How to Start Riding Fixed Gear Bikes
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ก.ค. 2024
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So you’re looking to get into fixed gear bikes, but you don’t know what bike to get, how to start riding, or whether fixed gear is even for you at all? Here’s exactly how you can get into fixed gear bikes.
Check out the Pure Premium Cleveland for a great starter fixed gear:
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E's Jammy Jams - You Had To Be
Josh Kirsch/Media Right Productions - 1975
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Albert Woo
DerElle01
Bluetickhound16
Mark Vandeventer
Jeziel
Marek Dravecky
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First, you need to decide if fixed gear is even right for you. If you have a deeper motivation for why you even clicked on this video in the first place, cycling will be a way to motivate you to achieve your goals.
The next thing you need to do to get into fixed gear bikes is GET HYPED. It’s almost a pre-requisite at this point to watch the MASH and Macaframa movies which are edits of these hooligans doing crazy rides and hill bombs in San Francisco on brakeless fixed gears. Almost everyone who’s into fixed gear bikes got hyped at some point watching these movies.
Choosing a good beginner fixed gear that will be worth your money can be a pretty daunting task if you don’t know much about bikes. But, I’m here to simplify that process for you, give you key specs that you should look for. And to make it super easy for you, I’ll give you a solid recommendation for your first fixed gear.
*DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, meaning if you click one of the product links, I'll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows me to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support
Question of the Day: What are your tips for people looking to start riding fixed gears?
Zach Gallardo don’t say fixie
Have insurance
Remember to say good bye to your loved ones, because they'll never see you again. You'll either die or get addicted.
Don't let it get stolen 😣
You stopped showing "fixed points", do it a program, this time analyzing what kind of person would use the bike presented
My number one rule for fixed gear: Run brakes (or at least a front brake) for AT LEAST a year. Even then you may decide to leave the brake(s) on. And that's cool too.
Pro tip: you don't need to take your feet out of foot retention if you learn to track stand.
Man Zac, after two years of watching your channel, you've finally converted this roadie. I'm one week out from getting the final components for my own fixed gear build and it's already looking pretty mad, thanks Zac.
Tip for beginners: fixed gear conversions. My first fixie was just a different wheelset and chain on my commuter frame (an old cheapo Peugeot road bike from Craigslist), which I set up for winter riding back in 2013. I live in Montreal and the winter months are unkind to every part of your bike, but especially your derailleur. I also liked that you could control your speed with your legs, because snow and ice greatly reduce the effectiveness of rim brakes.
IMO conversions are a good way to test the waters without spending too much money. You can always convert back if you really don't like it. Personally I don't always like riding fixed but I got hooked enough during that first winter to have bought a purpose-built fixie which I use all the time (not just in the winter anymore).
Obviously this only makes sense if you already have a bike to convert. Otherwise you're probably spending the same amount you would otherwise for worse parts or more for the same. Don't buy an old crappy road bike just to put fixie components on it, because you won't save money. Lastly, make sure the dropouts on your existing frame are fixie-compatible. Most are, but there are some exceptions. Don't get caught buying all the parts only to have to buy a new frameset anyway.
I highly recommend practice riding very slowly in an open area as this will help you gain more balance and is super useful. For the longest time I would only ride normally, like stop and go, but never ride really slowly just for fun/exercise, once I did and started leaning how to track stand it helped me out significantly and I felt that I learned how to truly ride a bike. As going to a school with a ton of bikes, I see lots of noobs struggle balancing at low speeds but having a fixed gear and practice going slow, you will feel way more confident!
8:55 "Question of the day."
My recommendation is getting a flip-flop hub and putting a freewheel hub on to start off with. Same number of teeth as the fixed-gear side. This will get one used to climbing and starting in the same gear combination.
