Ever seen a bike glide silently through the city, no messy gears or clunky derailleurs in sight? That’s the magic of a fixed gear bicycle, often called a “fixie.” These simple machines offer a raw, direct connection between you and the road. They strip cycling down to its purest form, demanding focus and skill from the rider.
But jumping into the fixie world can feel overwhelming. Should you choose a pursuit wheel or a standard one? What about the brakes—or lack thereof? Many new riders feel lost, unsure how to pick the perfect frame material or gear ratio for their urban adventures. Getting it wrong can lead to frustrating rides or, worse, an unsafe experience.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down everything you need to know about fixed gear bikes, from understanding the drivetrain to selecting components that fit your riding style perfectly. By the end of this post, you will have the confidence to choose a fixie that feels custom-made for you.
Top Fixed Gear Bicycle Recommendations
- Single speed for simplicity and flat handlebar for ease and style. Includes a flip-flop hub so you can ride fixed or with a freewheel. You decide how you ride.
- High-tensile strength steel frame absorbs the bumps in the road and is as durable as can be.
- Comes standard with 700 x 25C tires, 40mm deep-v rims, KMC chain, freestyle pedals and two sets of brakes.
- The bike is 90 % assembled and comes with the basic assembly tools, only a few parts need to be added to the bike, which will take about 15 minutes.
- Please select size according to height: ▲(47cm) / 4'10"- 5'1" ▲ (50cm) / 5'1"- 5'6" ▲(54cm) / 5'6"- 5'11" ▲ (58cm) / 5'11"- 6'3". Please reconfirm whether the size you purchased is correct before you pay.
- Single speed for simplicity; flat handlebar for ease and style.Includes a flip-flop hub so you can ride fixed or with a freewheel.You decide how you ride.
- High-tensile strength steel frame absorbs the bumps in the road and is as durable as can be.
- Comes standard with 700 x 25C tires,40mm deep-v rims,KMC chain,freestyle pedals and two sets of brakes.
- The bike is 85 % assembled and comes with the basic assembly tools,only a few pars need to be added to the bike,will take about 20 minutes.
- Please select size according to height: ▲(47cm) / 4'8 "- 5'1" ▲ (50cm) / 5'2"- 5'6" ▲(54cm) / 5'7 "- 5'11" ▲ (58cm) / 6'0 "- 6'3".Please reconfirm whether the size you purchased is correct before you pay.
- Versatile Commuter Bike: The Golden Cycles fixie bike is perfect for teen and adult commuters. Whether you're heading to work or school, this single speed commuter bike is designed to meet your needs.
- Braking System: Safety is our top priority, which is why our fixie bicycle comes with front and rear brakes. You can trust that this fixie bike will provide the stopping power you need on the streets.
- Stylish Colors: Express your personal style with our wide range of color options. From classic black to vibrant pink, our Golden Cycles fixie bikes are sure to turn heads as you ride through the city.
- Fixed Gear Design: Built with a fixed gear system, this urban track bike offers a smooth and efficient ride. The fixed speed road bike is perfect for daily commuting with 700c Wheels.
- MAKE SURE TO SELECT THE CORRECT SIZE - Standover Height: 41cm (27") - 45cm (28") - 48cm (29") - 52cm (30") - 55cm (32") - 59cm (33") - 63cm (34")
- Frame: TRKLRD Alloy 6062
- Fork: 1 1/8 to 1 1/2 tapered Full Carbon Fork & Tapered Headset
- Seat Post: Full Carbon Seat Post
- Handlebars: Throne 42cm Drop Bars
- Chainring Crank: Throne Alloy 48T
- Versatile Commuter Bike: The Golden Cycles fixie bike is perfect for teen and adult commuters. Whether you're heading to work or school, this single speed commuter bike is designed to meet your needs.
- Braking System: Safety is our top priority, which is why our fixie bicycle comes with front and rear brakes. You can trust that this fixie bike will provide the stopping power you need on the streets.
- Stylish Colors: Express your personal style with our wide range of color options. From classic black to vibrant pink, our Golden Cycles fixie bikes are sure to turn heads as you ride through the city.
- Fixed Gear Design: Built with a fixed gear system, this urban track bike offers a smooth and efficient ride. The fixed speed road bike is perfect for daily commuting with 700c Wheels.
- MAKE SURE TO SELECT THE CORRECT SIZE - Standover Height: 41cm (27") - 45cm (28") - 48cm (29") - 52cm (30") - 55cm (32") - 59cm (33") - 63cm (34")
- [QUALITY TIRES] Adult hybrid bicycle features white wall tires which provide a cushioned, stable ride for easy rolling; each tire measures 26 L x 2 W in inches.
- [SINGLE-SPEED DESIGN] Beach cruiser bike is great for cruising on flat terrain; men's hybrid bike features a rear coaster brake for easy stopping.
- [SLEEK STYLE] These bikes for men feature a stylish, curvy frame with a comfortable foam saddle; hybrid bicycles include a rear rack for optional bike accessories such as baskets and panniers.
- [BEACH CRUISER BIKE FOR MEN] Versatile men's touring hybrid commuter bicycle with a sleek 17 inch steel frame; perfect for cruise, leisure, commute, and casual to up-tempo rides across multiple types of terrain; can hold riders up to 300 lbs, fits riders from 5 to 6 feet tall.
- [COMFORTABLE AND ERGONOMIC] City bike features a soft foam bike seat, comfy handlebar grips, and an upright riding style which keeps your back and shoulders comfortable while on the move; road bike features a forward-pedaling design which allows riders to ride close to the ground while maintaining proper leg extension.
