Fixie Vs Geared: Which Bike Is Fastest For City Riding?

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Fixed gear bikes are a pretty cool way to get around in a city, but just how do they compare to a normal bike with a selection of gears? Chris and James do a series of simple tests using Jon's cheap fixie to find out.
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Опубликовано:

28 сен 2024

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Комментарии : 3,5 тыс.

@jeffp6244 5 лет назад

With a fixie you never have to worry about being in the right gear because you're always in the wrong one

@gcn 5 лет назад

Haha this!

@dan_does_nothing 5 лет назад

😂

@scorrea13 5 лет назад

Bahahahahahahahahahahaha... so true, but I love ma fixie

@fjames69 5 лет назад

😂 good one

@adammerlo1124 5 лет назад

nice superbike, but defo fixie for daily use. cheaper, harder to ride for thieves and also cheaper in maintenance

@blank6972 4 года назад

An old steel conversion vs a carbon road bike... What a fair test!

@dirtydan491 3 года назад

Facts like this didn’t do fixed justice

@LOWRIDER4LIFE1 3 года назад

Jeans: extra pedal resistance aswell... stupid comparison.

@bryangarcia7929 3 года назад

I’ll dust him in my unknown or my boi with the px that’s a better test

@keisreeman 3 года назад

Gosh they made no secret that it was a old conversion fixed vs carbon geared bike and still you complain. Must the fixie win so you can sleep?

@711ramen3 3 года назад

@@keisreeman no but it makes the video look pointless.

@bluej511 5 лет назад

"We're standing kinda close mate." "We've been friends a long time." Classic lol. Great video guys.

@hughesj 5 лет назад

As long as you say no homo...

@nglwynigbya 3 года назад

@@hughesj lmao

@hoopdoggydogg 5 лет назад

I'm a bike courier in Vienna and I have road bikes for work. Prefer the gears because I can choose how hard I want to push myself on each shift. Of course, nicer road bikes are more attractive to thieves, but I think a thief will steal any bike - fixies too. So I'd say always keep your bike within eye sight no matter what you ride

@EMC2Scotia 5 лет назад

As a former messenger I fully endorse this statement! Now when riding, I'm always shocked at how 'cafe racers' just lean their bikes out front of cafes and disappear inside for coffee and breakfast! I can't be out of sight of my bike without major stress, as it should be!

@pibegonzalez 5 лет назад

That's why I always try to lock my bike next to a more "stealable bike". It sucks when I return and the broken lock is on the floor, but at least it was not my bike.

@seanoleary771 5 лет назад

@@pibegonzalez i double D-lock my bike when i'm just going into a shop for 20 seconds. Of course I live in London, so that counts as perfectly reasonable caution.

@batangrapper 5 лет назад

As a bike courier we develop a sixth sense for bike thieves. I just know when and where to lock my bike up without worries.

@JB-ls5pq 3 года назад

Depends. if a thief has to ride your bike for a fiew killometers and only gets 20-50 dollars after trying to sell it for a week( because it is a piece of sht) it was a waist of time for him. However, a nice carbon bike is same work but a lot more money

@candido5840 3 года назад

Thanks for the sharing. My 1st long ride I went as a fixie and my competitors were geared. I didn't beat them up, but they god quite impressed on how I continued to keep steep and hold position with a 52/16. And I must tell, this frame seem to be iron frame, and I'd bet you would win him with with a good distance by using a bullhorn handlebar. They're simple and plain, just better for fixies, as you grip and 'divide the weight' the traction with your arms muscles, switching positions during uphills

@armaniac23 Год назад

My first long ride with geared competitors was yesterday. I have 48/12, and my competitors where not impressed, they just left me behind after 40 km.

@matthewsum1752 Год назад

3.25 is small ngl

@fridayalagari4630 11 месяцев назад

@kittechno8401 4 года назад

THE BEST SOLUTION IS : Take the expensive one and sell it. Then buy a 30 year old Fixie and bank the rest. EASY WIN !

@curiouscyclist865 4 года назад

if you can afford the orbea you probably don't need that extra cash in your bank

@chefaero 3 года назад

what the point taking the expensive one if you're gonna sell it afterwards and buy a fixie?

@yogeebear2599 3 года назад

@Nihilism lmao

@RaginBajan 3 года назад

Are you advocating thievery?

@Dabuilder1 17 часов назад

what are you thinking? You have 3000 dollars and you spend 3000 dollars and sell it and get 3000 dollars?? If you sell it at a higher price you surely are a manic

@PabloEscobar-jy5iu 5 лет назад

I love you guys but stop testing everything against a $9000 road bike.

@erichoel6379 4 года назад

Let's see...$5000 difference in price and won the agility time trial by 10 seconds? How is that faster? And where were the messenger bags/backpacks? That's real city riding... But love the banter and excellent production values! My go-to for entertainment these days...GCN!!!

