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.