I get what you're saying. I've ridden brakeless for a few years too. Even though skill level is an important factor in avoiding mishaps, not being able to slow down quickly is objectively less safe than putting on a front brake
@@mikel4526 the common argument for riding brakeless is that it makes you a better rider because you have to be much more aware of your surroundings and have really good intuition and skill to get yourself out of jams. The argument for riding with at least a front brake is that the front brake provides more efficient stopping power than the rear wheel alone. The front brakes of any vehicle will always provide more stopping power than the rear because that's just physics. I'd say both arguments have value. Knowing your surroundings and having really good reflexes are a super great asset to have, but the ability to quickly come to a stop is immeasurable in value out on the streets, especially on decents or if your chain falls off unexpectedly. Also lot of people ride brakeless purely for the adrenaline rush or just for ego. Both of those are personal choices and don't really hold objective value
@@justinbocchino5141 Using a rubber mallet is objectively safer than a regular hammer, so why do we see most professionals and DIYers using steel ones most of the time? Does the high degree of safety a rubber mallet affords make the regular hammer "dangerous"? A bike is a tool and people should use tools appropriate for their skill level and application. You can put all the guards and handles you want on an angle grinder, if you're a novice holding your work piece in your hand while you cut/grind you're still being more dangerous than the experienced fellow with no guards or handle and his work piece in a vise. Ideally you would follow good practices AND have the safest equipment, but the gear doesn't make the man. IMO the rider's brain is much more important than the ability to stop 2 seconds faster, and riding brakeless for adrenaline rush or ego implies that the rider is not actually safety minded, regardless of the lip service they may pay. Lastly, you should know that riding skillfully is not about having "really good intuition and skill to get yourself out of jams" it's about never getting into those jams in the first place. The jams are where you need the brake lmao
@@tatwood93 I do understand your analogy with the hammers but maybe the stiffness of a metal hammer makes it more efficient and durable than a rubber one, thus making it arguably better, despite being more "dangerous." I guess that was my whole point, if you use one type of tool over another (hammers, saws, bikes, etc) , is it because one tool is more fun to use than the other or is it because it's more effective at getting the job done. For the average person who rides brakleless, they're probably going to be a little extra careful because they know they can't stop as quickly. This might slow down their average speed, thus getting them to their destination at a slower rate than if they slapped on a brake. That would mean their tool may not be as efficient as one with a brake. But some people use bikes for fun to feel free. Zach is definitely in this category and that's why he loves the feeling of no brakes. We do agree though that skill is extremeeeely important and should come above anything else. Riding brakeless essentially forces you to be hyper aware and I get that argument. Fuck it I'm taking the brake off my bike again. yeeeehaw
@@tatwood93 i think you are missing the point. Yes awarness is most important than a front brake. However when riding in traffic there is so many variable and people it's hard to be 100% focus a 100℅ of the time. For example i bike to work everyday through traffic for 15min. And specially if i am a bit tired it's so easy to miss a cue and get into those sketchy moment. That's why i keep a front brake (that and doing endos). Mistakes happen no matter how experienced and careful (ok if you ride 5mph all the time maybe not).
I fell because my chain broke going up hill, and Ended up with sprain ankle, and my chain ring inside my shin, scraped my tibia (I actually saw my tibia), and 5 deep wounds from my 50T … nothing to do with breaks
Hi Zack , listen , I’m a 65 year old Brit, I first started to ride a fixed gear so I could cycle with my wife on more equal terms. I’ve recently completed a supported tour, the length of Portugal on a 14kg 30 year old converted Raleigh Pioneer. Gearing 34/15 to cope with the northern hills. 20 people on the tour. S works tarmacs and Dogma f 10’s. Tried to talk me out of starting it. It’s too difficult they said…….. Turns out it wasn’t . 700 miles on a fixed gear, most difficult part was the controlled mountainous descents, I’d practised for this for two years, experimenting with different gearing . Love your comments and observations from accross the pond. Keep buttery smooth! John.
You are a legend mate, 65 and doing a tour like that fixed is very impressive. If I can remotely do anything similar at that age I'll be pretty happy with myself!
take it easy in heat.. Some days working as a messenger ears would be ringing & sweating while shivering... Those are signs to take it easy.. If not for air conditioning in offices I could have had a stroke.. lol.. know your limits.. whatever they are... riding is what will save humanity getting off fossil fuel...
I'm 63 and ride single speed with brakes. I've tried fixed and it is definitely a different way of riding just like you stated. I like riding fixed but not confident to do it on a regular basis. I think I'll stick to single speed but I do love the look of a stripped down fixed gear bike, so clean...pure. I don't run reds but stop signs, all the time. Liked your comment about the little windows to thread through, exactly. Not dangerous because you're continually scanning, high degree of situational awareness. Far more than most drivers of motor vehicles.
Almost crashed riding my gravel bike, since I am used to backpedaling to stop. For a moment I thought my cog sliped out until I remember I have brakes and I can coast. 🤣
@@techrvl9406 That also happened to me first time I rode fixed, now I make a conscious effort when switching to look at my handlebars if it has road shifters or just a single speed brake lever.
Agreed, I've only ever ridden fixed gear brakeless, but my bike not having the ability to stop in as short a time/distance as a braked bike is absolutely a disadvanage safety-wise. I ride slower and far less compared to my road bike (less than 10% of the total distance ), and I've still have far more near misses and accidents on the fixed gear, and almost every one I could see coming, but couldn't stop as fast as my road bike could. I love it, but it loses on practicallty and safety. Never forget, other road users get a vote as to whether you live or die.
@@dalailambda9420 so true. Riding is so much more fun when you can give yourself the chance to bomb down hills or even just approach intersections without fear of getting run over by cars. Fixed gear has improved my situational awareness because honestly I still prefer not to stop; starting is awkward when the pedals are in the wrong orientation.
@@Nouldes1 no amount of "reading traffic" stops children/dogs/cats from running out from behind a hedge in front of you. And "traffic" for me includes cattle and horses. I wouldn't want to round a corner and spook them into stampeding into me, or make a horse throw it's rider, potentially injuring them, even if I'm fine
I owned a fixed bike by accident for a few years. Eventually learned why I couldn’t stop pedalling. Got some straps. Started to really enjoy it. Started riding every day I could. Eventually I made it a game to use my brake-less. Once I hit 4-5 months without touching it I decided to remove it. Haven’t gone back and don’t plan to!
~2 decades riding fixed as a messenger, I now have a front disc brake on aluminum forks. Having your chain eventually break or fall off going down hill is not very pleasant & ruins expensive shoes jamming them between tire & frame to slow down... The Disc brake is really nice at taking the edge off in emergency or coming into a red light a bit hot.. I use 35c on front for dirt trails.... I won't use carbon, almost died with carbon forks slipping while turning in front of oncoming traffic that would have been far enough away if I didn't crash because of forks..
@@JitinMisra The bond between the aluminum & carbon on the crown & head tube was broken and it would slip about a quarter inch when turning..... This is not the only carbon that has failed me but it was the closest leading to injury, pretty much every thing I have ever had as carbon has failed.. so I won't use it anymore.. not even as a hood for a car which is about the only type of use I can accept... body panels... etc..etc.. nothing structural.. look at the Titan sub.. after enough use it failed...
@@bikinglikebecker that’s kind of wild and strange, Bc all the manufacturers are moving towards carbon. What brand of bike was it (mountain/ road etc) and brand ? My first bike which is a trek fx3 has a carbon fork, but never had issue. Recently bought a full trek carbon fx bike and really like it, but your experience does concern me.
4:00. For me the weirdest feeling bit is when you jump back on the “normal” freewheel and it doesn’t push back when you slow down. It happens even if its days after!
