How to choose a fixie
The fixie: a trendy bike
The fixie is the new, fashionable, minimalist urban bike that is reduced to a frame, a hanger, wheels, pedals, a chain and a fixed pinion. It is a state of mind, the return to simplicity and a retro and stylish form that makes very varied bike lovers happy.
This fashion was launched in the 2000s, inspired by couriers in San Francisco who, tired of getting everything stolen from their bikes, made it as light as possible by removing gears, brakes... The fixed-gear bicycle (fixie) has become a real trend in cities nowadays. Whether you want to renovate an old track bike, recycle a racing bike or acquire a new fixie, there are a few things you should know about this type of mount to make the right choice.
Fixie: definition
You will not go unnoticed with a fixie. Indeed, this type of bike is easily identified thanks to some specificities:
- A sleek design
- Brightly-coloured frames
- A single-speed transmission
- A track or straight handlebar for urban use
- A bike with a compact geometry to be more efficient in traffic
How to choose the right fixie?
The type of frame
- The size: it is important to choose the right frame size to pedal comfortably on your fixie.
- The shape: a compact frame will make it easier to handle the bike with a shorter wheelbase (the axis between the two wheels) than on a conventional bike and a saddle and steering tubes close to the vertical. The pedal case is higher in order to pedal easily without touching the ground during cornering.
- The material: you can choose between several materials which have their own respective advantages depending on what you are looking for. Steel is solid, although a little heavy but affordable; however, it is highly discouraged to leave it in a humid place since steel rusts. Aluminum is lighter and more reactive than steel: it has the advantage of never rusting but it's more expensive. Carbon is very light and rigid, it will allow you a flexible and nervous driving style, though it's the most expensive.
The derailleur hanger
It would ideally be horizontal to be able to adjust the tension of the chain in the absence of the derailleur.Thus the axis of the wheel slides back and forth and stretches the chain as it should.
The wheels
You can either opt for conventional spokes, which are the most common and most affordable, or you can choose wheels with less spokes to lighten the weight of the bike. There are bar wheels which are the intermediate between spokes and disc wheels and offer good efficiency due to their good aerodynamics. They mainly bring a very aesthetic side to the fixie. Finally, disc wheels allow you to go faster but their price remains very high.Fixie: the look above all
At a time when vintage fashion tiumphs, it isn't uncommon to see fixies relooked with a 70s or 80s style. This trendy urban bike style has one main asset: you can customize it with colored tyres, a customized fork with the design and colours you want...
You can also add accessories such as a bicycle lock, lights, a bell, a basket, a luggage rack or a trailer. Be careful not to overload it if you want to keep the spirit of the fixie, which rhymes with simplicity and elegance.
Alltricks' advice
Style first! Whether you use automatic or flat pedals, Chrome shoes will quickly become your ideal companion when cycling.
