Fixie bikes - what are they?

A fixie bike or fixed gear bike belongs in an interesting category. Whether you're talking about a women's fixie bike or men's, we're here to tell you they aren't that different from a regular bike. However, they do come with a few things that set them apart. Understanding them is much easier if you already know about the components of a regular bike. Basically, a fixie bike is a single-speed bicycle that has a single fixed gear. This is where the term “fixed gear bike” comes from. It's also often referred to as a “fixie bike” by those using them. While riding a fixed gear bike, you are pedaling in a forward motion to move ahead, and pedaling backwards to go in reverse. Everything, from the worst, to the best fixed gear bikes, works this way.

A more technical description would be that, the cog on a regular bicycle, which is the piece of metal that looks like a gear and holds your chain, has ball bearings that will allow it to spin freely while the bike moves, even when you are not pedaling. On a fixed gear bike, the cog is directly attached to the rear wheel. This means that the wheels will move only as a result of your pedaling movements. All of this simplicity results in some beautiful fixed gear bikes. And the fixie design hasn't changed too much in the past couple of years, the basics are the same.

Fixie Bikes Guide Glossary

Fixie bike advantages - why ride a fixie bike?
Perks of riding a fixie bike - just a couple of advantages
Where can you ride a fixie bike?
Who can ride a fixie bike? Are fixie bikes hard to ride?
Are fixie bikes dangerous without brakes?
What about riding with one brake? Or two brakes?
What can I do to protect myself?
Where can I buy a fixie?
Why do Peace Bicycles have some of the best women's and men's fixie bikes for sale?
How hard is it to find parts for a fixie bike?
Do you stand up and ride or sit down and ride?
What size fixie bike do I need?
Modifications for a fixie bike
Riding a fixie bike
How do you come to a skid stop on a fixie bike?
Is it worth converting a road bike to a fixie bike?
Fixie bikes in competition
Maintenance and repair
Where do I store my fixie bike?
How do you transport a fixie bike?
Does my bike need to be ridden often?
How well does a fixie bike hold its value?
What kind of tires should I get for my fixie bike?
Why is a fixie bike called a fixie?
Legal regulations
Warranty and return policy
Conclusion

You might have a lot of questions about them. Are they cheap, or expensive? Do they look cool? Do you get a modern look, or a retro, vintage one? Are the best fixie bikes lightweight? What are some pros and cons? How to they compare vs road bikes? We'll try to have all of this explained for you, so read on.

Fixie bike advantages - why ride a one?

There are numerous reasons to ride a fixie bike. First of all, riding a fixie bike can be like no other. A regular bike has many parts, and can be expensive and complicated to maintain. On the other hand, a fixie has very few parts and is, therefore, easy and inexpensive to maintain. Also, because there are fewer parts, the fixie bike will be much lighter than a regular bike. What this means is that you can do many things that you can’t do with a regular bike. Fixie bikes can be used to perform an insane amount of movement options and many simple bikes tricks. And if you think that it's scary, you'll change your mind. For example, a fixie bike is a great bike to start with for women.

Once you get used to its unique riding style and become comfortable, you can begin to experiment with the moves. Because the pedal movements directly correspond to the movement of the wheel, it is very easy to get a fixie bike travelling at a fast speed. Another interesting thing is that it doesn’t take as much energy as a regular bike. Most fixie bikes for sale do not have brakes, because you can stop the bike simply by reversing your pedals or learning how to do a skid stop. Pedaling backwards on these bikes from a full stop will make you travel in reverse.

Although riding a fixie does take some getting used to, many bicycle riders prefer this type of bike. Well, once they learn how to use it effectively that is. In case you think that you want a fixie bike, but would still appreciate the convenience of a regular single speed, you can opt for a flip-flop hub for some extra versatility. 

Perks of riding fixed gear bikes - just a couple of advantages

There are many perks to riding a fixed gear bike, although you may not immediately understand how a single-speed drivetrain can truly improve your biking performance and efficiency. First, the unique pedaling style of a fixie helps a rider learn to pedal at the same pace for an extended period of time. This, in turn, helps improve balance and stability. You will also learn to distribute your strength better, since you are somewhat forced into continuously pedaling. Some of the best fixie bikes will help you improve as a cyclist, overall.

