Originally Posted by dirtyphotons

"fixed gear" refers a singlespeed bike that doesn't coast. most of us choose to slow the bike with our legs, using that as a primary means of stopping. i and others run a front brake as well in case a situation, either environmental or mechanical, requires another means of stopping.

technically a fixed gear is a singlespeed. but when people on this board say "singlespeed," they're referring to a bike with a freewheel that only has one gear.