To Fixie or not to Fixie
They could be described a bit like Marmite these ‘fixies’, people either love them or hate them. The definition of a ‘fixie’ on Wikipedia is:
“A fixed-gear bicycle or ‘fixie’ cannot coast — the pedals are always in motion when the bicycle is moving. The sprocket is screwed directly on to the hub and there is no freewheel mechanism.”
Sounds simple but this traditional and simple form of bicycle transport is provoking strong opinions.
‘Fixie’ Bashing
Riding a fixed wheel bike has become fashionable. From what started as an underground movement with the bike couriers is hitting the mainstream. But many things about ‘fixies’ is pissing people off.
DANGEROUS
Fixes are associated with some mad cycle couriers whose often daring and crazy traffic avoiding manoeuvres frustrate motorists and pedestrians. In fact Germans are so fed of with Fixie-riders that they’ve banned fixed gear bicycles in Berlin.
INDIVIDUALITY
The individuality of ‘fixie’ bikes is also causing offence. Some claim that this underground fashion is being taken over by pretentious wannabees veering away from the once edgy bike couriers from the 90s.
NOT PROPER CYCLISTS
It probably feels like a fashion-dream come true for skinny jean wearing, messenger bag carrying hipsters everywhere. The problem is, now the rest of us have to put up with even more guys wearing skinny jeans and faux-messenger bags.
WALKING A BIKE
With the single gear element, riding a fixie can be difficult in hilly areas. How often have you seen a malnourished hipster walking their fixie around like it was a new pet?
SADDLES AND HANDLE BARS
Surely those handlebars can’t be safe. And as for that rock hard old fashioned Brooks saddle – why would anyone want to ride on that?!
As the number of people riding fixies grows so does the hate towards them. Wired magazine recently published an article bashing fixie fashions (http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/04/five-inexplicab/)
But Fixies are great…
Ok, so wanting to follow a fashion by riding a ‘fixie’ is definitely not cool but there are many creditable reasons to ride one!
There is a reason why the couriers have ridden them for years. Fixed wheel bikes go back to the first ever bikes. Because the rider’s feet are connected to the rear wheel, which drives the bike forward, the pedal stroke becomes perfect with no dead spot in the stroke. Riders have to pedal constantly and concentrate on bike control rather than fiddling with shifting mechanisms. In fact competitive road cyclist have ridden fixies for years to train on fitness and cadence. Here is a clip of Lance Armstrong riding a fixie in his home town of Austin:
talking about fixed wheels,55 years ago fixed wheels were the trend as the hub gear was too heavy for the serious cyclist and the derailleur was expensive and virtually unheard of,and it was only 3 speed.
So we used to push a 72 inch gear for normal road worrk and a 96 for racing 25,50,100 miles,but it could not be done today mo doubt.