Originally Posted by
tobywuk
Hello,
Fixed gear or 'fixies' seem very popular around towns and cities at the moment. I often see people zooming around the roads, through traffic and up/down curbs on them. Bike messengers also seem to use them for there profession, which to me suggests its not just a fashion thing?
Why is this, Do they make the perfect 'get around town' bike?
Are they more durable, strong, nimble and more suited to this style of cycling than normal road bikes?
I am moving soon and will be doing the above. I currently have a normal road bike and am wondering if getting a fixie for this would be better and save some wear and tear on my road bike. I am considering something like this
Felt Brougham but i dont want it just sitting in the shed with no use.
Thank you
Easy to do a once-over. Less expensive to fix or replace a smaller number of parts. Less stuff to get stolen, less to get damaged. A lot like a kid bike for adults. Fun and simple.
For the same reason people love specific bikes, there are people who love fixed gear bikes, and have their own sense of aesthetics about them. Because they are often built up or modified, they are also personalized. And yes, it's currently a "fad" or manufacturers wouldn't be making them. Nothing wrong with these bikes. They are often less expensive.
Lots of people here ride old geared bikes, or old 3-speed bikes, or just plain ol' converted singlespeeds that aren't fancy or fixed.
When I see these bikes around the city, many of them have a mismatch of old cheap parts, or ridiculous neon color schemes, or various stickers and doodads. I like this, it makes me smile even if it's not my personal taste. But I like the city too, for the same reasons.
Find a local shop that has them and take a few for test rides.