7 best fixed gear bikes

Fixed gear bikes, often referred to as "fixies," are a type of bicycle that has a unique drivetrain and riding experience. Here's what you need to know about fixed gear bikes:

  1. Simplified Drivetrain: Fixed gear bikes have a single gear ratio, meaning there is only one gear on the front and one on the rear wheel. Unlike multi-speed bikes, they lack a freewheel mechanism, which allows the pedals to rotate independently of the wheel's movement. In other words, when the bike is moving, the pedals are always in motion.

  2. No Freewheeling: One of the defining features of fixed gear bikes is that you cannot coast on them. As long as the bike is in motion, your pedals are turning. To stop, you have to resist the motion of the pedals, which can be done by backpedaling or using the brakes.

  3. Simplicity and Low Maintenance: Due to their minimalistic design, fixed gear bikes are relatively easy to maintain. There are fewer components that can break or wear out, making them a popular choice for urban commuting.

  4. Direct Connection to the Bike: Riding a fixed gear bike provides a direct connection between the rider and the road. Many enthusiasts appreciate the feeling of being more in tune with the bike and the terrain.

  5. Agility and Maneuverability: The lack of a freewheel allows for quick acceleration and deceleration. Fixed gear bikes are known for their agility, making them ideal for navigating through city traffic.

  6. Braking: While some fixed gear bikes are equipped with standard rim brakes, others rely on a braking technique known as "skidding" or "skip stopping." This involves using leg resistance to slow down or stop the bike by skidding the rear wheel.

  7. Customization: Fixed gear bikes are often customized to reflect the rider's preferences. This can include selecting unique frames, handlebars, and wheelsets, as well as adding accessories like lights and fenders.

  8. Track Cycling Origins: Fixed gear bikes have their roots in track cycling, where they are still commonly used for racing on velodromes. The lack of gears and freewheel allows for precise control and pedal efficiency on the track.

  9. Urban Cycling and Street Riding: Fixed gear bikes have gained popularity among urban cyclists and bike messengers due to their simplicity and low maintenance. They are well-suited for short to medium-distance city commuting.

  10. Safety Considerations: Riding a fixed gear bike requires a different set of skills compared to traditional bikes, particularly when it comes to braking and controlling speed. It's essential to practice and be aware of the unique challenges of fixed gear riding, especially in traffic.

In summary, fixed gear bikes offer a distinctive cycling experience characterized by simplicity, direct connection to the bike, and the need for continuous pedaling. They are favored by urban commuters, track cyclists, and riders who appreciate the minimalistic approach to cycling. However, they require some adjustment in riding technique and may not be suitable for all types of terrain or riders.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best fixed gear bikes on the market
  

Golden Cycles Single Speed Fixed Gear Bike with Front & Rear Brakes

Golden Cycles

Based on 265 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Our builds come equipped with a flip-flop hub with both, fixed gear cog and single speed sprocket. A collection built whether you're an experienced rider or a regular commuter. With custom riser bars to tackle the urban city and ride comfortably as you explore your surrounding nature. Our Golden Cycles collection is a quality bicycle that all can enjoy.

  • Frame: high tensile steel fully tig-welded fork: 1-1/8 inch steel fork brakes: front & rear
  • Headset: 1-1/8 inch neco headset handlebar: alloy custom riser bars
  • Chain ring crank: alloy 46T bottom bracket: sealed bearing 68mm
  • Wheels: 45mm deep alloy rims hubs: 32hole sealed bearing flip flop hub
  • Tires: 700C x 25
  • Pedals: BMX platform

User questions & answers

Question: if my inseam is 27" and i'm 5'2", should I get 41cm or 45cm
Answer: Under the description there's a fit guide, here's the link: https://www.amazon.com/Bike-Buying-Guide/b?ie=UTF8&node=5801315011
Question: I'm 5"1, is the 48cm good for me
Answer: Size 48cm is for 4'8"-5'2". The estimate stand over height for a 48 frame is 28.25"
Question: Is this bike strictly for pavement or could it handle a different terrain (winter weather, rain, uneven ground, gravel, grass, etc
Answer: Nope - its a fixie for street / road and not distance either. You can't use it on gravel or grass - think running paths that many cities build around public parks or beaches etc. We have lots of renovated old railway paths where I live and its not good for fixies. Basically you buy a fixies for a few reasons 1. super simple to repair or maintain because hardly anything can go wrong. One gear right? 2. Usually light, so easy to pick-up and take into a building or condo. 3. Its more for commuting to work where the distance isn't too far. Fixies are somewhat uncomfortable because the geometry is upright, unlike a road bike where you are positioned more over your drop bars for longer distance riding comfort. Hope this helps - Bill / Cruiser Republic.
Question: What is the size of the 48cm bike
Answer: The answer is in your question...But maybe you need this kind of help... Determining Your Road Bike Frame Size Height Inseam Length Bike Frame Size 4'10" - 5'1" 25.5” - 27” 46 - 48 cm 5'0" - 5'3" 26.5" - 28" 48 - 50 cm 5'2" - 5'5" 27.5" - 29" 50 - 52 cm

