Fixed Gear Tips & Riding Brakeless?

Hello, welcome back! Ever fancied riding fixed gear? They are so unique to ride, there’s something special about riding a track bike on the road. Here’s a few tips to get you started. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions.

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[jayclark]

It’s amazing how the muscle memory just takes over. I switch between road and track but ride my track bike way more. A track bike will really make you a much stronger more efficient and skilled rider. The thing with a fixed gear is there’s nowhere to hide, you either got it or it defeats you. It’s a very pure form of cycling and forces you to break through walls physically.

[sephiroth]

When I was a young lad in the late 80s/early 90s, all my bicycles were SS but had coaster brake hubs. The game of the day was who could leave the longest tyre mark on the tarmac.

[ryanr.a.f]

agree with you sir, riding a track bike/fixed is all about having fun! and if you already get used to it or more experienced, a little speeding in the streets will be a lot more fun!

[dannystarkridesfixed]

Always think it’s good advice for new comers to fixed gear riding: going on roads that are less busy and as smooth as can be. I always mix my rides up and I’ve been riding fixed on/off since 2008. Just because of the city I live in and some other places that are around (but most people are annoying in my city). Also good to know how the traffic is around town and the pot holes and such. To be as safe as you possibly can be. Always looking at the ground every few feet just as you said about looking ahead to be aware. Also good to pay attention to the rode Incase you are in a city that has tough roads:

[theodoreraithby]

Great video! I've been riding fixed for several years 48x14. Such a different feeling and recommend it to everyone. I've always ridden with a front brake but try not to touch it unless it's an emergency and it has saved me a couple times over the years. Keep up with the great content!!

[Hard-truth]

“Reason behind that I think it looks cool” you have earned a subscriber and fan

[tonymartino]

Thx man. Yes fixed settles you down to enjoy the flow and the fun of the ride. Love it!

[davidmartin]

Track bike at the Velodrome is some of the best fun I've had cycling, dropping from the top of the 42 degree banking into a flying lap 🙂👌

[finleylucy]

Dave la, your vids have been an absolute godsend throughout lockdown, it hasn't been easy, unemployment, fighting for furlough, and looking for other jobs, but honestly, your channel has really been a solace. keep shredding my dude, I got onto you through fixed gear, and I'm so happy I did; keep shredding my G.

[brooklynboyzfixedgearpov]

Thanks, as a experienced brakeless. I found these tips helpful & would recommend to anyone starting out brakeless.

[jregulatori]

Great video. I agreed with everything you've said. Been riding fixed for 15 years now and a bit scared to go back to a freewheel because it's become second nature.
I also completely agree with you gear ratio recommendations. I think some people get too hung up on having a massive chainring/tiny cog because that's what they see on velodrome bikes but it's all about spin-to-win. I live in Seattle with LOTS of hills and run a 47x18 on one bike and a 49x19 on my other. When I teach friends to ride fixed, I do a 47x20. It all about being comfortable.

And like you said, you have to be hyper aware when riding brakeless fixed, especially in a busy city. But at the same time it forces you to slow down and enjoy the scenery around you. Track bikes are ridiculous and not to be taken too serious (I even run an 80's tubular HED disc on one of my bikes haha). I'm in my early 40s and don't see myself slowing down. Rarely come across brakeless fixed gear anymore in the city as opposed to 10+ years ago.
Take care from across the pond.

[pete]

Great video. Most videos on here are anti fixed gear and especially anti brakeless. The first vid I've seen educating people who would probably be riding brakeless regardless

[C.Radulescu]

I haven't used my single speed as a fixie however, I think I will give it a try after seeing this video ...

[mowgli]

Incredible mate, I’ve been riding a fixie for a month which is my only bike since I was 6! I’m 36 now and loving learning! Still relying on my front brake in emergencies tho!

[susoarias]

Nice vid, dude.
You must've gone through rear tyres like mad if you were skidding with a 48x18 gear. Which reminds me of one tip you forgot to mention when it comes to skidding... Making sure you have a gear that gives you plenty of skid patches so you don't have to change rear tyres every couple of weeks.

[steelisreal]

Big fan of riding my fixed gear, it gets used for everything. Usually ride 47x17 for whatever as I'm too lazy to change it! Works well for the West Coast of Scotland and gets me up and down pretty much everything I've tried (couple of old videos on my page). Gear range in our group seems to vary from 44x19 to 49x15 depending on the rider and route. I always have a front brake fitted as I do a lot of club riding on it and you need it in a bunch where others are on geared bikes, but it doesn't get used much, even then.

[bardzoszybki]

You had me at " get a bunch of tyres cos you gonna love skidding " 🤣

[justineaves]

For you beginners out there I suggest you try a 44f x 18r starting out because you will have more control if your spinning and it will slow you down and help you build strength and get up hills.

[steph]

Here in the Netherlands it’s so normal to ride brakeless bikes. I recently got a road bike ... I keep forgetting I have to use my hands to brake !!

[enigmaticreverieproduction]

Just ordered my first state bike co fixie! Excited to try, last time I was on a bike was in my ttenage years almost 20 years ago