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What is a Fixed Gear?
There are many people who may not be familiar with a fixed gear bike or even what it is. As they are unaware of the concept, they are certainly unaware of the many benefits of this style of riding. Fixed gear riding, outside the parameters of a bike track are generally looked down upon for what they lack and not praised what they can offer a rider. In order to understand the benefits, you have to look past the negative stigmas of the lifestyle, personalities and misconceptions that often get associated with it, and just see it for the healthy activity that it is.
The set up of a fixed gear bicycle is very beneficial to one's health. It is the simplest form of a bicycle; the sprocket is screwed directly to the hub with no freewheel. So if the bike is moving, the rider's legs must also be in motion. There are many benefits to this. The first is to the rider's health and exercise; because of the lack of a freewheel mechanism, it not only takes effort to go, but it also takes effort to stop. The only way stopping is achieved is by resisting the rotation of the cranks. Cycling now becomes even more of a workout and leg strengthening exercise.
Cutting out many of the unnecessary components you find in much of today's bicycles, you really come out with a very lightweight and low maintenance device. With a fixed gear you simply have a frame, cranks, pedals, cogs, chains and wheels. No longer do you have to deal with the complications of gears, breaks, derailleurs and other unnecessary components that take away from the enjoyment and benefits of cycling.
Many people find this style much more enjoyable than other forms of cycling that involve freewheel and gear systems. The lack of gears allows the rider to focus more on the actual ride and frees the mind in a big way. No longer does the rider have to worry about the complications of shifting gears and making the necessary adjustments to the ride. Many people say this bring them closer to riding and puts them more in tune with the bike. Everything is controlled directly by the rider and leaves nothing to gears and brakes. Many riders also swear by the amount of control a fixie offers. It is said that this form gives a great deal more control in rain and snow because the breaking comes directly from the legs rather than from friction between the brakes and wheel rims. If one can perform a stop, then they will stop; wet rims will not affect the stopping capability of a rider.
Fixed gear riding is a very refreshing change from other forms of riding. I would recommend all cyclists to at least give it a chance. There are many excellent starter fixed gear bikes available at very affordable prices. If it turns out you do not enjoy the fixed gear form, they are easily converted into geared bicycles. Check out some of these great fixed gear bikes for sale!
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