The commonly used terms are fixed gear for a single speed bike with no freewheel (no coasting). And single speed for single speed bikes that have a freewheel (so you can coast).
I tried a fixed gear bike once. Rode it around a city block. In that short ride I never got used to the need to continue pedaling while turning. I hit the pedals on the ground during two of the turns. I need to get in the habit of turning while keeping the bike more upright. I’m so used to coasting when I start riding and when I stop that it was difficult just to get going and then to come to a controlled and orderly stop at the end.
I have thought about getting a fixed gear bike to play around on and do short rides. To be more practical I’d probably get one with a flip-flop rear hub that has a freewheel on one side. I’d also be sure to get a frame that is designed for fixed gear use so it has a higher bottom bracket (I don’t like hitting the pedals on the ground when I turn). Would be fun. I’ll have to see if I end up getting a fixie.
Two nations divided by a common language. We say “fixed wheel” for a bike with no freewheel. I guess we’d say “single speed” for a single speed with a freewheel. I don’t think “fixed gear” is an expression we’d use - at least we didn’t in my day.
Interesting, isn’t it, that people like us, as soon as we read about a less versatile and practical machine, immediately want one… and we can come up with all sorts of justifications. I’d be tempted, but I live in a steep sided valley, and work on the oppostite side of the hill. Also, I’m skint.
well you deff. didnt give it enough of a chance, the first tim i rode one i thought the same thing i didnt really ned to keep pedaling, but then i kept riding it,( i have never hit my pedals on the ground durring a turn… i have 165mm crankarms, and a track bike, sothe BB is higher…and it not just a bike, its liek the you and your bike are one…i know it sounds rediculous but its true you have to pay more attention you can go hella fast or really slow or backwards haha what ever you want, and its so much better for you physicaly, everytime i see road biker he/she is coasting… yea getting tons of exercise there…i road in a 30 mile race with a few other friends who rode fixies with me, out of like 200 road bikers i came in 3rd, as well as my friends… i dont know its addicting, just like riding a uni.
Hi all. I read this thread back when it started and decided to make the old bike I had in the hall (and the cheapo ladies bike that I inherited in the boiler-room at my new job) into a fixed gear bike. That is, a bike with no freewheel and only one gear.
The frame I used is a Viper F22 16" mountain bike frame, I took the 48 tooth front cog and bottom bracket off the work bike and put it into the Viper frame and removed all the gears and rear brake (and mounts). I had a single-speed bike hub lying around so I bought a Surly 18 tooth track cog and held it on with an old-style bottom bracket lockring. I built this into a Mavic downhill rim. I also had to get a chain tensioner as the frame has vertical dropouts. I left the original front brake on until I get the hang of it - tho thanks to MikeFule as I didn’t know I had to have it to comply with UK law - so I think I’ll just leave it where it is. I then put on my big spikey pedals that came with my onza muni. The bike has standard bike length cranks (172mm I think) I put the Kenda Flame tyres that cam on my Kona single-speed (with freewheel) bike onto the fixed.
First test the chain tensioner was no use as it was, there was too much play in the chain. I rearranged the tensioner and cable-tied it tight to the chain stay. Now it is very good. I love it. I got some lights and fancy handle-bar grips.
First proper ride it kept trying to throw me off. My mind was saying “bike - you can coast” but the pedals/chain were saying “no you f**king can’t!” I like how it is a strange combination of biking/unicycling.
Also, it is light. Very light. Now I have the hang of it, it is very nimble and controllable. I want to get some offroad tyres and try it.
Thank you to the person who started this thread and to all the people who replied and inspired me to try this.
I’d be tempted, but I live in a steep sided valley, and work on the oppostite side of the hill. Also, I’m skint.