- TEETH: 60T, CRANKARMS: 170mm, BCD: 130mm (Not include Bottom Bracket)
- Pedal Size: 9/16". Chain Size: Standard 1/2" X 1/8"
- 170mm crank arm length without any overlap of crank arm and chainring bolt
- Material: aluminum alloy 7075-T6. Burly and lightweight forged crankset for ultimate strength and reliability
- FIT for: Single Speed Bikes, Track Road Bike, Fixed-Gear Bike etc
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Fixed Gear Bicycle Adventure Starts Here
Fixed gear bicycles, or “fixies,” are simple, fun, and fast bikes. They have only one gear and no freewheel. This means if the wheels move, the pedals move! Buying your first fixie can be exciting. This guide helps you choose the right one.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, check these important parts. These features decide how well your bike rides and lasts.
Frame Material Matters Most
- Steel: Steel frames are strong and offer a smooth ride. They are usually cheaper. They can rust if you do not care for them.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is lighter than steel. It makes the bike quicker. It does not rust. It can feel a bit harsher on bumpy roads.
- Chromoly (a type of steel): This is a high-quality steel. It is light and very strong. It is often found on better bikes.
Drivetrain Simplicity
All fixies have a simple drivetrain. Look at the chainring and cog size. This is called the gear ratio. A smaller ratio (like 44:16) is easier for hills. A bigger ratio (like 48:15) is faster on flat roads. Beginners should start with a balanced ratio.
Wheel and Tire Quality
Good wheels handle hard riding. Look for “deep-V” rims. These are strong and look cool. Tires should match your riding surface. Thinner tires are fast on pavement. Wider tires offer more grip on rougher streets.
Important Materials and Components
The quality of small parts greatly affects your ride.
Braking System
Because fixies have no freewheel, you can slow down by resisting the pedals (skidding). However, safety rules require brakes. Most good fixies come with a front brake. Some include a rear brake too. Always make sure you have at least one reliable brake installed.
Hub Type: Fixed vs. Flip-Flop
The rear hub is key. A fixed cog means you can only ride fixed. A flip-flop hub is much better for new riders. You can easily switch to a fixed gear on one side or a freewheel (coasting gear) on the other side by flipping the wheel around.
Quality of Bearings
Bearings are inside the wheels, pedals, and bottom bracket. Sealed cartridge bearings are superior. They keep dirt and water out. This means less maintenance and smoother spinning for a long time.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Better components make the bike feel great. Cheaper parts will need replacement sooner.
What Improves Quality:
- Double-walled rims: They resist bending better than single-walled rims.
- Alloy components: Handlebars, seat posts, and cranks made of aluminum alloy are lighter and stronger than cheap steel parts.
- Proper Wheel Truing: High-quality bikes have wheels that are perfectly straight. This stops wobbling.
What Reduces Quality:
Very cheap bikes often use heavy, low-grade steel. The welds might look rough. Cheap paint chips easily. If the price seems too good to be true, the components are likely low quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your fixie should guide your choice.
City Commuting
For daily rides in traffic, prioritize reliability. A flip-flop hub is highly recommended so you can coast when tired. Good, durable tires and a front brake are essential safety features for stopping quickly.
Fitness and Fun Riding
If you want speed and a workout, you might choose a lighter aluminum frame. You will focus more on the gear ratio to match your fitness level. These bikes are great for short, fast rides.
A Word on Brakeless Riding
Riding without any brakes is dangerous and illegal in many places. Do not try it until you have mastered controlling your speed using only leg resistance for a long time. Always buy a bike that has at least one brake installed.
Fixed Gear Bicycle Buying FAQs
Q: What is the main difference between a fixie and a regular bike?
A: A regular bike has gears and a freewheel, so you can coast when you stop pedaling. A fixie has only one gear and no freewheel. If the back wheel spins, the pedals always move.
Q: Are fixed gear bikes hard to learn?
A: They take a little practice. You must learn to control your speed by pushing back on the pedals instead of using hand brakes immediately. Most people learn the basics in an hour or two.
Q: Should I get a fixie with a flip-flop hub?
A: Yes, especially for your first bike. A flip-flop hub lets you switch between riding fixed (always pedaling) and riding freewheel (coasting), which is safer when you are still learning city traffic.
Q: What is the most important safety feature on a fixie?
A: A reliable front brake is the most important safety feature. Even experienced riders use the front brake often for fast stops.
Q: How do I know the right gear ratio for me?
A: Beginners should aim for a ratio around 2.7:1 to 3:1 (like 46 teeth in the front and 16 teeth in the back). This gives you a good balance of speed and easier pedaling uphill.
Q: Can I ride a fixie in the rain?
A: Yes, you can ride in the rain, but you must be extra careful. Braking takes longer, and skidding is much easier. Slow down significantly when roads are wet.
Q: Why are fixed gear bikes so popular?
A: They are simple, light, and require very little maintenance because there are fewer moving parts. They also offer a very connected feeling to the road.
Q: What size tires are best for city riding?
A: Most fixies use 700c wheels. Tires between 25mm and 28mm wide offer a good balance of speed and comfort for city streets.
Q: Do I need special shoes for a fixie?
A: Not necessarily when starting out. However, if you plan to ride hard or use toe cages/straps, stiffer-soled shoes will help transfer your power better to the pedals.
Q: How heavy should a good entry-level fixie be?
A: An entry-level bike made of aluminum or decent steel should weigh around 20 to 25 pounds. Anything much heavier might feel sluggish when you try to accelerate.