TL;DR:
- Budget picks (under $400): Kilo TT and Pure Fix dominate for good reason, but know their limitations
- Sweet spot ($500-$800): State Bicycle, Fuji Feather, and Throne offer solid value—if you dodge QC nightmares
- Premium tier ($800+): Wabi, All-City, and Cinelli justify their prices with decade-lasting quality
- Cult classic: Surly Steamroller remains among the most regret-proof purchases according to long-term riders
Many fixed gear riders on Reddit say they’ve been burned by a brand’s marketing hype 💀. Between Instagram-perfect paint jobs and influencer collabs, it’s damn near impossible to know which fixed gear brands actually deliver quality versus which ones are selling you overpriced garbage with a cool logo.
I’ve spent weeks digging through thousands of Reddit comments, forum threads, and real user experiences from r/FixedGearBicycle to cut through the BS. What you’re getting here isn’t paid sponsorship fluff. Here are best fixed gear brands are worth your money in 2025.
For context on why fixed gear bikes dominate city riding, that guide breaks it down. But first, let’s talk brands.
A video titled “Best Complete Fixed Gear Bikes for Every Budget” from the Zach Gallardo YouTube channel.
Important note, these are in no particular order.
Best Fixed Gear Bike Brands
1. State Bicycle Co. – The People’s Choice (With Caveats)
- Best for: Budget-conscious riders willing to gamble on QC, or anyone buying through a reputable local shop
- Signature model: Core-Line (steel, $449.99) or Black Label V2 (aluminum, $650)
State gets recommended constantly on Reddit, and there’s a reason—their 4130 chromoly steel frames punch way above their price point. The ride quality is legitimately good for both beginners and experienced riders.
But here’s where it gets messy.
Some Reddit user reviews are littered with quality control horror stories. Bent frames arriving in the box. Missing components. Customer service ghosting people after “taking their money”. But i think some sometimes bad reviews outshine the positive experiences.
Now, full transparency—I personally own a State 6061 and I absolutely love it. It’s light, gets heads turning everywhere I ride, and I’ve had zero issues with mine.
And I bought it off of their website, sooooo… IDK man, I think most people will be fine with State.
The Black Label V2 aluminum model ($600-700) gets love for being lightweight and fast. When State nails it, they’re brilliant.
Most standard gearing comes in at 48/17, which works out to about 76 gear inches (using standard 700c wheels with 23-25mm tires)—often providing an excellent balance for street riding where you need quick acceleration off stoplights but can still hit 25+ mph on flats.
2. Wabi Cycles – The One Nobody Regrets
- Best for: Riders who want excellent quality and who have the budget for it
- Signature model: Wabi Classic ($850-$915) or Wabi Lightning ($1,375 fully built)
If there’s one brand that Reddit universally loves, it’s Wabi. I couldn’t find a single regretful owner. The Wabi Classic ($850-$915) and Wabi Lightning ($1,375) consistently get praised for their Reynolds 725 steel frames that feel like butter on rough roads.
One BikeForums user summed it up:
“I paid $1,400 for a Wabi Lightning with every option and upgrade. It’s honestly the best $1,400 I’ve spent in my 200,000 miles of cycling. The fit and finish is extraordinary, more like a swiss watch than a bicycle.”
At just 18.4 lbs for the Classic and around 18 lbs for the Lightning (with Sub-15 wheels), these bikes are lighter than most aluminum frames. The difference? Italian Columbus Spirit tubing (on the Lightning) and sealed cartridge bearings throughout.
Customer Service Legend
Wabi owner Richard Snook personally helps customers spec their bikes over the phone. One reviewer got a replacement fork shipped within days after shipping damage—with the steerer tube pre-cut to size. That kind of service builds cult followings.
The catch? These bikes are pricey and there’s no “budget” option. But if you can afford it, Wabi is one of the closest things to a guaranteed satisfaction purchase.