I've been riding fixed for over 15 years doing everything from daily commutes to centuries on weekends, MS150's, Giro Italia's, Alley Cat's, Scavenger Hunts and beer cruises. Confidence and knowing your abilities is key to riding fixed. That includes feeling the flow of traffic, being comfortable riding in and of it AND wearing a helmet. I've had some close calls mainly at intersections and when cars taking a right turn try to over take you and cut you off. I do a lot of predictive riding and pretty much prepare for the worse in my decision making if it comes to that.
I’ve had a fixed gear in my quiver of bikes for 35 years now. Only time I have ever ridden brakeless is on velodromes. Fixed gears are superb for recovery rides, and just a fun, kinetic experience. Due to many years of fixed gear riding I tend to pedal through corners and downhill, even on geared road bikes. Motor vehicles are number 1 hazard for cyclists, touching wheels or stationary objects are a distant second. I might be older and square, but my pedal stroke isn’t….
Same here when it comes to brakeless. Also everyone should visit and ride a Velodrome at least once in their "Fixie" lives. For Northern California that's Hellyer and they are always happy for people to come out on the beginners training ride day. It's amazing how much you'll learn from one day on the track.
It’s crazy since I started riding fixed, all of my bad accidents have been on my bikes with brakes lol. One on a mountain bike, and one on a road bike. You can see both of the crashes on my channel:,)
Just got into fixed 6 months ago. Rode road bikes for years prior. I commute everyday fixed now. I can finally slid kind of now but it took this long. Still can’t remove that front brake definitely not ready.
I rode road bikes for ~5 years. It took me 5 months to learn how to skid, and another year to get used to riding brakeless. I live in an area with many hills.
4 years of fixed riding and I only started crashing when I finally bought my dream bike 😂 50cm cinelli mash parallax.. never mind toe overlap this thing had crank overlap, it was an unrideable bike unless you only went straight, or skidded the back end round to turn every corner 🤦
What a great video Zach. I wish non cyclists would watch it to learn how proactive most of us cyclists are. Also it's the video I needed to watch because you just made me comfortable with the choice to ride my old Fuji track bike as a single speed. I'm 68 and don't have that much trust in my spaghetti legs to stop me as well as the reflexes in my hands. I just love being on a bike but I do know my limitations. Thanks again!
Zach inspired me to begin riding my newly built, brakeless Bianchi Super Pista. Had not ridden fixed for several years, and learned right away that I need to ease in to being clipped in. Getting back on fixed was not "just like riding a bike." RESPECT to you all!
After watching your videos, I became inspired to build my own. Because I live in a hilly town I did choose a single speed. I soon fell in love with the simplicity and artful elegance of the fixie lifestyle. Over the course of a year I learned that skinny tires are not for me. Next I built a single speed out of a 1986 MTB with 26x1.75 tires with a 38x22 gear ratio. That is a perfect fit for me.
I've ridden fixed gear for 10 years as well and I've hurt myself more with brakes than no brakes. I think it's because with brakes, I become over-confident whereas when I ride brakeless I am more cautious.
Seriously, I wound up putting a front brake on my Fuji because there are hills out here in Vegas that are JUST. TOO. STEEP. I don't have bad knees, but damn they make them hurt backpedaling while having an insanely high cadence.
After 30 years on other bikes , then a few years on a single speed , I have been on a brakeless fixie for about a week. I'm feel fine doing my normal daily rides. Very well said zack , peace brother.
I guess it depends on what limiting factor you want on your bike. in some way every bike has limits but fixed and brake less is just too low a limit for me. You ran into the back of that bus because your bike limited the choices you had at your disposal, i had similar situations where i slowed with the front brake then let off, threw the bike to one side, dropped my outside pedal and grabbed a handful of rear brake to slid the back to point the bike to direction i wanted to go, let go of the brake so i wouldn't high-side and pedaled off, all in one continuous motion. That's the kind of thing you can pull off with brakes, a freewheel and practice.
I love the fine control fixed gear gives you, but never got the obsession with one brake/brakeless... nothing wrong with brakes, just best of both worlds, imho. I don't like the inability to coast, though, that slows you down, significantly. If you wanna really slip in and outta traffic, especially in dense cities, gotta coast, man... there are times where you gotta focus on shifting your body or bike in ways that fixies can't allow. I like how it's like super easy to trackstand, how you feel connected to the bike, like it's an "iron horse".
I started riding fixed this year as a new years challenge, its only as dangerous as you make it or depending on your level of hindsight and general common sense. Its the same as asking if swimming is dangerous. If you can barely stay afloat, obviously its dangerous.
i rode fixed for a year and bought an elites roadie race bike to keep up with the group and people told me im crazy for pedaling while cornering, its hard to switch back from those habits.
I've been riding a fixie in an old European city with constant traffic jams and narrow roads for 6 years now. Plus, the entire city center is filled with tram tracks. During this time, I broke several wheels, one frame and fell many times
i ride fixed with a front brake, most of the time I'm riding brakeless, slowing down only with skids or using my feet, but I can confidently say that having a front brake have saved me a couple of times, especially in situations that it was out of my control: cars or pedestrians being reckless
Not many fixie points for me. Running both front AND back brakes. But then again I do live in West Yorkshire and of hills, well there are many, quite a few steep. I have been riding fixed (not exclusively though) since I was 14, borrowing my dad's bike to get to school. During his early adult life he toured the UK and Ireland on a fixed. I have had my current fixie since 2005. Reynolds 853 tubing (was British racing green, now hot orange), compact geometry, Open Pro wheels on Ambrosio hubs, Continenteal GP 4 Seasons 25mm (the biggest I can fit with mudguard, which are essential where I live unless you enjoy the experience of a wet arse), and ultra comfortable Brooks Swallow Ti saddle (a recent upgrade). Bars are On One Midge, which are an early type of gravel bar, which really help with breathing when climbing steep hills and pedals are Look mountain bike ones. Gear is a relatively low 66"ish. I have done a few 100 plus milers on this bike, but not for a while, the record being 120 in a day. Where I live really a fixed does not make any sense, but when I ride it I always come away with both a smile on my face and an enormous sense of achievement (those hills again!). BTW I am currently 57 years old, so make of that what you will.
Fixed gear is fun and for beginners do take this man's notes and don't rush, have a feel with your bike and drive it around and please put front break on just incase. Don't listen to your friends that got you into fixed gear and saying skidding is easy. And do practice stopping without skidding, good exercise for your legs and core and also your wallet. Tires are kind of expensive this days
Super glad that it hasn’t been dangerous for you. But like you said, for most riders, I would be dumbfounded if the statistics didn’t show a MUCH higher risk per capita, including for the drivers/fellow bikers sharing the road with you.
I ride fixed and always have a front brake, it's mainly used for emergency or situation where I need assistance stopping the bike, honestly I wouldn't mind have a rear brake aswell, but unfortunately my felt tk3 only has a front brake mount
I originally switched to fixed gear riding for better cardio workouts. The amount of coasting done riding on a road bike (or using a freewheel) felt like "cheating" while trying to get a good cardio workout. A 100mile ride on a fixed gear is way more intense than on any other bike with multiple gears. Good Luck on the next 800 mile bike tour attempt.
I use my fixed gear now as a daily commuter and as a recovery bike for off days to cruise through the city, I love my road bike for being able to clock in multiple hour rides with +70 km distances per time, but the fixed gear is a super relaxed cruise but I stopped riding brakeless as my knees started to hurt uncessery.
