Fixie Bikes, Stripped down to the Bare Essentials

What's up with fixie bikes that cyclists are raving about the limited specifications? Many maintain that fixies are all about novelty and less about function, but others prefer the freedom of the limitation, especially in comparison to multi-speed and mountain bikes. Sure, product safety is the primary concern when you're riding a bike that's stripped off all the frills, including breaks, but you'll warm up to the simple setup soon enough and a fixie just might become your favorite commute vehicle. The differences between fixies and multi-speeds are obvious, and most cyclists own both so they can alternate between convenience and simplicity whenever they want to.

 Chappelli (Classic Women's Fixie Style)

It's all in the Gear Setup

The main feature of a fixie bike is in the gear setup. You'll find it awkward at first when the gear turns with the wheel and you're forced to pedal continuously during the right. This is a stark contrast to freewheeling bikes, which allows your legs enough time to rest as you coast on the momentum you've built during the ride. That being said, fixie gear bikes offer the convenience of a worry-free ride.

With or without Brakes?

The preferences are split on whether fixie bikes are better off with or without brakes. If you had to keep it simple, then why go for something that defeats the purpose of convenience? Safety is an issue, though, and unless you have a death wish weaving through urban traffic, brakes are your best safety measure against accidents. Some cyclists strip their bikes, though, essentials such as brakes included. You can manage without brakes if you're confident with multi-speeds in the first place. The setup feels odd at first and you'll have to warm up to it, but your efforts will pay off in the long run. Fixie bikes are worth flaunting on the street; people will gawk at the sheer simplicity, even silencing those who can't get enough of gears and speed settings.

 Chappelli Le Coq (Single Speed)

Rugged Fixies for the Urban Cyclist

Fixie bikes are rugged and carefree, and you'll be amazed at the ease of not having to worry about when to shift gears and which gears to shift to. The pleasure is all in the ride, and fixie bikes offer a smooth, hassle-free ride without all the frills. If you're considering bike specifications and settings, then you'll either go for convenience or simplicity. Convenience is all about accessibility, something that multi-speed and mountain bikes offer by default. You should consider a fixed gear bike at Chappelli if you'd rather go with simplicity, though. You'll find enough benefit with bikes stripped down to the bare essentials.