For instance I started with 46-16 SS for about 3 months before flipping to fg. It made the transition smoother. Then once I got used to riding fixed I got duel sided clipless pedals. I had them on my road and mountain bikes so THAT transition was easier, too. Once I was comfortable I increased the ratio to 48×15. Which is where I remain today after 12 years.
All totaled the transition took 6 months from freewheel 46x16 to fixed gear 48x15.
yep. I rode my 43x18 SS for about 2 months before I flipped to my 43x16 fixed cog.
Something that can help when first learning to skid stop is having a bigger cog. I started with 13t and couldn't stop to save my life. I upgraded to 18t and it's a beauty. Now I have a 20t and 21t and they're the best. And it's easier on the legs and an ease for up hills.
I just built my first fixie out of a 1982 Batavus Champion, it's a helluva lot of fun!
10-12 years ago I use to ride a fixes gear all over the bay area. Longest ride I've done was from Richmond to Hayward twice. I do miss it. Just got my girl a single speed and thinking about making one just for fun lol your videos are pushing me towards it too 😅
This guy has convinced me to get a fixie now ima save up
Zach! Thanks for all the advice. Two years ago,and after a lifetime of cycling, I suffered a Grand Mal stroke. I have had to learn to walk again,and try to heal. One of the biggest problems,,my left hand is paralyzed (brain damage- Big stroke) I am convinced,if I had a fixie, I could ride. I think I am up to something. Thanks for all the advice. Still trying to figure out a bike...
Hahahahaha when you started blurting our Premium Rush lines it cracked me up.
Never thought you’d recommend a pure bike
CozMo TF well its a sponsor so...
I started bicycle with one Pure Bike. It was a very good bicycle to begin with, but I changed almost every part of my bike. These were good but not optimal...
The tie is such a nice touch.
Tip: sizing is very important
that's what she said
@@RyHitch haha goteeem
At first i didnt really like ur nitto handlebars bars but now im starting to dig it, might actually get it because you look so comfortable riding with them
They're worth every penny.
An appropriate reference to Premium Rush but no mention of that timeless classic Quicksilver? Is my age showing?
Grant L. Jackson Quicksilver??? Never heard of that before. May it's because I am outside of the US...
To be fair, Bacon's bike is only fixed in some shots haha
Jake Swift Quicksilver was full of inconsistencies. It’s still one of my top five bicycle movies.
Eldhose Jacob it was released in 1986 starring Kevin Bacon and Jami Gertz. A worthy watch.
That was a great movie
Question. Does anyone remember spark toys? Like the little guns for example? You pull the trigger and a little metal wheel spins and flint touches it and sparks fly on the inside. Well does having heavier rims help maintain momentum?
Just bought my first fixed gear. Realized due to me breaking my ankle 2 years back, I can't brake the way I need. Had to flip it to single
Hey i have a Q pls help me out, what if am riding at 25kmph and suddenly a pedestrian pops out how am I supposed to brake should I reverse paddle ??? Pls help me out m too curious 🤔
Hey Zach thanks for all the videos! enjoy them a lot to learn more (especially about what and what not to buy). I was wondering if you planned on visiting the biggest biking country in the world (FYI, that is the Netherlands) anytime soon? Can only recommend it after watching all your video's with poor roads for cycling. Give it a thought maybe? Would like to see how you like it.
i ordered my pure fix premium to germany and it had front and rear brakes, so it might come with a rear one for a lot of other people as well. maybe zachs bike only had a front one because it isnt illegal in the us as far as i know, so if it is illegal in your country it will probably do have a rear brake. correct me if i am wrong but thats how i made sense of that.
So true. The first time I rode a Fixie I was in 💘.
I want to try riding a fixie but single speed chose me,.. :) tips for starters: just keep pedaling and be alert always ahead of time then you can feel the hype after doing that..
Tip: if you're fortunate enough to have an abundance of bike trails near you, learn to ride fixed gear on them. Usually trails are smooth, not as congested as the streets, and unlike an empty parking lot, they take you to places, usually scenic places.
