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Fixie Bike Guide
Fixie bikes have been a popular means of cycling for a long time. However, theyâve been even more widespread through recent years. Whether itâs for easier and fewer repairs, health purposes, or quick acceleration, fixie bicycles arenât something youâre going to want to pass on anytime soon.
If youâre a well-experienced cyclist, then you already know some of the numerous benefits that come with owning one of these bikes. Beginners will definitely enjoy all of the reasons why everyone should try out a fixed gear bicycle at least once. For more details on what a fixie bike is, why you need to ride one, and how theyâre used, read on below!
What is Fixie Bike?
Unlike any other type of bicycle in the world, fixie bikes have their cog connected to the pedals to directly correspond with your movements. It might sound confusing at first, but itâs actually the simplest method around. You have the pedals, the chain, and the cog thatâs attached to the back wheel.
When the pedals start to rotate forward, it moves the wheel in the back instantly. Thereâs no sort of barrier feature, and cruising isnât an option like you might have with other types of bicycles. That being said, there are all sorts of unique benefits that we will get into in a little bit here.
Pedaling forward makes you go on ahead while pedaling backward makes you reverse. Itâs as simple as that! This is one of the many reasons that so many cyclists love fixie bikes. Theyâre also great because braking can be done by stopping the motion of the pedals.
Youâve probably noticed that when youâre moving fast, you canât suddenly come to a complete stop by dealing the opposite direction on a typical bike. This is because theyâre made to coast. Fixie bikes let you stay 100% in charge of every move that you do, regardless of how fast or slow youâre moving.
How to Ride a Fixie Bike
Weâve covered most of the way you use a fixie bike, but there are still a couple of extra tips to learn. The first tip is that you should never try to slow down for a turn by reversing too hard. Ease into it just as you would if you were driving a car. While it might not mess up the pedals the first time, it could slowly wear them down after a bit.
You might notice that a lot of fixie bikes donât have brakes on them, which might seem insane. Well, youâd be right! Many people feel that since they can push or resist the forward motion by reversing their pedaling that they donât need brakes anymore. While it might work for some cyclists, itâs always better to use the built-in brakes that come with the bike.
Not only are most of us more accustomed to them, but theyâre also much more efficient in how quickly they can slow you down for emergency situation. It doesnât hurt to lower your speed a little for a turn, but overall you should try to depend on the trustworthy brakes!
The Benefits of Riding a Fixie Bike
Riding a fixie bike has a wide variety of benefits that everyone can enjoy. While they might not be the most well-known choice, youâll begin to notice why tons of people are making the switch. Whether itâs for health purposes, ease of use, or durable construction, fixed gear bicycles is worth looking into for anyone.
One of the biggest benefits of these bikes is that theyâre incredibly lightweight, yet equally durable. Most of us usually assume that durability means the bike must be heavier, or that if itâs lightweight it has to be fragile. Regardless of the materials that the frame is made out of, fixed gear bikes generally have a much lower weight due to the fact that they donât have nearly as many parts.
Reduced parts not only mean less weight, but it also means fewer mechanical problems. The more moving mechanisms that any piece of equipment has, the more issues that you could potentially encounter. The simplistic, straight to the point nature of fixed gear bikes make them contain hardly any possible problems at all!
Finally, fixie bikes present even more health benefits that typical bicycles. This is because you have to pedal everywhere you go. You canât use downhill speed, natural momentum from pedaling and coasting, or any other form of assistance other than your own two legs to propel you wherever you go.
Weâve all had that cheat day when you take the easy route, or you use all the declines to get more speed. Fixie bikes put the pressure on you, letting you stay on top of the plentiful health benefits of cycling!
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