Fixie Freedom: How $450 and a Single Speed Changed My Life

Adam Ruggiero, senior editor, tells us the story of his favorite fixed gear bike.

"There's a unique terror that comes with carrying $450 cash in your pocket as you walk into a complete stranger's shed..."

Learn more about Adams journey with his first fixed gear bike in his full article:

Time Tested is a series sharing influential that has shaped the GearJunkie team. Like most prized gear, we value the memories they bring us more than the gear itself.

Check out all our latest articles

[robertjohnston]

Love it. I turned to single speed 8 years ago and haven't looked back. I can feel your enjoyment buddy. May you have many more happy years with your bike. 👍👍👍

[saltygamer]

When I was a kid I loved riding my bike. Then I became an adult and got a car and could not understand why adults would choose to ride a bike. At the age of 38 I was having some pretty serious health problems and by the recommendation of my Dr. I changed my diet and started exercising. At 1st when I started riding it was really hard work and I dreaded it. Now 2 years later I am going on 100 mile bike rides with my good friend and absolutely enjoy every moment. I ride a 30 plus pound hybrid bike the only upgrade is that I put touring tires on it. I heard a great saying once "dont buy upgrades, ride upgrades ". I know my bike is not the best but it is mine and I will cherish it for life.

[rickhattersley]

I'm a dope addict at the moment and have little to look forward to each day. The one exception: my 4130 chromoly single speed with bullhorns and a super stiff wheel set. To the extent that a bike can, it's saving me, in the most fundamental way. Funny how simple objects can mean so much.

[Ray]

Man, that’s how I feel with my bike violet. She’s also a single speed and I bought it off Craigslist from a dude that it was unfinished and needed a lot of love. Again, paid $200 plus parts and new tires. Owned it since I was 19 years old and currently now 29 years old. It’s been good 10 years and still riding. Lots of miles and trips. Definitely nice to see you live Wayne and have a special connection with it.

[cyclingformortals]

Been riding geared bikes but only recently discovered fixed gear. I’m now so addicted to it and have been climbing mountains and doing long 160km+ rides with it.

[Jimskateuk]

What is with that stem setup tho?
Loads of stackers then upside down riser? Why?

[jacquesdemolay]

My fixed-gear bike changed my life. It was like rediscovering cycling and yet discovering a whole new activity all at once. After years of being in love with riding my road bike, my fixed-gear changed all my perceptions of what cycling could offer. Like discovering an ancient secret, and all the intrigue, mystery and deep gratification that comes with that. Either you get it, or you don't. The lucky ones are those who do.

[robertwiley]

Just got me a flip-flop hub single speed fixie for around $50 used, so far, I'm in love. Took my first ride today!

[HilarioGalan]

Awesome. I'm going downstairs to hug 🤗 my bike 🚲.

[hanfpeter]

big f for wayne for being in the friendzone for over 11 years

[trentonjennings]

I'm impressed with the handlebar grips. I'll try to find same.

[paullacey]

I bought my s/s fixie over a year ago from Decathlon.I had just sold my road bike and mountain bike, and wanted just a simple bike to get by with.I cannot lie its been great fun, I do tinker with it as you do and try to go out at least once a week or ride to work and back.I dont think I wish to part with it either, I guess I better give it a name now as well😉🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[hai-hotranphotography]

Lovely sentiment on a bike. Thanks for sharing. It takes a bike lover to understand .

[junreaksaa]

Just bought my buddy bike too, fixed gear, 46tx20t front back. Super chill ride on flats and hills. Hes name is greg. I have a mountain but greg is always my first pick...even if its a ride or die bike.

[metubenoggin]

Wow, dude, it's just a freakin' bike. Eh, kidding, *completely* understand.

[charliedee]

I have an 07 Bianchi San Jose single speed cross bike I have put over 25, 000 miles on. Only the frame, fork and front hub remain from the stock original bike. I cheat a little with a SRAM Automatix 2 speed hub, makes an awesome go anywhere bike, tough as hell now also.

[None_of_your_business]

One of my bikes is called walkyria. Mtb below entry level, but it takes all blows... My touring bike is called sleipnir. Couldn't be happier with both of them.

[john]

So you rode your bike to go pick up a bike? Kind of curious as to how you made it home?

[sir_jerhyn]

Swobo is awesome, wish I could've got one! Too bad they don't make Iros, Aventons, or Swobos anymore! I build up multiple fixed-gears, I just build up my, "need a brake" bike yesterday. Single-speed, one brake... My knees are starting to wear down for riding fixed-gear for 4 years.

[Trener_Artem]

Just IMO from a poor country, but Fixie should not cost that much, the whole point of fixed gear is simplicity.