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.
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 break 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
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.