You must be planning to buy a bicycle for yourself, that’s why you are here. Biking is a great activity that lets you explore nature and helps you remain fit.

Out of many different types of bicycles, the fixed gear bicycles are perfect for those who are just beginning biking.

What Is the Fixed Gear Bicycle?

A fixed gear bicycle is a bike that has only a single gear at the rear wheel. These types of bicycles are different from traditional bicycles that don’t need shifters, derailleurs and double- or triple-chain-ring cranksets.

These bikes come without the breaks. But riders who are capable to stop the bike with their feet, avoid the installation of the breaks. But those who cannot prefer the brakes. These bicycles are easy-to-ride. You have to continuously pedal it, there is no coasting.

What Are the Different Types of Fixed Gear Bicycles?

The fixed gear bicycles are available in two versions that include:

Track Bicycles

These bicycles are suitable for the velodrome. The velodrome is an area with oval bike tracks for racing. You should not use them on the streets as they don’t have breaks. On velodromes, there is no requirement for breaks as the area is wide and has no corners. The riders will follow the single direction only.

Road Bicycles

You can use these bicycles on the street. The riders who use the track bicycles on the road generally do so because they were into track racing and love to ride freely. But the track bicycles reduces the freedom to ride as the streets have corners and it is not as smooth as the velodrome is.

Why Should You Buy a Fixed Gear Bicycle?

The fixed gear bicycles have become a favourite of most of the biking enthusiasts. One of the major reasons that people prefer them is the freedom and control to ride the bike. Others are mentioned below-

Improves Cardiovascular Health

The constant pedalling is required to move a fixed-gear bicycle that makes it an exercise. The more you pedal, the more work your heart needs to do to pump the blood. This way it improves your cardiovascular health. Due to the direct connection between your feet and the rear wheel, all the dead strokes will be removed that makes it easy to pedal.

Looks Attractive

It looks attractive as it has the minimum hardware. The hardware makes it look less appealing.

Low Maintenance

As it is manufactured using less machinery and hardware, there is low maintenance. It does not have shifters, derailleurs, and double- or triple-chain-ring cranksets.

What Features Should a Fixed Gear Bicycle Have?

Before buying a fixie, you should look for the below features:

Hub

A rear hub is one of the most important parts of a fixed gear bicycle. On the right side of the hub, there are two sets of thread in the opposing direction. They are designed for the fixed cog and lock-ring so that the backpedaling does not make the cog to loosen and come off.

Brakes

The brakes ensure your safety as you don’t have the coasting option when riding a fixie. The experts and the experienced riders decide to remove the breaks. But the case is not same with everyone. You may require the breaks as you are just starting with it.

Frames, Cranks, and Chains

You may want to customize the frame, chain, and crank of your bike, but without proper knowledge don’t do it. The right time for customization will be suggested by your store staff.