Second, riding a fixie is a bit more challenging than riding a regular bicycle. Therefore, many fixie riders feel a greater sense of accomplishment and overall connection to their bike when riding. Third, with fewer overall parts and important components that are susceptible to rust or weather damage, your fixed gear bike is easier to use in bad weather conditions. There is also less to worry about that like damage in foul weather. If you're still on the verge of deciding between a fixie bike and a road bike, we've got you covered, and we want you to make the right decision.

You'll find a lot of people consider riding fixie bikes without brakes makes you a "hipster". This might be something you like, or don't like, depending on your personal style.

Where can you ride fixie bikes?

Fixed gear bikes have certainly become more popular in recent years, but they still aren’t seen everywhere. Honestly, there are no limitations when you are riding a fixie bike. However, it is important to remember that the simple design does not include a shock. This makes them somewhat uncomfortable to ride on rough terrain. However, in a city, such as NYC in USA, you'll have a lot of fun with a fixie bike. Don't believe us? Try to look at a fixie bikes YouTube video or two, you'll see for yourself. Or, ask at any fixie bikes forum - riders will tell you first hand.

There is, however, another thing that gives a fixed gear bike an advantage in the rough. If you do choose to take your fixie for a ride over rough terrain, you will be able to get up and down the hills and move around obstacles easier than you would on many other bikes available today. The ultra-lightweight design allows for superb handling and control.

Who can ride a fixie bike? Are they hard to ride?

Initially, riding a fixed gear bike may seem more complicated than riding a typical bicycle. But, anyone can learn to ride a fixie, especially if they already know how to ride a bike. One of the great things about fixies is that finding your balance is very easy. Also, they tend to handle very well. Once you get used to not gliding when you are not pedaling and that you don’t have any brakes, it’s easy to adjust to riding a fixie. The important thing about buying a fixie is getting the features you want and having a proper size for the rider.

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That being said a fixed gear bike comes with certain limitations. For example, their gear ratios are often much harder than the easiest gear on a regular bike. Therefore, pedaling a fixed gear bike uphill can be a bit of a challenge. However, with a bit of practice, you can easily do that. Downhills are also another obstacle. Braking is difficult, so make sure you know how to stop on your fixie bike before you get on it. If you have these things out of the way, you can be absolutely positive that you can ride a fixie bike.

Are fixie bikes dangerous without brakes?

While Peace Bicycles come with brakes standard, a classic fixed gear bike can be notorious for not having brakes. Obviously, this can be dangerous. However, you eventually become used to stopping by reversing your pedals or skidding to a stop. At this point, these bikes are no more dangerous than any other bike. One great thing about fixed gear bikes is that because is it such a simple design, you can add features and components, such as brakes, if you really want to.

If you are using your fixie for downhill riding, then this is something you might want to consider. Skidding to a stop on a steep downhill is not always the safest move. Learning to skid stop takes some practice, and you should make sure that you have mastered this skill on flat surfaces before trying it on a downhill. It is recommended that all people riding bicycles wear a helmet, and this goes for people riding fixies, too. Also, while learning to ride a fixie, it’s good to start out slowly until you learn to stop efficiently and safely.

What about riding with one brake? Or two brakes?

If you prefer to play it safe, you should have a brake on your bike. Yes, brake, singular. There's somewhat of a process for people who begin to ride fixies. Most of them begin with two brakes, because they would rather be safe than sorry. As mentioned above, you can still stop with skidding. However, that does take a lot of practice. Having brakes makes sure you have a fail-safe. While learning, if you need to stop immediately, and skidding doesn't help, just use the brakes. This makes the fixed gear bike as safe as any other bike to ride.

After riding a bit with two brakes, if your goal is to end up without any brakes and you can try removing one of them. If you're doing this, you'd be safer to remove the rear brake. With reversing the pedals, or skidding, you have control over the rear wheel. Use your remaining front brake to control the front one. Riding with at least one brake is still safer than riding without any brakes. If you don't want to risk it, there's no shame in having a brake, or two of them, on your bike. The choice is yours. If you do decide to install them, you can easily check out how. If you think you won't be able to do it, visit a bike shop. You don't need a specific fixie shop; any shop should be able to do this for you.