I ride fixed everyday! Been doing it for years now with no injuries, so far. A few weeks ago I injured my shoulder, cut my forehead, and bruised my elbow after tripping over a ladder….walking! Anyway, enjoy your channel. Oh, and I ride my bikes with front brakes, but not for safety…I’m 53 years old.
Having only ever been a single-speed rider (had one geared bike as a kid with some wacked-out stick shifter that I never used) I always had a sneaking suspicion that fixed gear would be my jam. Year after year I would find myself one click away from purchasing a State bike during their Black Friday sale, but could never fully commit. It was only this past March that I finally took the plunge, upgrading my Priority Ace (of Spades) to a fixed gear... and that was that. These past few months have been far and away the most fun I've ever had with cycling. When I fractured a toe about a month ago doing something unrelated, I decided to flip-flop back to single-speed to keep forces to a minimum on the still healing toe. It lasted exactly two rides, largely for safety concerns, as it actually felt way more dangerous to me to transition from fixed to single-speed, than it did going from single-speed to fixed.
@Bebo Believe you me, I know how dumb it sounds. All the same, that was the least safe I have ever felt riding a bicycle. The best way I could describe it is... have you ever gone to sit on a familiar toilet in the middle of the night, but the seat was raised? You may only be dropping an extra inch further down but, in the moment, it can feel like half a foot. That was me every time I attempted to backpedal to slow down. The first time was intense enough that I thought I was going Endo.
@@Huntor9 Visually, it suffers greatly in the 'fixie points' department, but the belt drive is worth its weight in gold. I estimate I've put around 6000 miles on the Ace, of which the last 2500 have been as s fixed gear. Zero maintenance. Like, at all... and the drivetrain is still as silent today as it was post-unboxing... and by silent, I mean SILENT. I can't even describe it better than that. Between that and the Thickslicks it comes standard with, I have legitimately snuck up to within 10' of deer grazing along my city's bike path. If belt-compatible frames were more common, I would never ride a chain again. Since this posting I've also built up the Soma Rush of my dreams, and it has honestly been hard for me to justify actually riding it instead of the Ace, purely from a maintenance and noise-level standpoint.
I mean. It comes with the territory tbh. I honestly prefer riding in the streets instead of the sidewalk, because I find it riding on the sidewalk is a bit more unsafe for me. But I would not recommend anyone who's new to do the same as I do. Just be comfortable at your lvl. That begin said. I don't run red lights. But I do slow down to see if i'm good to pass by. Thats pretty much it. I just don't wanna stop my momentum too much. Big body over here. But on a serious note. I love your videos man. Stay bless bro
When I was a kid back in the 80s, I had one of those knock-off BMX bikes you could get at Target or Kmart for less than $100. It was single gear and had no hand breaks, but there was a breaking mechanism in the rear axle that activated when petaling backwards. Does that make that bike technically a fixed gear?
You have a safety factor of 1, if you drive chain or legs "fail" there is no back up, high level of maintenance is a must. Therefore, for most, I recommend a front brake. However, I think its your personally your choice along with your helmet.
Unfortunately, when you ride in public areas with unpredictable people, fixed gear is objectively less safe for an equally skilled rider. Fun to ride otherwise.
Great to read so many contributors ride fixed or s/s with brakes.No brakes is a non starter and wide handlebars equally dangerous,especially in dense traffic...Not clever....
Only time I really had an accident riding fixed was when my bike had a toe overlap. Was in an empty road that almost had no traffic, tried skidding after a little sprint and yep that toe overlap did it. Made me 180 in the air before smacking my back on the road. Had a minor knee scratch and that was it lol. It has been 5 years ago since that happened.
41 and been riding fixed for 1 year and front brake. I find I ride more focused and slower than my road bike, which means I ride safer as I know I can't stop as quick.
Got bucked off last night, muscle memory kicked in threading a needle on a ride I always take, and I committed tmto coasting. Immediately left a hefty amount of flesh on the pavement. I switched my pure cycle back to single speed, and bandaged up. Currently I dressing my wounds with a new respect for fixies
ive been riding for about 2 years on and off but really fell in love with fixed gear about a year ago and only recently had a semi serious injury, some context, i bomb hills whip skid tight corners and weave in and out of traffic so i know my barriers of what i can do fixed gear i feel the most comforable on my bike, ok so the injury started because my friend and i were going to go to our local bike shop together and i was going to lead until we go onto a certain path because from there its easy but i have lived where i do my whole life so i took off and he put in both earbuds full volume i didnt know that, then he cut ahead of me into my front right vision and i didnt think to leave enough space between us as i should have so i yelled go straight 3x to go to the shop and he made a right turn and i ran into his rear tire both straps on fell face foward and started to drip blood off of my face and get stitches eventually. so i feel if i had breaks i could have not gotten hurt but also, if i had given myself space to react from him incase anything. so really fixed gear isnt a dangerous thing you just need to always be aware and know your limits and what you can do on your bike. thats really all it takes.
congratulation on you work, I think you are a big contribution to educating people on bicycles and making it better for everyone. Personally -as a biker and bike des/fab- fixies are as dangerous as firearms. safe as long as they are safe, and unsafe the millisecond they become unsafe. No need to get around them unless youre highly trained and/or is a work tool. No need to take that kind of a risk when ist so esay and cheap to have a stealth AND safe brake, same goes for the freewheel. Best regards from Chile. Keep on with your good videos, peace V.
Zach is right! It's not the bike that is inherently dangerous, It's the rider and his bad decisions that make it dangerous! And one of those bad decisions is to ride "BRAKELESS" No matter how good you are skidding to a stop in a very stiff decent or traffic emergency you will not be able to stop on time using your legs! I barely use them but there has been occasions that if not for the brakes... disaster!!!
The issue is not injuring yourself…….. It injuring others such as pedestrians whilst riding brake less In the Uk if you ride brake less and injure someone or even kill them the legal consequences are severe. The legal system will punish a cyclist much stronger than that a driver. Kill someone whilst on a fixed gear and brake less, the cyclist would get charged with manslaughter, regardless who’s fault the collision was. In the UK we have a ‘hierarchy of road users’ and this places a legal responsibility of cyclists over that of the most risk group - pedestrians
I bought a single speed bike thanks to your channel! 😃 It has a flip flop hub for fix gear riding, although Im not brave enough yet to try it out lol 😅
Flip it. You dont know what youre missing. Just ride around at a walking speed and see how you have such control in deceleration as acceleration simply by standing up. Actually, take your seat off to start. All the best stuff happens out of the seat, and you will be amazed at your control and what speeds it actually takes to break friction with the road
Im 23 and have been riding fixed (2003 Bianchi Pista) for a month now, my first week I fell over 10 times getting used to it and on my second week realized 700c tires aren't good for going up curbs as I flipped over my handlebars sticking my hand in the front wheel spokes and landed on my shoulder. Ever since however ik what my bike and I can do together and haven't had a problem since. I do miss coasting but it really does make you a better rider, I think you should definitely try it when you're ready
Flip it!Fixed gear ride is 1 of the best experience.I started it to fitt me,couse im a horserider n i have no time to cicle arround europe all day:)But now it becomes a love with fixeds.So dont worry just do it!
According to Sheldon Brown it's actually better to start with fixed cog and if it doesn't grow on you, finally flip to freewheel side. I wish I would have followed that advice sooner!
Thanks for a very frank assessment. I am recovering from a stroke. My left hand is paralyzed. I am still considering the implications.(0aw hell, you. Know that I will get there.)
I’ve been riding fixed a few years now and still keep a front brake. I can’t leave my house without going down a steep hill. It’s the only time I use the brake.
