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.

Choose Bike Specs that Meet Your Commute Needs

Choosing a bike seems easy enough, until you're at the shop and someone's hard-selling you a multi-speed with all the trimmings. You're easily overwhelmed with all the choices, and unless you have particular specifications in mind before coming into the shop, you'll likely spend hours wandering the displays, browsing through catalogs. It gets frustrating, but your choice should be based more on function than on style. That being said, mountain bikes are very popular nowadays, but these may not offer the specifications you need. Sure, mountain bikes are built for rough terrain, and you can ride these on the urban jungle when you want to, but the perks of durability are offset by speed, something you'll need as you weave in and out of city traffic.

 Chappelli Crema (Caballero)

It's all about Utility

Prioritize function over form, and remember that it's all about utility. Product safety is also crucial when you're choosing vehicles, bicycles included. Bikes are built to meet preferences in speed and accessibility, and you should opt for road bikes if you're going to use yours on urban traffic. Road bikes are lightweight and sleek. Thin wheels and a wiry build ensure you'll skirt through traffic with ease. The seat is propped higher so you'll have to bend over to reach the handlebars, enhancing speed with less wind resistance. The tradeoff with road bikes is in durability, though. Most aren't built to handle heavy loads and extended use, but you can always customize yours to ensure it complements your build.

Mountain Bikes for Rougher Terrain

Mountain bikes are preferable if you really want to rough out the off-trails. These have sturdier, bulkier frames, and the wheels are built wider for durability. The seat is oriented so you're always upright on it, an advantage if you'd rather not hunch over your bike for the entirety of the ride. Note that salesmen tend to hard-sell mountain bikes to anyone with the sense to consider choices. You should only choose mountain bike specs if you intend to maximize these.

Chappelli Le Coq (Single Speed)

Fixies and Internal Gears

You can also go for a fixie bike if you prefer the challenge. These come with old-school, fixed-gears, built for simplicity. An internal gear hub bicycle also offers more options for the advanced cyclist. Internal hub bikes are particular with the maintenance, though, so make sure yours is properly and regularly tuned. With all that variety available to you, it's easier if you choose a bike with your commute needs already set. You can check out Chappelli Cycles if you're looking for specs that match your preference. Function should be your basis for purchase; design and build should be secondary.

Fixie Bikes, Built to Meet the Need for Speed

I’m used to multispeed bikes ever since these became popular, which says a lot about my generation and our insatiable need for control. Multispeed bikes became popular in the nineties because these offered different speed settings for a variety of terrain. You can outpace someone climbing a steep hill if you have the right gear settings, even if you’re not physically at par with competitors. Indeed, a multi-speed is a control freak’s dream fulfilled. You can’t have it any other way if you prefer convenience and efficiency any day of the week.

That being said, there’s something about a fixed-gear bike that appeals to your sense of adventure. Fixies are uncompromising, and customization of the essential features is scoffed at, at least within the biking community. If you’ve never ridden a fixie bike before, your first experience would surely be awkward. You can’t coast because the pedals always turn with the wheels. The one feature that makes fixie bikes stand out is the absence of any brakes. It’s true that some install brakes for obvious safety reasons, but purists prefer the setup to remain as it should be. Indeed, riding a fixie is more about your sense of style than your comfort, the need to satisfy your adrenaline rush with risks instead of control.

If you had to go with style, then you shouldn’t compromise on the features of a true fixie bike. This means no brakes, no coasting, and a bare sturdy frame. You’ve probably seen bike messengers riding bikes they just can’t stop. They had to dismount in motion, so to speak. In a way, a fixed-gear bike hones your sense of control, since you’ll be able to deal with speeds without the help of breaks or shifted gears. There’s always the safety issue, though. Something you should seriously consider if you’re a newbie learning how to ride a fixie bike bareback.

Brakes are essential parts of any vehicle, but since original fixies weren’t built to have these, you’ll just have to think of the setup as training wheels. It’s ironic that many fixie bike lovers are also speed freaks, thrusting headlong onto corners without thinking what lies ahead. Chappelli fixed gear bikes for sale and are reasonably priced, also available in many bike shops; you can always return your purchase if you’re not satisfied with how you feel riding it. There’s a learning curve involved in learning how to ride a fixie. Your efforts are rewarded nonetheless, once you’re part of a community of enthusiasts and you’re able to ride your bike with ease and with comfort.