What can I do to protect myself?

While we don't recommend taking your brakes off, you can take certain precautions to reduce the risk of injury. First, it’s always a good idea to go riding with another person. This is particularly useful on longer bike trips. And, using the proper protective equipment is also important. A helmet is a must, but shin pads, knee pads, and even shoulder pads can also come in handy. This is all an essential part of the fixie bike gear if you want to stay safe. Well, at least until you master the moves of the bike.

These things will help to protect you from becoming injured in the event that you fall while learning to ride your fixie. Some fixie riders opt for a horn or bell. This is a great idea if you are riding on a road, or any other place where there might be people. All Peace Bicycles come standard with lights and bells. There are also front and rear lights, to help keep you safer while you ride.

Where can I buy a fixie?

If you're looking for cool fixie bikes for sale, Peace Bicycles provide fully-equipped fixed gear bikes online at Peacebicycles.com. Getting your bike from an online shop is nowadays a bit better than getting them from a regular fixie bikes shop, as they're often less expensive and better. Note that getting a cheap fixed gear bike, or even a cheap custom fixie, is often a mistake. Investing in a reputable brand is the way to go. You might find various categories, such as "best fixie bikes under $500", or bikes under $100, $150, $200, $300, and fixie bikes under $1000. You'll commonly find the best fixie bikes under $1000, as this is the price range to go for. When you're buying your first bike, at least. And this price applies everywhere, from the bikes price in Taiwan, China, to the ones in the US and UK.

Those cheap fixie bikes under $300 will start to show their flaws sooner than you'd like. Therefore, don't look at what the average bicycle fixie price is, but instead get a quality product. You don't have to look for fixie bikes for sale "near me", as they say. Instead, just get one you can find for sale online, and have it at your doorstep! Regardless of whether you're looking at black, blue or pink bikes for sale, Peace Bicycles has something that suits you!

Why do Peace Bicycles have some of the best women's and men's fixie bikes for sale?

Peace Bicycles are a worldwide known brand. Having sold bikes in Germany, Indonesia, Netherlands, UK, Australia, Hawaii, New Zealand, Japan, Dubai, Ireland, Canada, Singapore California, Philadelphia, Utah, Kent, Queensland, India, Malaysia, Philippines, all over Europe, and in places such as Winnipeg, Karlsruhe, Los Angeles, Singapore, London, Dublin, Denver, Salt Lake City, Sacramento, Atlanta, Toronto, Puerto Rico, Sidney, Amsterdam, Calgary, Mississauga, Nottingham, Glasgow, NYC, Victoria, Liverpool, Quiapo, Hong Kong, Dallas, Houston, Austin, Miami, Jakarta, Copenhagen, Montreal, Las Vegas, San Francisco, New Jersey, Hackney, Chicago, Adelaide, Lazada, Ottawa, Brisbane, Leicester, Bristol, Canberra, Newcastle, Visalia, San Jose, Vancouver, Oxford, Edinburgh, Perth, Edmonton and the Gold Coast, they're all over the world!

When you look at the difference between a cheap fixie bike, and a quality one, you'll find that the best fixie bikes are somewhere in the middle. They're often bikes with brakes, they're never geared, and you can find a review or two for them. Fixie bikes sizes are more or less like the regular bikes. Peace Bicycles is just there - in the middle. High quality, at an affordable price, and absolutely one of the best options to find vintage bikes for sale. You can get cool fixie bikes there, regardless of whether you're a male or female, and how much experience you have!

How hard is it to find parts for a fixie bike?

A fixie bike is just a standard bike that has a single-speed gear system. Therefore, any fixie bike parts that you can find for a regular bike can be put onto your fixie if you want. This makes it easy to completely modify a fixie. You can even turn it into a road bike, a downhill bike, or even a bike that is meant for riding trails. We also offer all necessary replacement fixie bike parts on our site.

The only thing that isn't standard on any other bike is the single speed hub and cog. However, fixie bikes are actually much more common around the world than you'd think. Therefore, even this part can be found really easily in case you need it. Apart from that, as we said, everything is exactly the same as with other bikes. If you happen to want to add, or change something on your bike, there's a variety of fixie bike parts.

