Today we introduce you to the world of fixed gear bicycles, which to many of us, are the perfect bikes to ride.
Fixies are perfect for riders who hate looking after their bikes. You still need to lube your chain occasionally, but there are no gear cables and derailleurs to get gunked up or go out of adjustment, and there's no vulnerable hanger to get bent at the bike
What are the disadvantages of a fixed gear bike?
Fixies are harder to ride. Period. They're harder to get started, harder to maintain a constant speed, require more muscle power, and the rider's legs must remain in constant motion uphill or down-no coasting! Also, turning sharp corners can cause the pedal to hit the asphalt.
A true fixed-gear, or fixed-wheel, bike doesn't have a freewheel. Your legs are engaged permanently with the rear wheel - when you're moving, you're pedalling. A singlespeed bike gives you a single gear ratio with a freewheel.
Riding a fixed-gear takes time to get used to. It's also not for the out-of-shape, and if you have bad knees, riding fixed may make them worse. But Telemark skiing might hurt your knees, too. Telemark is also harder than alpine.
For a bike to be track legal, it must have no freewheel and no hand brakes. On the track we often ride in close proximity for an aerodynamic advantage. If the rider in front of you had hand brakes it would be very dangerous since they could rapidly slow down at any moment without warning; you'd have no time to react.
#fixedgearbikes, #velodromebikes, #bikemessengerbikes, #minimalbikes
13 сен 2024