I have been riding my fixed gear for 7 years now. First two weeks I kept my front brake on its place but soon I took it of. That was the best decision ever. It isn’t that dangerous to ride brakeless but you need to be aware of your surroundings and things happening around you
When I ride fixed gear my fear of the bike is somehow getting caught up in the chain. That would be very bad .Makes me think of fixed gear as kind of a table saw. You have to always give it the respect it deserves. And always at least a front break it does no harm to the experience.
Fixed gears are fun but you have to respect them. Make sure you don't get your finger in the rear cog or front gear when you work on them. A good way to loose your fingers. Wear shoes with no shoe laces, fixies will pull you right off the seat if your shoe lace gets in the front gear. And check your pedals for being tight. World of trouble if a pedal comes loose. But they are great gun.
I'm sorry, but arguing that the safety of riding brakeless comes down to the rider's ability alone is pure copium. Brakeless bikes are inherently much less safe than bikes equipped with at least a front brake. You could be the best and most skilled fixed gear cyclist in the world and my statement would still hold true. There is so much that can happen in traffic, well outside of your control and having a reliable emergency fallback (a brake) to come to a quick stop will always reign supreme over pretentious talk about "skill". Just use a damn brake, even if you consider yourself experienced! There is literally only a single advantage to running your bike brakeless: it looks clean af. That's it. And if you just came out and told me that you rode brakeless for no other reason than the looks, I'd respect that. But trying to make the case that having no brakes is actually safe is just stupid... sorry. I've been riding fixed for close to ten years now and I still have the front brake on all of my bikes. I rarely use it, but I am glad to have it just in case.
i can't agree more. if you want to crash into a car, truck or bus and damage yourself because you don't run brakes - live love laugh it up. but hitting a pedestrian because you don't want to run brakes is not acceptable. 190lbs (me on a bike) at speed can do a lot of damage to a human. not interested in that scenario
After too many scrapes with complete nutters here in Berlin I went drastic with the remodeling of the steed. White industries Uno 17 tooth freewheel, Ciamillo GLS Micro Brakes, SRAM S500 levers finished off with some rather nice BLB carbon weave outer cable. Bike stops on a penny, sounds fantastic when freewheeling, looks very sexy with the high end bling brakes.
I ride on bike paths with Pedestrians, dogs , scooters and CHILDREN . I choose to have fully functional disk brakes on my geared up E bike even with a bell I call out “ Hello bike rider “ to the little old ladies. But then again I am a very old retired motorcycle rider who has seen “ the damage done “
0:55 your lucky the traffic wasnt moving. Fixies are exceptionally dangerous in the snowy winters, you would need to winterize your bike setup if you want to commute.
I moved back to A burb a few years ago, I am the Fixed gear rider. All the kitted out roadies push themselves way harder around me. I think they are intimidated by the "fixie" guy. Riding on a paved trail is such a vast comparison to riding in Milwaukee or even Madison for that matter. it's such a calm ride, and you can rip. What am I talking about I only rip.
Honestly a single speed with a White Ind freewheel feels almost as responsive as fixie no brakes can't stop don't want to either. Can have a fun responsive bike and not be a hazard in an urban environment at the same time!
You said it, fixed gear riding is dangerous when you're riding (fast) with other fixed riders and start making decisions you won't normally. Related PS: bring a team to the Warriors NYC ride. Holy shit what a blast.
I get it that fixed gear is dangerous, but I can't put back the brake which is I throw since around months of riding my bike. Before I have front brakes, I get a lot of crashes to the point that I don't wanna longer ride it, so I decided "fck it "I ride it brakeless which is help me to more aware of the roads and prevents me from crashing, since brakeless I crash around 4 times, helmets really saves you also learning to how to fall. Fixed gear really helps me being a rider even on my motorcycle, really helps to be always aware on the road.
by every measurement, riding a bike without brakes will always be objectively less safe than riding with brakes. Your "awareness" does you no good when something unexpected happens, and braking is the only way out.
It depends on speed. Above certain speed maneuvering and/or accelerating can be safer bet. To rely on brakes one has to master them. Using brakes only at emergency is a sure way to get into trouble e.g. going over bars or not being able to stop before collision.
I recently helped a friend out with his single speed, I hoped on it thinking it was fixed so constantly peddling and it messed with my brain when I was able to cost. 10/10 hated it love my fix. Another great vid man! Brakes=death I’m much more of an aware rider since going brakeless.
Greetings from Croatia 😎 Some time ago (I'm 39), I was riding fixed gear bikes,and I didn't even know! The bikes in Croatia 20 something years ago,a former Yugoslavia, were in the great majority, fixed gear! Man and woman's! You could only pedal forward,all the time,and you could break with the cranks 🤣 It was the most normal thing for me! In the beginning of the 90's, people started selling and buying bikes with gears on the bikes, and... I never considered fixies dangerous! They are more expensive then they use to be,do! Hahaha 😂 Atm, I'm riding SS bikes,but, hopefully, I'll build me a one decent fixie 😁
lol zach this is kind of a bad video, you have to understand the influence you have and youtube is mostly a younger audience. Iv rode brakeless, braked, tandems, bromptons, everything. Brakeless isnt a "step up" or even something to strive for, its just a decision you can make if your riding area can justify it and if you have a lot of time on fixed gear and prefer it. "gotta run red lights and stop signs cuz no brakes #fixielyfe" doesnt make anyone look good.
I was hit by someone doing 50+ while in my carbon road bike on my morning ride a couple years ago. Still here. Yes, I was wearing my helmet. Fractured my back in a few spots, but I am recovering well.
Yeah I live in london where you need to be able to stop on a dime at any moment so my brakes are staying on, also in the uk it's against the law to ride without 2 effective braking measures
Life is dangerous, nobody gets out alive. In another video you said you didn't like the whole thinking about which gear to be in and optimization. However you are talking about doing a lot of thinking and adjusting ahead of time. Deciding what you can and can't (or shouldn't) do before you do it. But if you have gears and brakes and can coast you can be more adaptable on the fly. You don't have to be as worried about if you've done it before. You can get a little sketchy and more easily back off if you realize it's not good or not for you. I'm not saying you shouldn't do what you do, just that there are different kinds of fun to be had on all kinds of bikes.
Personally speaking, far too dangerous here in West Berlin riding pure fixie for me. Tourist doing mad stuff, big powerful Mercedes, BMW etc racing each other to the next traffic light, Taxis, Buses, fucking idiots on e Scooters everywhere. I'm just recovering from being twatted by a Taxi. So guys n gals today I'm installing a lovely set of Ciamillo GLS micro rim brakes with a custom pink flash colour 190 grams for the set these will be paired with Sram s500 levers with some BLB carbon weave outer cables. I thought If I'm gonna run brakes I'm going all in. Ride safe fam, ride safe. ♥️♥️♥️
I very ridden fixed gear for 6 years not a single accident. I build a nice geared racing bike already had a crash. Fixed gear are more safe. Because you constantly engaged in pedal movement it makes you more aware of your bike of your pavement. Just like u can't stop moving ur legs u can't stop ur awareness on a fixed gear. But on a geared bike it is much easier to ride u can stop pedaling and automatically stop looking ahead as much as u would be forced to do on a fixed gear.
Awkward moment when I ride my fixie with front and rear brakes because I've never used clipless pedals and I don't like straps as I can never get my feet into them...
I think it's reasonable to say riding brakeless is objectively less safe.
I concur.
Agreed.
doesn't take a genius to realize this but if you're too fixie brained, I guess those brain cells stop working well
@@TheSpaceBrosShow Why you hating
Exactly. It's just bro-flexing and thus beneath adult behavior
I get what you're saying. I've ridden brakeless for a few years too. Even though skill level is an important factor in avoiding mishaps, not being able to slow down quickly is objectively less safe than putting on a front brake
Can you provide more detail to support your statement?
