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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

10 Popular Fixed Gear Bike Brands of 2025 (Tested & Reviewed)

Discover the truth about State, Wabi, Cinelli, and 7 more brands from riders who've actually put thousands of miles on them.
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Tricks & Performance

How to Ride a Fixed Gear Bike (Tips to Breakless Biking)

In this article, you will learn what a fixie bike is, why people ride them, and a few tips to help you learn how to ride a fixie quickly and safely.
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Tricks & Performance

What Is Drafting in Cycling & Why Does It Matter? (Science of Aerodynamics)

Master drafting in cycling for energy efficiency and speed with our top strategies.
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Bikes & Parts

Fixed Gear vs. Track Bikes: The Difference Nobody Tells You

Track bikes aren't just fixies with attitude—they're purpose-built racing machines that'll wreck your wallet and your knees on city streets.
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Culture & Community

What Are Alley Cat Races? Underground Bike Racing Explained (Complete Guide)

Alley cat races are unsanctioned bike messenger competitions through city traffic with no set route—just checkpoints.
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Maintenance & Repairs

Can You Use Super Glue to Fix Your Bike Tire? (Repairing Your Punctured Wheels)

Super glue on a flat bike tire? Don't. Here's why cyanoacrylate fails spectacularly on tubes, the one situation where it actually works, and what pros use instead.
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Tricks & Performance

What Does Backpedaling Mean on Fixed Gear: The Truth About Resistance Braking

Unlock the secrets of backpedaling. Master techniques in fixed-gear cycling for ultimate speed control, safety, and thrills.
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Bikes & Parts

Electric Fixed Gear Conversion: Why Most Riders Should Skip It (The Truth About E-Fixies)

Thinking about electrifying your fixie? 🚴 Before you drop $1,500 on a conversion kit, read this brutally honest breakdown of why it's almost always a terrible idea—and what to do instead.
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Maintenance & Repairs

How to True a Fixed Gear Bike Wheel: Center Your Spokes Like a Pro

Your wheel's rubbing again? Learn to true it yourself with just a $10 spoke wrench. This guide shows you exactly how to fix wobbles at home—and when to admit defeat.
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Accessories & Apparel

Bike Rollers for Indoor Training: Legit Cycling Hack or Just a Gimmick?

Rollers improve pedal technique and balance—but are they worth the boredom? 🤔 What bike rollers actually do vs. marketing hype for fixed gear riders.
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Tricks & Performance

How to Wheelie on a Fixed Gear Bike (Tips and Technique)

Fixed gear wheelies are possible but way harder than freewheel—here's exactly why the locked drivetrain changes everything and what technique actually works.
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Accessories & Apparel

Granny Gear: What Is It and Why Does It Matter? (Unlock the Secrets)

Explore the role of granny gears in cycling and how they shape your ride's ease and efficiency.
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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.

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