@wawanlapandua 4 года назад

@@erichoel6379 they need sponsor , they need money, thats why they do this vid. a cheap and robust bike cant provide that for them

@TheNickBasso 4 года назад

Yeah, but with all the bike thieves around, I'd prefer an old 50 bucks second hand bike to go around the city. An old city bike with a rack to also carry groceries and you're okay, if they steal it you won't be so sad (and so broken).

@puregsr 4 года назад

Made you click, didn't it

@rfldss89 3 года назад

@Spark i literally saw one just the other day for 25 euro, and it even had better handlebars too

@AlexGeorgakoulis 3 года назад

"My legs are my gears"! Once you go fixed you can't go back. It's so much fun

@aaaaaa2206 3 года назад

Can't go back you say? I did. I can't argue that it wasn't fun though.

@johnmarsland3442 5 лет назад

no straps? no clipless? its not really a fair test. Fixed without having straps etc is pointless

@ara1597 5 лет назад

john marsland no drops either

@CrabbyPatty-fl2de 5 лет назад

And its a cheap ass peugeot versus a high end road bike

@3548vr4 5 лет назад

That's what a lot of ppl ride around with.... most don't know even know how to use the drops.. if they have them

@allbrotherhd5641 5 лет назад

john marsland the brake is useless anyway

@JimIBobIJones 5 лет назад

Agreed, fixies are pointless.

@michaelpolitz1144 5 лет назад

I ride both but mostly fixed. If you were clipped or strapped in with the fixie you would have been much faster. Shame you didn't use a messenger for your tests

@danielsanchez8890 5 лет назад

Michael Politz for real 😂

@weir-t7y 5 лет назад

It was a contest of legal riding, not running reds vs. stopping

@weir-t7y 5 лет назад

Not sure what happened to your other comment but by running reds I'm referring to bike messengers.

@michaelpolitz1144 5 лет назад

@@weir-t7y true, we break traffic laws when we can. Sometimes we have to but this doesn't mean we can't follow the rules

@weir-t7y 5 лет назад

Don't know what happened to grant's comment but assuming it's still here: Grant, the law you are citing only applies to a couple states, that's why it's called the Idaho Stop. As far as I'm concerned, that's fine though, but it's not what I was talking about. Many messengers bomb lights regardless of oncoming traffic, they don't treat them as yields.

@pete9754 4 года назад

I know he has brakes but seeing someone on a fixie without straps just looks so odd

@xavier2285 4 года назад

and with a brake

@pete9754 4 года назад

@@xavier2285 and that!!!

@unwarranteddumbassery9263 4 года назад

@@pete9754 Not to mention brakes.

@kellineburton 4 года назад

Is it really weird to put brakes on a fixed gear?

@danielc5647 4 года назад

@@xavier2285 not one, TWO

@tothefinlandstation 5 лет назад

Could've at least put toe clips on the fixie. Still could ride it with normal shoes.

@brauljo 5 лет назад

Meh some of us prefer flats over toe clips.

@DRMatt-zd4rh 5 лет назад

@@brauljo well straps then, no foot retention on a fix is dangerous and you lose the connection with the rear wheel

@brauljo 5 лет назад

@@DRMatt-zd4rh It's not necessary if you have brakes.

@joelkndl 5 лет назад

Overall, the fixie bike was subpar... a moderately priced modern pair would've been a better comparison vs. the pro-tour worthy pair.

@DRMatt-zd4rh 5 лет назад

@@brauljo dangerous as in if you slip cause of a pothole or cant keep up in a descent the pedals comes back to smash your ankles and/or you can lose control :/ if you are new to fixed and try to stop pedaling it can also happen

@evgenylunin9993 5 лет назад

Fixie without toe clips, straps or clipless pedals. Really?!

@bjornvonmyrkr5755 5 лет назад

Even not a fixie frame .

@bjornvonmyrkr5755 5 лет назад

@@purpleturtle8841 fixie wih breaks are not a fixie experience, it's regular bike wwith extra.

@evgenylunin9993 5 лет назад

@@purpleturtle8841 I talked about straps and toe clips too.

@shredfortyler2 5 лет назад

Purple Turtle .. shoes how much you know lol

@naufdotal 5 лет назад

@@bjornvonmyrkr5755 it's single gear bike not regular bike

@tomrodriguez9052 Год назад

I had an aero frame track bike that I built from eBay parts, it was about 17 pounds, very fast and nimble. I rode it when I lived in the city, the bottom line was it was a lot of fun. It's gone, I live in the mountains now, I miss it but it would be totally impractical .

@akhilkohli8861 Год назад

Same here i also live in a hilly terrain and can't ride fixed gear bike.

