Introducing the Fixie!!!

Lately with the advent of technology and corporate culture, we have forgotten our simplistic roots. A lot of us with the aim to become “sophisticated” end up adding a lot of complications in our life. We have made our lifestyle so complex and so dependent on technology that we are ignoring the simple things of life. I talk of all this as if I remain unaffected by this, but that is not the case. I was also a part of this rat race until I hit upon the bicycle for the second time in my life.

What is a Fixie?   

The fixed gear bike, commonly known as a ‘fixie’, is the bicycle stripped to its absolute basics, the purest expression of the common ‘diamond-framed cycle’ that we see today. I will go ahead and cite it as humanities most important industrial invention.

Me with "Annie" my fixie

Now how is it different from generic bikes? Well of course the rear cog is fixed, which means that when the rear wheel is in motion, so are the pedals and hence the rider cannot “free wheel” or "coast" as some prefer. They are the tangible link to our cycling roots as they are fundamentally the same bikes as they were being built in the early nineteenth century.I find this incredible. Keeping the traditions alive!! Its comparable with my love for classic rock music!!My first date with a fixie was in Australia, where I met this “hipster” riding a neon green bike and asked him for a ride. I found it hard to ride in the beginning was but was smitten by it. Since then it was a dream to own a fixie one day.

Surely you guys may argue that it seems counter-intuitive to ignore gears and go back to basics. Also fixies are'nt as fast as current racing bikes. Well before you get comfortable with that thought you may want to know that the fixie is a thoroughbred racing machine, the fastest bike races are the track races which only use fixies. They’re the cycle messengers’ workhorse who is paid by the minute. Apart from this it is for many (including me), an aesthetic choice.

A New York Messenger snaking through traffic on his fixie
(pic-bigshotbikes)

Here are some reasons that you too should ride a fixie!!

FUN

It is an unquestionable truth that riding fixed gear is one of the most enjoyable ways to cycle. Yes it does take a lot of getting used to. First you’ve to unlearn the impulse to coast but once mastered your passion for cycling will be reinvigorated. No more need to shift gears, the focus is purely on enjoying the ride. For me it’s an extremely seductive form of riding.

Fun is in the simple things (Pic credit - icebike)

BEAUTY

A fixie is stripped of all unnecessary components for road riding and hence is minimalistic and aesthetically pleasing. Because of this purity and simplicity the fixie is a rage fashion accessory in US, UK and Europe. For most people the fixie is like a blank canvas which can used to express individuality, community and culture.

Some pretty fixies (pic - Google Images) 

FITNESS AND TECHNIQUE

While riding a on a hill you are forced to ride at an intensity you wouldn’t otherwise choose on a geared bike, this means you’ll be putting in more effort eventually getting faster on the hills. When descending, you are forced to pedal at a faster cadence, improving the suppleness of the legs. High RPMs when descending force the rider to pedal in a smooth manner to avoid hopping up and down in the saddle! Even serious road cyclists when training off season use fixies to improve aerobic fitness and riding technique.

Typical Cycling Legs

NOSTALGIA

It will take you back in years when you were a kid and just learnt to ride. The simple freedom to go long distances, the pleasure of downhills, that struggle of going up a hill, jazzing up your bike with paint and stickers. It makes you a kid again.

(pic - icebike)

EFFICIENCY AND LACK OF MAINTENANCE

Due to absence of rear brake, dérailleurs, shift levers and extra sprockets, fixed gear bikes are generally lighter than their geared counterparts, despite the steel frame. When properly set up, a fixed gear bike will have a perfectly straight chain-line, with a shorter chain than on a comparative geared bike. This, along with absence of dérailleurs, drives massive improvements in drive-train efficiency with the reduction in friction. Taking off in high gear and low RPMs on non-fixed bike can exert serious torque on the drive train, this is too much to handle for a lot of bikes, especially if you are on the heavier side, fixed gear bikes are designed to withstand this. Bottom line is there are only tires, a chain, and generally one brake to keep in order.

SUCH CHEAP, MUCH BARGAIN

If you’re thinking of cycling and low on budget Fixies are your angels in disguise. Roadies and Hybrids cost you a liver these days. Fixies are relatively cheap and also can be custom built for almost nothing.

HATERS

Riding a fixie will make a bystander hate you and not your bike. SO go out there and get some haters.

(pic - pinterest)

To conclude a fixed gear is the most efficient way a person can travel through the city streets. Now, in cities around the world, thousands are following the example of bike messengers and are using fixies as a means of transport, escape and release… simply riding because a fixed-gear is such fun. Go ahead and give it a shot.