Do you stand up and ride or sit down and ride?

A fixie bike offers riders a huge amount of flexibility when it comes to modifications as well as riding options. If you put a comfortable seat on your fixie, you can enjoy a relaxing ride. Or, you can stand up and ride the entire time and go as fast as your pedals will carry you. Your fixie will also allow you to go backwards, by pedaling backwards. This is something that can be scary if you aren't used to it. Not a lot of bikers are very good at that move until they really practice.

What size fixie bike do I need?

It can be challenging to determine the right size bike that you need. There are several important factors that can make a difference. Some of them are what you use the bike for, how tall you are, and how much you weigh. Manufacturers generally measure the size of the bike by measuring the distance between the bottom bracket and the top of the seat tube where the seat post is inserted. This results in the fixie frame size.

This so-called "frame size", generally expressed in inches. You might find sizing charts online, but they usually vary. For example, an 18" frame by one manufacturer might not be the same in, let's say, length, as another manufacturer's 18" frame. Therefore, when looking at sizing, make sure that you try before you buy. Or, if you're ordering online, follow the specific manufacturer's sizing chart.

When choosing a size of fixie bike, begin by looking for a bike that when straddled, offers at least 2 inches of clearance between the top tube and your crotch. These two inches make it easy for you to get off and on your bike. Also, wheels can make a big difference to the height of the bike. Finally, remember that the seat post and handlebars can be adjusted to suit your unique body type. You could also choose a shorter, or longer stem. These three things are commonly cheap to buy, and can make quite an impact on the geometry of your bicycle.

Modifications for a fixie bike

Because it has such a simple design, a fixie bike can be modified in many ways to suit the tastes of a user. It can also greatly improve the overall performance of the bike. It is not difficult to install brakes on a fixie bike, or do a custom paint job. You can even put a horn on the bike, or add reflector lights and an extra headlight for night time rides. These aren't just visual modifications. They can also make quite an impact on the riding experience.

It is important to consider the possible modifications you might want when evaluating the initial purchase price of the bike you are interested in. This will allow you to get the bike that is the right style for you. And it will be affordable enough, so you can spend your leftover money on the modifications to really personalize it. What sets Peace apart is that all our bike comes standard with front and rear lights, a robust rear rack, coat/chain/fender guards (depends on the model), and a bell.

Riding a fixie bike

Riding a fixie is much like riding a regular bike, in terms of pedaling to move the bike. You will notice a big difference in the bike’s handling and speed, which is directly related to how fast you are pedaling. A fixed gear bike has much smoother handling than a regular bike, and you never have to worry about problems like tangled brake cables when you are performing tricks or messing around on your bike.

One thing you will notice about these bikes is that it is a lot easier to keep your balance while standing up on the pedals, as compared to how it would be on a regular bicycle. It is very important to remember when riding a fixie that you can’t glide on this bike without pedaling. When you stop pedaling, the bike stops moving. There are a lot of fixie bike movies online that can teach you a thing or two about both how to ride a fixie bike, and the culture, so do take a look.

How do you come to a skid stop on a fixie bike?

There are several ways to skid stop your fixie bike. They are all very similar. First, you are going to have to slow down the momentum of the pedals, until they are at a standstill. Next, you will want to put one of your feet back as far as you can on the pedals. At this point you will also need to lean in towards your handle bars. This will give you the proper momentum to swing around your rear wheel.

Make sure that you don’t swing it too far, or you are going to fall off your bike. But, you have to swing it far enough so that your bike starts to skid, or you won’t be coming to a stop. Try this at your own discretion and with an experienced rider first. It is just as hard as it sounds, so make sure you have practice before trying it out on the streets.

Is it worth converting a road bike to a fixie bike?

It is possible to convert a road bike into a fixie bike. What you should know is that it does take a lot of work and it will change the overall look of your bike. The equipment built into your road bike is not meant to be removed. You will find that removing it will leave holes in certain areas, and it may lose some of its original appeal in the process. Fixie bikes are built differently than road bikes, and even the metal components of a normal road bike are likely going to be a lot heavier than that of a legitimate fixie.