@luisen1996 4 года назад

I live in a city with lots of climbs and decents so I find a geared bike really helpful to maintain my stamina

@supermaneternal 4 года назад

This. This test isn't good because it does not test the riders stamina. Fixies get physically much more exhausting over time.

@silentcyclist 4 года назад

geared bikes are for weak cheaters.

@nicholasschlangen3456 4 года назад

@@silentcyclist bikes are for lazy cheaters

@silentcyclist 4 года назад

@@nicholasschlangen3456 Real lazy cheaters are car drivers, I was joking about gears. And I respect all bicycle riders.

@renegadetenor 4 года назад

So we all agree that the e bike is the common enemy?:)

@kimkrimson 5 лет назад

Gravel bike is the only way to get around most cities I ride in with their cobbles, potholes and disappearing bike Lanes. Road bikes shake your teeth way too much. Although I reckon if you have a pre 1980s frame with some 32mm tires... That would be ideal! I guess I'm gonna build one.

@rato_gordo 5 лет назад

got a fixed with 32mm tires , anxious to wait it arrive here

@empi1972gtv 5 лет назад

My frame is from '81, 32mm tires. Love it.

@chris_noswe 5 лет назад

I ride a flat bar singlespeed with 35c tires and don't see the point of using a gravel bike for riding around paved roads.

@rato_gordo 5 лет назад

@@chris_noswe i will use the fixed for comute and strolling around in the weekends, maybe a little gravel hence roads here are almost like gravel sometimes lol.

@gcn 5 лет назад

Make sure you show us your build Kim!

@davenet94 3 года назад

You can really see all the power Jon is putting out from the dead stops in that fixed gear. Legs just flexing like crazy.

@michaelortiz2030 5 лет назад

Super Road bike Vs Old fixed gear without Clips , Straps ?

@tristanmacrae8115 5 лет назад

and those wide bars cant squese between anything i wish there were a fixed gear gcn because these gusy know nothing about fixed bikes

@michaelortiz2030 5 лет назад

Not a fair test how bad

@ryhanen7819 4 года назад

@@michaelortiz2030 do u actually expect geared bike to to slower or what

@greedfox7842 4 года назад

the road bike didn't use clips or straps... why do you need the handicap? fair point the fixie was probably a pound or two heavier... but really?

@retroh9041 4 года назад

The road bike had clip less though, he was clipped in while fixed wheel wasn’t, a good fixed rider clipped in can attack short climbs like that faster than most on gears would

@ollieshow 5 лет назад

Riding fixed without foot retention and not track standing at lights is giving up some major advantages for urban fixed gear riding.

@ollieshow 3 года назад

@Fart Zilla Yes, lots of folks can track stand freewheel bikes. Personally, I can't. My understanding is that slopes or other road conditions can make track standing a freewheel bike more difficult or even impossible in some situations where on a fixed gear it's still pretty easy.

@charlesissleepy 4 года назад

the practicality of a fixie is that there's almost nothing that can break, if it gets stolen it shouldn't be too expensive to replace, and the feedback you get from the back wheel is helpful in squirrelly conditions. Also, you get really dialled in and pay more attention to traffic around you than your current gear. weightsaving for your buck is better too, which makes it more pleasant to ride than a geared bike from the same price range

@CptLz24 5 лет назад

I live in LA where they will jack your kid's bike with training wheels on

@BubbleBlowingBanana 5 лет назад

lmao really?

@christopherwayne5114 5 лет назад

Spooks yeah it’s that bad..

@TheFreddy2284 5 лет назад

Are you referring SkidRow lmao

@lorduvaltv274 5 лет назад

because the secondary bike market is a billion dollar market.

@AJCrowley4004 5 лет назад

Seems more like they were looking for something to sell at scrapyard...

@gingerdaniel 5 лет назад

I commute on a single speed so there's less to maintain daily. The hills just make me stronger! The road bike is for pleasure :)

@MrFreeGman 4 года назад

I'll just be over here waiting for someone to win a grand tour on a fixie...

@joelogjam9163 2 года назад

@@MrFreeGman It's bad news, my guy. The first Tour De France was won on a fixed gear.

@cnesnej 2 года назад

@@joelogjam9163 his title got stripped off tho.

@da14a49 2 года назад

I can't imagine a 13% for 1 mile is possible on a fixie lmao

@spjr99 2 года назад

@@da14a49 today I busted out 20 miles in an hour 8 minutes on my single speed bike, some decent hills too. heavy wind to my back and the way back was nearly twice as long but besides the real profesional road bikers i do not get passed much

@el_mal_de_ojo Год назад

London is fairly flat (at least the parts that I cycle to and from) and so a fixie is absolutely perfect for me. I've stripped it back to the bare essentials, but added a front basket rack as I hate commuting wearing my backpack so I just strap it to the front. This has multiple other benefits as well. The bike is so beat up looking that I don't worry about leaving it anywhere, yet it's got that sleeper factor that I can go nuts on it if I ever want to get some speed going. It's been so long now that I actually feel safer and more in control riding fixed than with a freewheel. I ride with straps, not clips, as it just seems far more convenient - no need to dress for the part, just pick it up and go. As for upkeep - there's just no comparison. I beat up this steel frame constantly, slack on the maintenance, and it just keeps going. Finally, it's become part of my routine to cycle at least 12 miles back and from work every day, not just for the physical benefits but for the mental health benefits. I just can't see myself removing that from my routine.

