Fixed Gear Bikes - First Reactions!

In this video, we try riding fixed gear bikes for the first time! I talk about my first reactions and some of the things I've learned from riding fixies for the summer! As well as showing many of my friends and families first reactions to riding a fixie too! Some of the topics we talk about are why would you ride a fixie?, whats the difference between a single speed and a fixie?, how fast are fixies?, are fixies dangerous? and, much more! ! Overall this video will answer show you what it's like to ride a fixie for the first time and what to expect! If you did enjoy, please give this video a thumbs up and consider subscribing!

PART 2 OF THIS VIDEO:

More In-Depth Explanation Of Cassette V.S Freewheel:

Bike Hard is all about having fun on bikes! We do whatever we think would be fun which could include building a trail, going to a skatepark, reviewing products, and much more!

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#BikeHard #Fixie #fixedgearbicycle

[AlanNeedsFriends]

Foot straps are the most valuable addition to any fixed gear, turning a goofy gimmick into a dang drift commuter! Using straps to skid also helps adjust your foot positioning! It would be great to see you revisit this topic, and shed light on an additional aspect of the fixed gear experience. I think you’ll find tons of fun with them

[maxsievers]

When the freewheel was invented it was considered dangerous because it encourages people to ride quicker downhills and through corners. A singlespeed fixed-gear is a safety bike.

[Kevinschart]

i tried to ride fix for a couple days. eventually the constant fear of impending death and the inability to coast down hills cured me of that "fixation". I love my single speed and my hand brakes.

[thedarklife]

Definetly get some foot retention man! Also try putting the brake in the front as 80-90% of Breaking power ist achieved Boy a Front brake. have fun riding:)

[iwnlace]

the reason why it's so hard to brake by using your legs is because you don't have foot retention

[wreckz]

He has obviously never seen premium rush

[BiMC]

fixed gear bikes were originally not made for couriers, they were made for racing in the oval :D

[hold_the_mike]

Speed on a fixed gear is slightly increased versus a geared bike with the same ratio. The efficiency of the pedal stroke on a fixed gear is a bit better than a geared bike making you put out more speed for the same amount of power (though this is only a marginal speed difference).

The way I think of fixed gear riding on the road is like Alex Honnold free solo climbing El Capitan (rock climbing without ropes or harness). It is about knowing your abilities on a bike well enough that you don't need the same safety mechanisms to be safe. In fact, there is no evidence that shows riding fixed gears increases the chances of injury or death on the road. Most people riding fixed know how to ride better than roadies because they have to. It isn't for a new rider to not have brakes.

Put a front brake and straps on. Get used to the bike and build the back pedal and skidding muscles that you don't normally use while riding. Then ride without using the brake for a bit, but have the brake for emergencies. Once you feel comfortable, take it off.

It is an amazing riding style with a unique feeling that you don't get from any other discipline. But too many people get on a fixed gear or track bike without brakes before they are ready (and without foot retention). This causes fear, anxiety, and an unsafe ride.

I do love that people give it a shot though, I just hope people do it safely and within the bound of their abilities as riders.

[_lifeafterDARK]

I have been riding brakeless for over 6 years and actually there is quite a lot of parts that will break/wear out and need replacing:
- tires (especially if you ride brakeless)
- inner tubes
- chain
- rear cog (teeth will wear down or break off)
- chainring (again, teeth will wear down or break off)
- chainring bolts/nuts (notorious for wearing out)
- bottom bracket (likely one of the first major repairs needed)
- spokes (will snap and need to be replaced)
- rim (especially if you don't immediately replace broken spokes)
- rear hub (front hub too but more than likely rear hub will go out first)
- bar tape

tips:
the dirtier, scuffed up it looks the less likely it will get stolen
invest in a solid U-lock/cable combo to deter thefts
invest in a small toolkit: hex keys, 15mm wrench, chain whip and lockring tool, chain removal tool, and tire levers
Continental Gatorskin tires are a must have

[Drewstir]

Been riding since beginning of high school and now I’m almost done with college, gotta say I can’t get over it! Still ride around weekly and get to enjoy the city… but still rocking no brakes, maybe I crashed once bc I messed up but haven’t hit or have been hit by a car

[anxietyonline]

I have a flip flop hub, decided to change it from single to fixed and rode my bike to the pub to meet with friends.

I forgot I changed it to fixed after a few pints and catapulted over the handle bars. I was pretty bloody after that lol.

I went right back to single speed lol.

[YABBAHEY]

One big reason if not the original (friends w/bike messengers in 80's, NYC) That messengers chose fixed gear "Track Bikes" was if someone stole your bike during your delivery you could chase the hoodlum down because they wouldn't get far before abandoning or crashing a unride-able machine & balancing at a stop is easier. Plus being strapped in w/bear trap peddles was another level of committed cool & helped stopping because you theoretically can hop the rear & lock up the tire in a emergency (I've never been successful at it in the few attempts) For me scraping or sometimes slamming the inside peddle on a tight turn was/is the deal breaker. These bikes aren't meant to lean the velodromes do that & there's not that many taxis trying to kill you in doors. We didn't have clip-ins but these bikes require the pull on the down stroke to slow down.

[knowledgeallah]

One thing I did notice from switching to SS to fixie, is that it demands or rather strongly encourages equal leg power output. I realized I was doing most of my pedal stroke with my left leg.

[Aromapablo]

Yo this content is underrated! Sorry I’m so late. Such a great video bro

[Arkonzm]

Been riding my fixie for 3 years now ( with brakes) and its great. Live in a hilly city and my commute is one way only beaking and one way torture. Just great!!!

[baokhong]

I was a SF messenger in the 90s.Never rode a fixed. I rode like a banshee because of the ability to do a hard precise brake when needed followed by appropriate gear to spin back up to speed. Brakes and gears give you options in an environment that is moving and dynamic. You can't beat me on a city bomb run with a fixed. No way

[Rabnes]

Bro, I am not sure you said fixie enough. Fixed gear.

Foot retention. You need some. No exceptions. Front brake also. Will make bike much more capable.

Solid intro video, outside of the vernacular. Keep up the good work 👍🏾👊🏾

[jackf]

Nice video man! You demonstrated the points of riding fixed well. Love the family and friends riding like wtf? Haha 👍

[docouchi]

We do upgrade… slowly increase chain ring, and lighter durable materials, also clipless pedals… I would only put breaks if your going down hill… but if not skidding stops it just fine, the point isn’t to stop when rolling on to a stop you have to slow down so by the time you get to it, the light will be green, or take the path of the cross street till you see an opening

[AlteredCarbons]

also that one guy saying you cant cut a corner is 100% correct and i learned the hard way trying to chase a dog for a friend who got out. took a corner at speed and it bucked me off so bad i tore muscles from my right arm to my chest and couldn't lift my right arm for nearly 3 years