All About Bicycles

Why Would Anyone Want To Ride A Fixed Gear Bike   by Dave McIntosh

I have been asked why would anyone ride a fixed gear bike or a so called fixie? From what I can see they seem to be more dangerous than say regular types of bicycles and they are dangerous enough to ride these days with all the wild drivers on the roads. The fixies do really look cool though. So, is it the looks or just trying to be cool or are there other reasons for riding them? Let’s have a look.

People will say there are many reasons for people riding a fixed gear. I am going to tell you the ones I know of.

-First it is a fad and they are cool. These bikes not only look cool but it’s really something to see someone riding one when they know what they’re doing. There are wan-a-bees who get into the fashion and all but they are only a small percentage. The wan-a-bees usually end up hurting themselves by trying to be too cool.

-Then there are those who ride for enjoyment as well as for every day purposes such as commuting or going for groceries and could care less about people thinking they are cool.

-Another reason is there are a lot of thieves in the cities looking for bikes or bike parts to steal. With just the one gear there is obviously less to steal if you leave your bike for a minute to run into a store.

-The weather is another reason. Riders feel that a fixed gear is helpful at giving them more control and traction on rainy or snowy days that may be true if you know how to use it.

-Fixed gears are also used for training by road bike racers. They force you to develop a even cadence rhythm that is relevant to speed. A rider just has to be careful they don’t begin with too tough a gearing ratio as it can be very hard on the knees.

- Some rider feel they reach a zen type of state as they rhythmically match their cadence with the wheels revolutions.

- Many people love the fact that with a fixed gear there’s no ratchet noise that the freewheel bearings or the catchy chattering of gears that frequently need tuning cause. This mean that people don’t hear you coming so you’re sort of in ninja mode and this also means there’s very little maintenance.

-You also never have to worry about missing a gear.

If you enjoy riding then you might also enjoy learning the whole new discipline of riding a fixed gear bike. Riding one is not always easy. In fact it will probably require a fair amount of practice to feel comfortable on it but that practice can result in a satisfaction that will be well worth it. People who ride a fixed gear bike say it is a tremendous bike that draws you in until you and your bike achieve the ultimate balance of velocity, force and rhythm.

People find fixed gear riding to be absolutely addictive.

About the Author

Dave McIntosh has enjoyed cycling for years. If you are looking for more great information on Fixed Gear Bike, visit Cycle Warehouse.
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