@ArashFallah 5 лет назад

4:25 when Hank grabs an imaginary hood and then proceeds to pretend nothing happened!

@angela-onesroman8873 4 года назад

Seen it!

@eamonlee159 4 года назад

Esequiel Tovar cays he has two eyes . Judging from your profile pic

@ChrisLoew 3 года назад

the not cornering too quickly for pedal strikes on fixie is critical and forgotten easily, thanks for insight

@TheBaggyT 2 года назад

Recently been riding my wife's track bike around our area... now that really does make you think about your riding!! No brakes!!

@4evadunkley 5 лет назад

They need to make a "GCN After Dark Channel" where they break all the rules.

@andycarr5405 5 лет назад

That would be basically every video in which Si is let near a bottle of WD40.

@tesmith47 5 лет назад

Yeah who rides in the city and stops for EVERY sign light???

@DinnerForkTongue 3 года назад

@RollinRat Break ALL the rules! Ride urban on a downhill bike!

@marcussurleyadventures1928 4 года назад

Fixie keeps you honest! Great for city commutes. Gears... great for hills on long hauls!

@klx-y 3 года назад

I never thought was even possible gooing up park street whit a fixed gear bike that was really impressive...

@IamBlueDragon_ 5 лет назад

I’ve riding my hard-tail MTB everywhere for the last ten years (albeit been through a few set of tyres) and loving it.

@cosmooop 5 месяцев назад

I would love to see a similar video but someone who has at least a tad experience on a fixed cause I tell you I clocked in at 40 mph on radar for a few sec on flat. And with cornering technique and counter skidding those turns are no problem for a fixie rider ! I unfortunately have exclusively ridden fixed for the last 6 years and I am no where near as agile on a bike that’s able to free wheel. I not only have total control for breaking/slowing down styles, I can also instantly drift to either left or ride or litterally jump sideways to avoid surprise obstacles. Sorry if come of pretentious, love the video ! I just gotta defend my love for honing many techniques that are singular to riding a more (inconvenient) bike. You learn methods that seem whack but are actually incredibly effective. And don’t get me started on almost no dead spot on your pedal stroke! On flat 30 mph consistent on proper gear ratio feels like I’m cruising without ever loosing my breath !!!

@jeremydagenais8845 5 лет назад

This video is like comparing someone is a broken wheel chair and Usain Bolt

@greedfox7842 4 года назад

they should have put the same guy on both types of bike.

@Jeroldeeznutz 4 года назад

I couldn’t fucking agree more wow

@fedor5664 4 года назад

Like a vw golf gti mk 7 vs a vw golf mk 1

@VelhaGuardaTricolor 4 года назад

yet it was pretty close!

@eyeland4933 3 года назад

Which one is which

@stevenmaree7234 4 года назад

I ride a single speed (but not a fixie) in Amsterdam and it is my favorite bike I've ridden. I truly love the bike in the city. Nice video!

@tragicworms3418 Год назад

I rode fixed gear all over NYC for 5 years biking with friends, delivering food, and commuting to school. Built it myself from parts off of Facebook trading groups. Only had a front brake which was so poorly calibrated you had to fully squeeze it for any stopping power. Chain kept flying off at speed too (didn't know anything about proper maintenance). I rode that bike through rainstorms and heavy snow, dirt and gravel, and insane car traffic. Never wore a helmet. It's a miracle I never went down. I'm much older now and ride a more sensible single speed that is well maintained by my local bike shop. And of course, I always wear my helmet. But god I miss my fixie. Lol

@VladThe333 5 лет назад

I use budget cyclocross from Merida with 28mm slicks. And it have mtb platform pedals. Ideal for me)

@toasty8547 5 лет назад

Nice idea but I used a hardtail

@denvercyclist 5 лет назад

Supper dangerous not having toe clips or proper shoes! Clipped in fixed gears all the way!

@yianniskanellopoulos6719 5 лет назад

as you may have noticed he can ride with feet on pedals quite comfortably lol Clips could help on the uphill though

@watmelberry 5 лет назад

I choose a beaten-up single speed with a free hub, rather than fixed. Saves the knees getting wrecked on descents!

