Gears allow a cyclist to maintain a preferred cadence over a variety of terrain. Typically, this is tied to the cyclist's aerobic capacity. A single speed or fixed gear requires a cyclist to seek a compromise between an ideal cadence and muscular effort. Calculations show that cadence aside, a similar amount of work measured in Joules is performed by the rider climbing an incline on a fixed or geared bike.

SS\FG provide simplicity, reliability, marginally lighter weight and increased security by way of enhanced rider-awareness. With SS\FG, a rider typically scans and anticipates traffic and road conditions with greater alertness than a typical rider since slowing down and speeding require more effort than a geared bike (unless the rider of the geared bike leaves the bike in one gear most of the time). With FG, this factor is increased to an even greater degree since slowing down is accomplished by some combination of applying the front brake (if one is installed) and resisting the momentum of the pedals with the legs. This requires more effort than merely pulling on brake levers therefore, FG-riders navigate their way through traffic and road conditions in such a way as to preserve maximum momentum.

The fixed gear also provides a unique feeling of connection with the drivetrain of a bicycle. On a typical bike, the slack from the derailleur, the cut of the gears, the dishing of the rear wheel all contribute to a certain mushiness that is absent from a fixed gear. With the FG, there is a direct 1:1 connection with the powered wheel and there is no slack within the drivetrain system to cannibalize your muscular effort compared to a singlespeed or geared bike.

This heightened sense of awareness and direct connectivity with the bike is sometimes referred to as the Zen of riding fixed gears.

If you ride in hilly areas, your choice of an FG will need to take into account your approach in tackling the steepest inclines of your riding routes. If your area is flat, you can gear your fixie to your preferred cadence which ultimately determines the maximum speed you can achieve on the flats without drafting (wind resistance will be your biggest enemy).