is. It is so easy to carry and maneuver because of its lightweight. When we were getting into the assembly we realized that this bike is not playing around because there were some excellent, high-quality parts that weighed very less.

We can safely say that this is a high-quality bike as well.

The few hours of leisurely riding we people put on this bike were very smooth. Maneuvering the bike was quite easy, thanks to the lightweight and the bike is also quite fast.

The soft grips on the handlebars are also a great positive for me; my grip on the handlebars is firm and secure.

One thing I did not particularly enjoy was pedaling the bike. The pedals are too large and are made of some sort of cheap plastic. It is totally worth it to get the pedals replaced though since the rest of the bike is a hoot!

I also did not like the brakes on this bike. Brakes are generally undesirable for me in fixies and I chose to customize this into a fixed-gear bike entirely by removing the brakes.

Overall it is quite a cheap fixed-gear bike and I believe it is good value for money.

2- Critical Cycles Harper Fixed Gear Bike

Claims and General Information

This Critical Cycles product is a single-speed bike

It has a flip-flop hub to change it into a fixie when the need arises.

There are 30mm deep V rims in the wheels of this bike.

The manufacturers guarantee a super smooth ride on this bike.

The tools for assembly and maintenance of this bike are included in the package.

Review

Assembling this bike was a fairly easy job for us, but we are experienced people. If you are a newbie when it comes to assembling bikes and all, you just might want to take it to a bike shop to make sure that there are no problems due to wrong assembling.

This is not a lightweight bike. We noticed that it is very solid and sturdy. You do not have to worry about it crumbling under your weight!

It is also very stylish. The aesthetic appeal that this bike has to offer is very pleasing. You will fit right in with the cool kids when riding this fixie!

The tires on this fixie bike are quite thin. It only poses a problem when you are in a particularly bumpy area, where we can assure you this bike will not hold up very well.

Other than that, this is not a very durable bike either. You need to maintain it well and not use it roughly otherwise you will notice it beginning to rust and deteriorate.

Overall, it is a pretty cheap fixed-gear bike and provides good value for money.

3- Critical Cycles Classic Fixed Gear Bike

Claims and General Information

We have another bike from Critical Cycles for you. This one has a steel fixed-gear.

It also has a water bottle mount on the frame for a sporty feel.

The tires of this fixed-gear bike have deep-V wall rims along with stainless steel spokes.

In this fixie bike, you will also find a flip-flop rear wheel hub so you can change it from a fixie to a single-speed at will.

There is also a lightweight alloy chain wheel attached to the bike.

You will also find bullhorn handlebars with soft rubber grips for a secure hold on the bike.

You will also notice that the bike comes 85% assembled

Review

Since the bike comes mostly assembled, the rest of the assembly is fairly easy and can be done by pretty much anyone.

This bike is also very lightweight. The lightweight is great for easily maneuvering the bike and riding it really fast with minimal effort.

We really did not like the pedals of this bike. They are quite large and seem as if they have been made with cheap plastic. I am glad that most of these are customizable fixed-gear bikes so we can replace all the parts we do not like with suitable ones. That is exactly what you should do with these pedals if you find that they are unsuitable for you.

Overall, riding this bike is a breeze. It is easy, smooth, and fast. Unfortunately, though, I do not think this bike holds up well on bumpy roads. Try to keep it for straight, smooth roads only.

I also strongly dislike the seat on this bike. It hurts my derriere and is strongly uncomfortable. This is why I suggest you replace it!

The brakes on this fixie are not very satisfying as well. Basically, for the ultimate bike experience with this fixie, you should customize it almost completely.

Why this bike is still worth it is because it is cheap. The frame is strong and sturdy which is why it is great value for money as well.

4- Vilano Fixed Gear Bike

Claims and General Information

In this Vilano fixed-gear bike, you will find a 700c fixed-gear.

There is a flip-flop rear hub on this fixed-gear bike to change it to single-speed as you wish.

It also comes with free pedals.

This bike is also very lightweight.

The Vilano fixie is known for being super smooth and really fast.

It also has alloy handlebars.

Review

This bike is really easy to assemble. Again, if you find it tricky, you should take it to a professional.

The brakes on this bike need some adjustment before you start riding properly. You will have to ride the bike once or twice to adjust the brakes according to your needs.

This fixie is really easy to ride as well. I especially admire how it help up super well in hilly areas.

The seat of this bike is quite good as well and does not need replacement. You might still want to invest in a cushion for maximum comfort.

This bike is of average quality. This fixed-gear bike’s parts are above-average at best. Do not expect a very high-end product. Even so, it does get the job done and is really easy to handle and maintain.

Despite the overall average quality, the frame of this bike is exceptional. If you keep the frame and customize everything else on this bike, you will still be left with a cost-effective, good product.

It is a fairly cheap product and provides decent value for money.

5- Pure Fix Original Fixed Gear Bike

Claims and General Information

On the Pure Fix fixed-gear bike, you will find a rear wheel flip-flop hub so you can change it from a fixie to a single-speed as you wish.

It has a highly tensile steel frame.

The front brake on this bike is removable.

The stem is made of alloy.

There are rubber grips on the handlebars.

Review

This fixed-gear bike comes mostly assembled. The rest of the work that is required is quite easy and can be done by newbies and experienced people alike.

We love how sturdy this bike is. It can easily hold your weight and it takes a lot to put a dent in it.

Despite the sturdiness, this bike is really easy to maneuver. You get a very smooth and fast ride. We believe this bike is perfect for the best fixie experience.

The brakes on this bike are really efficient but are quite noisy. If you adjust them properly though, you should have no problem with the noise. If you don’t like it though, you can easily remove the brakes.

The seat on this bike is pretty uncomfortable. I believe it is the only thing on this bike that will either need a cushion or a replacement for the perfect experience.

This bike is moderately priced and is very good value for money.

Conclusion

All the fixed-gear bikes we have mentioned above are good quality bikes that can give you a great bike riding experience. They are all above-average quality and lie within the budget of the common man. But one bike stands out above the rest easily.

The best fixed-gear bike for the ultimate bike-riding experience is, therefore, the Pure Fix Original Fixed Gear Bike. It is just a little pricier than the rest but it provides the best bike riding experience. It is a high-quality bike that will be fully under your control at all times.