Image of a cyclist at global event.

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

Image of a man on a bike strapped to a rocket.

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

A bunch of cyclists in a brevet race.

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

Image of a man spray painting a bike frame.

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

Man eating supplement pill.

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

Image of police officer giving a summons to biker.

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

Image of a man in a bike shop.

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

A man rides a fixed gear bike in profile rendered in black and white halftone against a minimalist cream background.

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

Image of man looking at pedalstrap.

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

Image of a fixed gear cyclist doing a wheelie on a fixie.

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

Laws & Regulations

What to Do if Your Bike Gets Stolen (8 Tips)

It's awful to think about your bike being stolen. But it happens. So, in this article, you'll learn what to do if your bike gets stolen.
Read more

Maintenance & Repairs

Should You Use Talcum Powder on Your Inner Tube? (The Truth)

In this article, you will learn whether or not you should use talcum powder on your inner tube, so you can put the urban legends to rest.
Read more

Maintenance & Repairs

How to Prevent Tire Punctures & Flats Before They Happen (6 Tips)

In this article, you will learn how to prevent tire punctures and flats so you can ride farther without fear of getting stranded with a flat.
Read more

Culture & Community

History of The Fixed-Gear: Origins and Future of Fixie Bike

Let's take a moment to discover the history of fixed gear cycling, how it came about, and where the fixed gear scene is headed.
Read more

Culture & Community

7 Reasons Why Some People Hate Fixed Gear Bikes (2022)

In this article, you will learn seven reasons why people hate fixed gear bikes, so you can find out if riding fixed is right for you.
Read more

Bikes & Parts

6 Surprising Benefits of Fixed Gear Bikes for Women (2022)

Are you a female cyclist? Are you looking for a new bike? In this article, you will learn five reasons why fixies are great bikes for women of all ages.
Read more

Bikes & Parts

16 Benefits Of A Fixed Gear Bike (Updated 2022)

In this article, you will learn what a fixed gear bike is, why people love them, and the distinct benefits they offer over other conventional bikes.
Read more

Culture & Community

Why Do Bike Messengers Ride Fixies? (7 Reasons)

Ever wonder why bike messengers love riding fixed gear bikes? In this article, you will learn seven reasons why bike messengers love riding fixed.
Read more

Bikes & Parts

What Are Aero Bars? And How to Install Them on A Fixie?

Have you heard of aero bars? In this article, we will discuss aero bars and whether or not you should use them on your fixed gear bike.
Read more

Tricks & Performance

How to Climb up Hills on A Fixie (9 Riding Technique Tips)

Going up hills on a fixed gear bike is not impossible. In this article, you will learn some tips to help you climb up hills on a fixie.
Read more

Health & Wellness

Are Fixies Good for Fitness & Exercise? (The Truth)

Ever wondered if fixies are good for exercise In this article, you will learn why riding fixed is great for exercise, muscle gain, and overall health.
Read more

Bikes & Parts, Tricks & Performance

How to Stop A Fixed Gear Bike (Easily & Safely)

No breaks? No problem. This article will teach you how to properly stop a fixed gear, single-speed, and track bike with and without brakes.
Read more
Previous 1…789101112 Next
+ More

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.

Fixed gear focus instagram image 1.
Fixed gear focus instagram image 2.
Fixed gear focus instagram image 3.

Join the squad—follow on the Gram

@brooklyn_fixedgear
Fixed gear focus instagram image 4.
Fixed gear focus instagram image 5.
Fixed gear focus instagram image 6.

Follow us

LinkedIn

FaceBook

Instagram

Twitter (X)

Pinterest

Popular & guides

Best fixie bikes

Best fixie brands

Best bike locks

Best bike helmets

Tools & services

Online cycling tools

Bike size calculator

Gear ratio calculator

Company & shop

About us

Contact us

Jobs and careers

Editorial standards

My account

Refund and return

Fixed Gear Focus is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This means we may earn a commission if you buy something through our Amazon links at no extra cost to you.

Fixed Gear Focus © 2025
850 Euclid Ave Ste 819 #2053 Cleveland, Ohio 44114

Privacy policy

Terms and conditions

Sitemap