fixejä

Fixejä is a Finnish slang term that translates roughly to "fixed gear" or "single-speed" when referring to bicycles. It specifically denotes a bicycle with a drivetrain that has a fixed gear, meaning the pedals are directly connected to the rear wheel and cannot freewheel. This design requires the rider to pedal constantly when the bike is in motion, as there is no mechanism to allow the rear wheel to spin independently of the cranks.

Riding a fixejä offers a unique cycling experience. The direct connection between the pedals and the wheel provides a very responsive feel and allows for techniques such as skidding to slow down or stop, as the rider can resist the rotation of the pedals. This makes fixejä popular among urban cyclists who appreciate their simplicity, low maintenance, and minimalist aesthetic.

Fixejä can be built from scratch or by converting existing bicycles, often older road bikes, to a single-speed or fixed-gear setup. This conversion typically involves removing the derailleur, shifters, and sometimes the front derailleur, and replacing the rear cassette with a single cog and a lockring. The ratio of the chainring to the cog determines the bike's gearing.

While offering a distinctive ride, fixejä also present challenges. The lack of gears can make riding in hilly terrain difficult, and the constant pedaling requires a higher level of rider engagement and technique. Braking is primarily done through the legs and by modulating pedaling resistance, although many riders opt for a front brake for added safety, especially in areas with traffic.