@guillermo7298 5 лет назад

Just put a front brake and use it on the descents...i ride a fixed gear brakeless and the only time I wish I have brakes is on very step down hills

@cjkeller5287 5 лет назад

Watmel Berry here here!

@singingitman 5 лет назад

In the UK legislation says you have to have two forms of independent braking. That usually means front and rear brakes. Or front brake and rear coaster brake. Some might say that a fixie is a brake, but that might need investigating with any court cases that show what the precedence is regarding this option. With the case of the cyclist and pedestrian possibly setting a precedence I not convinced legislation is in favour of the cyclist, even when it’s clear what it should be.

@guillermo7298 5 лет назад

@Robert Trageser the thing is you only skid when you have to skid, I don't think it mess you up unless you have a ratio that your legs can't stand.

@guillermo7298 5 лет назад

@Robert Trageser first, nice to see someone who is 58 with a fixed cog, second, I really understand the easy gears off road, I even use a pretty spinning ratio for work on the street. I remember using a 52 - 15 on the streets and it was awful most of the time. I hope my knees keep up at 58!

@twotwoocritter 4 года назад

Fixie rule the city!

@godCobain 3 года назад

the slums maybe lol

@DinnerForkTongue 3 года назад

We're talking cities, not the hipster districts! lol but really, nobody gets to be smug, we're all riders. Much love to all my brothers on pedals 👊

@lumiliyabnaapoy4283 3 года назад

@@godCobain u must that rich guy huh?

@godCobain 3 года назад

@@lumiliyabnaapoy4283 who the fuck are you lol

@lumiliyabnaapoy4283 3 года назад

@@godCobain i am nobody what about you are you somebody?

@kendrewreviews 4 года назад

I would chose the fixie and after watching this video, I'm considering one. I live in Thailand's former ancient capital city where it's completely flat. No need for gears. Thanks GCN!

@JonCannings 5 лет назад

Well done lads. Enjoyed it.

@no-trick-pony 4 года назад

I would go for a 1x12 shifter. Either on a touring bike or a MTB. I would wider tires on either one since they have the least amount of resistance (even less than road tires). They aren't ideal for stop & go (inertia) but they are very worth the comfort to me.

@jeremywilson9220 5 лет назад

I ride fixed, with clipless pedals and cleats, they didn't even mention track stands at lights or the amount of control you gain with your feet.

@mailboxthepatenters2586 5 лет назад

That nails the difference.

@frazergoodwin4945 5 лет назад

In the city: Brompton every time. Fast and nimble and with my mini bar extensions a surprising variety of hand positions. And I'm able to use public transport (trains including Eurostar & TGV, trams and buses) if needed for longer distances - e.g. conferences or meetings in other cities etc.

@kierenkd 5 лет назад

Love a brompton. Well worth trying v to do the BWC if you haven't already

@nathandennis998 Год назад

I converted a Fuji track Pro fixie; added brakes. 5kg lighter than my road bike and Aero. Was way more fun, faster and gifted that forced rythym rested feeling of legs pumping but limited by my skill and usage to 4 percent and lesser gradients. I think it's a way more fun bike to ride and it's quick and easy on cleaning and maintenance.

@AndrewTiedeplus 5 лет назад

Personal preference of single speed (but not fixed) for my commuter/grocery/bar bike and a high end gravel bike with pretty slick tires for all other road

@kittyind 2 года назад

@3.16 Chris taking off the foot from the pedals was interesting. In India in my younger days, we used to ride bicycles with freewheels.

@christianpineiro4214 5 лет назад

Fortunately I ride both fixed & regular geared bikes in the city. And I enjoy them both, great fun.😁

@williamvicevich3035 5 лет назад

In town prefer single speed not fixed. Toe clips and 32 or 40 mm tires for the rough city streets.

@peetiegonzalez1845 4 года назад

Is fair. I love fixie but when talking fixie vs single-speed... there is no speed advantage, it's just about the feeling of connection to the road that's so addictive. Oh, and track stands being really easy so you can blast off as soon as the light goes green. (assuming the crossing was so big you had no choice but to stop)

@philipbarry3350 4 года назад

I have a flip flop hub but prefer to use the single speed side. Couldn't ever get a feel for the fixed gear. When I moved to Europe it was too expensive to bring over. A friend gave me a good commuter bike but I still miss the single speed some days. Berlin is mostly flat anyways.

@MsStrong30 4 года назад

I'm in the process, or thinking about the process anyway, of changing my old Schwinn into a fixie or single speed bike. I'm interested to see the rest of Ollie's episode on GCN Tech. However, since I live in a very hilly city, Pittsburgh, PA (USA), I much prefer my gravel bike around town and on the bike paths and trails. I recently learned that there is a velodrome not far me, finally a purpose for the fixie.

