Cheapness at Its Best

Let us face it. Who would actually be able to afford spending thousands of bucks just to buy designer bikes? This is not to mention that foldings and some of the high end bikes can be a bit expensive at times. But the fixed speed bike is relatively cheaper compared to others. However, the situation might be a bit different, especially if you are after a designer fixie that is super cool.

Infinite Customization Options

You will certainly want to customize and modify your bike, yet you will have an entirely new culture of fixed speed bike customization that has just added to fixie’s popularity. You certainly have an endless option when it comes to customizing your fixed speed bike, and with a bit of creativity, you can even have one that resembles the BMX of the 80s!

Clean and Light Appeal

Those days when bulky bicycles that are fully accessorized define the real essence of biking have long been gone. With these transportation means being integrated more and more into the daily lives of busy individuals, they will surely want simpler models that can do the job easily and with lesser hassle. In addition, frugal living has become highly essential these days, and simplicity is one of the values that come in handy most of the time. With these things said, the fixie’s clean and simple looks can effortlessly cater to these aspirations. These bikes are the cleanest that bikes can get, with their light frames, thin tires and absence of gears.

The Effect of Subculture

Subcultures are much loved by individuals, particularly when the protagonists are seen as cool. Take the skateboards, for example. Their popularity has soared, not just because kids do love the thought of riding tables with wheels, but more importantly, they would like to look like the extremely cool teenagers in California who introduced the trend.

The use of fixed speed bike has come from the culture of bike messengers, and the primary reason why these were adapted was the convenience. Simple bikes will never attract thieves, not to mention that maintenance is lesser as well.

The Hype

Another reason why the fixie has become more popular is because as its use became more known among the public, there are also more growth in the media, culture and merchandise surrounding them. Magazines, books, and blogs, just to name a few, have started showing up, retro-feeding the fixie cycle through encouraging more individuals, not only the bike lovers. Besides, being part of a certain club, like a biking club, can be tremendously fun. All of these undoubtedly added to the continuous soaring of fixie’s fame.

The Trend

Needless to say, the reason why the fixed speed bike has become extremely hot these days is because this is in fashion, and you can never deny the fact that people always want to have the next massive hit. But since trends can come and go after some time, time will tell if the fixie will stay around much longer.

The Adrenaline Rush

What do you think is the reason behind the immense popularity if extreme sports. Such activities have probably become famous despite their risks due to the fact that a person feels a different kind of connection to his environment, on top of the adrenaline rush.

Although you cannot consider using a fixed speed bike as a sport, this can still fit in the category. Since coasting is not possible when riding them, you will have to pedal for yourself most of the time and accelerate, and before you know it, you will be speeding faster than you thought! When riding a fixie, you will also be to feel the road much better, and be more aware of your acquired traction.

You see, there are many reasons why the fixie is one cool item that you should have for yourself. This did not become famous for no particular reason. If you want to experience the real meaning of biking, give the fixed speed bike a try, and your wish will instantly be granted.

If you are currently contemplating of purchasing your single speed bike, you should know that this purchase can be particularly significant. For the majority of riders, their fixed gear bike is one of the biggest parts of their whole lifestyle. So, before you actually decide if you want to be join in the community of fixed gear bike riders, there are first some things that you will have to know about the single speed or fixed gear bike.

The Fuss on Fixed Gear Bike

The single speed bike seems like the typical bicycles, but in reality, they are not. The fixed gear bike riders can just be any normal person, but there are times when they might also look like hipsters. Wherever you go, there will surely be one or more riders to pass you by, looking snug in their fixed gear bike.

There is no denying that the fixies, as the fixed gear bikes are popularly known, can make biking simpler and more fun these days. If you did not enjoy your biking when you were a kid, there is no reason for you not to love riding your single speed bike even if you are already a full grown adult. Whether you simply want to have a short ride round your block to feel the fresh wind blowing on your face or you have some hurried errands, the single speed bike can be your best companion. This is one of the many reasons why more and more individuals are showing interest in the single speed bike at present, and this fuss is expected to become more rampant in the days to come.

Where to Find a Single Speed Bike

When looking for a single speed bike, a thorough research is actually needed in order for you to find the best place where you can get a top quality fixed gear bike. If you are living in one of the progressive and rare cities where bike shops got stocks of these single speed bikes, you can consider yourself lucky. But if you are not, you will need to exert some effort just so you can find a place that can provide you with fixies. Of course, you can always search online and look for online bike shops that are exclusively specializing in single speed bike. Well, these days, this option might just be your best bet because even though you can actually build your very own fixed gear bike, this is not that advisable even for the most seasoned and advanced single speed bike riders. Aside from the fact that this project can be a bit expensive, you would certainly not want to ruin your first fixie experience by meeting an unfortunate accident because o f something that was built by your own hands.

Best Advantages of Owning a Single Speed Bike

The single speed bikes are starting to gain more and more popularity among people from all walks of life these days, and this is certainly for an understandable reason. There are numerous advantages that even a first time owner like you will certainly enjoy, as compared to using the typical bikes. Other owners of fixed gear bike can certainly fill you in about the dozens of reasons behind their addiction on these bikes, but here are some of the top advantages you will surely love.