For more on choosing the right gear ratio for your Wabi (or any bike), that guide breaks down the math.
3. Fuji Bikes – The Reliable Workhorse
- Best for: First-time fixed gear buyers who don’t want drama
- Signature model: Fuji Feather ($699.99)
The Fuji Feather might be the most boring recommendation on this list. That’s exactly why it works.
With a Reynolds 520 chromoly steel frame, the Feather ($699.99) has been doing its job quietly for years without drama. No exciting stories. No catastrophic failures. Just a solid bike that shows up, does the job, and goes home.
One CycleChat user nailed it:
“I bought this Fuji Feather new a few years ago, it rode really nicely and is another one I regret selling.” That’s the Feather in a nutshell—you don’t appreciate it until it’s gone.
The Feather’s tire clearance (accommodating around 25-28mm tires depending on the frame) and decent component spec make it a safe first purchase. Tektro brakes work fine.
If you want excitement, look elsewhere. If you want reliability for your daily commute, this is it.
Sealed bottom bracket lasts. The bike weighs around 20-24 lbs—not light, but not a boat anchor either. Standard gearing is 46/16, giving you approximately 78 gear inches for a balanced city ride.
4. Kilo TT (BikesDirect) – The Value King With One Big Asterisk
- Best for: US riders on a tight budget willing to wrench a bit
- Signature model: Kilo TT Pro ($600+) over base Kilo TT ($499.95)
For 12+ years, the Mercier Kilo TT has dominated the “best beginner fixed gear” conversation on Reddit. At $499.95, it offers Reynolds 520 chromoly frame and ride quality that shocks people.
It’s only available in the United States. Shipping and taxes make it noncompetitive everywhere else.
Also, the base Kilo TT comes with loose ball bearing hubs instead of sealed bearings—more maintenance headaches down the line. The Kilo TT Pro ($600+) fixes this with a Sugino crankset and sealed bearing hubs. That upgrade is often worth it.
Reddit fixed gear legend Zach Gallardo admits:
“Even with all these caveats, the Kilo TT is still a dope beginner fixed gear”.
When your bike arrives, don’t just assemble and ride. Check spoke tension. Verify brake alignment. Make sure the headset is properly torqued. This takes an extra 30 minutes but saves you from catastrophic failures later.
5. All-City Cycles – Quality But Pricy
- Best for: Riders who want premium quality and can afford to pay for it
- Signature models: Big Block (steel, $1,050+ complete) or Thunderdome (aluminum, $1,599+ complete)
All-City makes bikes for people who give a damn about details. Their Big Block ($599 frameset, $1,050+ complete) features 612 Select chromoly steel, signature investment-cast dropouts with the Hennepin Bridge design machined into them, and paint jobs that look like art.
One BikeForums user said:
“I have the original Big Block, red and white. The paint is amazing, way better quality than I expected. The glitter in the red paint really pops in the sunlight. The welds are all very well done. I have zero complaints.”
The Thunderdome ($750+ frameset, $1,599+ complete) is All-City’s UCI-legal aluminum race machine. It’s drilled for brakes so you can ride it on the street, but make no mistake—this thing wants to go fast. The 7000-series aluminum frame combined with a Whisky carbon fork creates something responsive and race-ready.
These bikes fit up to 32mm tires on the Big Block and 25mm on the Thunderdome. That wider tire clearance on the Big Block means you can actually ride rough city streets without your fillings rattling loose.
6. Cinelli – The Hype vs Reality Debate
- Best for: Riders who want genuine track geometry and appreciate Italian design
- Signature model: Cinelli Mash Histogram or Mash Work
Ok, Soooo here we go.
Cinelli’s Mash collaboration bikes (Histogram, Parallax, Work) create the most divided opinions on Reddit. Some riders worship them. Others think they’re overpriced Taiwan-made frames with a cool paint job.
