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Global Fixed-Gear Cycling Events(That You Can Actually Enter)

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How Fast Can a Bike Go? From 60 MPH to 183 MPH World Records

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What Is a Brevet? The Long-Distance Cycling Challenge You’ve Never Heard Of

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How to Paint a Bike Frame: DIY Bike Makeover for Under $100 in 4 Easy Steps

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10 Best Vitamins and Minerals for Cyclists: Essential Supplements to Boost Performance

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NYC Bike Laws: 16 Rules You Need to Know (2025 Update)

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4 Best Fixed Gear Bike Shops in Brooklyn NYC (2025)

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3 Best Fixed Gear Bikes You Can Buy (For Beginners) in 2025

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Foot Retention for Fixed Gear Bikes: Different Types & How to use Them (And Why You Actually Need It)

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What Is Fixed-Gear Freestyle? (And Why Track Riders Think It’s Stupid)

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

Maintenance & Repairs

How to Fix Bike Creaks & Noises from A Bottom Bracket

In this article, you will learn what a bottom bracket is and how to repair a creaking bottom bracket so you can keep your bike operating smoothly.
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Maintenance & Repairs

How To Fix Squeaky V-brakes Bike Brakes

In this article, you will learn what causes squeaky bike brakes and how to fix squeaky bike brakes so you may ride your bike more quietly.
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Tricks & Performance

How to Increase Cycling Endurance: 7 Bike Training Tips

This article will teach you what cycling endurance is and how you can improve cycling endurance so you can ride the bike for an extended period.
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Health & Wellness

Cycling and Weight Loss: 6 Tips to Help You Lose the Pounds (Fast)

Cycling is a great way to lose weight and stay healthy. These 5 tips will help you cycle for weight loss and achieve your fitness goals in no time.
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Health & Wellness

Cycling & Strength Training: The 6 Best Exercises for Cyclists

Want to be a better cyclist? Check out these 6 best strength exercises for cyclists. They will help improve your endurance, power, and speed.
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Health & Wellness

Cycling and Sleep: 7 Ways Riding Helps You Snooze Better

Sleep is very important. But did to know cycling can help you fall asleep? Here are seven ways cycling can help you sleep better
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Health & Wellness

Cycling & Lower Back Pain: Why It Happens and How to Prevent It (6 Tips)

Cycling is not without its drawbacks. This post will teach you how to prevent lower back pain so you can enjoy your rides without discomfort.
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Health & Wellness

Cycling & Diabetes: Tips & Precautions for Cyclists (2022)

If you're a cyclist looking to your management diabetes, here are a few tips for managing diabetes. So you can stay active and healthy.
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Health & Wellness

Cycling and Depression: Common Symptoms and 5 Ways Biking Can Help

Depression sucks, but cycling can reduce symptoms of depression and improve your mood. Here are 7 tips for cyclists dealing with depression.
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Health & Wellness

Can Cycling Cause Hemorrhoids or Make It Worse? (The Truth)

Hemorrhoids are a common problem. In this post, we will cover cycling and hemorrhoids and whether or not cycling can cause them.
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Health & Wellness

Cycling Health Benefits: 10 Reasons Riding Keeps You Healthy

Cycling is a great workout that provides many health advantages that can improve your quality of life. Here's our 10 favorite cycling health benefits.
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Health & Wellness

Cycling & UTI: Can Cycling Cause Them? How To Prevent Them (4 Tips)

Do you know that biking can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs)? Here are 5 tips to help protect yourself from UTIs while cycling.
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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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