Once you make the modifications, your road bike is going to offer a completely different riding experience. You are going to have to be careful of things like gliding, and your pedals hitting the ground when cornering. The frame geometry is in no way identical. You will have to have your riding style adjusted for this.

And, apart from the comfort and riding position, there's also the technical part of it. For example, a fixed gear frame often has horizontal dropouts on the frame. This enables you to pull the wheel back and keep the chain tightened. This is essential, as a loose chain can cause the crankset, or rear cog to skip. Proper chain tension is a crucial part when riding any bike. A road bike, on the other hand, has vertical dropouts which only accommodate the wheel in one position. They compensate for the slack in the chain with the derailleur - something you won't have on your fixie bike. Therefore, if you want to convert, and don't have horizontal dropouts, chances are you'll be needing a chain tensioner as well.

Fixie bikes in competition

Track racing is a common way to use a fixie. Fixie bike races usually take place on a large circular, flat track. Typically, in bike races, the bikes are grouped into certain classes. You will find that these races have a fixed gear track bike as their own individual class. Even street bike races and sometimes even trick competitions will have their own single-speed classes available.

And then there are messenger races. You will commonly find bike messengers using fixie bikes because of their simplicity and light weight. There are often messenger races organized in larger cities. Messengers get on their fixed gear bike and need to deliver a package from point A to point B while beating everyone else who has the same task. This is a very interesting kind of race, even though not officially sanctioned by UCI.

Finally, you have the famous Red Hook Crit. At this point, it has been running for ten years. Initially, it was held in Brooklyn. However, it is nowadays organized all around the world. It's an entire series at this point, with both race classification, as well as general classification. The racers that take part in this race often specialize in these sorts of races. There are plenty of teams that participate, and they're often very interesting races to watch.

Maintenance and repair

One of the best perks to having a fixie is that repairs are usually inexpensive. You are not going to have to pay for things like worn-out brake pads and cables, and you won’t have to oil as many parts or do as many checkups. A fixie has no need for a derailleur because it only works at one speed, and there is no gear selection needed. On a fixed gear bike, one of the most important things you should do is to make sure that your chain isn’t loose and that the master link on the chain is securely attached. It is a good idea to lubricate your chain each month so that you can have a smoother riding experience.

These bikes are generally available at a very reasonable price thanks to their simplicity and you'll be able to find many stylish designs. You may notice that your tires wear out a bit faster than they would on a regular bike, especially if you are doing things like skid stops. One might also run into more popped tubes and need to do more repairs and maintenance to prevent this, like topping off the air pressure, repairing spokes, and keeping your tires properly aligned. But, in general, these bikes are very simple to maintain and usually don’t need much of anything done to them to last for a long time.

Where do I store my fixie bike?

Storing your fixed gear bike is easy, since you can just leave it outside, but if you can store it inside, this is usually a better idea. It is important to try and protect your bike from the elements, otherwise you may run into problems with rust after a few years. Rust can spread quickly, and the longer you leave the rust unattended, the more quickly it will spread, which could potentially ruin your bike. It is also important to remember to check out your bike and re-oil everything, especially after you may have stored for an extended time. Check the tires as well since they may be a bit deflated and it won’t ride quite as smoothly.

How do you transport a fixie bike?

Honestly, transporting a fixie bike is just like any other, if not easier. You can either transport it on a bike rack, or inside of your vehicle. Transporting it on a rack is just like with any other bike. Simply tighten your frame and wheels and make sure they're safe. This applies for all racks, from roof ones to hook-mounted racks.

If you're transporting it inside your car, it's simpler than other bikes. For example, a road bike, or a mountain bike, have derailleurs. When you remove the wheels to put the bike inside, you should be careful not to damage them. They also have brakes (well, some fixies have them too). This means that you have cables coming out of the fixie's handlebars, and you'll need to make sure not to damage those either. Most fixies don't have any of these, apart from brakes on some of them, making them incredibly simple to take apart, and put back together, for transport.

Does my bike need to be ridden often?

