Fixie brakes
You will more than often see fixies without brakes, this is part of their simple beauty. Riding a fixie without brakes however can be tricky to say the least, especially in heavy traffic. While a lot of fanatic fixie riders don’t like the extra weight and appearance of brakes on their bikes, riding without brakes can be dangerous and is against the law in a lot of jurisdictions.Slowing down or coming to a full stop without brakes is obtained by resisting the motion of the turning cranks. The rider shifts his weight to the front wheel and pulling up on the pedals. Because your weight will no longer be on the rear, your rear wheel will have less grip. The more you shift your weight back the better you’ll be able to brake. This technique must be practised and can be hard in the beginning.
Fixie chains
Most bikes are typically equipped with a 1/8 inch or a 3/32 inch chain. While most track-fixies will come with a 1/8 inch chain, 3/32 inch chains however are more common and lighter in weight and therefor more frequently used on fixie bikes. The 3/32 chains make for a more smoother and flexible ride.
Fixie bikes generally come without chain-guard which means your chain will be at the constant mercy of dirt, rain and wind. A good chain maintenance is important to make your chain last and enjoyable. A very detailed chain maintenance guide can be found online.
Fixie bikes generally come without chain-guard which means your chain will be at the constant mercy of dirt, rain and wind. A good chain maintenance is important to make your chain last and enjoyable. A very detailed chain maintenance guide can be found online.
Fixie Cranks
It is generally a good choice to go with shorter than normal cranks when riding a fixie bike. The shorter length makes for an easier control of the cadences when riding fast and reduces the chance your pedals will hit the ground when you corner. A 160-170 mm cranks-set is commonly used. Of course this depends on your frame size and preference.
Fixie Gear
Choosing your gear is very personal and is highly depended on where you will be using your fixie.
A low gear will lower your maximum speed but will make it easier to climb hills and bridges.
The opposite is true for higher gears.
A flip-flop hub is a good way to have two gears on hand. When the situation asks for a different gear you can easily flip your wheel.
A low gear will lower your maximum speed but will make it easier to climb hills and bridges.
The opposite is true for higher gears.
A flip-flop hub is a good way to have two gears on hand. When the situation asks for a different gear you can easily flip your wheel.
Fixie Frames
Like any other bike you want your fixie to have the right size, this is perhaps the most important part of choosing your new or second hand frame. If you found a good fixie retailer, the shopkeeper can help you choose the right size, not only in height but in top tube-length as well.
Depending on the riders preferences the top tube will be anywhere between 1” and 3” lower than the inside of your legs. On average the distance between the bottom bracket and the ground will be 10”. So your maximum frame size should be the inside of your legs length minus 1” to 3” minus 10”.
The frame size is measured from the top of the frame to the centre of the pedal axle.
For every 2” increment in frame size, the distance between your saddle and handlebars should increase 1”. The saddle can always be adjusted to make it a perfect fit.
If you are looking to buy a second hand frame be sure to buy one without any deep dents and cracks, or an abundance of rust. And make sure it has horizontal drop-outs so you can get the correct tension on the chain.
Depending on the riders preferences the top tube will be anywhere between 1” and 3” lower than the inside of your legs. On average the distance between the bottom bracket and the ground will be 10”. So your maximum frame size should be the inside of your legs length minus 1” to 3” minus 10”.
The frame size is measured from the top of the frame to the centre of the pedal axle.
For every 2” increment in frame size, the distance between your saddle and handlebars should increase 1”. The saddle can always be adjusted to make it a perfect fit.
If you are looking to buy a second hand frame be sure to buy one without any deep dents and cracks, or an abundance of rust. And make sure it has horizontal drop-outs so you can get the correct tension on the chain.
Fixie Handlebars
There are many types of handlebars on the market, all of them with their own pros and cons. The bars can be divided in 3 main shapes: track bars, freestyle bars and bullhorn bars. Many fixie riders customise their handlebars. Freestyle bars are often cut shorter to sometimes ridicules short and dangerous length because this allows an easier manner between close traffic or just because it looks cool.
There are various grips available or handlebar tape can be installed. During winter an unwrapped bar can get very cold and uncomfortable and during summer it can get slippery when sweating.
There are various grips available or handlebar tape can be installed. During winter an unwrapped bar can get very cold and uncomfortable and during summer it can get slippery when sweating.
Fixie Pedals
Depending on what you want to use your bike for you can either choose regular pedals, strapped pedals or toe-clips. It is highly recommended to use the system you are used to and only use the regular pedals if you are an experienced fixie rider.
Fixie Rims
Finding a pair of fixie bike rims can be a bit of an adventure. This is because there is a large selection of bike rims out there for you to choose from. When you are choosing a set of fixie rims, you have to make sure they are right ones for you.
Like many other sports, certain parts of your fixie bike will contribute to the statement you want to make. For example, skateboards have an almost limitless amount of graphics on the decks, various wheels with even more colours to choose from. This applies to snowboards, skates, BMX riding,... And the rims of a fixie bike are no different. While your frame and choice of materials for other parts will also contribute to the overall style of your bike, bike rims have proven to be quite a competitive market for many manufacturers.
When choosing fixie rims, you have to keep in mind for which purposes you're going to ride the bike. There are two options available for their own type of tire:
Tubular rims, on the other hand, are not held in place by the pressure of the tires. Instead they are glued onto the rim. Because of this many sporadic or recreational riders stick to clincher rims because they are more accessible for maintenance. Tubular rims and tires are used more by experienced riders and track riders because they are lighter. However, it is advised that you carry a spare tubular tire with you on the road. Decent tubular tires can also be quite expensive.
If your'e unsure which tire you want to use, either start out with clincher rims and tires for your first fixie bike or try out a fixie with tubular tires if possible.
Like many other sports, certain parts of your fixie bike will contribute to the statement you want to make. For example, skateboards have an almost limitless amount of graphics on the decks, various wheels with even more colours to choose from. This applies to snowboards, skates, BMX riding,... And the rims of a fixie bike are no different. While your frame and choice of materials for other parts will also contribute to the overall style of your bike, bike rims have proven to be quite a competitive market for many manufacturers.
Types of Fixie Bike Rims
- Clincher rims
- Tubular rims
Tubular rims, on the other hand, are not held in place by the pressure of the tires. Instead they are glued onto the rim. Because of this many sporadic or recreational riders stick to clincher rims because they are more accessible for maintenance. Tubular rims and tires are used more by experienced riders and track riders because they are lighter. However, it is advised that you carry a spare tubular tire with you on the road. Decent tubular tires can also be quite expensive.
If your'e unsure which tire you want to use, either start out with clincher rims and tires for your first fixie bike or try out a fixie with tubular tires if possible.