6KU Aluminum Fixed Gear Single-Speed Fixie Urban Track Bike

6KU

Based on 594 reviews Check latest price

Product description

People asked for a solid, affordable track bike, so we delivered. The urban track features riser bars in place of drop bars for quick navigation through your city's concrete jungles. The lightweight 6061 alloy frame coupled with a matching 1 and 1/8″ alloy fork will offer you the best of both worlds. Use this bike for recreational commuting, or as an everyday means of transportation. This bike is jam-packed with features such as replaceable stainless steel dropouts, smooth welds, and high-quality aluminum. What are you waiting for choose your color, size and get on one today

  • lightweight full aluminum frame and fork
  • 30mm deep v double-walled alloy wheels
  • ride fixed gear or freewheel with a flip-flop hub, including front and rear brakes, suitable for commuters
  • "how to choose size? please select size according to height: ▲ x-small (49cm) / 5'2 ""- 5'4"" ▲ small (52cm) / 5'5 ""- 5'7"" ▲ medium(55cm) / 5'8 ""- 5'11"" ▲ large (58cm) / 6'0 ""- 6'2"""
  • how to assemble your 6ku bike? we have the assembly video available on this page or find it on youtube. tools included in the package.
  • Brake style: Caliper

User questions & answers

Question: Does the frame have eyelids for a pannier rack
Answer: Jorge, Our frame does not have eyelids for a pannier rack, but there are plenty of seat post mountable systems out there!
Question: What size are the bullhorn bars
Answer: They do NOT come with bullhorns anymore. But if you replace the handlebars with bullhorn, they are not at all standard. I think they require a 31.8 replacement, but don't take my word. I'm nearly positive, but I'd double check just in case. I called the company and got confirmation when I realized standard bullhorns do not fit when I ordered them. It was NOT easy to replace the bullhorns because they are not standard size so had to do a little shopping around on the net. Manageable, but not easy. Worth it, cause I love the bike but sad that it didn't come standard with bullhorn style handlebars. Finally got it right and am just super loving this bike.
Question: How much does the bike weigh fully assembled at 58cm
Answer: Mine (58cm) weights 21lbs.....based on my weight holding the bike when I'm on the scale and when I'm not holding the bike.
Question: Does it need Gas
Answer: Only gas needed is your legs.

Product features

6KU Is Made For You

Fixies, Track Bikes, City Bikes, Urban Bikes, Commuters? There's a lot of options out there, it can be a bit confusing. Our mission is to make buying a bike as simple as possible. Our Fixies come in over 10 different colorways made to match your unique personality. It's our job to make the highest quality bike at an affordable price. It's your job to enjoy it.

Lightweight Design

Our Track Frames are crafted from lightweight 6061 aluminum with smooth to the touch welds. The Flip Flop Hub makes our Track Bikes a beast whether you're riding fixed gear or freewheel.

Quality Controlled Manufacturing

We design and manufacture our own bikes. We believe in getting it right the first time, and we build bikes with you in mind.

State Bicycle Co. Fixed-Gear-Bicycles State Bicycle Bernard - Fixed Gear Bike

State Bicycle Co.

