Fixies

Fixies, short for fixed-gear bicycles, are bicycles in which the rear wheel is driven directly by a fixed gear with no freewheel. On a true fixie, the pedals move with the wheel, and the rider cannot coast. This direct drivetrain makes braking and speed control largely a matter of leg resistance and any installed brakes. The term fixie is commonly used for urban, single-gear bicycles built for street riding as well as for track bicycles.

Most fixies are single-speed with one gear ratio, and many riders use a flip-flop hub to switch between fixed gear and a freewheel for coasting. Braking is typically done with a front brake; in many places a rear brake is required by law. Pedal braking—slowing by resisting pedal motion—can be used but is less reliable than rim brakes, and it is not suitable for emergency stops.

History and use: Fixed-gear bicycles originated with early bicycles and remain standard in track racing, where the fixed-gear setup is traditional. The modern urban fixie emerged in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as a simple, low-maintenance alternative to multi-gear bikes, often associated with street culture and cycling messengers.

Design considerations and safety: Common components include lightweight frames and minimal drivetrain. Maintenance centers on chain tension and wheel alignment because a fixed drivetrain requires precise setup. Legal and safety concerns include brake requirements and the potential for reduced braking options or pedal strikes in crowded traffic. Riders should practice control and braking in safe areas and follow local regulations.