Fixed Gear 101 - Our Tips for Beginners of Fixie Riding

My great student PAL has put together some info for all of those who wish to join the community of fixed gear bike riders. Though driving a fixie might look evident, there a few factors that you should know before doing any investment or pushing pedal strokes. 


First of all, let me clarify what we are talking about. The fixed gear bicycle mostly resembles road bikes; narrow wheels, elegantly slim frame, light weight and a similar rider-position, however it is vastly different in working principle. On a road bike, you pedal and when you wish to relax a little the option of cruising is given. On a fixie it isn't. The gear of the rear wheel is mounted onto its hub with a simple binding. When you pedal, the chain moves and turns the wheel. When the chain turns, the gear turns. When the gear turns the wheel turns. And here is the catch: when the wheel turns it moves the chain and thus makes you pedal. Pedaling is constant. The circle is closed. The flow is infinite. 


A word about speed-control: forget how you rode before. Often the fixies do not have breaks, in some occasions they only have a front brake, still it is possible to stop the bike from running under a trolley-bus. When you exert a stopping force (one that is reverse direction compared to the driving direction) the structure gradually starts to slow down. This technique is called countering because you work against the forces that you created before. Another technique is skidding.If your legwork is strong enough, you can completely block the wheel's rotations by nullifying its speed. To do this you have to have strong thighs and determination - the bike wants you to pedal not not-pedal. When the wheel is blocked you will go into a skid. This technique is aggressive and needs a lot of practice, yet is vital if you want to survive in the city. 


So, not stealing any more time, let's see what PAL has to say to the novices of the art! 




10. At first, you should have two brakes and when you feel confident you can unmount the rear brake. The front must stay though!      


9. First time, don't go fast ( adjust your speed to  as low as 10 km/h). Instead of speeding rather feel the countering of the pedals. 

8. Try not to counter the pedals suddenly! (if you do, your ride will throw you off just like a wild horse)

7. Don't listen to music, try not to be distracted by anything.

6. Don't drink too much… :) 

5. Feel the cycle of pedaling. Save your energy - you will need it on the way back as well. 

4. Become one with your bike.

3. Practice the track-standing everywhere at every traffic light. Look at one static point, away from your bike and hold your balance by rolling forward and back a little. 

2. Pay attention to the traffic, the road, yourself. 

1. Ride everyday! :)