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

State Bicycle co. Is a rider-developed fixed gear/single speed bicycle company based out of tempe, Arizona. Our goal is simple: to bring the most attractive, high quality and smooth riding fixed gear bicycles to the market at the lowest price possible. As enthusiasts of fixed gear riding culture, we know that riders want the ability to customize their bicycle from top to bottom. That's why we currently offer over a dozen different standard models, 5 handlebar styles (bullhorns, riser bars, drop bars, Pursuit, and pista bars), 6 frame sizes (46cm, 49cm, 52cm, 55cm, 59cm, and 62cm) as well as the option to design a 100% custom bike from top to bottom. Our commitment to offering quality fixed gear bicycles and supporting both the local and greater riding community is the reason why we're in this business. Features: frame and fork: lightweight 4130 chromoly, 100mm/120mm dropout spacing wheels: 700c aluminum track wheels, 43mm rim depth stem: 1-1/8" alloy, 26mm bar clamp diameter headset: 1-1/8" threadless a-head seat post: 27.2mm alloy crankset: 3 piece forged aluminum alloy, 46T Chainring bottom bracket: 68 x 103 sealed cartridge hubs: 32H x 14g, 16T fixed cog, 16T freewheel cog tires: 700x23c tubes: 700x23c, 60mm Valve stem bars: bullhorns, alloy aluminum, wrapped with tape pedals included: wellgo alloy warranty: 1 year manufacturer's warranty against any defects

  • STATE BICYCLE FIXIE | Fun well built Fixed Gear Single Speed Bike
  • FLIP FLOP HUB | Switch between fixed gear and single-speed with coasting
  • BUILT TO LAST | Lightweight 4130 Chromoly frame Set - superior to hi-tensile steel frames
  • Includes: Front and rear radius brake and handle bar options (See Below)

User questions & answers

Question: I'm looking to order the 59 (as a 6'2" guy), what is the width of the handlebars
Answer: I am 6'3" and the 62cm might be a better fit, that's the size I have. The little bull horn bars it come with are super small, I don't have a size, but I like the way they ride.
Question: Bike weight
Answer: According to the State website: WEIGHT: 20lbs 1oz w / Lo-Pro Wheels or 21lbs 12 oz w/ 40mm Deep-V Style Wheels *(Weights Taken Using a Size 55cm Frame w/ no Brakes or Pedals)
Question: Is everything included from the product image or is it just for the bike frame
Answer: Mine included the full bike but required some assembly
Question: If I'm 5"5", would I be better off with a size 52 or 49? I'd really like a comfortable fit, and would prefer to raise the saddle
Answer: I’m 5 9 and fit good on the 52. I’d go for the 49 at your height.

State Bicycle Co. Fixed-Gear-Bicycles State Bicycle Fixed Gear Bike

State Bicycle Co.

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

State Bicycle Co. is a rider-developed fixed gear/single speed bicycle company based out of Tempe, Arizona. Our goal is simple: To bring the most attractive, high quality and smooth riding fixed gear bicycles to the market at the lowest price possible. As enthusiasts of fixed gear riding culture, we know that riders want the ability to customize their bicycle from top to bottom. That's why we currently offer over a dozen different standard models, 5 handlebar styles (bullhorns, riser bars, drop bars, pursuit, and pista bars), 6 frame sizes (46cm, 49cm, 52cm, 55cm, 59cm, AND 62cm) as well as the option to design a 100% custom bike from top to bottom. Our commitment to offering quality fixed gear bicycles and supporting both the local and greater riding community is the reason why we're in this business. Features: Frame &; Fork: Lightweight 4130 Chromoly, 100mm / 120mm dropout spacing Wheels: 700C aluminum track wheels, 43mm rim depth Stem: 1-1/8" alloy, 26mm bar clamp diameter Headset: 1-1/8" Thread less A-head Seat post: 27.2mm alloy Crankset: 3 piece forged aluminum alloy, 46T chain ring Bottom Bracket: 68 x 103 sealed cartridge Hubs: 32h x 14g, 16T fixed cog, 16T freewheel cog Tires: 700x23c Tubes: 700x23c, 60mm valve stem Bars: Bullhorns, Alloy aluminum, wrapped with tape Pedals Included: Well go Alloy Warranty: 1 year Manufacturer's Warranty against any defects

  • State Bicycle Co. Fixed Gear/Single Speed Bike
  • *New Sealed Bearing* Flip/flop hub means you can switch between fixed gear and single-speed with coasting
  • Lightweight 4130 Chromoly frame Set - superior to hi-tensile steel frames
  • Front and rear Radius brakes included (not pictured for aesthetic purposes)
  • Handlebar Option: Bullhorns wrapped with bar tape

Retrospec Harper Single-Speed Fixed Gear Urban Commuter Bike

Retrospec

Based on 570 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Harper Coaster is the single-speed bicycle you've been looking for—beautiful, lightweight, and affordable. It comes fully decked out with top shelf componentry and includes a coaster brake, which offers the rider the refreshing ease of a cruiser. With fewer moving parts our Harper offers greater reliability and requires less maintenance than bikes with multiple gears. Fewer parts also mean a lighter weight bike. The team at Retrospec takes quality very seriously. We sweat the details when designing our bikes, which is why we select brand name components to give you the best ride possible. Sleek, light, and agile, the Harper Coaster will reward you with many miles of smooth reliable riding.

