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

Bikes & Parts

The Ultimate Guide to Bike Handlebars (Updated 2023)

Discover the world of bike handlebars with this ultimate guide, covering types, selection, and proper fit for a more comfortable ride.

Maintenance & Repairs

How to Care and Maintain a Leather Bike Saddle (Complete Guide)

Learn how to take care of the leather saddle of your bicycle with our comprehensive guide. Get tips on cleaning, conditioning, and protecting your saddle.

Bikes & Parts

What Parts Are Needed to Build Your Own Fixed-Gear Bike?

Discover how to build your own fixed gear bike with our beginner-friendly guide, covering essential components, assembly tips, and customization options.

Bikes & Parts

How to Choose Bottom Brackets for Your Fixed Gear Bike

Learn how to choose the perfect bottom bracket for your fixed gear bike, understand the reasons for replacing your bottom bracket.

Maintenance & Repairs

Why Your Bike Spokes Keep Breaking (Explained)

Discover the common reasons why your bike spokes keep breaking and how to detect issues. Explore maintenance tips to keep your wheels in top shape.

Tricks & Performance

Does Shaving Your Legs Make You Faster? (The Truth)

Discover if shaving legs can make cyclists faster. Learn about its potential aerodynamic benefits, muscle recovery, and psychological benefits.

Laws & Regulations

Bike Laws in Ohio (Traffic Rules You Need to Know)

Learn everything you need to know about bike laws in Ohio, including traffic rules to follow. Stay safe and protect your legal rights as a cyclist.

Bikes & Parts

The 5 Best Fixed Gear Bike Brakes You Can Buy

Are you looking for the best fixie brakes? Look no further. In this article, we will guide you through the different types of brakes and their features.

Accessories & Apparel

Top 5 Best Bike Lights: How To Buy the Right One

A good set of front lights on your bike are essential for safety. Here's my list of the top three lights you can buy for your bike.

Bikes & Parts

The 3 Best Fixie Bike Drop Handlebars: Which Are Right for You?

Your handlebars are a major contact point between you and the bike. In this article, we will discuss the three best fixed gear handlebars.

Bikes & Parts

3 Best Fixie Platform Pedals: How to Choose One (2022)

Pedals are an essential part of cycling. If you are in the market for pedals, I will show you my top picks for the best fixie platform pedals of 2022.

Accessories & Apparel

The 3 Best Bike Multitools You Can Buy Right Now (2022)

Bike tools are necessary to keep your bicycle in good condition. Read on to learn the five best bicycle tools for keeping your bike in top condition!

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.