A Few Reminders When Riding A Fixie Bike

Fixie bike rider

Although fixie bikes are considered simple in terms of mechanism, many people still find it difficult to ride especially if they have been users of free-wheeling bicycles. This is one of the main factors that separate fixies and geared bikes as the former cannot be used in coasting and sloping rides. One needs to pedal constantly in order to move forward and it takes more power and strength if the roads are sloping.

Some recommend a fixie bike to those who are still learning how to bike since they will learn how to pedal all throughout their training. Challenge-seekers especially those who are into sports and muscle-building can benefit a lot from riding fixed gear bikes. These folks can take long distances while pedaling continuously to help develop leg muscles and strength. You can view here for fixie bikes and their features to understand more about them.

It is also important to wear proper riding gear such as the right shoes for cycling, a pair of cycling shorts or tights, and comfy/dry-fit shirt. Avoid wearing loose pants as the legs may be caught or trapped in the chain of your fixie bike. Use the toe clips whenever you are riding to secure your feet onto the pedals. You may also need some knee and elbow pads or a protective jacket for long-distance rides. And of course, you should never forget to wear a helmet each time you go out riding.

Fixie bike rider

The use of breaks is often a debate among fixie riders. While other riders may consider it unnecessary since it is possible to stop by locking up the rear wheel. This can be done by back pedaling to put the rear wheel into a halt. You shouldn't remove your feet from the pedals while balancing the pressure on the front and back pedals, enabling you to start and move forward easily again.

However, bike companies like Chappelli Cycles include breaks on their fixie bikes for maximum safety of the rider. You can even choose the size of bike based on your height to enable you to ride it effortlessly.  The selection of fixed gear bikes for sale is crucial to a bikers riding experience. The option to go for a fixie bike can be the best decision for some riders if they are just starting out or finding ways to challenge themselves. Check out Chappelli Cycles website to know more about fixed gear bikes.

Benefits Of Using Fixed Wheel Bikes

Chappelli -  Azul Fixie bike

The streets of today are not just for 4-wheeled vehicles, but also for motorcycles and bicycles. In many countries, they legitimize the use of bikes and have established policies for riders to adhere to. This is a good thing for many people who are conscious about the environment and their health at the same time.

With the wide array of brands and types of bikes, a newbie may become overwhelmed with the list of options. However, it is truly a no-brainer when choosing the right type of bike. If you are a beginner and would only ride on flat roads and even terrain, fixed wheel bikes are the best options. Since there is no need to shift speeds while riding your fixie, it is pretty easy to use especially in an urban setting. This bike is also considered low-maintenance compared to geared bikes with either internal or external hub gears. Although these gears are often considered as safety features, a rider without any proper knowledge of it may find these features useless or even hazardous. You may view here for fixie bikes and other helpful info if you are still in search of a simple bike that's fit for a newbie.

Chappelli - Nero fixie bike

For someone who likes to go on long rides, it is best to choose another type of bike, perhaps an 8-speed bike will be of much interest if you are a true-blue cycling fanatic. Unlike a fixed gear, these bikes are well-equipped for mountainous locations, various terrain and slopes, and coasting while on long rides. You cannot find these features on a fixie, but this simple bike is built to be ridden on even streets and roads within cities and urban communities. It can take you safely to your destination as long as you also practice safety habits such as wearing proper gear, helmet, shoes, and others that are applicable. You can check out Chappelli Cycles for more info on fixed gear bicycles and more.

Knowing the streets you travel on is essential for safely getting to your chosen location. It takes more than just knowing how to pedal a bike or using a proper bike for a specific purpose. But for a beginner who'd like to master the city streets and suburbs, a fixie will help you accomplish all these with fewer hassles on maintenance and repairs. If you know a little about keeping your bike clean and running 100% all the time, then, you and your fixie bike will surely hit the roads for a long time.

Enjoying the ride is very important every time you hit the roads. Just always remember the main purpose a fixed gear bike and you'll know very well why you chose it in the first place. Upgrading your ride can be done once you have built confidence and strength on even terrain, and soon you'll be riding a multi-gear bike with the same ease.

Fixie Bikes vs. Internal Hub Bikes - Which One's For You?

Chappelli fixie bike

There's so much to say about getting the right type of bicycle for anyone who wants to buy one either for leisure or for sport. In today's many cities and urban communities, biking has become a way of life for several people due to many factors and personal reasons.