One BikeForums user says: “The Mash is awesome. Period.” Another disagrees: “I think the MASH is overrated, over-priced, and has funky geometry…The MASH crew is very good at marketing, hype, and creating perceived value.”
Here’s my take after digging: There is no doubt that Cinelli is legendary adn its gonna score you major fixie points. not doubt bout it. The Cinelli Mash Histogram ($1,450+ frameset) is an exceptional track bike if you actually want aggressive geometry and Columbus Airplane tubing.
Don’t buy a Mash to look cool—buy it because you want that specific ride quality. The 75° head angle and 28mm rake fork create a twitchy, aggressive street machine that’s genuinely track-focused.
That geometry isn’t marketing BS. It means fast handling in crits, quick response in traffic, and a learning curve if you’re used to road bike geometry. If you’re buying it primarily for Instagram clout? Yeah, you’re overpaying.
7. Bianchi – The Italian Legend
- Best for: Riders who want Italian heritage and classic aesthetics
- Signature model: Bianchi Pista ($1,100-1,300 depending on spec)
The Bianchi Pista carries 130+ years of Italian cycling heritage in a relatively affordable package. With a chromoly steel frame, FSA crankset, and that distinctive celeste green color, the Pista screams “classic track bike.”
The Pista comes with no braze-ons for water bottles or racks—this is a race-ready frame that just happens to work great on the street.
The geometry is steep (75° head angle) and the gearing options typically run around 48×16, which works out to approximately 81 gear inches—higher than what most beginners prefer. If you’re not in decent shape, those hills will humble you.
Reddit’s take? The Pista is one of the classier fixies you can buy without going full custom. It’s not the lightest or the cheapest, but it’s a Bianchi—there’s history and prestige wrapped into that price tag.
Worth it if you care about that. Not worth it if you don’t.
8. Throne Cycles – The Street Culture Brand
- Best for: Street riders and trick enthusiasts willing to accept some risk
- Signature models: TRKLRD ($500-600) or The Goon ($450-550)
Throne makes bikes for the real city street cyclists. Their TRKLRD (Track Lord) and The Goon models are designed by riders who actually live this lifestyle, not marketing teams creating mood boards.
The TRKLRD features an aggressive aero aluminum frame with carbon fork and seatpost, coming in around 18 lbs. At around $500-600, that’s impressive.
The Goon (and Goon XL) targets the 29″ BMX/fixie crossover market with collaborations like BlocBoi Fame. These bikes are built for tricks and street riding, not commuting efficiency. The geometry is slack, and the frame is burly.
But—and this is important—there are reports of frame failures. One BikeRide reviewer noted:
“One owner’s frame snapped while they were riding. The owner claimed not to have misused their bike.” That’s concerning. Not a pattern of failures, but enough to mention.
Throne hits a sweet spot between budget and quality, but you’re taking a small gamble on durability. Customer service reviews are mixed—some people love them, others get ignored.
9. Surly Bikes – The Cult Classic That Never Dies
- Best for: Riders who want a do-everything fixed gear they’ll likely never regret
- Signature model: Surly Steamroller ($500+ frameset)
The Surly Steamroller has achieved legendary status for one simple reason: very few riders regret buying one. Seriously. I found multiple forum posts where people said selling their Steamroller was their “biggest regret.”
The Steamroller’s 4130 chromoly frame with road-like geometry but track-style handling creates something special. It fits up to 38mm tires, works great for everything from velodrome to gravel, and just feels right.
One BikeForums user nailed it:
“If I had to get rid of all of my bikes except one, I’d keep the Steamroller.” Another rider from Singletrack World: “I had one and selling it was my biggest regret. An absolute pleasure to ride, comfy yet springy and fast.”
The downsides? Prices have jumped from $300 to $500+ for framesets. The lower bottom bracket (68mm drop versus 65mm on most track bikes) means more potential for pedal strikes than true track bikes. And Surly discontinued it for a while, making used ones expensive. It’s back now, but harder to find.
