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You are here: Home / Resources / How to Ride a Fixed Gear Bike – Expert Guide
How to Ride a Fixed Gear Bike – Expert Guide

How to Ride a Fixed Gear Bike – Expert Guide

By Tony Stramipz Leave a Comment

If you didn’t know, fixed gear bikes are an uncomplicated mode of transport! However, the tricky part is learning how to ride these bicycles. And if you are new to fixed gears, then we suggest that you get a clear idea about what you are dealing with here.

But before we get to the learning part, let’s cover why you should have a fixed gear bike.

 7 Reasons to Choose Fixed Gear Bikes

Still wondering why you should choose something like a fixed gear? Well, we have listed down all the reasons for you.

  • Fixed Gear

Being fixed gear means that there is no need for a freewheel. Thus, when the pedals rotate, so does the rear wheels (backward as well as forward). That provides you with the advantage of being able to pedal forward and backward, depending on the necessity.

  • Light and Compact

Budget fixed gear bikes tend to be more simple, meaning they have less complicated mechanisms and components on them. The few components mean that there is less weight on the bike. When this is coupled with its lightweight carbon fiber or aluminum frame, the is feather-like and thus, allows effortless mobility.

Furthermore, the product has convenient dimensions, which offers you to effortlessly park the bicycle. Thus, providing you uncomplicated storage. Also, these feature assures swift and simple carriage. So, if you want to enjoy riding your bike near the beach or something similar, you can now easily do that.

  • Anti-Theft

The fixed gear cycle is like the manual transmission of the cycling world, and any thief who is not accustomed to using these is going to face a lot of complications.

  • More Affordable 

Face it, a high-end bicycle is going to cost you a minimum of 800$ to 1200$, which is quite hefty for a bike. And if you are not a daredevil who wants to try mountain climbing, then spending such bucks for a simple means of transportation or exercising can be a grave waste of money.

However, with fixes (or single speed bikes), that is not the case. A fixed-gear bike costs from 250$ to 600$, which is far more convenient if you are looking for a more reasonable option.

  • Readily Available Parts

No matter how durable and sturdy your bike is, there is always a chance of some part malfunctioning. Moreover, there is always a chance that a part might be damaged or has eroded due to being used too much.

Now, the problem arises if there are no available parts in the market. However, that is never the case with fixes. You see, these are one of the oldest forms of bicycles. So, as they are quite old, most of the components are still manufactured, and we assure you that you will readily find the parts anywhere.

Another plus side of having a fixed gear is that you get all the components at affordable pricing. Hence, you will not need to spend too much to get the best.

  • Aesthetic Looks

If you are into bikes, the streamlined and aesthetic looks of the bike are a remarkable addition to your collection. Plus, you get them in all colors.

  • Exercise

Are you one of them who skip cardio every day? Well, the fixed gear is an exceptional option as cardio. You have to constantly pedal if you want the bike to keep on moving. Hence, your body will constantly be working, and ultimately, you will be doing a good amount of cardio.

4 Enjoyable Step How to Ride a Fixed Gear Bike

When you get a fixed gear, the first and foremost thing that you would notice is that it has no freewheels. Meaning, that you need to continually pedal if you want the cycle to keep moving. If you stop pedaling, the cycle might come to a sudden halt, which might cause you to fall off.

So, one thing is for sure that a fixie (another name for fixed gear bikes) is going to be a completely new experience. Even if you have a lot of experience regarding bikes, it might still be tricky!

  • Step 1: Be Patient

Hence, the first thing that you need to tell yourself is to be patient. You might struggle a lot, but you have to endure it for a little while. Furthermore, learning a fixie is a remarkable method of testing your will. Therefore, keep pushing, no matter how annoying or frustrating it gets.

  • Step 2: Get Used to It

Try riding the fixie for at least thirty minutes. You will slowly notice that you are getting the hang of it. It is almost like the first time you were riding your bike, and your dad let go of the bike, and you were doing it all yourself. Such a proud and exceptional moment, right?

After the first 30 minutes, you will slowly understand the braking mechanism of a fixed gear, which is one of the crucial aspects of learning how to ride it.

  • Step 3: Slow down

Now, it is time to get the hang of it. After the first 30 minutes, your legs should be burning after all the pedaling. Therefore, it is time that you rest for a couple of hours. One thing is that you need to get accustomed to the braking or slowing down.

You cannot instantly slow down as that could be dangerous and might bring the bike to a halt. Hence, you must slow down without any haste. Before slowing down, look around your environment. If you need to decrease speed, reduce your rate of pedaling slowly until you have reached a comfortable speed.

  • Step 4: Break

After you have slowed down enough, if you need to come to a halt, stop pedaling.

How to Start Riding Fixed Gear Bikes Video Guide & Tips

 Tips For Riding a Fixed Gear Bike

One piece of advice, taking your feet off pedals when you want to slow down can be a very efficient method. It might seem goofy. However, we assure you that it will provide you perfect results every time.

Once you are done learning, you will have a completely new experience. And we assure you that the pleasant feeling of learning something this tricky might be blissful on a different level.

 Final Verdict

Learning a fixed gear can be a tricky business at first. However, once you get the hang of it, you will fall in love with it. Plus, a reasonable budget fixed gear bike is less complicated to find compared to the other forms of a bicycle.

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