@@mikel4526 the common argument for riding brakeless is that it makes you a better rider because you have to be much more aware of your surroundings and have really good intuition and skill to get yourself out of jams. The argument for riding with at least a front brake is that the front brake provides more efficient stopping power than the rear wheel alone. The front brakes of any vehicle will always provide more stopping power than the rear because that's just physics. I'd say both arguments have value. Knowing your surroundings and having really good reflexes are a super great asset to have, but the ability to quickly come to a stop is immeasurable in value out on the streets, especially on decents or if your chain falls off unexpectedly. Also lot of people ride brakeless purely for the adrenaline rush or just for ego. Both of those are personal choices and don't really hold objective value
@@justinbocchino5141 Using a rubber mallet is objectively safer than a regular hammer, so why do we see most professionals and DIYers using steel ones most of the time? Does the high degree of safety a rubber mallet affords make the regular hammer "dangerous"? A bike is a tool and people should use tools appropriate for their skill level and application. You can put all the guards and handles you want on an angle grinder, if you're a novice holding your work piece in your hand while you cut/grind you're still being more dangerous than the experienced fellow with no guards or handle and his work piece in a vise. Ideally you would follow good practices AND have the safest equipment, but the gear doesn't make the man. IMO the rider's brain is much more important than the ability to stop 2 seconds faster, and riding brakeless for adrenaline rush or ego implies that the rider is not actually safety minded, regardless of the lip service they may pay. Lastly, you should know that riding skillfully is not about having "really good intuition and skill to get yourself out of jams" it's about never getting into those jams in the first place. The jams are where you need the brake lmao
@@tatwood93 I do understand your analogy with the hammers but maybe the stiffness of a metal hammer makes it more efficient and durable than a rubber one, thus making it arguably better, despite being more "dangerous." I guess that was my whole point, if you use one type of tool over another (hammers, saws, bikes, etc) , is it because one tool is more fun to use than the other or is it because it's more effective at getting the job done. For the average person who rides brakleless, they're probably going to be a little extra careful because they know they can't stop as quickly. This might slow down their average speed, thus getting them to their destination at a slower rate than if they slapped on a brake. That would mean their tool may not be as efficient as one with a brake. But some people use bikes for fun to feel free. Zach is definitely in this category and that's why he loves the feeling of no brakes. We do agree though that skill is extremeeeely important and should come above anything else. Riding brakeless essentially forces you to be hyper aware and I get that argument. Fuck it I'm taking the brake off my bike again. yeeeehaw
@@tatwood93 i think you are missing the point. Yes awarness is most important than a front brake. However when riding in traffic there is so many variable and people it's hard to be 100% focus a 100℅ of the time. For example i bike to work everyday through traffic for 15min. And specially if i am a bit tired it's so easy to miss a cue and get into those sketchy moment. That's why i keep a front brake (that and doing endos). Mistakes happen no matter how experienced and careful (ok if you ride 5mph all the time maybe not).
watching this at home after just getting thrown over the bars hits different
But is the bike ok?
Lmao damn I’m sorry dude. I’m watching this after the first ride of the season. Ass bone is deff hurting…
I fell because my chain broke going up hill, and Ended up with sprain ankle, and my chain ring inside my shin, scraped my tibia (I actually saw my tibia), and 5 deep wounds from my 50T … nothing to do with breaks
I'm curious to know how?
Recently I broke my leg riding on a rainy night
Hi Zack , listen , I’m a 65 year old Brit, I first started to ride a fixed gear so I could cycle with my wife on more equal terms. I’ve recently completed a supported tour, the length of Portugal on a 14kg 30 year old converted Raleigh Pioneer. Gearing 34/15 to cope with the northern hills. 20 people on the tour. S works tarmacs and Dogma f 10’s. Tried to talk me out of starting it. It’s too difficult they said…….. Turns out it wasn’t . 700 miles on a fixed gear, most difficult part was the controlled mountainous descents, I’d practised for this for two years, experimenting with different gearing . Love your comments and observations from accross the pond. Keep buttery smooth! John.
You are a legend mate, 65 and doing a tour like that fixed is very impressive. If I can remotely do anything similar at that age I'll be pretty happy with myself!
I could only hope that I'll be at that level of fitness at the age of 65 🤯
take it easy in heat.. Some days working as a messenger ears would be ringing & sweating while shivering... Those are signs to take it easy.. If not for air conditioning in offices I could have had a stroke.. lol.. know your limits.. whatever they are... riding is what will save humanity getting off fossil fuel...
I'm 63 and ride single speed with brakes. I've tried fixed and it is definitely a different way of riding just like you stated. I like riding fixed but not confident to do it on a regular basis. I think I'll stick to single speed but I do love the look of a stripped down fixed gear bike, so clean...pure. I don't run reds but stop signs, all the time. Liked your comment about the little windows to thread through, exactly. Not dangerous because you're continually scanning, high degree of situational awareness. Far more than most drivers of motor vehicles.
i'm 35 years old. have a front brake but love fixed gear so much!
Almost crashed riding my gravel bike, since I am used to backpedaling to stop. For a moment I thought my cog sliped out until I remember I have brakes and I can coast. 🤣
lool omg or standing up to hard coast on a fixie and almost bucking off the bike
@@techrvl9406 That also happened to me first time I rode fixed, now I make a conscious effort when switching to look at my handlebars if it has road shifters or just a single speed brake lever.
@@techrvl9406 I did that bc I was riding fixed and daydreaming about riding BMX lmao
Having a brake does not stop you from riding brakeless. It just makes your bike A LOT safer.
Agreed, I've only ever ridden fixed gear brakeless, but my bike not having the ability to stop in as short a time/distance as a braked bike is absolutely a disadvanage safety-wise.
I ride slower and far less compared to my road bike (less than 10% of the total distance ), and I've still have far more near misses and accidents on the fixed gear, and almost every one I could see coming, but couldn't stop as fast as my road bike could. I love it, but it loses on practicallty and safety.
Never forget, other road users get a vote as to whether you live or die.
@@dalailambda9420 so true. Riding is so much more fun when you can give yourself the chance to bomb down hills or even just approach intersections without fear of getting run over by cars. Fixed gear has improved my situational awareness because honestly I still prefer not to stop; starting is awkward when the pedals are in the wrong orientation.
this entire topic is Ego based and pointless.
the idea of brakeless comes from indoor velo track riding where brakes arent needed.
@@dalailambda9420 you are cycling and reacting to the situation as supposed to reading traffic and avoiding a bad situation all together
@@Nouldes1 no amount of "reading traffic" stops children/dogs/cats from running out from behind a hedge in front of you. And "traffic" for me includes cattle and horses. I wouldn't want to round a corner and spook them into stampeding into me, or make a horse throw it's rider, potentially injuring them, even if I'm fine
I owned a fixed bike by accident for a few years. Eventually learned why I couldn’t stop pedalling. Got some straps. Started to really enjoy it. Started riding every day I could. Eventually I made it a game to use my brake-less. Once I hit 4-5 months without touching it I decided to remove it. Haven’t gone back and don’t plan to!
~2 decades riding fixed as a messenger, I now have a front disc brake on aluminum forks.
Having your chain eventually break or fall off going down hill is not very pleasant & ruins expensive shoes jamming them between tire & frame to slow down...
The Disc brake is really nice at taking the edge off in emergency or coming into a red light a bit hot.. I use 35c on front for dirt trails....
I won't use carbon, almost died with carbon forks slipping while turning in front of oncoming traffic that would have been far enough away if I didn't crash because of forks..