@pdsnpsnldlqnop3330 5 лет назад

Hybrid with 3x7 gears, mudguards, flat handlebars, disk brakes, lights, solid axles with no QR and bulletproof tyres. That ability to go through water without getting wet is crucial, the disk brakes mean next to no maintenance, the 3x7 gears means less gear changes pulling away from lights and cheap spares. RRP £350 new, on a bike to work scheme add £50 for a lock. Carry £5 lock for stops at pubs, big D-lock for at work. No fears of theft.

@gavinn.4060 3 года назад

I ride a trek 930 singletrack and it's pretty good for city biking. comfy, lotta gears, the upward-pointing handlebars are nice for climbs but it's a fairly heavy bike. I like that the tires aren't super skinny so there's more grip but also not too wide to the point that there's a lot of road friction slowing you down a ton.

@educationalvideos4151 5 лет назад

How about a worry-free, leave-outside-the-pub bike that also has gears?

@mattl1962 4 года назад

You're on the money with a market segment there!

@aprofromuk 4 года назад

@@mattl1962 any 1000 EUR road bike with a D lock and a cable lock is essentially that :)

@peetiegonzalez1845 4 года назад

a 1980s road bike with a fake rust paintjob would serve well.

@balazsnagy5781 4 года назад

@Grounded Human Brompton?

@WilliamFeatherstone 5 лет назад

I would love to see a test where old and out of shape bicycle commuters switch their older, thrift store bikes with these young, former professional cyclists' high end bikes. Then the race would be to get to the older cyclist's work and back while carrying their gear. The older cyclists would have home field advantage and high end bikes vs. cycling professionals on thrift store bikes and a map.

@WilliamFeatherstone 5 лет назад

The tests could be: 1. Old rider on old bike 2. Young rider on old bike 3. Old rider on new bike 4. Young rider on new bike I think 4 will be faster than 1 but 2 and 3 could be anybodies guess.

@gcn 5 лет назад

Could be highly entertaining William!

@WilliamFeatherstone 5 лет назад

@@gcn THANK YOU! This would be fun to watch. If you can run this test in winter during bad weather it would be a good worst case scenario test.

@WilliamFeatherstone 5 лет назад

GCN could feature new ebikes, bikes, winter commute clothing, studded tires for ice, lights, backpacks, communication equipment, bike cameras, nutritional supplements, etc... GCN could end up with 20 or 30 sponsors.

@philipcaseyacalloway204 Год назад

Been riding an older geared Bianchi hybrid as exercise for years. Never had any worries about coming out of a shop or the gym to a missing bicycle.

@Tacsi111 5 лет назад

Missing the point. Having gears is nice on climbs - it saves your knees. Alone for that is (IMHO) a geared bike better than a fixed one. You don't have to ride an 8k€ bike in th city. Just get one from Decathlon.

@aliafan7357 5 лет назад

If mostly flat than I’ll go with single, if not, geared are the best

@joshnicholson2934 5 лет назад

If you're on a geared road bike you need to spend good money otherwise it'll last 5 minutes. Have a cheap fixie on the other hand, maintenance costs next to nothing, that's why it's better.

@Tacsi111 5 лет назад

@@joshnicholson2934 in 5000km i spent only a little bit because my RD hanger was bent and I couldn't fix it. Get a Sora groupset and be amazed how smooth it is and little effort/money you need to keep it running. 2x9 in the city with an 11-32 casette is enough.

@Co-km6cl 5 лет назад

Decathlon bikes are trash here in Germany

@singingitman 5 лет назад

Did not John build the bike with a reversible wheel, one side Fixie, the other with free wheel? If so shouldn’t there be a second test with the freewheel hub, this would adjust the cornering technique and possible make it quicker?

@jaypeel5336 5 лет назад

Then it would no longer be a fixie A single speed, yes But a fixed gear, no

@langsor 6 месяцев назад

The best bike to ride in city is the one you own. Since I own 3, I prefer my fixie. Nothing feels as natural, light, and connected as riding a fixie -- pure joy!

@DiegoSteffaloo 4 года назад

Climbing UP and Descending DOWN are redundancies, amirite?

@matthewfranklin7541 5 лет назад

There's another option, a folding bike. You can have gears and speed (even hydraulic brakes) - then fold it up and carry it with you.

@wtfiswiththosehandles 5 лет назад

Carrying around a 10-12kg folding bike isn't fun either. Just get a second hand cheap road bike, it will be better than fixie at about everything, and not a thief magnet like that $5000 race machine.

@wtfiswiththosehandles 5 лет назад

@Robert Trageser Alright, I guess we have one vote for foldable bike here, then.

@animeman197 3 года назад

I commute to work on a bike that cost me $750. I’m able to park inside. It’s a 21 speed hybrid of a city/racing bike according to the description (Bianchi C Sport 1). I feel it’s a good bike for me to commute on and not so expensive that if it’s stolen or something I wouldn’t be too worried.