It doesn’t matter how often you ride your bike, if you properly maintain it. Each season, it is important to check over your bike and look for rust, as well as fill the tires back up so that your bike will function properly for many seasons to come. Before putting your bike away for storage, it is a good idea to properly wash the bike and dry it off to ensure that there is no grime on it because this could potentially lead to the development of rust.

How well does a fixie bike hold its value?

A fixed gear bike holds its value quite well, especially if you keep it for an extended period of time. Bikes are like cars in the way that an authentic, well-taken care of bike can be worth more than a brand-new bike. Although the value of a brand-new fixie initially drops as soon you take it home from a dealer, it is still a very good investment since there will always be people interested in purchasing cheap fixie bikes for sale.

The difference between a fixed gear bike and a regular bike is the amount of parts. With a regular bike, you have brakes, you have gears, you have the freehub, the sprockets etc. These are all things that you need to maintain and change every occasionaly. Therefore, you need to invest in new parts before you sell it. Or, discount the price so the new buyer can swap everything necessary. When you have a fixie bike, you don't need to do that. The only part you need to replace regularly are the tires. And honestly, they aren't that expensive.

What kind of tires should I get for my fixie bike?

With so many customization options available, it can often be difficult to determine exactly what you want in the essential components. The larger wheel on a fixie bike will allow you to travel at a faster speed, but you don’t want to get a wheel that is too large for your body or it will be harder to mount and get off your bike.

Another thing you need to consider is how much tread you need. If you do a lot of riding down paths, downhill, in gravel, or other rough terrain you may want to consider finding some wheels that have a decent bit of tread on them so that you can properly get grip while you are riding. If you mostly ride on paved sidewalks or concrete, it might be a lot smoother for you to get something without a lot of tread on the tires. Just remember that if you do purchase a tire without a lot of tread, this could affect your ability to do trail rides later on. You could always buy yourself two sets of tires to prevent this problem.

Why is a fixie bike called a fixie?

A fixie bike is called a fixie or fixed gear bike because it has no drivetrain and no front wheel mechanic, unlike a regular bicycle. A bicycle that has a front wheel mechanic can move while the pedals are at a standstill. The features on a fixie were developed a long time ago, not long after the invention of the bicycle. Fixie is simply a word that is used to describe the fixed single speed-gear system that these bikes use.

Legal regulations

It is very important to be aware of any regulations in the areas you where you will be riding. In certain areas, you must have at least one working brake if you are going to be riding the bike down the road. Obviously, this is not important if you are just going to be riding the bike on your own property. However, chances are that you'll want to take it out on the street, so it's good to inquire about these things before you buy. Fortunately, even if you find that your bike doesn't abide by the regulations, installing a brake is really easy. Just re-read the "Modifications" section and you'll see.

Other areas may regulations regarding reflector lights. Depending on where you live, you may be able to ride a bike in the day time without having lights at all, but it is important to have reflector lights at night so that you can be seen by cars and not end up in an accident. Luckily, our bikes come standard with lights and a brake.

Warranty and return policy

This is a great place to start looking if you have no idea what you are looking for in a fixie bike. If a manufacturer offers a good warranty with their product, it means that they have some trust in their own manufacturing process, and are willing to put money towards making sure that the customer is satisfied with their product. This is especially important when you are buying a bike in the off-season because you may not be able to use the bike for several months after purchasing it, and you may not notice any potential problems that it may have.

A good manufacturer’s warranty or a good store return policy can help give you some peace of mind with your purchase. If you are offered a warranty for an extra premium, it is important to make sure that you carefully read all the fine print because sometimes a company’s warranty isn’t quite as good as it sounds, and you don’t want to spend extra money later because of a warranty dispute. Peace offers a one year warranty on the frame and fork of our bikes!

Conclusion

With so many options, buying yourself a fixed gear bike can seem overwhelming. What sets Peace Fixie bikes apart from the rest is that they come standard with front/rear lights to keep you safer at night, a double kickstand so your bike isn't falling over easily, a robust rear rack for all your goodies, a brake (many don’t come with one), and a bell.

Hopefully, after reading this guide, you have learned a thing or two about fixies and this will help you be on your way to buy your very own. Best of luck with your riding. Check out our fixie bikes for sale here.