What is a fixed gear bike? It refers to a bicycle without the ability to coast as it has no freewheel. The sprocket (cog) is screwed directly onto the hub. Whenever the rear wheel is turning, the pedals will also be turning in the same direction. By resisting the rotation of the pedals, a rider can slow down the bike to a stop without the aid of an additional brake. And if you pedal backwards the fixed gear bike will move backwards.
Stopping is called “skidding” in the fixed gear world. Skidding is the technique of opposing the pedals’ movement hard enough to halt the rear wheel’s rotation. The skidding distance can be extended by putting all the weight on the front wheel. This is especially done to impress others. If a quick halt needs to be done the rider can do a skip-stop instead, like when riding in traffic.
Fixed gear bicycles are very beautiful as they can be reduced to just a frame, two wheels, handlebars, and a seat. There are usually no brake cables, no gear shifters, no fenders, no lights, no reflectors, no brakes. The purity of a bike.
Riding a fixie is very fun! You can cycle very fast, do tricks, play bike polo or you can simply use it for your daily commute. The feeling of riding without a freewheel is very addictive, so beware!
There is a write-up on fixed gear bicycles in AD magazine. Pick one up if you see it!
Did you know that you could get one of these awesome Natooke tees at the shop? Please bear with us while we upgrade our online shop and we hope to see you at our physical store at Wudaoying!