Fixed Gear bicycles: what is it and how to choose it?

Cycling is not only a popular sporting activity, but also the lifestyle of residents of various countries. Cyclists can be seen both in large cities and in small settlements. Given the increased demand for these vehicles, manufacturers have developed several models of devices that differ in functionality, size, configuration, appearance and price range.

Despite the wide range of these mechanisms, work on their improvement is ongoing. When choosing a two-wheeled friend, professional athletes recommend paying attention not only to new items, but also to old proven models, one of which is a fixed bike. These mechanisms have established themselves as reliable and high-quality devices that are used by both experienced cyclists and novice athletes.

The fix bike is a road bike that has a fixed gear and a steering wheel in the form of a ram's horn. In the specialized literature, you can find the following options for the name of the mechanism: bikes, fixed-gear, fixies, fixies, fixie, fixed gear and fixed wheel, which all translate as a postman bike. Some models are equipped with a non-standard (very narrow) wheel, which is completely unusual for ordinary cyclists. A distinctive feature of the device is the absence of a sleeve and a drum.

The date of the appearance of this device is the middle of the last century, when bike fixes were widely used on racing tracks. A little later, the athletes found their application in courier and postal services. Due to its maneuverability and high speed, this transport began to gain popularity also among residents of Japan, England and America.

The principle of operation of the device is the direct winding of an asterisk onto a sleeve that drives the pedals. In order to stop the transport, you need to start turning the pedals back. In connection with this feature, cycling has the ability to move both forward and backward.

Like any mechanism, a fixed gear has a number of positive and negative characteristics.

Advantages:

• the presence of controlled braking;
• universal purpose;
• high speed of movement;
• lack of the possibility of accidentally locking the rear wheel;
• stylish appearance;
• smooth ride;
• the ability to speed up;
• lack of management difficulties;
• maintaining balance while standing on the pedals;
• maximum rear wheel control;
• the presence of effective pedaling;
• the presence of reverse gear;
• the presence of special fasteners that fix the legs;
• maximum use of useful energy;
• the ability to perform complex tricks;
• high level of maneuverability;
• no need to adjust gears, transfers and coins;
• maximum development of the muscular system;
• increasing the stamina of an athlete;
• bringing the figure in a short period of time to an athletic look;
• light weight;
• affordable price range;
• minimum equipment;
• ease of repair and maintenance.

Disadvantages:

• high speed development;
• difficulty in overcoming various types of obstacles and winter climbs;
• impossibility of sudden braking;
• the need to master a special pedaling system;
• lack of brake system.

Manufacturers of these models recommend paying attention to the fixed device for lovers of winter riding. This transport will help to avoid not only weakening during movement, but also the negative effects of salt compounds and high humidity on aluminum and steel parts, which are simply not present in this mechanism.

Due to the peculiarity of the design of bicycle fixes and the complete absence of a traditional brake system, many novice riders have difficulties with braking. Professional athletes recommend Before traveling on public roads, carefully study the theory of braking and be sure to conduct several trainings in sports stadiums with a flat road, on which all obstacles are completely absent.

Specialists distinguish several ways of braking.

• Skip stop - A simple method that novice cyclists use. This braking involves stopping by creating small obstacles to pedaling, after which the vehicle gradually begins to slow down. Since this process requires a certain amount of time, the driver must independently determine the length of the braking distance, taking into account the speed of movement.

• Skid stopping - The most popular way to stop, which is often called skidding. It is used not only for braking, but also for performing complex stunt figures. Technique - transferring the center of gravity to the front wheels and slightly raising the rear of the vehicle. Next, you need to stop the pedals in a horizontal position and lower the rear wheels. This method is distinguished by its effectiveness and is used by experienced cyclists.

• Back preassure - the simplest method in the process of which the principle of back pressure is used. Technique - slow pressure on the pedals, directing the heel back until the vehicle stops. For safe braking, the legs must be attached to the pedals with the help of special mounts.

Despite the simplicity of design and the presence of a minimum number of components in bicycles, when choosing it, you must pay attention to the following recommendations of professional athletes:

• the presence of metal pedals with factory bearings;
• manufacturing a frame from chrome molybdenum;
• tire size range - from 22 cm to 25 cm;
• bright and expressive color shades.

The quality and durability of the mechanism is directly affected by the brand that produces products. Experts recommend choosing products only from well-known brands, samples of which have all the permits and quality certificates. The best-known bicycle fixer manufacturers are the following top brands:

• NS Bikes;
• Welt
• Fuji Bikes;
• Create;
• Linus Bikes;
• Bear Bike

Due to the simplicity of the design, having minimal mechanical skills, it is possible to make a fixer on the basis of a classic bicycle without much difficulty. The conversion process consists of the following steps:

• frame selection with horizontal dropouts;
• chain tension by moving the wheel and fixing it with nuts, special tensioners will help to better adjust the operation of the wheels;
• dismantling of all cables, switches and gears;
• connecting rod replacement, dismantling unnecessary stars on the front wheel and cassettes on the rear;
• installation of a fixed gear hub on the rear wheel;
• chain tensioning by moving the wheel in dropouts;
• complete or partial dismantling of the brake system;
• adjustment of the height of the steering wheel, saddle and pedals;
• painting the device in bright colors.

To ensure the maximum level of safety on city roads, experts recommend leave the front brake and install double-sided bushings, the hallmark of which is the presence on one side of a thread under a star, and on the other, under a freewheel. This mechanism allows you to change the star by flipping the wheel to the other side. All spare parts used in the process of re-equipment of the bicycle transport can be either new or used.

Daily exercise is the key to good physical shape and longevity. The lack of physical activity is especially felt by residents of large cities, who spend most of the day in office premises. A high level of employment and the presence of a minimum amount of free time become an insurmountable obstacle to training.

For daily use, it is not necessary to purchase expensive models that require maintenance. Experts recommend stopping your choice on simple fix bikes, which not only do not cause difficulties in management, but can also replace expensive trainers.

For a detailed discussion of the Fixed Gear bike, see the next video.