Some people are focused mainly on getting some serious exercise, so a bike is a perfect tool to help them sweat some fats out. For muscle-building folks, biking is another method of building up leg muscles and strength as they ride onto various terrains and distances. For many bikers who live in the city, getting a bike is a solution to traffic problems as it is easier to maneuver and take short-cuts using one.

However, getting a bicycle can be a challenge for some people who have not yet decided on what type to go for. There are two types of bikes you can choose from - the fixed gear and the multi-gear or multi-speed bikes. Fixed gear bikes are also referred to as fixies since they don't have any gear at all. The speed you'll get will depend on your pedalling power during the ride. You may check out Chappelli fixie bike shop to see a selection of fixed gear bikes and more. On the other hand, internal gear hub bikes are made for coasting and speed shifting isn't a problem. Gear bikes, in general, are made for various terrains, so the need for gear shift is essential as you need more speed for certain terrain.

Chappelli internal hub bike_3-speed classic

 Slopping roads and elevated areas can be very difficult for fixie bikes and their riders as well. You will need to pedal powerfully to be able to surpass the elevation. Same goes with traveling long distances since you will need to pedal continuously if you wish to reach your destination faster.

While it is easier to troubleshoot fixie bikes, internal gear hub bikes are the opposite. If you don't have the know-how, an experienced bike repairman is the right person to go to when problems arise. However, you will not always encounter problems with a geared bike, especially with an internal gear hub as the mechanisms are enclosed and protected from various elements.

For newbie bikers, it is advisable to use fixies instead of any hub-type or multi-speed bike. Fixie bike shops have been sought-after in the recent years due to the increasing interest in bikes, in general. This is primarily due to the fact that many people are concerned of their health and of the environment. Fixed gear bikes Melbourne is one example of an evolving trend involving people's consciousness may it be towards their health, fitness, or premises. You may view here for fixed gear bikes Melbourne and others. On the other hand, internal hub bicycles are racing equally in popularity and usability especially among the sporty people. Mountain bikers and long-ride cyclists love the speed and terrain capabilities of internal hear hub bikes. The possibilities of conquering challenging terrain and long distances are definitely endless when you are riding a multi-gear bike.

The level of expertise of a rider is essential in choosing the right bike to ride on. Both have their own pros and cons when it comes to safety, performance, and functionality. So, if it is your first time to ride, a single-speed or fixed-gear bike is the best option for you. For expert bikers, both can be beneficial depending on the type of road and terrain you're planning to take on. You can check Chappelli Cycles for the best selection of both fixie and internal gear hub bicycles.

Which Bike Should You Choose - an 8-Speed Bike or a Fixie?

The urban subcultures of the modern times include avid bikers who take their two-wheels in the city and beyond as their means of transportation. If you'd like to jump into this new breed of urbanites, you need to decide first which bike you should go for.

While 8 speed bikes and fixies have their own set of benefits, you need to understand that each of them also has a specific forte when it comes to riding them. 8 speeds are great for mountainous or sloping terrain thanks to the way they are designed and built. Having different speeds and an internal hub makes a huge difference in taking this type of bike to a terrain other than a flat road. You will also be able to coast with this bike and ride downhill without pedaling.

As for fixie gear bikes, these are best used on flat roads and streets. Since you cannot shift gears with this bike, it is easier to ride and maintain. However, you will need to keep on pedaling while riding this bike. If you need more speed, you'd have to pedal faster and powerfully. Coasting is not possible with this bike since, as mentioned earlier, it requires constant pedaling.

When it is time to choose among these two types, it is best to factor in your regular usage and need for this bike. Also, it is ideal to determine what type of biker you are - a sporty biker or city rider? For the sporty types, it is best to go for the 8 speed bike since this one can be ridden on- and off-road, and on sloping terrain. The city rider should take the fixie because it is made for the roads primarily.

Another thing you should factor in is your budget. Generally, the fixie bike costs less than the 8-speed bike as it does not require other additional parts to make it work. It is also easier to maintain and repair. Fixies are also great for beginners because it can train them to ride carefully on busy streets. There are many other benefits from using fixie bikes, so it is best to check on them if this is the bike of your choice.

What's best about both of these bikes are their clean lines and ingenuity. You can find many bike sellers out there, no doubt. But if you'd like the Italian ingenuity and design, it is best to go for Chappelli bicycles.