Fixed gear bicycles provide one of the most classic styles of bike riding. Because they do not use a free wheel, there is no coasting. When the wheels on a fixed gear bike are moving, the pedals are moving. While many stores offer a small selection of new fixed gear bikes, most are custom conversions. The best fixed gear bike has the frame and quality components you need to hit the road.
Frame
There are several types of fixed gear bicycles. They are differentiated by frame type. There are fixed gear mountain bikes, road bikes and track bikes. Choose a frame that represents the style of riding you enjoy. While track bikes can be used as road bikes, they are generally far more expensive, more fragile and lack many of the features you would want in a road bike, namely: mounts for brakes, fenders, water bottles and reflectors. Old road bike frames make excellent fixed gear conversions. Make sure to choose one with horizontal rear dropouts, where the rear wheel attaches.
Hubs
It's no surprise that the hubs on a fixed gear bicycle are important. You can use any standard front hub to make an excellent fixed gear bicycle, but the rear hub is very important. Choose a good fixed gear rear hub. One of the best options is a flip-flop hub that can function as both a free wheel and a locked rear hub, simply by turning the wheel around. The versatility of a flip-flop hub allows you to practice riding a fixed gear, while maintaining the ability to ride the bike as a standard bicycle.
Components
On a fixed gear bike there are very few components, which means that the components that are on the bike are especially important. Because you use leg power to both propel and slow down the bike, choose a fixed gear with a strong crankset and bottom bracket, where the pedals attach to the bike. If you choose to use only one brake with your fixed gear, choose one that has larger brake pads and position it at the front wheel, where it will provide more stopping power. Finally, choose durable tires. Many fixed gear riders lock the rear wheel and skid to a stop, which leads to excessive wear on the rear tire.
Considerations
As of 2011, fixed gear bicycles are more widely available in standard bike shops than in the past. If you are unfamiliar with fixed gear riding, consider purchasing a new fixed gear bike, rather than converting an old bike to a fixed gear. Nearly all new fixed gear bicycles come standard with flip-flop rear hubs and pre-drilled holes for attaching fenders and other accessories. Once you are comfortable on your bike, you can upgrade its components to suit your own riding style and needs.
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