Comments on: Buying First Fixed Gear Bike for n00bs

By: Author

Author — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 19:34:51 +0000

Any fixie is reliable really. Because of a fixed geared bikes simplicity in it’s funtioning it is normally reliable. If you are looking to buy new a few that I can suggest that will run you under a grand are the Bianchi Pista, the Surly Steamroller, and the Specilized Langster if they still make it. Otherwise find a frame that fits, even if it’s in a dumpster. Make sure it doesnt have any structural damage, and fix it up with all the other bike fixings that it still needs(used or new). As long as you avoid rust and structural damage youre fixie should run forever.

By: TimmyD

TimmyD — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 03:19:12 +0000

Hey guys im just getting into fixed gear riding, and im looking to not spend a crap load of money…can you suggest or advise a bike that is reliable and yet affordable?

By: RContino

RContino — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:09:22 +0000

Some good points on the article. The best thing you can do is checkout a bike on craigslist or something and spin up and down the block a few times.

Checkout this post on finding the right fixed gear… it has a few tips on frame sizing and whatnot.

http://fixiecafe.wordpress.com/2009/08/25/finding-your-fix/

By: nice job people

nice job people — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 23:23:34 +0000

So I have viewed a few of these “so you’re going to buy a fixie, here’s some info for starters” posts, and man you guys sure did help me. Besides from learning how to spell “brake” and “steel” I didn’t get crap outa this. How about answers like what size frame should i get according to my height. Or what size and type of wheels according to what and when I’m going to ride. How about a few specifics on what I should get so that i’m not going into a bike store completely blindfolded. Open your minds and share the info that will help me in getting my first fixed gear. Oh, but thanks for the info on riding with a brake, hopefully i dont break my face.

By: Kenny

Kenny — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 23:10:47 +0000

In response to Austin, I would say that his logic for no brakes in absurd. If the chain found its way back onto the cog and seized the wheel, well you just skiddin. haha which all fixed gear riders know about anyways. And speaking of skidding 48 16 has only one skid patch so i would not recommend that. Use a gear inch calculator to find comparable gearing. If you are worried about using not using a brake then use one! No biggie.

By: admin

admin — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 07:20:21 +0000

Hey Austin,

Thanks for the great comment. I agree with you about having a break, but lets face it most people don’t do breaks for the same reason they don’t rock helmets. No amount of convincing will change their minds.

Cheers

By: Austin

Austin — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 01:52:05 +0000

Let me just first say this – you ride bikes, I ride bikes. That’s something awesome to have in common! But, you’re way off base on this article.

First, no one should start off riding a fixie without brakes. There is a reason TRACK bikes do not have brakes – there aren’t cars and pedestrians and crazies around every corner with the power to kill you. On a track – brakes are unsafe due to the nature of racing. You would (should) know this if you’ve ever raced, or stepped foot on the track. A fixed gear is not a track bike. There is absolutely no reason why someone just getting started riding fixed should venture out brakeless. Hell, I’ll go so far as to say that anyone, new or seasoned, shouldn’t be anywhere BUT the track w/o brakes. And I used to be a no-brakes-guy. Then. My chain popped the cog and I had no way of stopping a very out of control bike on a gnarly hill, short of laying it (and myself) down. This is actually the most ideal of situations. Imagine if the chain had found it’s way back on the cog and completely seized up the rear wheels rotation? I would have had major facial reconstruction.

ANYWAY….point is – rock a front brake. By all means, never use it if you don’t have to…but it could easily save your life.

On gearing – ride around on your geared bike and find a combo that you wouldn’t mind riding in all day. Then just adapt that to what’s possible on a fixie. I ride a 48×16. I like this as it’s a great workout on any climb I encounter, but still very doable, and it’s a nice ratio for flow on the flats – I’m not spinning my brains out!

Good site though! Will bookmark and check back often.

By: John

John — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:39:22 +0000

Well, when biking for commuting it’s not the easiest to rock clipless, so cages are just as good of a solution I’ve been riding for a while now, but what i learned on was a 45- 19 it’s was relevantly easy, but i would say i would have rather learned on something lower, even though 45-19 is fairly low. Plain and simple, learn low then go higher and higher.

By: Dave Van

Dave Van — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 06:53:56 +0000

I am a “middle aged” (40) rec rider and commuter. I ride road and mtn. I am going to buy a steel fixed gear soon.
I have never rode without a freewheel. (even on bmx when I was a kid) I am somewhat worried to ride w/o brakes.
What chainring to rear cog combo is good for me to learn with? Most fixed riders I see don’t use clip-ins, why?
I would feel more comfortable in my look road shoes.

By: pat

pat — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 23:51:25 +0000

“never be afraid to ask a question!”…..”but if you have brakes you’re a girl!!!”