The first fixie bikes were seen in the late 19th century. But it wasn't for long before new improvements started to enter the market, such as handbrakes and the "freewheel." Though, the fixed geared bikes didn't disappear and stayed popular for quite a while. They were continuously used by sports riders during training sessions to improve their shape and flexibility. The riders also used the fixie bikes during specific competitions or parts of the competitions. Later on, messengers in New York City started using the fixed gear bicycles who ride without fear and without coming to a stop throughout the busy streets. Nowadays, more and more bike messengers in other parts of the world are starting to ride these types of bicycles.
A bicycle without a "freewheel" is better known as a fixed gear bicycle, or a fixie for short. This means that the gear on the rear wheel is directly attached to the rear hub. A direct consequence of this setup is not being able to "coast," which means that whenever the bike is moving, the pedals will be moving as well and the rider will not be able to keep his feet and legs from moving.
You'll often see these fixie bikes without any brakes. Partly due to the nature of the fixed gear, which allows braking in itself, but also because they can disrupt the simplistic beauty of the fixie. Its part of a whole "back to basics" mentality that gets rid of any and all features that aren't a crucial part of the bicycle. They will be stripped completely of the usual bicycle parts, such as fenders, front and rear lights, bells, etc.
Without all these "superfluous luxuries," the rider remains in direct contact with his bicycle and the street. To arrive at a complete stop, he or she must hold the pedals or pedal slower to ride slower and eventually halt. This technique requires some training and getting used to and the rider needs to be able to control their bike very well before trying to ride in streets and places with traffic. You should also keep in mind that there are laws in many countries which require your bicycle to have been fitted with brakes, no matter "how pro you are."
Once you're used to riding a fixie bike, you can start with some more advanced and more fun things. Many tricks can be done with a fixie, such as riding backward, jumping or performing a track stand (standing still without your feet touching the ground). Many of these tricks can't be done with a regular bicycle. Some of the more advanced riders also try to develop their own tricks, many of which are extremely difficult or dangerous to perform. Just like many other sports, this one is in constant development and the list of tricks is expanded every day.
A bicycle without a "freewheel" is better known as a fixed gear bicycle, or a fixie for short. This means that the gear on the rear wheel is directly attached to the rear hub. A direct consequence of this setup is not being able to "coast," which means that whenever the bike is moving, the pedals will be moving as well and the rider will not be able to keep his feet and legs from moving.
You'll often see these fixie bikes without any brakes. Partly due to the nature of the fixed gear, which allows braking in itself, but also because they can disrupt the simplistic beauty of the fixie. Its part of a whole "back to basics" mentality that gets rid of any and all features that aren't a crucial part of the bicycle. They will be stripped completely of the usual bicycle parts, such as fenders, front and rear lights, bells, etc.
Without all these "superfluous luxuries," the rider remains in direct contact with his bicycle and the street. To arrive at a complete stop, he or she must hold the pedals or pedal slower to ride slower and eventually halt. This technique requires some training and getting used to and the rider needs to be able to control their bike very well before trying to ride in streets and places with traffic. You should also keep in mind that there are laws in many countries which require your bicycle to have been fitted with brakes, no matter "how pro you are."
Tricking with a fixie bike
Once you're used to riding a fixie bike, you can start with some more advanced and more fun things. Many tricks can be done with a fixie, such as riding backward, jumping or performing a track stand (standing still without your feet touching the ground). Many of these tricks can't be done with a regular bicycle. Some of the more advanced riders also try to develop their own tricks, many of which are extremely difficult or dangerous to perform. Just like many other sports, this one is in constant development and the list of tricks is expanded every day.