@@bikinglikebeckerwhat do you mean carbon fork slipping? Did the carbon fork break? People mountain bike and jump of 10feet jumps with carbon bikes
@@JitinMisra The bond between the aluminum & carbon on the crown & head tube was broken and it would slip about a quarter inch when turning..... This is not the only carbon that has failed me but it was the closest leading to injury, pretty much every thing I have ever had as carbon has failed.. so I won't use it anymore.. not even as a hood for a car which is about the only type of use I can accept... body panels... etc..etc.. nothing structural.. look at the Titan sub.. after enough use it failed...
@@bikinglikebecker that’s kind of wild and strange, Bc all the manufacturers are moving towards carbon. What brand of bike was it (mountain/ road etc) and brand ? My first bike which is a trek fx3 has a carbon fork, but never had issue. Recently bought a full trek carbon fx bike and really like it, but your experience does concern me.
@@bikinglikebecker where is the “titan sub”?
4:00. For me the weirdest feeling bit is when you jump back on the “normal” freewheel and it doesn’t push back when you slow down. It happens even if its days after!
I've been riding fixed for over 15 years doing everything from daily commutes to centuries on weekends, MS150's, Giro Italia's, Alley Cat's, Scavenger Hunts and beer cruises. Confidence and knowing your abilities is key to riding fixed. That includes feeling the flow of traffic, being comfortable riding in and of it AND wearing a helmet. I've had some close calls mainly at intersections and when cars taking a right turn try to over take you and cut you off. I do a lot of predictive riding and pretty much prepare for the worse in my decision making if it comes to that.
I’ve had a fixed gear in my quiver of bikes for 35 years now. Only time I have ever ridden brakeless is on velodromes. Fixed gears are superb for recovery rides, and just a fun, kinetic experience.
Due to many years of fixed gear riding I tend to pedal through corners and downhill, even on geared road bikes.
Motor vehicles are number 1 hazard for cyclists, touching wheels or stationary objects are a distant second.
I might be older and square, but my pedal stroke isn’t….
Same here when it comes to brakeless. Also everyone should visit and ride a Velodrome at least once in their "Fixie" lives. For Northern California that's Hellyer and they are always happy for people to come out on the beginners training ride day. It's amazing how much you'll learn from one day on the track.
It’s crazy since I started riding fixed, all of my bad accidents have been on my bikes with brakes lol. One on a mountain bike, and one on a road bike. You can see both of the crashes on my channel:,)
Just got into fixed 6 months ago. Rode road bikes for years prior. I commute everyday fixed now. I can finally slid kind of now but it took this long. Still can’t remove that front brake definitely not ready.
I rode road bikes for ~5 years. It took me 5 months to learn how to skid, and another year to get used to riding brakeless. I live in an area with many hills.
4 years of fixed riding and I only started crashing when I finally bought my dream bike 😂 50cm cinelli mash parallax.. never mind toe overlap this thing had crank overlap, it was an unrideable bike unless you only went straight, or skidded the back end round to turn every corner 🤦
What a great video Zach. I wish non cyclists would watch it to learn how proactive most of us cyclists are. Also it's the video I needed to watch because you just made me comfortable with the choice to ride my old Fuji track bike as a single speed. I'm 68 and don't have that much trust in my spaghetti legs to stop me as well as the reflexes in my hands. I just love being on a bike but I do know my limitations. Thanks again!
As a fixed gear rider running with no brakes, the thought of my chain failing whenever Im going downhill will be something I cant take off my mind
Zach inspired me to begin riding my newly built, brakeless Bianchi Super Pista. Had not ridden fixed for several years, and learned right away that I need to ease in to being clipped in. Getting back on fixed was not "just like riding a bike." RESPECT to you all!
I use speedplays on my fixed gear bike.
After watching your videos, I became inspired to build my own. Because I live in a hilly town I did choose a single speed. I soon fell in love with the simplicity and artful elegance of the fixie lifestyle. Over the course of a year I learned that skinny tires are not for me. Next I built a single speed out of a 1986 MTB with 26x1.75 tires with a 38x22 gear ratio. That is a perfect fit for me.
I've ridden fixed gear for 10 years as well and I've hurt myself more with brakes than no brakes. I think it's because with brakes, I become over-confident whereas when I ride brakeless I am more cautious.
Makes sense, I suppose. The only way to be somewhat-safe brakeless is to be hyper aware defensive rider
Yes I can relate to this, for me works for helmet as well
Seriously, I wound up putting a front brake on my Fuji because there are hills out here in Vegas that are JUST. TOO. STEEP. I don't have bad knees, but damn they make them hurt backpedaling while having an insanely high cadence.
After 30 years on other bikes , then a few years on a single speed , I have been on a brakeless fixie for about a week. I'm feel fine doing my normal daily rides. Very well said zack , peace brother.
First, and if you run brakeless you're just being stubborn guys. If nothing else, its an extra hand position..
I guess it depends on what limiting factor you want on your bike. in some way every bike has limits but fixed and brake less is just too low a limit for me. You ran into the back of that bus because your bike limited the choices you had at your disposal, i had similar situations where i slowed with the front brake then let off, threw the bike to one side, dropped my outside pedal and grabbed a handful of rear brake to slid the back to point the bike to direction i wanted to go, let go of the brake so i wouldn't high-side and pedaled off, all in one continuous motion. That's the kind of thing you can pull off with brakes, a freewheel and practice.
I keep a front brake on my fixed commuter...seldom i use but its good to have something in case of an emergency.
I love the fine control fixed gear gives you, but never got the obsession with one brake/brakeless... nothing wrong with brakes, just best of both worlds, imho.
I don't like the inability to coast, though, that slows you down, significantly.
If you wanna really slip in and outta traffic, especially in dense cities, gotta coast, man... there are times where you gotta focus on shifting your body or bike in ways that fixies can't allow.
I like how it's like super easy to trackstand, how you feel connected to the bike, like it's an "iron horse".
same. i switched my single speed to fixed and the first downhill i hit made me realize I hated it. I like to coast. you can't coast on a fixed.
@@Kevinschart lol watch a few state bicycle co vids, they said...
@@techrvl9406 coasting without pulling off a circus act. no thank you
I started riding fixed this year as a new years challenge, its only as dangerous as you make it or depending on your level of hindsight and general common sense.
Its the same as asking if swimming is dangerous. If you can barely stay afloat, obviously its dangerous.
i rode fixed for a year and bought an elites roadie race bike to keep up with the group and people told me im crazy for pedaling while cornering, its hard to switch back from those habits.
7:25 thats not the only time! You rode between Isleton and the Rio Vista Bridge!! Even Superman's like "F That Road!"
I've been riding a fixie in an old European city with constant traffic jams and narrow roads for 6 years now. Plus, the entire city center is filled with tram tracks. During this time, I broke several wheels, one frame and fell many times
i ride fixed with a front brake, most of the time I'm riding brakeless, slowing down only with skids or using my feet, but I can confidently say that having a front brake have saved me a couple of times, especially in situations that it was out of my control: cars or pedestrians being reckless
Not many fixie points for me. Running both front AND back brakes. But then again I do live in West Yorkshire and of hills, well there are many, quite a few steep. I have been riding fixed (not exclusively though) since I was 14, borrowing my dad's bike to get to school. During his early adult life he toured the UK and Ireland on a fixed. I have had my current fixie since 2005. Reynolds 853 tubing (was British racing green, now hot orange), compact geometry, Open Pro wheels on Ambrosio hubs, Continenteal GP 4 Seasons 25mm (the biggest I can fit with mudguard, which are essential where I live unless you enjoy the experience of a wet arse), and ultra comfortable Brooks Swallow Ti saddle (a recent upgrade). Bars are On One Midge, which are an early type of gravel bar, which really help with breathing when climbing steep hills and pedals are Look mountain bike ones. Gear is a relatively low 66"ish. I have done a few 100 plus milers on this bike, but not for a while, the record being 120 in a day. Where I live really a fixed does not make any sense, but when I ride it I always come away with both a smile on my face and an enormous sense of achievement (those hills again!).
