The #1 Reason to Ride Fixed Gear

On paper, geared bikes are just better than fixed gear bikes: you can ride over more terrain, you can carry more stuff, you can ride faster. Despite fixed gear bikes' limitations, they have a die-hard cult following for one reason: they give an experience unlike anything else. Fixed gear cycling doesn't have dedicated riders despite the bikes' limitation, but because of it.

The bike I ride, channel sponsor, pretty cool people:

Mildly ironic Reasonably Dangerous cycling shirts:

Brandon Black
David K
Gio Dezera
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Ryan Witt
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@nicodache
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Young Architect

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#fixedgear

[Shakermaker]

Well said! 51-year old fixed gear rider here that discovered the "fun" about 5 years ago. The fun has not diminished. I've been on numerous group rides with roadies and get the same ask, "why do you ride that thing?!". The answer is simple - it's fun! People my age take bike riding WAY too seriously. Riding fixed makes me feel like a kid. (ie. it's fun and meant to inspire a feeling of freedom). As you've said so perfectly, isn't that what riding a bike is all about? Love your stuff. Keep up the great work!

[shanefoley]

I've been cycling geared bikes for around 12years, got a car last year and sold my bike, after a year of driving I felt like I was going to go mad from all the bills that comes with driving a car, decided to sell my car, I have a pre cursa on the way, can't wait to get back cycling and seeing what fixed gear is like

[tennesseeoiler]

Single Speed could be added to pretty much everything you described as a reason to ride fixed. I think Single Speed offers almost everything that a fixed gear does. Maybe just a tad bit more simple and like 2 less components. But that's it. Still get the zen feeling of not having to shift. Still have a super simple bike that's easy to take care of. Some would argue a freewheel is easier to service than a lockring and cog. It's literally the same bike. Same geometry. Same fun. Just not spinning all the time. Get to bomb hills like a kid which puts an instant smile on your face too.

[billywood]

Bicycling culture is sick IMO! No other sport or hobby or even past time has such diverse cultures to one interest. Though there is multiple cultures as there are multiple styles in bicycling.
BMX-The Anarchists, The Attitude, The Style
MTB-Wild, No Limit, Adrenaline, and it's pretty much the face of bicycling in general. The most marketed.
Road-The Pioneers, Trend Setters, Elegent, Snobby
Gravel-Bike Snob, Bike Snob, Bike Snob and Supple.
Fixed Gear-Hipster, Bike Snob, Attitude, Innovative

[contro.natura]

I finished building up a Makino NJS frame about the same time I got into an accident on my main bike (a Cervelo Aspero) which forced me into the brakeless/fixed life on my commute a bit sooner than I had planned-- at first it felt limiting and frustrating (and a little bit scary) but a month and change later on the Makino it felt weird and distracting to be back on a geared bike!
The momentum of the fixed gear pulling me along, steady cadence maintenance from the pedals moving with the wheel, and zippy acceleration, not to mention being able to control my speed with my legs, when not skidding, just feels so much better. Only con is that the track bike has no clearance or mounts for thick tires and racks, but n+1... Excited to finish my first alley cat on a fixed gear this weekend, have a feeling I won't want to go back to geared.

[Joser]

I'm the opposite. I converted to gear bikes because I developed knee problems. After a year, my pain has been reduced drastically. I must say that learning how to break and shifting gears was a challenge and fixed gear riding eliminated said challenges.

As a former bike messenger, we would make fun of rodies, and it's funny that some of my old friends that rode fixed gear converted to gear bikes. We aren't as nimble as we were before. Good times.

[-G.e.o.r.g.e]

I bought a State 4130 (46x16 ratio) a decade ago and it’s still going strong, only changed tires once (I don’t skid). All I do is lube the chain with 3in1 oil. I appreciate the simplicity and minimal maintenance if any, needed to ride fixed. I don’t get into the same flow state with any other type of bike.

[forlution]

Well said Zach and let me add that some of the coolest people that you will ever meet ride fixed. That's what it's really about, going on group rides, meeting cool people and checking out each others bikes. Also, what's more rewarding than building up your own fixie starting with just the frame?

[johnsuarez]

I'm not even your target audience, I love my derailleur, but you make it entertaining anyway and that's why I subscribed!

[hybridmeteora]

It's because they are different worlds. You can't compare an apple to an orange. Same as comparing a road bike to a fixie. Ride a fixed bike if you want to, but bet you can't get what a geared bike has to offer. Ride a geared bike and you can't also get what a fixed bike has to offer. They are just different disciplines. Just enjoy what you have and focus on your grounds why you ride❤️

[georgezheretiy]

Got a Wabi Classic and it's amazing. Riding fixed took no time to love at all.

[uncletony]

Those 25mm are great for speed but not comfortable at all! I use my bike to commute to work, and so far I went from 25mm to 35mm and now honestly I wanna build another bike so I can use a 40 series.

[noahcoleman]

Coming from a background in mountain biking, I find shifting comes naturally, and I appreciate that I can reduce my power to stay on the bike on steep hills. Bicycles to me are a symbol of energy efficiency. That includes all bikes.

I think fixie culture excludes a lot of people. Especially people who are less able-bodied. We're all on two wheels, and we share a lot in common. Let's remember that next time we see someone with gears or a battery.

[DevoteeCT]

I was thinking about your Sugino cup and cone BB problem. Every get that resolved? I was thinking you should have tried a few things: use loose bearings instead of the retained bearings (can fit 11 bearings instead of 9 that the retainer holds), should have packed in way more grease - like a ton of it, also too loose of an adjustment cone can cause knocking. Just wanted to throw that out there...couldn't figure why you were having such a issue. I love cup and cones!

[greengonzonz]

Well done for articulating into words what is otherwise just a feeling 💙
If you were to ask me why I ride you'd receive one of two answers...
"Just because" and "Why doesn't everybody love to ride?" 😁

[jeremynorth]

I get the analogy with paper books film photography and LP's but I think it applies also to single speed and even geared steel bikes

[Loulou.sk]

The dynamics of the ride are unmatchable! Nice video!!

[meatisburger]

I had dropped my fixed gear hobby quite a few years back. Drugs and booze took over my life. However, I’ve been sober since Dec. 2022 and gotten back into riding fixies. I now have a customized bike built around a State Bicycle Rigby, a 2015 Fuji Track, and recently picked up a 2009 Schwinn Madison track bike. Riding fixies and other hobbies has staved off boredom and helped me regain my health.

[kalprao]

I don't know what you are talking about man. Changing gears feels so natural and intuitive that I don't even think about it, it only takes a second to do it, change it set it back and you are back in business. I don't get where people get this argument about "not in the moment" or "not fun" or "thinking to much about what gears I should be in"... I've ridden fixies for some time and they always feel like something is missing on the bike, not complete, bland etc...

[Cesar-eywu]

That book (the design of everyday things) is pretty nice.