Hi, I'm new to modifying my bike and I was hoping if someone could suggest what type of brake levers I should get for riding with a dropbar? I usually like to ride with my hands on top of the drop bar and I was looking at those horizontal (cross/inline?) brakes. I want to create a similar build to the orange bike shown in this video with just the front brakes as that is all I'll be needing!
I ride a road bike and i just ordered a fixie its gonna take alot to get the hang of it pray for me with them hills .
I would also recommend buying a used fixed gear if you have a friend in the scene who can help let you know if it’s a good or bad deal
Same
i have a bike coming in parts rn im getting hype with this
I've been riding fixie for about 3 weeks and I have lost my muscle memory for normal cogs every time I try to ride my legs lock up
Hi zach i have a trek 2300 carbon composite aluminum hybrid frame and i wanted your opinion whether it would be a good candidate for a fixie build. The main concern is the fact the carbon tubes are epoxy bonded to the aluminum sections. Might have to trash the idea but maybe if i added a front brake i could take the stress out of the frame during braking. Im not too worried about skidding or tricks just want the fixed gear feeling
Great video Zach. I was wondering if you have a video about wheels? Specifically about making them “true”. You mention it from time to time and I can’t find a video about it. If anyone else has a suggestion for me to find some info I would. Appreciate it. Thanks all!
Hey Zach! Great video :) Just wondering if you, or anyone one of the other lovely reasonably dangerous folk no where I can find the mash movie. Is it purchasble online somewhere or do I just have to dig harder on youtube. Thanks P&L!
Got a fixie last Aug still not ridden it.... getting very tempted to give it a try though or if I chicken out will convert it to single speed (don't judge me)
I saw this video and I really want to get into riding a fixed gear bike I used to be a bmx rider.
I got a mini velo custom bike and had it switched into a fixed gear.
just wanna ask if a mini velo fixed is recommendable for a beginner?
thanks for those whose going to answer 🙂
I have a question maybe you can help ease my mind. I have been riding bmx bikes for over 20years, and was good enough to have had a few parts and clips in videos. But im a bit older and getting hurt is no longer a day of rest ordeal. But i still love to ride. Well i just bought a retrospect dome v2 with carbon fork. It was on sale on amazon and it ticked my boxes, and it should be here in a day or 2. Now i am just curious. Was it a smart decision for a beginner ? I know my way around a bmx bike and i am hoping i did not just end up buying the equivalent of a Toys r Us bike. I am not looking for a pro level bike, but i also do not want a bike that will limit my beginner status.
Hello, any thoughts of the Raleigh Teaba 2018 model? I saw it’s on sale for $439. Thanks!
anyone know what’s the style on that All-City frame (2:28) & if they’re still available???
Thanks for the video, i need to start saving money 😆
Hey zach, have you ever tried building an fgfs 650b bike from a 700c one?
I just bought my first fixed gear (critical Harper) did i waste my money? Should I have just saved the $200 and bought a new more expensive bike or gone with a used one? I've been bumming bikes from friends and wanted to get my own asap.
What about starting fixed gear riding from a road riding background? I'm comfortable riding a road bike, and ride every day, but have never ridden a fixed gear bike. Also fully comfortable on clipless pedals - I've heard clipless is the way to go for fixed gear.
try looking for a flip flop wheel when getting your first bike, just so you have the option to go singlespeed if you don't end up liking it
I found a vintage track frame that fits 32c tires easily, is fully lugged and has a pretty low trail fork (lot of rake). It is not drilled for brakes in the rear. And has a 25.4 seatpost. Is this uncommon?
What frame is it? Make model. On the look out for similar tyre spacing
any possibility of that fixed gear conversion video you said you would do once you were back in the USA?
Good Job
I'm a fixied gear addict lol, 6 years and I cant stop buying parts and bikes, trading and selling
What do you think about the Zycle Fix Prime Bicycles?