@Triadii 4 года назад

I get paranoid leaving even a cheap fixie out of the cafe for 2 minutes.

@shawnburns5680 3 года назад

This.

@Babyknite 4 года назад

Fixie if I know I'm likely going to shop, eat or drink. Geared if I was going for a long ride just for enjoyment.

@gcn 4 года назад

Good choice!

@pengepul_upil 4 года назад

the road bike must be race in velodrome with similar frame builder like as the road bike in the video

@stupidsam3585 5 лет назад

I ride a single speed in KL and for commuting it's the best. You can park anywhere without the worry for losing the bike to any thieves!

@kennyng5866 5 лет назад

how do you commute using a bike in KL??

@jeremybong7238 5 лет назад

@@kennyng5866 lol same thoughts! Not just the traffic... But the weather too

@chrisko6439 5 лет назад

Really? 'Here in Germany they steal or destroy any bike

@benzaryaputra395 2 года назад

7:50 Same reason why i got a vintage road bike, it’s a fixie with gears and brakes and i do not need to worry about it being stolen. It’s definitely a quick daily commuter🏁

@francescocarpagnano8505 4 года назад

That's why I ride a 130€ b'twin riverside 120. I can leave it around the town without too much worrying of it being stolen.

@planepower8523 4 года назад

I have chosen single speed (freewheel). My routes have curbs, potholes and other major hazards that fixed gear only exacerbates. I do like the simplicity of 1 gear and its only the chain that requires attention. 42 x 17 seems the perfect ration for mainly flat riding

@billybobby7607 2 года назад

That seems too slow gearing I have 46x 16

@planepower8523 2 года назад

@@billybobby7607 If you read my comment, i have many obstacles on my route, plus i prefer a cadence of 80+ rpm. It helps bursting through traffic with lower gearing as well

@bauyrzhanabuov9676 3 года назад

Because of GCN, I decided to buy a bike and now I enjoy my piece full commutes compared to driving a car. However, I bought a straight city bike with both wheels covered, three gears and, most importantly, with the baggage room in the front and a child seat on the rear wheel. Loving the bike, enjoying cycling

@matthewcurtis8803 5 лет назад

the Brompton is my weapon of choice in the city - nimble and fun ...

@yakxattack 5 лет назад

Test 4: Use that STUNNING road bike in a city alleycat race (Monstertrack NYC). Good luck

@greedfox7842 4 года назад

might need a hybrid road/mountain bike for the rough roads... but the gears would make the difference no matter where you race.

@callumjefferies6085 4 года назад

You can’t race monster track on it, It’s a geared bike and it’s a fixed brakeless only race. I’ve raced it and I think fixed is fine

@yakxattack 4 года назад

@@callumjefferies6085 I disagree.There were some geared bikes that were accepted as contestants in Mostertrack XIX, the one I raced. They still got SMOKED. My point is that fixies are better for city riding if you know what you're doing. Basically I am arguing against the answer that GCN gave to the question in the title of this video. Sorry that wasn't clear to you. Looks like some people understood, judging by the likes.

@callumjefferies6085 4 года назад

yakxattack fair enough

@WarrenVasquez 4 года назад

I commute weekly to my job 4.5 miles away on a beach cruiser with a basket on the front to carry my boots, hard hat, lunch, and work clothes. I have a nexus 3 speed hub but I'm typically in 1st gear most of the ride. I like the upright riding position so I can hold my coffee in one hand and sip it on the way!

@F1reMaker1 5 лет назад

5:27 some Techyescity intro music lol

@Whatshappening2024 4 года назад

he didnt even switch gears... like grinding from the start instead of spinning

@racingrivals8934 4 года назад

I was thinking the same

@tesmith47 5 лет назад

Much respect to fixie riders, I will keep my gears and freewheeling

@joshnicholson2934 5 лет назад

I do not accept this, get that fixed gear in right now! 😂 You'll never go back honestly

@livininchains4788 5 лет назад

@@joshnicholson2934 OK, I will buy myself a fixie bike to find out the fixie mythos.

@vincinuge 4 года назад

@@joshnicholson2934 single gear is better than fixed wtf?

@duanemonsels9394 5 лет назад

Fixed gear for sure been riding it for about 6 or 7 years now and mostly in the city. And in my opinion, the skills you need and the rush you get isn't that high for a road bike as it is for a fixie

@derricksy6956 4 года назад

You should be contesting speed test without traffic lights and with a gradient incline variations to test which bike is faster

@sergyj1982 Год назад

Hi. I'm from Ukraine, Lutsk town (it's near Poland). I'm often driving in town on freewheel single speed bycicle. That bycile was made in 1979 year. But he looks perfectly and i'm feel good when ride.

@TheWaxChainFanClub 5 лет назад

We haven't seen this being built yet?