But here’s the thing: people keep multiple Steamrollers. They sell other bikes but hold onto their Steamroller. That tells you everything.
If you’re new to fixed gear riding and want to learn the basics, this bike is forgiving enough for beginners but capable enough for experienced riders.
10. Pure Fix Cycles – The Budget Brand
- Best for: Beginners testing the fixed gear waters
- Signature model: Pure Fix Original Series ($300-350)
Let’s be honest: Pure Fix bikes are entry-level machines with hi-tensile steel frames, heavy wheels, and components that’ll need replacing. At $250-350, they’re among the cheapest complete fixies available.
And you know what? For some people, that’s exactly what they need.
Reddit user krzymndy said it best: “I bought a Purefix (flip hub) bike at City Bicycle works…I’ve had it about 5 years now and 3 of my friends also bought the same bike there, it’s not too fancy but it gets me around!”
What Pure Fix Does Right
- Affordable entry point to fixed gear
- Flip-flop hub included
- 30+ color options
- Decent customer service
- Lifetime frame warranty
What Pure Fix Gets Wrong
- Hi-ten steel = heavy (24+ lbs)
- Painted rear rims can cause brake issues
- Rim tape can fail
- Pedals may strip from cranks
- You’ll want to upgrade everything eventually
The Pure Fix Original is fine for campus cruising or testing if you like fixed gear before investing serious money. The 44/16 gearing gives you approximately 74 gear inches—slightly easier to pedal than most bikes, which helps beginners.
But don’t expect it to last forever, and budget for upgrades within year two.
Honorable Mentions: Premium Deep-Pockets Territory
If you’ve got serious cash burning a hole in your pocket and want something that’ll make other riders do a double-take, these brands deliver premium quality at premium prices. We’re talking $2,000+ territory where you’re paying for exceptional craftsmanship, exotic materials, and bragging rights.
These honorable mentions are for riders who’ve outgrown entry-level bikes and want something special. You’re paying for craftsmanship, performance, and the satisfaction of owning a bike that most people will never ride.
Dosnoventa has built a cult following among hardcore track cyclists and minimalist design enthusiasts. Their bikes—particularly the Houston and Detroit models—feature custom hydroformed aluminum tubing and absolutely pristine welds that look like jewelry. We’re talking mirror-polished finishes and aerospace-grade materials.
Complete builds start around $2,500 and can easily hit $4,000+ with upgraded components. The geometry is aggressive (think 75.5° head angle), and these bikes are built for one thing: going stupid fast on smooth pavement. The brand started in Barcelona’s underground track scene, and that DNA shows in every frame. If you want a bike that’s equal parts art piece and performance machine, Dosnoventa delivers.
Best for: Riders with deep pockets who value minimalist aesthetics and track-proven performance
Affinity Cycles out of Brooklyn builds hand-crafted fixed gear frames that balance street ridability with track performance. Their Kissena and Lo Pro models feature custom Reynolds 853 steel tubing with options for unique paint jobs and custom geometry.
Framesets run $1,200-$1,800, with complete builds pushing $3,000+. What you’re paying for is boutique-level attention to detail—each frame is hand-built in the USA with geometry that splits the difference between aggressive track bikes and comfortable street riders. The ride quality on Reynolds 853 is sublime, and the brand has serious street cred in the NYC fixed gear scene.
These bikes also have practical features like fender/rack mounts (on some models), making them viable for year-round city riding. If you want a premium bike that doesn’t scream “track only,” Affinity nails that balance.
Best for: Riders who want boutique US-made quality with street practicality
Vendetta frames come from the same Japanese factories that produce NJS-certified keirin frames, which tells you everything about the build quality. Their aluminum track frames feature oversized tubing, aggressive geometry, and the kind of precision welding that Japanese manufacturing is famous for.
Framesets start around $800-$1,000, but complete builds with quality components easily exceed $2,000. The ride is stiff, responsive, and unforgiving—these are race bikes that happen to work on the street. If you’re serious about track racing or crit racing, Vendetta offers legitimate competition-level performance without going full custom.
