Q. Is it difficult to learn how to ride fixed?
No, but like using clipless pedals or rollers for the first time, there is
a short learning curve.
• The first few rides should be where you won't encounter traffic.
Get used to clipping in at low speed, like from a stop sign, since
the pedals will be moving as you try to get the 2nd foot clipped in.
Note: the track stand (see pic) is a handy skill to develop for riding
in traffic, and much easier to master on a fixed than a freewheel.
• Get used to the concept of no coasting. It’s very disconcerting
(and potentially dangerous) to forget this and stand up to coast
over the train tracks. The pedal rotation will try to throw you
forward. Practice raising off of the saddle an inch or two while
still pedalling to protect rims and body parts on the rough sections.
After a few rides it will become automatic to just keep pedaling!
• Cornering on a fixie is unique. Our frames have been designed
with a higher BB shell height to allow for pedal/pavement clearance
needed during cornering.
• Hills- one of the joys of a fixie is attacking hills. They are very
responsive to your pedalling input. On the downhill portion you
get to work on high RPM leg speed training! Again, you can’t
coast, but you can apply back pressure to the pedals to help slow
it down.
Q. Is there a freewheel option?
Yes, we do stock a range of sizes of single speed freewheels and can install one in place of, or in addition to the fixed cog on a new bike if requested.
Q. Should I have brakes on my fixed gear?
Purists will tell you brakes are not necessary on a fixie, that it's possible to slow down or stop by back pedalling. Obviously, it depends on how you'll use your
fixie, but if you ride a fixed gear bicycle on the street we highly recommend brakes. Plus it's illegal in some states to ride without a mechanical brake of some
kind on the bike, so our bikes are equipped with brakes, front and rear. Brakes are particularly handy on steep down hills (especially those with a stop light at
the bottom), in heavy traffic, in bad weather, on crowded bike paths…. Plus, on drop bars the brake hoods provide some great additional hand positions. In the
end, it's your choice (we even left off any top tube cable guides, instead using removeable plastic type), but for me, the practical aspects are just too strong to
vote for no brakes.
Q. What gear ratio is recommended?
Generally, we recommend a mid range ratio (46/18 or 47/19 are good choices for rolling terrain), but we can build as you want. Depends on your terrain,
conditioning, comfortable cadence range, etc. We stock an assortment of chainring and rear cog sizes. Tell us what you want, or we can guide you. Rear cogs
are not so expensive, so if you want to buy extras, let us know.
Q. How were the components chosen for the bikes?
We chose each component based on its specific qualities and how it will perform on a fixie (well, they do have to look good, as well). If you have any specific
questions, let us know. Given the continual development and evolution of cycling equipment, we do reserve the right to change specifications, but be assured
that any change will be to enhance the quality of the final product, not to lower the cost.
Q. Did you consider anything specific to fixed gear riding when designing the bikes?
The short answer is "yes". To see more detailed info on the design philosophies on the bikes overall, and the frame and wheels specifically, click here.
No, but like using clipless pedals or rollers for the first time, there is
a short learning curve.
• The first few rides should be where you won't encounter traffic.
Get used to clipping in at low speed, like from a stop sign, since
the pedals will be moving as you try to get the 2nd foot clipped in.
Note: the track stand (see pic) is a handy skill to develop for riding
in traffic, and much easier to master on a fixed than a freewheel.
• Get used to the concept of no coasting. It’s very disconcerting
(and potentially dangerous) to forget this and stand up to coast
over the train tracks. The pedal rotation will try to throw you
forward. Practice raising off of the saddle an inch or two while
still pedalling to protect rims and body parts on the rough sections.
After a few rides it will become automatic to just keep pedaling!
• Cornering on a fixie is unique. Our frames have been designed
with a higher BB shell height to allow for pedal/pavement clearance
needed during cornering.
• Hills- one of the joys of a fixie is attacking hills. They are very
responsive to your pedalling input. On the downhill portion you
get to work on high RPM leg speed training! Again, you can’t
coast, but you can apply back pressure to the pedals to help slow
it down.
Q. Is there a freewheel option?
Yes, we do stock a range of sizes of single speed freewheels and can install one in place of, or in addition to the fixed cog on a new bike if requested.
Q. Should I have brakes on my fixed gear?
Purists will tell you brakes are not necessary on a fixie, that it's possible to slow down or stop by back pedalling. Obviously, it depends on how you'll use your
fixie, but if you ride a fixed gear bicycle on the street we highly recommend brakes. Plus it's illegal in some states to ride without a mechanical brake of some
kind on the bike, so our bikes are equipped with brakes, front and rear. Brakes are particularly handy on steep down hills (especially those with a stop light at
the bottom), in heavy traffic, in bad weather, on crowded bike paths…. Plus, on drop bars the brake hoods provide some great additional hand positions. In the
end, it's your choice (we even left off any top tube cable guides, instead using removeable plastic type), but for me, the practical aspects are just too strong to
vote for no brakes.
Q. What gear ratio is recommended?
Generally, we recommend a mid range ratio (46/18 or 47/19 are good choices for rolling terrain), but we can build as you want. Depends on your terrain,
conditioning, comfortable cadence range, etc. We stock an assortment of chainring and rear cog sizes. Tell us what you want, or we can guide you. Rear cogs
are not so expensive, so if you want to buy extras, let us know.
Q. How were the components chosen for the bikes?
We chose each component based on its specific qualities and how it will perform on a fixie (well, they do have to look good, as well). If you have any specific
questions, let us know. Given the continual development and evolution of cycling equipment, we do reserve the right to change specifications, but be assured
that any change will be to enhance the quality of the final product, not to lower the cost.
Q. Did you consider anything specific to fixed gear riding when designing the bikes?
The short answer is "yes". To see more detailed info on the design philosophies on the bikes overall, and the frame and wheels specifically, click here.
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