  • Includes a flip-flop hub so you can ride fixed or with a freewheel
  • Premium hand-built, tig-welded, high-tensile strength steel frame absorbs the bumps in the road and is as durable as can be
  • Comes standard with 30mm deep-v rims, Kenda Kwest 700 x 28C tires, KMC chain, VP freestyle pedals, and two sets of brakes
  • All of the components required for a super smooth ride. All of our bikes have a weight limit of 220 lbs.
  • Includes all the tools you need for building and maintaining your own bicycle

User questions & answers

Question: I am about 6'1" and around 230 pounds, which size should i get? i am tied between large and x-large
Answer: No there is no prime option. I picked two day free shipping and it 5 days late
Question: can I add a basket
Answer: Our fixie includes both front and rear brakes.
Question: How much higher is handlebar from tire
Answer: Sorry, don’t use a kickstand.
Question: How much does it weigh
Answer: The bike as is, should support up to 250lbs no problem. While the frame can handle 300lbs we recommend investing in some heavy duty 36-Spoke Wheels for any rider over 250lbs.

Schwinn Stites Fixie Adult Commuter Road Bike, Single-Speed, Steel Stand-Over Frame, 700c Wheels, Flip-Flop Hub, Multiple Colors

Pacific Cycle, Inc.

Based on 61 reviews Check latest price
  • Schwinn steel racing frame and fork offer a reliable and agile ride on pavement.
  • 46tx18t single-speed drivetrain with versatile flip-flop hub includes a freewheel for convenient fixed-gear capability (fixed cog sold separately).
  • Dual alloy caliper brakes supply crisp all-condition; High profile alloy rims are light and strong, offering crucial stability and durability.
  • Schwinn urban seat and urban grips offer added comfort at key touch points, not to mention a touch of sleek urban style.
  • No-frill fixie styling yields an efficient lightweight commuter package and means less maintenance on your end.

User questions & answers

Question: I'm 5.10 with inside leg of 31" (no shoes). Will it fit to be comfortable to ride
Answer: Yes. im 6”5 and have a very comfortable ride
Question: What type of crank set does it use
Answer: This bike has a 3-piece crank that's 170mm. Thank you, Nicole
Question: Will this hold a heavy rider like 300lbs
Answer: Yes. I am 6”5 333lb and I have a very smooth ride with this bike.
Question: Hello what is the cm for this bike im
Answer: Im 6”5 and I have tons of leg room.

Retrospec Bicycles Mantra V2 Single Speed Fixed Gear Bicycle

Retrospec

Based on 80 reviews Check latest price
  • Hand-built TIG-welded high-tensile strength steel frame with forged horizontal dropouts & integrated chain tensioners bar-spin clearance ready and no toe overlap
  • Promax dual-pivot alloy calipers & hinged alloy levers
  • Sealed cartridge bearing hubs with a flip-flop hub so you can easily switch between riding fixed-gear or single-speed with the freewheel
  • Comes ready with Kenda Kwest 28C tires VP platform pedals KMC chain and speedy deep-V alloy rims with machined brake tracks
  • Forged 3-piece alloy crank 165mm length 46T chainwheel Lightweight alloy riser bar 520mm width 30mm height

User questions & answers

Question: What is the thickest tire this bike/wheel can fit? Also, what is the Rider weight limit
Answer: 700 x 28 is the widest we feel can be put on this bike. Even then, it depends on the tire maker as tire sizes are not necessarily uniform so one brand's 28 might be a little wider or narrower than another brand's. You will have to try one and make sure you have clearance on all sides of the tire. 250lbs is the weight limit for this bike.
Question: is there a warranty? didnt see it in box. does it have to be assembled by an approved dealer to keep warranty
Answer: It doesn't come with guarantee. At least I have not got one when I bought it. You can assemble by your self, it is easy.
Question: Can this frame and fork clear bar spins
Answer: No it’s not designed for that. You will need a spin collar.
Question: What type of valve stems do these bikes come with
Answer: Presta. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presta_valve

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