BTW I am currently 57 years old, so make of that what you will.
Fixed gear is fun and for beginners do take this man's notes and don't rush, have a feel with your bike and drive it around and please put front break on just incase. Don't listen to your friends that got you into fixed gear and saying skidding is easy. And do practice stopping without skidding, good exercise for your legs and core and also your wallet. Tires are kind of expensive this days
Hahaha tru. For my case, I just recently started learning how to skid and now I can't stop skidding xD
Super glad that it hasn’t been dangerous for you. But like you said, for most riders, I would be dumbfounded if the statistics didn’t show a MUCH higher risk per capita, including for the drivers/fellow bikers sharing the road with you.
I ride fixed and always have a front brake, it's mainly used for emergency or situation where I need assistance stopping the bike, honestly I wouldn't mind have a rear brake aswell, but unfortunately my felt tk3 only has a front brake mount
I originally switched to fixed gear riding for better cardio workouts. The amount of coasting done riding on a road bike (or using a freewheel) felt like "cheating" while trying to get a good cardio workout. A 100mile ride on a fixed gear is way more intense than on any other bike with multiple gears. Good Luck on the next 800 mile bike tour attempt.
I use my fixed gear now as a daily commuter and as a recovery bike for off days to cruise through the city, I love my road bike for being able to clock in multiple hour rides with +70 km distances per time, but the fixed gear is a super relaxed cruise but I stopped riding brakeless as my knees started to hurt uncessery.
I ride fixed everyday! Been doing it for years now with no injuries, so far. A few weeks ago I injured my shoulder, cut my forehead, and bruised my elbow after tripping over a ladder….walking! Anyway, enjoy your channel. Oh, and I ride my bikes with front brakes, but not for safety…I’m 53 years old.
Can’t stress this enough, great thumbnail choice 😂😂💀💀
Having only ever been a single-speed rider (had one geared bike as a kid with some wacked-out stick shifter that I never used) I always had a sneaking suspicion that fixed gear would be my jam. Year after year I would find myself one click away from purchasing a State bike during their Black Friday sale, but could never fully commit. It was only this past March that I finally took the plunge, upgrading my Priority Ace (of Spades) to a fixed gear... and that was that. These past few months have been far and away the most fun I've ever had with cycling. When I fractured a toe about a month ago doing something unrelated, I decided to flip-flop back to single-speed to keep forces to a minimum on the still healing toe. It lasted exactly two rides, largely for safety concerns, as it actually felt way more dangerous to me to transition from fixed to single-speed, than it did going from single-speed to fixed.
@Bebo Believe you me, I know how dumb it sounds. All the same, that was the least safe I have ever felt riding a bicycle. The best way I could describe it is... have you ever gone to sit on a familiar toilet in the middle of the night, but the seat was raised? You may only be dropping an extra inch further down but, in the moment, it can feel like half a foot. That was me every time I attempted to backpedal to slow down. The first time was intense enough that I thought I was going Endo.
@@Huntor9 Visually, it suffers greatly in the 'fixie points' department, but the belt drive is worth its weight in gold. I estimate I've put around 6000 miles on the Ace, of which the last 2500 have been as s fixed gear. Zero maintenance. Like, at all... and the drivetrain is still as silent today as it was post-unboxing... and by silent, I mean SILENT. I can't even describe it better than that. Between that and the Thickslicks it comes standard with, I have legitimately snuck up to within 10' of deer grazing along my city's bike path. If belt-compatible frames were more common, I would never ride a chain again. Since this posting I've also built up the Soma Rush of my dreams, and it has honestly been hard for me to justify actually riding it instead of the Ace, purely from a maintenance and noise-level standpoint.
I mean. It comes with the territory tbh. I honestly prefer riding in the streets instead of the sidewalk, because I find it riding on the sidewalk is a bit more unsafe for me. But I would not recommend anyone who's new to do the same as I do. Just be comfortable at your lvl. That begin said. I don't run red lights. But I do slow down to see if i'm good to pass by. Thats pretty much it. I just don't wanna stop my momentum too much. Big body over here.
But on a serious note. I love your videos man. Stay bless bro
When I was a kid back in the 80s, I had one of those knock-off BMX bikes you could get at Target or Kmart for less than $100. It was single gear and had no hand breaks, but there was a breaking mechanism in the rear axle that activated when petaling backwards. Does that make that bike technically a fixed gear?
You have a safety factor of 1, if you drive chain or legs "fail" there is no back up, high level of maintenance is a must. Therefore, for most, I recommend a front brake. However, I think its your personally your choice along with your helmet.
Unfortunately, when you ride in public areas with unpredictable people, fixed gear is objectively less safe for an equally skilled rider. Fun to ride otherwise.
ive been riding fixed just over a year and must be pushing close to 10 crashes. Is that unreasonable?
😂 😂 😂 I had 1 crash in 10 years. Wear a helmet from 1920.
Great to read so many contributors ride fixed or s/s with brakes.No brakes is a non starter and wide handlebars equally dangerous,especially in dense traffic...Not clever....
Is there a possibility for the chain to break?
Only time I really had an accident riding fixed was when my bike had a toe overlap. Was in an empty road that almost had no traffic, tried skidding after a little sprint and yep that toe overlap did it. Made me 180 in the air before smacking my back on the road. Had a minor knee scratch and that was it lol. It has been 5 years ago since that happened.
41 and been riding fixed for 1 year and front brake. I find I ride more focused and slower than my road bike, which means I ride safer as I know I can't stop as quick.
I live on a road that is 16%, I have a front brake. Most of the time I don’t use the brake, but to be safe on that descent i keep it on there.
I see that you’re in Mexico City in some shots of your last videos! It’s great to ride fixed gear here in Insurgentes!
Got bucked off last night, muscle memory kicked in threading a needle on a ride I always take, and I committed tmto coasting. Immediately left a hefty amount of flesh on the pavement.
I switched my pure cycle back to single speed, and bandaged up. Currently I dressing my wounds with a new respect for fixies
Glad I live in the woods with the option to ride in the city where there is an established loop. Its a shame people have to split lanes to get around.
You don t have any ideia how I love all your vids man ❤️ thanks for your content
ive been riding for about 2 years on and off but really fell in love with fixed gear about a year ago and only recently had a semi serious injury, some context, i bomb hills whip skid tight corners and weave in and out of traffic so i know my barriers of what i can do fixed gear i feel the most comforable on my bike, ok so the injury started because my friend and i were going to go to our local bike shop together and i was going to lead until we go onto a certain path because from there its easy but i have lived where i do my whole life so i took off and he put in both earbuds full volume i didnt know that, then he cut ahead of me into my front right vision and i didnt think to leave enough space between us as i should have so i yelled go straight 3x to go to the shop and he made a right turn and i ran into his rear tire both straps on fell face foward and started to drip blood off of my face and get stitches eventually. so i feel if i had breaks i could have not gotten hurt but also, if i had given myself space to react from him incase anything. so really fixed gear isnt a dangerous thing you just need to always be aware and know your limits and what you can do on your bike. thats really all it takes.
congratulation on you work, I think you are a big contribution to educating people on bicycles and making it better for everyone. Personally -as a biker and bike des/fab- fixies are as dangerous as firearms. safe as long as they are safe, and unsafe the millisecond they become unsafe. No need to get around them unless youre highly trained and/or is a work tool. No need to take that kind of a risk when ist so esay and cheap to have a stealth AND safe brake, same goes for the freewheel. Best regards from Chile. Keep on with your good videos, peace V.