Zach what do you think about the Rocky Mount Boroughs 2008 bike as a beginner Fixed-gear bike.
Hey Zach! Can you teach us how to bunny hop on a fixed gear please? It seems impossible with the pedals turning D:
Any good websites to get a nice fixie? or even customize one? preferably with no brakes
I ride a ponoandbike williamsburg , freewheeled from the first day
Now after some months i am thinking to turn it to fixed, why i want to do this to myself?
What's the best and most bling fixie I can get for less than 1000 USD.
Retrospec Harper for first ever bike with moderate hills?
How do you feel about the surly steamroller?
At 8:33, are you wearing clipless shoes/pedals?
5:05 Some hubs don't have metal caps over sealed bearings like this - should this be taken into considerations when choosing bike or wheels?
The bearings have a rubber seal on the outside which prevents dirt from getting in. You should be fine either way.
I’ve watched premium rush like 8 times
What are the videos you reference at 3:36? "Mash and ______________ movies...."
The link for pure premium does not work anymore :|
Mustache! ... also what about Line of Sight for some good hype?
I want to start to commute and leave my motorcycle behind for a while, but I have never go more than 1 km on a bicycle, and im a little big haha, its fixie or gear better on this type of situation (never ride a bike more than just a sunday of recreation with family).
LuvlyBraixen Define big mate ;) I was 144kg and i still rode 10-15km almost every day. Now i am 113kg and just switched to fixed gear, i ride road, mtb and fix.
Can't wait for the comparison!
Can you make a comment about Taiwanese Nabiis- a2 bike frame?
Hey Zach I just found your channel and really dig it. I can't find it if you've covered it but do you have any experiance on converting a cheap second hand bike to a fixie?
I like DIY stuff and think I'm gonna go this route for my first fixed gear.
Research the topics of body armor(shoulder pads; knee pads; elbow pads; etc); broken clavicle injuries; and road rash.
I am looking to buy a miyata 912 single speed. It has 2 gears on the back. One on each side. Is one gear freestyle and one gear fixed? I have also seen a lot of videos that have that setup, but are only being used as fixed. Learning a lot from your vids so thanks!
all combinations are possible.
is it faster to bike on a fixed or 1 gear bike than a multi-gear bike? ( like a mountain bike?) Because I need a bike for speed, so I can get to work, or to somewhere I need as fast as possible. I currently have a 29" Genesis incline bike from Walmart (I'm 6 foot) , and It needs repairs after a week of use, the chain pops off sometimes and pedaling makes my knees so stiff that I can't use it. The pedal will actually loose pressure and pop off sometimes, only to catch the chain and hurt my foot! If it's a better investment to spend $500-$600 on building a fixed gear than repairing my bike, I'll take it! Even if I have to push it through Mountain terrain!
( The reason I always had a mountain bike, even as a kid, was because I thought more gears= Faster, and my mountain bike mad multiple gears, so i just stuck with it. It was hell to ride by high school, after years of use, and only now do I see the issue.)
What are teng tensioners?
I still show Premium Rush just to get friends hyped to ride any bike.
Yeah!! Riding a fixie is much fun! Than drugs😁💜
zach, is that your purple bike with the basket on it??
I'm looking to get a fixed gear. Anyone have any thoughts on the Fuji Track Classic?
George Patterson it's really heavy. But I ride aluminum so it probably feels a lot heavier to me
Hey zach. Does h plus son eero give a good benefit on headwind? Or its just pure weight?
Or do a review about hplusson eero please thanks!
I haven’t even been riding a bike for a complete year yet, and I’ve dropped 2,000+ dollars on fixed gear parts and etc, it is truly and addiction
6:20 those are not midsection wheels. In Europe we have two major types of rims, single disc and double disc. Double disc rims are durable, while single disc rims are used mainly for city bikes, hybrid bikes that never go fast, and are mainly used by women or old men. The rims in 6:20 are single disc and it's the worst thing you can do to a fixie, anyway you will need to change them in less than a year since they can be fixed up to a certain degree...
