What are Fixie Bikes?
Fixed gear bikes (more commonly known these days as 'fixies') have been around for a long time. Recently, they have seen something of a resurgence in popularity as they so well suited for commuting. As more and more people are tempted to take the two-wheel option to work rather than four-wheel, fixie bikes are here to stay.
In simple terms a fixed gear bike is a bike with just a single gear and no freewheel. This means that as the back wheel turns around, the pedals continue to turn too. These days, fixie bikes often have what is known as a 'flip flop' hub, giving the rider a freewheel on one side and a fixed gear on the other side. For those that want to feel the benefits of single speed riding, the rider can interchange between the two so that you can stop pedalling as you move forward.
Great looks
Aesthetically, fixies are very appealing. They are stripped down, but this minimalist take on things provides a really classic look.
Low maintenance
As the hub is simple and there are no gears, maintenance on fixies tends to be low. Geared bikes take a bit of hammering over time, especially if you slip between gears or miss shifts - you don't face these issues with a fixie bike. As there are no gears and no derailleurs to bend and knock, fixie bikes are particularly robust.
Lightweight
As well as being robust, fixie bikes are nice and light too. This makes them much easier to move around on the commute.
Fast and fun
Fixed gear bikes are still built for the road, so they can be fast and speedy. They are great fun to ride too with less hassle and fewer gears to worry about.
For short trips, the daily commute or just riding around town on, fixie bikes are well worth taking a look at.
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