The brand isn’t as well-known as some others, but riders who know, know. The geometry is dialed for velodrome performance, with steep angles (75-76°) and short wheelbases that make these bikes incredibly twitchy and fast.
Best for: Serious track racers and riders who want NJS-adjacent quality
Darkside Bicycles builds frames in Mannheim, Germany, with a philosophy that marries minimalist design with uncompromising functionality. Their signature Mannheim frameset showcases what German engineering brings to fixed gear: triple-butted 6061-T6 aluminum with smoothed welds, modular frame ports for internal cable routing, and a full carbon fork that clears up to 32mm tires.
Framesets run around $485-$582, putting them in direct competition with mid-tier offerings from bigger brands—but the attention to detail punches above the price point. The tapered head tube construction and compact wheelbase create an agile, stiff ride that works equally well for urban commuting, track sessions, or tracklocross adventures. Riders switching from Cinelli Mash frames report the Darkside feels lighter (complete builds hitting 7.4kg) while maintaining similar responsiveness.
What sets Darkside apart is their complete ecosystem—they manufacture their own carbon wheelsets, track cranksets, and carbon components, so you can build an entirely cohesive setup without mixing brands. The aesthetic is clean, almost brutalist, with optional modular ports that let you swap between fully internal cable routing or a completely brakeless setup.
Best for: Riders who appreciate German precision engineering, want a versatile frameset that transitions from street to track, and prefer understated design over loud graphics.
Comparison Table
| Brand | Price Range | Frame Material | Weight | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Fix | $300-350 | Hi-ten steel | 24+ lbs | Beginners on a budget |
| Throne | $450-600 | Aluminum | 18-21 lbs | Street/trick riders |
| Kilo TT | $500-600 | Reynolds 520 chromoly | 20-21 lbs | US value seekers |
| State Bicycle | $450-700 | 4130 chromoly/6061 aluminum | 19-22 lbs | Budget with QC risk |
| Fuji | $699.99 | Reynolds 520 chromoly | 20-24 lbs | Reliable commuters |
| Wabi | $850-$1,375 | Reynolds 725/Columbus Spirit | 18-19 lbs | Premium quality seekers |
| All-City | $1,050-1,599 | 612 chromoly/Alumasonic | 20-23 lbs | Quality-focused riders |
| Surly | $500+ (frameset) | 4130 chromoly | 23-25 lbs | Do-everything riders |
| Cinelli | $1,450+ (frameset) | Columbus aluminum | 18-20 lbs | Track geometry enthusiasts |
| Bianchi | $1,100-1,300 | Chromoly steel | 22-24 lbs | Italian heritage fans |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Cheap bikes ($200-400) can work fine for casual riding and testing if you like fixed gear. But if you ride daily or want something that lasts beyond two years, save for the $500-800 range. The jump in quality from hi-ten steel to chromoly frames is massive—lighter weight, better ride feel, and components that don’t fall apart. For context, hi-ten steel weighs about 30% more than double-butted chromoly for the same frame size. Reddit’s consensus? If you can afford $600, skip the $300 bike and get a Kilo TT Pro or used quality bike instead.
Because it’s among the best values in fixed gear bikes for US riders. You get a Reynolds 520 chromoly frame (the same tubing as bikes costing $300 more) and ride quality that shocks people. Yes, the base model has loose ball bearing hubs. Yes, BikesDirect’s assembly is sketchy. But for around $500, very few bikes come close to that frame quality. The frame geometry is also extremely versatile—73.5° head angle and 40mm rake fork make it stable enough for beginners but responsive enough for experienced riders.
The QC issues are real but inconsistent—that’s what makes State frustrating. Some people get perfect bikes and ride them for years with zero problems (like me with my 6061). Others get bent frames, missing parts, or customer service nightmares. One Medium reviewer said his State review bike “was bent” straight out of the box. The smart play? Buy State through a local shop that can inspect it first, or be ready to fight for replacements if buying online. My State 6061 has been flawless, but I bought it from a shop that checked everything first.