Curious about the sacramento meet up...couldnt get the day off for it
It's was a lot of fun! About 20 people showed up for a 20 mile ride. I'll probably do more in the future.
Hey, Zach! As much as I would love to ride my bike every day to be reasonably dangerous, I live deep in the fiery depth of Florida. In the summer, the heat and the humidity are soul-crushing. Do you know of any indoor stationary trainers that are compatible for fixed gear bikes?
Cullen Murphy all rollers should be fixed compatible.
lol at using an adidas boost shoe for cycling. look at that sole flex at 7:49!
what is the bike at 2:22
What's the best way to explain the mechanics of stopping while in fixed mode to someone interested in fixies?
You have to ride with straps for foot retention .while riding you have to put more weight toward the front of your bike I would say to push your lead foot down while pulling your other foot upward
Fixed vs single? Pedals do not stop?
I got my first fixed gear Cinelli Smash about 650 euros, My first time riding today, it's hard
IS FIXIE GOOD FOR 40KM RIDE?
Can you send me a link or where to watch this movies please . Thank you
Xmovies8.com sound like a porn site but no.
Just bought a vintage bianchi frame gonna make a fixie and ride it!
Hi fellow cyclists. I'm having problems motivating myself to go out of the house and go on a nice and long cycling tour with one of my bikes. I have no fixie (yet) but I do have a communter/trekking bike, a MTB and a race bike. I ride my bike every day to work 12km in total but besides that I bike not that much as a I used to say a year ago. I don't really know why that is. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I live alone and mostly used to ride on my own. But I don't want to ride on my own that much anymore. I also work late shifts and work sometimes during the weekend so meeting with friends to go cycling together is a problem. Doe you also sometimes struggle with the same problem? Thanks in advance for any good tips.
Join a MTB or cycling club. Go on fixed gear spins... You'll meet people with the same time constraints and always have a riding buddy.
"can't stop... Won't stop"
"be reasonably dangerous"
Equally cheesy and equally awesome to say! 👊
Nice stach
😆😆premium rush got me into it
I can skiddd nowwwww!!
The ghost of Errol Flynn approves that ‘stache!!
How about State Bicycle?
My 1st fixed gear was the kilo tt because of you
Hey Zach, tell beginners the difference between 'sealed' and sealed cartridge bearings!
read the manwha windbreaker that motivated me to ride fixed gear lol
is riding free gear ok?
Pure nothing... If you are empathetically recommending a beginner fixed gear I can't understand why you wouldn't suggest the Fuji Feather. The Feather is such a dope frame, bringing back the old school with a threaded headset begging for a Nitto Pearl... The upgrades on that thing are limitless.
The Fuji Feather is such a slept on bike... When I see one in the wild, my Wabi gets kinda itchy and my Steamroller feels like a fatso.
Catastrophe Merchant he's recommended them feather in the past. Mine just got stolen or the fourth 😭😭😭
The Fuji Feather is also a great entry level bike if you can get it for around $400 (in the U.S.). I haven't recommended it lately since the price varies widely between $500-600. I agree, it's an underrated bike.
You're absolutely right... I still had it in my mind that the Feather retailed for around $400. I see now that they are MSRPing the thing at $550. You are more knowledgeable in this area of the market than me, but if someone can spend $550 on an entry level, complete, fixed bike, I would probably nudge them in a different direction.
It's a shame that Wabi's start at close to $900 now. When the Classic was around $650 it was such an easy recommendation. Though I kinda feel happy with the price I paid for my Special now :)
No one plugs quicksilver wtf?! Kevin bacon my dudes.
Mikey Likesit less relevant to fixed gear riding, more relevant to messenger culture.
That opening scene with NYC's own Nelson Vails racing a taxi.
I ride single gear bike, maybe in the future I will turn my rear wheel and ride fixed gear.