@hananas2 2 года назад

I pretty much only ride singlespeed around town, I just don't need to worry about breaking a derailleur if I fall, and yeah.. the worrying about leaving it outside thing.

@ThomasMatason Год назад

With a fixie you never have to worry about being in the right gear because nobody's going to try to steal a bike without brakes. 5 years in Denver and I still have it! I love my dangerous bicycle. (edit: These days, I'm going for a sexy ass geared bicycle)

@Tacchi3 Год назад

The problem, at least where i live, is that the fixies/single-speed became so popular with all the hipsters, it is much cheaper to buy used road bike than a rusted fixie

@craigpaterson5085 5 лет назад

SIngle speed road bike all the way- but not fixed

@AgravepasmonK 5 лет назад

No freewheel on his bike, so it's a fixed gear

@GeeFunk84 5 лет назад

@@AgravepasmonK I think he meant "single speed road > fixie"

@Metal-Possum 5 лет назад

Fixies are awesome, people who ride free wheels are just too scared. If you decide to "try it single speed, and then maybe I'll consider a fixed gear" you'll always shy away from the fixed gear. It took my brother about 4 years and a freewheel failure to finally change his mind, and now he's seeing the benefits.

@Metal-Possum 5 лет назад

@Robert Trageser I've beaten roadies up short climbs on a single speed Raleigh Twenty. You're right about it all being in the mind, sometimes you just have to commit and do it.

@lemting2264 5 лет назад

@@Metal-Possum i think "scared is the right word to use, its just people are "not used" to fixed gear I experienced fixed gear and rode like about 10 times a cinelli from my friend, I felt like i am more of control of the bike with fixed gear, yet im used to freewheel geared bikes. It just shows what people use to and not necessarily the bike itself being hard or compicated, just like language, you will be more at ease with your native language than your second foreign language

@pierre-yvesmarin7433 2 года назад

I don't understand fixies when there is single speed bikes. What's the use of locking the wheels when you stop pedaling ? And why there is brakes on a fixie ? Some much questions 😂 Great video btw !

@emszabi 5 лет назад

I use a singlespeed bike in the city, almost as simple as a fixed, but no disadvantages.

@batlin 4 года назад

...except that it's much harder to do a track stand, meaning it's slower to move off at the lights (if you stop for those) and a bit less fun. But still plenty of fun!

@TheHelix123 2 месяца назад

The more i watch content with fixies; the more i love gear cycles.

@dutchanimal010 Год назад

I commute to work 15km each way on fixed gear. To the gym and the pub on fixed gear. Have a goofy restored MTB for the trails, and the only time I ride a road bike is proofing my work after tuning up the misses'.

@einsamer_wolf_ 3 года назад

I got a fixie after using a road bike for about 4 years and let me tell you, I enjoy both. Sometimes if I want to train harder, I ride the fixie, if I feel like resting, I ride the other one

@nunyabizniz50 4 года назад

I used to ride an aluminum frame Gary Fisher with Kevlar slicks. I live in Arkansas so it's pretty hilly. The Shimano rapid-fire shifters was really awesome.

@timm8510 5 лет назад

Seriously, a so-so conversion with zero foot retention versus a superbike? Merely switching from platform pedals to a road or mountain clipless pedal would've solved the cornering problem, and probably given the fixed-gear the edge in a few of those competitions. And hey, you could probably still leave it outside.

@andrey_1234 5 лет назад

I am riding 1977 roadbike, and it is as cheap as fixie and still has gears)

@dewindoethdwl2798 3 года назад

My town bike is like the Pug in the video, 95% out of the LBS rummage box and bits at home, but with a slightly lower gear - ageing realities.

@tobiastriesch3736 4 года назад

Gimme that race bike and I would ride it in the city as well haha

@fendermon 3 года назад

The pub test....loved it :)

@paullawtable 5 лет назад

Should have been between fixie and hybrid of comparable price. Surely the option of gears is always going to be best.

@elitebleibtreu52 4 года назад

definately Fixie....i ride one myself plus a Retro Bike with Sachs Torpedo 3gear :-))).....both are awesome to ride and have a great looking

@tiktokshortvideos5300 3 года назад

woah, that fixie be costing some real calories huh

@laszlolorenzi979 3 года назад

Understandable: I only use my electronic shifting, Swiss BMC, fully carbon, time trial bike to commute around the city 😂😂

@LarryMarsh 10 месяцев назад

I don't ride a fixie. But I do ride a late 1970's 3 speed internal hub bike similar to a what you were riding!

@jonburnell532 5 лет назад

I'd have a single speed. I like to freewheel without having to take my feet off the pedals.

@DNYLNY 2 года назад

I think fixies are a terrible fad, but noticing it’s declining a bit now. I don’t see any advantage to a fixie on the road other than a personal preference and a way to challenge yourself.