Fixed Gear bicycles: what is it and how to choose it?

Cycling is not only a popular sporting activity, but also a way of life for people from different countries. Cyclists can be seen both in big cities and in small towns. Given the increased demand for these vehicles, manufacturers have developed several models of devices that differ in functionality, size, configuration, appearance and price range.

Despite the wide range of these mechanisms, work on their improvement is ongoing. When choosing a two-wheeled friend, professional athletes recommend paying attention not only to new items, but also to old proven models, one of which is a fixed bike. These mechanisms have established themselves as reliable and high-quality devices used by both experienced cyclists and novice athletes.

A fixed bike is a road bike that has a fixed gear and a ram horn handlebar. In the specialized literature, you can find the following variants of the name of the mechanism: bikes, fixed-gear, fixies, fixies, fixie, fixed gear and fixed wheel, which all translate as postman's bike. Some models are equipped with a non-standard (very narrow) handlebar, which is completely unusual for ordinary cyclists. A distinctive feature of the device is the absence of a sleeve and a drum.

The date of the appearance of this device is the middle of the last century, when bicycle fixes were widely used on race tracks. A little later, athletes found their use in courier and postal services. Due to its maneuverability and high speed, this transport began to gain popularity among the inhabitants of Japan, England and America.

The principle of operation of the device is the direct winding of the sprocket onto the sleeve, which drives the pedals. In order to stop the transport, you must start pedaling back. Due to this feature, cycling has the ability to move both forward and backward.

Like any gear, the fixed gear has a number of positive and negative characteristics.

Advantages:

• the presence of controlled braking;
• universal purpose;
• high speed of movement;
• inability to accidentally lock the rear wheel;
• stylish appearance;
• smooth ride;
• the ability to quickly set speed;
• lack of management complexities;
• maintaining balance while standing on the pedals;
• maximum level of rear wheel control;
• the presence of effective pedaling;
• the presence of reverse gear;
• the presence of special fasteners that fix the legs;
• maximum use of useful energy;
• the ability to perform complex tricks;
• high level of maneuverability;
• no need to adjust gears, flips and coins;
• maximum development of the muscular system;
• increasing the endurance of the athlete;
• bringing the figure to an athletic appearance in a short period of time;
• light weight;
• affordable price range;
• minimum equipment;
• ease of repair and maintenance.

Disadvantages:

• high speed development;
• difficulty in overcoming various types of obstacles and winter climbs;
• impossibility of sudden braking;
• the need to master a special pedaling system;
• lack of a braking system.

Manufacturers of these models recommend paying attention to the fix device for winter driving enthusiasts. This transport will help to avoid not only weakening during movement, but also the negative impact of salt formulations and high humidity on aluminum and steel parts, which simply are not in this mechanism.

Due to the peculiarity of the design of fixed bicycles and the complete absence of a traditional braking system, many novice riders have difficulties with braking. Professional athletes recommend Before traveling on public roads, carefully study the theory of braking and be sure to conduct several trainings in sports stadiums with a flat road on which all obstacles are completely free.

Experts identify several methods of braking.

• Skip stop Is a simple method used by beginner cyclists. This braking involves stopping by creating small obstacles to pedaling, after which the vehicle gradually begins to slow down. Since this process requires a certain amount of time, the driver must independently determine the length of the braking distance, taking into account the speed of movement.

• Skid Stopping - the most popular method of stopping, which is more often called a skid. It is used not only for braking, but also for performing complex trick figures. The technique is to transfer the center of gravity to the front wheels and slightly raise the rear of the vehicle. Next, you need to stop the pedals in a horizontal position and lower the rear wheels. This method is effective and is used by experienced cyclists.

• Back preassure - the simplest method, in which the principle of back pressure is used. Technique of execution - slow pressure on the pedals, directing the heel back until the moment the vehicle stops. For safe braking, the legs must be attached to the pedals using special mounts.

Despite the simplicity of the design and the presence of a minimum number of components in fixed bicycles, when choosing it, you need to pay attention to the following recommendations of professional athletes:

• the presence of metal pedals with factory bearings;
• production of a frame from chrome-molybdenum;
• size range of tires - from 22 cm to 25 cm;
• bright and expressive color shades.

The quality and durability of the mechanism is directly influenced by the trade mark that manufactures the products. Experts recommend choosing products from only well-known brands, the samples of which have all permits and quality certificates. The best known manufacturers of fixed bikes are the following top brands:

• NS Bikes;
• Welt;
• Fuji Bikes;
• Create;
• Linus Bikes;
• Bear Bike.

Due to the simplicity of the design, with minimal mechanical skills, you can easily make a fixer on the basis of a classic bicycle. The conversion process consists of the following steps:

• selection of a frame with horizontal dropouts;
• tensioning the chain by moving the wheel and fixing it with nuts; special tensioners will help to better adjust the operation of the wheels;
• dismantling of all cables, switches and speed changing mechanisms;
• replacing the connecting rod, dismantling unnecessary stars on the front wheel and cassette on the rear;
• mounted on the rear wheel with a fixed gear hub;
• tensioning the chain by moving the wheel in the dropouts;
• complete or partial dismantling of the brake system;
• height adjustment of the handlebar, saddle and pedals;
• painting the device in bright colors.

To ensure the maximum level of safety on city roads, experts recommend keep the front brake and install double-sided bushings, the hallmark of which is the presence of a star thread on one side, and a freewheel thread on the other. This mechanism allows you to change the star by turning the wheel to the other side. All parts used in the conversion process of a bicycle can be either new or used.

Daily sports activities are the key to good physical shape and longevity. The lack of physical activity is especially felt by residents of large cities, who spend most of the day in office buildings. The high level of employment and the presence of a minimum amount of free time become an insurmountable obstacle on the way to training.

For daily use, it is not necessary to purchase expensive models that require maintenance. Experts recommend opting for simple fixed bicycles, which not only will not cause difficulties in management, but can also replace expensive exercise machines.

For a detailed breakdown of the Fixed Gear bike, see the next video.