Low Cost of Maintenance

The fixed gear bike is much simpler than other bikes that you are familiar with. The removal of freewheel can significantly enhance your bike’s simplicity, which will then lessen the need for maintenance. Considering the amount of money and time that you have spent for maintaining, replacing or repairing all complicated gears found in your present bike, you will surely enjoy the hassle-free maintenance called for when you own a single speed bike.

Efficiency and Smoothness

You probably have no idea what you were missing by not owning a single speed bike. With ten speeds being more complicated and advanced, majority of individuals simply assume that they are way better. But this is not always the case. When you finally ride your own fixed gear bike, you will discover that you can pedal more effectively, and you can sustain a smoother ride. You will also feel a closer connection to your single speed bike because coasting is out the equation.

Riding a single speed bike might not be something meant for everyone, yet this can just be the most ideal thing for more individuals that you would think. Buying your own fixed gear bike might just be a great decision. Who knows? You might just be surprised to learn that this is yet the wisest decision you will ever make in your entire life!

Single Speed Conversion

Cyclists who are tired of maintaining their multi-geared bikes can now quite easily pick up the parts needed for a single speed conversion. You can even do it on your own over the weekend. In order to get started, you need to have all the materials needed. One of those that you will need the most is a single speed crank set. This can be bought in almost all bike shops and online stores. Prices vary according to the size and the kind of materials used. This set is very important when it comes to single speed conversion because this is the same part that will make your bike run in a fixed speed. In case you want to make it a life long passion to ride around in a single speed bike, investing on an expensive yet durable single speed crank set is a must.
Other than this, you will also need a single speed hub. They are just as important as a crank because without them your single speed conversion will not be materialized. There are many different kinds of single speed hubs to choose from but your options are limited to four. The most common of all is the flip-flop hub. They are also called the double-sided hubs because both of their sides are threaded. A closer look at this type of single speed hub will tell you that the other side comes with a threading that resembles a track type while the other side is intended for freewheeling. In fact, this is the most common way of using a flip flop hub wherein one side is on a fixed gear while the other requires freewheeling. Normally the fixed gear is used for riding on a smooth pavement while the other one is for an off-road ride.
Depending on the kind of bike that will be used for single speed conversion, a flip flop hub can work conveniently. Just make sure that you have the right flip flop hub since it comes in two different kinds. First is the fixed type such as the one that has been previously mentioned. The other one comes with two distinct freewheel threads. The other side follows a standard size while the other part is slightly smaller in terms of diameter. This type of hub is very difficult to find nowadays.

Another type of single speed hub that you can use is the cassette hub. There are some bike models that are easier to convert using this hub because it only requires for the derailers to be removed and the chain to be shortened. By simply threading it into the rear sprocket and chain wheel, you can now ride your new single speed bike.
The other two speed bike hubs that you can use are a single speed mountain bike hub or a single speed BMX hub.

Before you decide on which hub to use, determine first the kind of bike that you wish to be converted. There are some hubs that do not work well for certain bike brands and models while there are also those that can do wonders to what you already have.
Topping off the list of materials that you will need is a single speed chain. This is also important in a single speed conversion because they keep your bike running. Otherwise, your bike will just be left stashed inside the garage. Chains come in different sizes but those commonly used for single speed bikes are a little wider if compared with bikes that are multi-geared. In getting a chain for your single speed conversion project, just make sure that you have a chain that does not have a stiff link. It will affect your entire riding experience.
A single speed conversion is one project that you can make on your own. With all the right materials on hand, you will be able to finish everything over the weekend. You can also get help from the internet wherein a demonstration showing how the single speed conversion can be easily performed.
Meanwhile, there are many benefits that a single speed conversion can bring to bikers. Among others, it will be a lot easier to maintain. Come to think of it, without all the expensive brakes and state-of-the-art parts, you do not have to put up with too much stress of having to replace them. The parts are just as expensive too.
A single speed conversion is an excellent alternative among those who want to let go of their bikes and replace it with something better. Instead of letting it stay in the shed and allowed to rot, you may convert it into a single speed bike for your kids to use. Besides, you also need a break from the usual mountain biking experience.
Although a single speed conversion is a do-it-yourself task, there are some people who offer their conversion services at a very affordable amount. They make sure that your bike is in perfect condition after it was converted.
Riding a single speed bike in the city is becoming more and more popular as they are a cheap and environmentally friendly form of transport that can be purchased/made/customised quite cheaply. Also if you opt for flat bar or riser bars for your fixie it is quite easy to squeeze in through those tight inner city gaps.

Please stand by for more information about Fixed Speed Bike coming to you over the next week.

We will be turning this site into your one stop for anything related to Fixed Speed Bike, Single Speed Bike, Single Speed Conversion etc.

Plus we will be adding a Fixed Gear Gallery for everyone to post up a picture and show off their pride and joy here on the Fixed Speed Bike website