Latest posts

Fixed Gear Focus is your source for fixie, single-speed, & track bike content. Read our full blog for tricks, tips, and gear reviews.

Latest posts

Accessories & Apparel

Bike Flat Bars Explain + 6 Buying Tips for 2025

This guide breaks down flat bars—and the factors that actually matter when buying—backed by real specs versus what just looks good on Instagram.

Assembly & Configuration

Dropout Spacing: What Is It and Why Does It Matter? (Essential Guide Revealed)

Master your fixie's performance with our guide on critical dropout spacing insights.

Bikes & Parts

Disc Brakes and Fixed-Gear Bikes: Compatible Upgrade? (Expert Tips Inside)

Explore disc brake essentials for fixie bikes: get to grips with performance, install tips.

Tricks & Performance

Dead Spots in Cycling: How Can You Overcome Them? (Pro Tips Inside)

Overcome cycling's dead spots with our expert tips for smoother, faster rides.

Tricks & Performance

Gear Ratios in Fixie Bikes: How Do They Affect Your Ride? (Unlock Performance Secrets)

Explore how gear ratios shape your fixed-gear biking experience for optimal city and track performance.

Assembly & Configuration

Fixie Touring: Can Your Track Bike Go the Distance? (Ultimate Guide)

Transform your fixie for touring with these pro tips, bike mods, and gear essentials.

Accessories & Apparel

Urban Cycling Attire: How to Weatherproof Your Style? (Must-Know Tips)

Master urban cycling style with tips on weatherproofing and chic gear essentials.

Culture & Community

Track Cycling Renaissance: What’s the History Behind It? (Uncover the Secrets)

Explore the thrilling evolution of track cycling from ancient roots to today's velodromes.

Bikes & Parts

What Are Bar End Plugs? A Comprehensive Buying Guide

Find the perfect bar end plugs for your bike. Enhance safety, style, and functionality. Get expert tips and recommendations. Ride with confidence.

Bikes & Parts

What Are Aerospoke Wheels? Discover Performance and Style

Unlock the power of Aerospoke wheels. Boost your ride with high performance and style. Experience the future of cycling.

Bikes & Parts

Anti-Skid Tires: Are They Necessary for Winter Cycling? (On Ice & Snow?)

Get a grip on safer cycling! Our ultimate guide to anti-skid tires helps you navigate the world of cycling with confidence and ease, ensuring smooth rides ahead.

Bikes & Parts

How to Choose the Best Fixed Gear Bike Chains for Your Ride (Expert Tips)

Discover how to choose fixed-gear bike chains with this comprehensive guide, covering key factors, popular brands, and helpful tips to help you with your purchase.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Fixed Gear Focus Gear is your source for fixie, single-speed, & track bike content. Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions to regarding fixed-gear cycling.

A fixed gear bike (or "fixie") is a bicycle where the rear cog is directly connected to the rear wheel with no freewheel mechanism. This means the pedals always move when the wheels are moving—you can't coast. When you pedal forward, you go forward. When you pedal backward, you go backward. This direct connection gives you complete control over your speed and creates a unique riding experience that many cyclists find more connected and engaging than traditional bikes.

Riders love fixed gear bikes for their simplicity, low maintenance, and pure riding feel. With fewer components (no derailleurs, shifters, or complex drivetrain), there's less to break and maintain. Many find the constant pedaling motion improves their pedal stroke efficiency and builds leg strength. Fixed gear bikes are also incredibly affordable, making them perfect for urban commuting, bike messengers, and anyone who wants a reliable daily rider. Plus, the minimalist aesthetic and customization options appeal to cycling enthusiasts who want a bike that reflects their personal style.

There's definitely a learning curve, but most people adapt within a few rides. The biggest adjustment is not being able to coast—your legs must keep moving. Start in an empty parking lot to get used to the constant pedaling and learn to slow down by resisting the pedals. Many beginners find that riding with at least a front brake helps build confidence while learning. After a week or two, the fixed gear motion becomes second nature and feels completely natural.

Legally and practically: yes, you should have at least a front brake. While experienced riders can slow down by resisting the pedals (called "skidding"), this technique isn't reliable for emergency stops and wears through tires quickly. Most jurisdictions require at least one brake on bicycles ridden on public roads. A front brake gives you much better stopping power and makes fixed gear riding safer and more practical, especially in traffic or when riding in wet conditions.

Both bikes have one gear, but that's where similarities end. A single speed bike has a freewheel, meaning you can coast when you stop pedaling—just like a regular bike but without gear shifting. A fixed gear bike locks the cog to the wheel, so the pedals must always move when the bike is moving. Many fixed gear bikes come with flip-flop hubs that let you switch between fixed and freewheel modes by flipping the rear wheel around, giving you the best of both worlds.

Absolutely! Fixed gear bikes are actually excellent for beginners because of their simplicity. With no gears to shift or complicated components to maintain, new riders can focus on basic cycling skills. The constant pedaling motion naturally teaches smooth pedal technique and bike handling. Start with a flip-flop hub so you can practice on the freewheel side first, then switch to fixed when you're ready. Many cycling coaches recommend fixed gear bikes for winter training because they develop efficient pedaling habits that carry over to all types of riding.