What is a fixed gear?

The classic fixed-gear bike is the type of bike we initially focused exclusively on at Antymateria. It's hard to imagine a simpler design. The drivetrain is a rigidly connected crankset to the rear hub. In other words, to put it a bit more technically, the rear hub lacks a freewheel. Of course, there's no derailleur. We have a single gear ratio—the sprocket on the hub is simply connected by a chain to the sprocket on the crankset. Practically speaking, any pedaling motion (in any direction) forces the rear wheel to move. Fixed-gear bikes are fading these days, but we still build them based on our single-speed bikes from time to time. If you're thinking about riding such a bike downhill right now, I'll add that yes – you have to keep pedaling. For balance (literally), you can stand upright. Or ride backwards. The fixed gear in its present form evolved from track cycling and, due to its low failure rate, was popularized by bicycle couriers. Before the freewheel was patented in 1869, all bicycles were fixed gears, and it only lost popularity for everyday use in the interwar period. Initially, most cyclists considered the freewheel a solution for children or the elderly, unworthy of "real men." Funnily enough, a similar situation occurred when the first derailleurs appeared, which were considered a technological boost.

Fixed Gear in the 21st Century

Today, fixed gear bikes are primarily used on the track, but the explosion in popularity of this type of bike in the city a few years ago has yet to subside. The fascination with courier culture has led to the emergence of a new segment : fixed gear bikes designed for the city. Today, most people choose less extreme solutions, but fixed gear bikes still have their devoted followers. Enthusiasts usually cite the unbridled joy of riding as their main argument, while opponents cite the simple argument of lack of brakes and lack of safety. We'll ignore the fact that brakes can be added to fixed gear bikes in this article. We believe this doesn't make much sense, and we'll explain why below. Therefore, we'll try to present a few important arguments for and against and summarize the topic relatively concisely. Fortunately, beyond the issues of rational evaluation, emotions remain. Fixed gear is also a somewhat underground philosophy of freedom from all limitations and a focus on simply having fun. Even if the price is a certain "harshness" of the experience and discomfort.

Fixed gear - five arguments "for"

(1) Aesthetics Fixed-gear bikes can be, and often are, without brakes. Brake housings, in particular, often attached haphazardly to the frame, significantly detract from the bike's appearance. The front brake, especially if the lever is right next to the stem and has a very short housing extending from it, is somewhat tolerable. And let's face it, the appearance of a city bike is more than half the fun of owning one. (2) Less weight A freewheel typically adds about 150 grams of additional rotational mass to the rear wheel. Fixed-gear offers roughly the same gain as butted spokes or a folding tire, and the wheel is cheaper. Brakes and their components add another gram. (3) Greater reliability Popular freewheels can be repaired in a single trip through sand or muddy snow. Repairing them is often difficult or impossible. This also applies to "brand name" designs such as Dicta, Sturmey Archer, or Shimano. This is especially important for couriers, who use their bikes extremely intensively and in all conditions. Besides, the fewer components installed on a bike, the fewer things can break. A fixed-gear bike, by design, has very few components. (4) Lower wheel price A decent, serviceable, and contamination-proof freewheel will cost an additional 180-400 PLN. My own experience shows that only the most expensive freewheels, such as the White Industries ENO, are relatively reliable and durable. (5) Lossless drive The pawls in a freewheel always have some degree of delay in their action. A fixed gear engages immediately. On climbs, the lack of a dead spot is also a positive experience when the cranks are in the vertical position.

Fixed gear - three arguments against

(1) It is impossible to quickly correct the leg position during maneuvers When descending uneven surfaces like stairs or a high curb, we can catch the pedal and fall flat on our face. When climbing a hill or jumping a curb, a fixed-gear bike can catch us in a difficult leg position. Of course, with practice, you gain experience, but a fixed-gear bike is never comfortable in this regard. (2) Harder to brake Without a brake, unloading and locking the rear wheel is a much more difficult technique than squeezing the lever. You might not have enough time to learn it, or you might crash first. It's also not as effective as using brakes independent of the drivetrain. A fixed-gear bike is more dangerous than a traditional one. (3) Higher price of pedals and shoes You need clip-in pedals, or at least toe clips or straps . Each of these components costs money and wears out. Special shoes aren't free either. A fixed gear bike on regular platform pedals without any shoe straps is suicide.

Is a fixed gear bike safe?

Compared to a bike with brakes, no. Two efficient brakes provide significantly greater control and faster deceleration. However, in my experience, in typical urban use, where even with efficient riding, speeds aren't high, this isn't a significant difference. There's one requirement: you need to know how to brake. That's why many beginner fixed-gear bikes are equipped with a front brake (more effective than the rear). It's simply an emergency solution. An experienced cyclist with a reasonable number of hours on a fixed-gear bike simply doesn't need an additional brake, and there's no snobbishness about it. And of course, it is essential to regularly tension the chain - if it is too loose, it can fall off when braking, and if it is worn, it can destroy the sprockets!

Is it worth it?

It depends on what you like. A classic fixed gear bike is definitely the type of bike that teaches you to be attentive and responsible. You have to keep your eyes open and plan things two moves ahead, taking into account the behavior of other road users. It's not just about safety, but also about riding efficiently. When you have to put force into braking, a smooth ride becomes more desirable. A few years on a fixed gear bike taught me to set my own safety limits, ride efficiently, and pay attention to the traffic around me. These are universal skills that are also useful when riding any other bike or car. And, quite subjectively, it's great fun! Objectively speaking, fixed gear attracts people looking for thrills and "something different." It's also a valuable experience that will undoubtedly add a lot to our riding experience. However, if you're not looking for an adrenaline rush and simply aim for efficient city riding, a lightweight single speed bike is a better option. It's a simple bike without gears, but with brakes and a freewheel. It's not as extreme as a fixed gear, but it's very practical in the city.

Fixed gear - how to build?

Since there's no simpler construction, with a basic knowledge of bicycle construction, basic tools, and a little time, you can build one yourself. OLX and Allegro are, of course, an inexhaustible source of cheap, used frames. However, you'll have to wade through a ton of junk, as sellers label almost every ad for an old Dutch bike or touring bike "fixed gear." Furthermore, many of the parts offered are of poor quality (bent chainrings are common). On a bike without brakes, the drivetrain must be flawless, as braking depends on it. The easiest way is to buy an old road bike with horizontal dropouts and replace the rear wheel and drivetrain. A cheap fixed gear (for a few hundred zlotys) usually quickly turns into a bottomless pit once the user starts to understand their needs. You'll find plenty of advice on our blog, including how to choose a handlebar or frame for a fixed gear . If you're looking to build yourself a fixed gear bike with new components, the base price for such a bike is around 2,500 PLN. For that price, you get a new frame (Cromo) painted in your choice of color and new, proven, high-quality components! And if you decide it's not for you, you can always add a freewheel and brakes!