Fixed-gear bicycle
A fixed-gear bicycle, also known as a fixie, is a single speed bicycle without a freewheel. The cog is 'fixed' to the hub, usually secured by a reverse-thread lockring.
Fixed gear bicycles cannot coast. Whenever the rear wheel is turning, the pedals turn in the same direction. By resisting the forward motion of the pedals, a rider is able to slow the bike to a stop, without the aid of a brake. They can also be ridden backwards.
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Uses
Track bikes are a specific type of fixed gear bicycle, designed only for riding in a velodrome, but many fixed gear bikes are suitable for on-road or off-road use. Because it is possible to stop the bike by resisting the turning pedals, brakes are not strictly necessary on fixed-gear bikes, but many cyclists retain at least a front brake for safety in traffic (and in case of snapped chain) and to reduce fatigue.
A skilled rider can also easily lock the rear wheel and skid to slow down or completely stop on a fixed gear bicycle. This is accomplished by lofting the rear wheel into the air while in motion (by shifting the rider's weight forward and pulling up on the pedals if clipless pedals or toe clips are used), then locking the legs in position (and thus locking the drivetrain and wheels) while in mid-air so when the tire returns to the ground, the resistance will initiate a skid. The skid can be held until the bicycle stops or until the rider desires to continue pedalling again at a slower velocity. Slowing or stopping with this technique while cornering is generally considered dangerous.
Fixed gear bicycles are especially popular among bicycle messengers, who prefer them for their light weight, simplicity and maneuverability when used by a skilled rider (see track stand).
Conversion
Many companies sell bicycle frames designed specifically for use with fixed gear hubs but, for a variety of reasons, cyclists choose to convert freewheel hub bicycles to fixed gear.
Bicycles without derailleur require some mechanism to allow for the adjustment of chain tension. Most bicycles with horizontal dropouts can be easily converted by changing out the hub. The tension can be adjusted by moving the wheel forward or backward in the dropouts. Bicycles with vertical dropouts can also be converted with some additional hardware. Possibilities include:
- An eccentric hub or bottom bracket allows the off center axle or bottom bracket spindle to pivot and changing the chain tension. See ENO Fixed/Free hubs listed in the external links.
- A "Ghost" or "floating" chainring. an additional chainring placed in the drive train between the driving chainring and cog. The top of the chain move it forward at the same speed the bottom of the chain moves it backwards giving the appearance that it is floating in the chain.
- A "Magic gear". With some math and a lot of luck you can calculate a gearing ratio to fit a taut chain between the rear dropout and bottom bracket.
See also
External links
- Fixed Gear 101
- Fixed Gear gallery
- Fixed Gear testimonials
- ENO Single Speed Fixed/Free Hubs
- Old Skool Track
- Sheldon Brown on Fixed-Gear Bicycles
Categories: Cycle types