The fixie is an urban bike in a class of its own. Unlike most city bikes, it has a clean, minimalist style, with few components. With no derailleur, it has a fixed sprocket that makes it very special to ride. The fixie is the bike for trendy urban cyclists who want to ride freely and quickly around town, with style! Here are a few tips to help you choose the right model!
WHAT IS A FIXIE?
History
The fixie refers to the history of New York bike messengers and their exceptional ability to weave in and out of traffic. They were among the first to use these nimble, streamlined bikes, whose components they didn't have to worry about having stolen, since they had none, or very few!
Today, the fixie has almost become a cultural marker, that of trendy urban cyclists, who began to appear in large numbers in major cities from the 2000s onwards. Spectacular and dangerous fixed-gear races are even becoming popular, with specialists battling it out on technical urban circuits!
Description
The main feature of the fixie is its fixed sprocket, attached to the rear hub, which controls pedaling as long as the wheel is turning. This makes it different from a traditional bike with a freewheel, which allows the rider to stop pedaling without affecting the bike's forward motion.
This fixed sprocket also gives rise to a special braking system, the back-pedal: on a fixie, the rider has to block the movement of the crankset to reduce speed and consider stopping, in a stylish skid characteristic of this type of bike (skid)!
We'd like to point out right away that all the fixies offered by Probikeshop are equipped with a traditional braking system (rim pads), so you can try out the fixie in complete safety.
Perfect for getting around quickly on short trips, the fixie consists of just a frame, handlebars, wheelset, chainring and the famous fixed sprocket.
FIXIE BIKE FEATURES
The frame
A fixie needs to be nimble and maneuverable, which is why it usually has a compact frame with a relatively short wheelbase and straight seat and head tubes. On our fixie bike data sheets, you'll find geometry tables detailing the important values to take into account (wheelbase, chainstay length, head tube and seat tube angles). You'll also find a size-matching chart to help you choose the model best suited to your body type.
Fixie frames can be aluminum or steel, chromoly or Hi-ten. Aluminum has the advantage of being lighter than steel, which remains more solid, robust and flexible, better able to absorb road vibrations. Steel also lends the fixie a certain retro, vintage cachet that often appeals to style-conscious cyclists.
Finally, it's important to note that the derailleur hanger is usually horizontal, for easy adjustment of chain tension.
Handlebars
A decisive factor in comfort and style, the coat hanger of your fixie can take many forms, from the most classic to the most original. There are classic flat or slightly raised hangers, for better control and a more comfortable position. There are also road-style hangers, or even cowhorn hangers, inspired by the time-trial bikes used in the '80s.
The braking system
For purists, a fixie doesn't have a braking system. However, the models on offer at Probikeshop are equipped with front and rear rim brakes, allowing you to try out the fixie's unique riding style in complete safety. They also enable the fixie to comply with France's Highway Code, which specifies that "every cycle must be equipped with two effective braking devices" (article R315-3).
Fixed sprocket or singlespeed?
It's important to understand the distinction between fixed sprocket and singlespeed, both of which are single-speed bikes. The fixed sprocket is integral with the hub, while the singlespeed incorporates a freewheel that allows the rider to stop pedaling, without preventing the rear wheel from turning.
Flip-flop hubs are available that combine the two systems - fixed sprocket and freewheel - on a single wheel, which can be mounted in either direction to use either system.
Choosing the ratio
The ratio of a fixie corresponds to the ratio between the number of teeth on its chainring and the number on its sprocket. It indicates the pedal's level of difficulty, which will be more or less suited to the route you're used to riding. The higher the ratio, the harder the pedal stroke, which will be more suitable for descents and flats, but less so for climbs and starts. In town, the ratio commonly used is between 2.5 and 3 (44/16, 42/16, 46/17...). It's up to you to adapt the ratio to the trips you'll be making with your fixie!
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