The Classic ($850-$915) uses Reynolds 725 steel throughout including the fork—it’s their most affordable complete bike and weighs around 18.4 lbs. The Lightning ($1,375) upgrades to Columbus Spirit tubing and a carbon fork, dropping weight to around 18 lbs with even snappier handling. Think of it this way: the Classic frame flexes slightly to absorb road chatter, while the Lightning’s stiffer tubing transfers more power directly to the pavement. The Special features lugged construction for a vintage aesthetic at $1,075. All three get legendary customer service and sealed bearings throughout, but the Classic gives you excellent performance at a lower price point than the Lightning.
You’re paying for both. The Mash frames use Columbus Airplane aluminum tubing that’s genuinely high-quality, with tapered head tubes (1-1/8″ to 1.5″) and track geometry that rides incredibly well. One Sportive reviewer said: “Cinelli have managed to incorporate a damping system somewhere in this frameset—it’s really solid.” But you’re also paying for the Garrett Chow artwork and the Mash SF collab prestige. If you want that specific aggressive geometry (75° head angle, 28mm rake) and don’t care about the brand cachet, All-City’s Thunderdome offers similar performance for less money on the frameset.
Because the Steamroller does everything well without being the best at anything—and that versatility is rare. It fits 38mm tires for gravel, has road-like handling for long rides, accepts racks and fenders, and the 4130 chromoly frame is comfortable yet responsive. The 73° head angle with 45mm rake creates stable, predictable handling that works for track, street, and even light trails. One Singletrack World user who owned five Steamrollers over the years said: “They are nice stable feeling frames which I always get bored of, get other frames then get another Steamroller.” People keep coming back because nothing else hits that same sweet spot. For more on building your own setup, that guide covers everything you need.
Final Thoughts
The fixed gear brand you choose matters way more than Instagram would have you believe. A sick paint job won’t save you from a bent State Bicycle frame or a snapped Throne TRKLRD.
But a boring-ass Fuji Feather will get you to work every day for five years without drama.
If you’re in the $500-800 sweet spot, the Kilo TT Pro (US only) or Fuji Feather are your safest bets. Got $1,000+? Wabi or All-City will give you a bike you’ll ride for a decade without regrets.
And if you’re reading this wondering which bike I’d buy? Probably a used Surly Steamroller or a Wabi Classic. I’m boring like that. But they work, and I wouldn’t be writing angry Reddit posts about quality control issues three months later.
What brand are you leaning toward? Drop a comment—I actually read them.
Sources and references
- r/FixedGearBicycle – Reddit community discussions (2024-2025)
- BikeForums.net – Fixed Gear subforum user reviews
- BikeRide.com – Aggregated user reviews and ratings
- Medium – Zach Gallardo’s fixed gear bike guides
- The Awarewolfs – State Bicycle long-term reviews
- GearJunkie – Wabi Cycles Lightning review
- BikeRadar – Surly Steamroller and Cinelli Mash reviews
- Industry Outsider – Wabi Cycles comparison analysis
- Sportive.com – Cinelli Mash Histogram review
- Bicycle Guider – State Bicycle and Pure Cycles brand reviews
- Sheldon Brown – Bicycle gear calculations and technical reference
- Wikipedia – Gear Inches – Technical specifications for gear calculations
- All-City Cycles – Gear calculator and technical specifications
- State Bicycle Co. – Current pricing and specifications
- Wabi Cycles – Current pricing and specifications
- Fuji Bikes – Current pricing and specifications
- BikesDirect – Kilo TT current pricing and specifications
- Bikepacking.com – Gear inch calculations and guidance
- Cycling UK – Bicycle gearing technical information
- Bikerumor – Wabi Cycles reviews and updates