Zach is right! It's not the bike that is inherently dangerous, It's the rider and his bad decisions that make it dangerous! And one of those bad decisions is to ride "BRAKELESS" No matter how good you are skidding to a stop in a very stiff decent or traffic emergency you will not be able to stop on time using your legs! I barely use them but there has been occasions that if not for the brakes... disaster!!!
The issue is not injuring yourself……..
It injuring others such as pedestrians whilst riding brake less
In the Uk if you ride brake less and injure someone or even kill them the legal consequences are severe.
The legal system will punish a cyclist much stronger than that a driver.
Kill someone whilst on a fixed gear and brake less, the cyclist would get charged with manslaughter, regardless who’s fault the collision was.
In the UK we have a ‘hierarchy of road users’ and this places a legal responsibility of cyclists over that of the most risk group - pedestrians
I bought a single speed bike thanks to your channel! 😃 It has a flip flop hub for fix gear riding, although Im not brave enough yet to try it out lol 😅
Flip it. You dont know what youre missing. Just ride around at a walking speed and see how you have such control in deceleration as acceleration simply by standing up. Actually, take your seat off to start. All the best stuff happens out of the seat, and you will be amazed at your control and what speeds it actually takes to break friction with the road
Im 23 and have been riding fixed (2003 Bianchi Pista) for a month now, my first week I fell over 10 times getting used to it and on my second week realized 700c tires aren't good for going up curbs as I flipped over my handlebars sticking my hand in the front wheel spokes and landed on my shoulder. Ever since however ik what my bike and I can do together and haven't had a problem since. I do miss coasting but it really does make you a better rider, I think you should definitely try it when you're ready
Flip it!Fixed gear ride is 1 of the best experience.I started it to fitt me,couse im a horserider n i have no time to cicle arround europe all day:)But now it becomes a love with fixeds.So dont worry just do it!
According to Sheldon Brown it's actually better to start with fixed cog and if it doesn't grow on you, finally flip to freewheel side. I wish I would have followed that advice sooner!
All the fixie brains being all JUST FLIP IT BRO need to chill. If you don't want to ride fixed, don't.
Thanks for a very frank assessment. I am recovering from a stroke. My left hand is paralyzed. I am still considering the implications.(0aw hell, you. Know that I will get there.)
I’ve been riding fixed a few years now and still keep a front brake. I can’t leave my house without going down a steep hill. It’s the only time I use the brake.
Best fixed gear hub/wheel set up for halfway affordable??
I have been riding my fixed gear for 7 years now. First two weeks I kept my front brake on its place but soon I took it of. That was the best decision ever. It isn’t that dangerous to ride brakeless but you need to be aware of your surroundings and things happening around you
Single speed is king.
I lost it during that opening monolog hahaha
can anyone tell me what the bike at 0.12 or what the frame is?
When I ride fixed gear my fear of the bike is somehow getting caught up in the chain. That would be very bad .Makes me think of fixed gear as kind of a table saw. You have to always give it the respect it deserves.
And always at least a front break it does no harm to the experience.
4:46 Ask not what your fixie can do for you; ask what you can do for your fixie.
Fixed gears are fun but you have to respect them. Make sure you don't get your finger in the rear cog or front gear when you work on them. A good way to loose your fingers. Wear shoes with no shoe laces, fixies will pull you right off the seat if your shoe lace gets in the front gear. And check your pedals for being tight. World of trouble if a pedal comes loose. But they are great gun.
I'd say putting on a front brake is worth the looks penalty. Hitting a skid while front braking can stop you much faster than just skidding.
I'm sorry, but arguing that the safety of riding brakeless comes down to the rider's ability alone is pure copium. Brakeless bikes are inherently much less safe than bikes equipped with at least a front brake. You could be the best and most skilled fixed gear cyclist in the world and my statement would still hold true. There is so much that can happen in traffic, well outside of your control and having a reliable emergency fallback (a brake) to come to a quick stop will always reign supreme over pretentious talk about "skill". Just use a damn brake, even if you consider yourself experienced! There is literally only a single advantage to running your bike brakeless: it looks clean af. That's it. And if you just came out and told me that you rode brakeless for no other reason than the looks, I'd respect that. But trying to make the case that having no brakes is actually safe is just stupid... sorry. I've been riding fixed for close to ten years now and I still have the front brake on all of my bikes. I rarely use it, but I am glad to have it just in case.
Their brakes are pure copium. Mixed with arrogance. ;)
i can't agree more. if you want to crash into a car, truck or bus and damage yourself because you don't run brakes - live love laugh it up. but hitting a pedestrian because you don't want to run brakes is not acceptable. 190lbs (me on a bike) at speed can do a lot of damage to a human. not interested in that scenario
@Bebo Actually I think you are on to something, I do think some people do that.
After too many scrapes with complete nutters here in Berlin I went drastic with the remodeling of the steed.
White industries Uno 17 tooth freewheel, Ciamillo GLS Micro Brakes, SRAM S500 levers finished off with some rather nice BLB carbon weave outer cable.
Bike stops on a penny, sounds fantastic when freewheeling, looks very sexy with the high end bling brakes.
I ride on bike paths with Pedestrians, dogs , scooters and CHILDREN . I choose to have fully functional disk brakes on my geared up E bike even with a bell I call out “ Hello bike rider “ to the little old ladies. But then again I am a very old retired motorcycle rider who has seen “ the damage done “
depends on how your traffic on your area
to many stop signs and red lights at top or bottom of a steep hill and why
0:55 your lucky the traffic wasnt moving. Fixies are exceptionally dangerous in the snowy winters, you would need to winterize your bike setup if you want to commute.
I moved back to A burb a few years ago, I am the Fixed gear rider. All the kitted out roadies push themselves way harder around me. I think they are intimidated by the "fixie" guy. Riding on a paved trail is such a vast comparison to riding in Milwaukee or even Madison for that matter. it's such a calm ride, and you can rip. What am I talking about I only rip.
Honestly a single speed with a White Ind freewheel feels almost as responsive as fixie no brakes can't stop don't want to either. Can have a fun responsive bike and not be a hazard in an urban environment at the same time!
These videos are everywhere
You said it, fixed gear riding is dangerous when you're riding (fast) with other fixed riders and start making decisions you won't normally. Related PS: bring a team to the Warriors NYC ride. Holy shit what a blast.
I get it that fixed gear is dangerous, but I can't put back the brake which is I throw since around months of riding my bike. Before I have front brakes, I get a lot of crashes to the point that I don't wanna longer ride it, so I decided "fck it "I ride it brakeless which is help me to more aware of the roads and prevents me from crashing, since brakeless I crash around 4 times, helmets really saves you also learning to how to fall. Fixed gear really helps me being a rider even on my motorcycle, really helps to be always aware on the road.
What exactly is foot jamming?
I’d say that fixed gears are reasonably dangerous 😉
by every measurement, riding a bike without brakes will always be objectively less safe than riding with brakes. Your "awareness" does you no good when something unexpected happens, and braking is the only way out.
It depends on speed. Above certain speed maneuvering and/or accelerating can be safer bet. To rely on brakes one has to master them. Using brakes only at emergency is a sure way to get into trouble e.g. going over bars or not being able to stop before collision.
@@event4216 even at lower speeds you're safer with a brake. but yes the difference in safety is much lower at slow speeds
I recently helped a friend out with his single speed, I hoped on it thinking it was fixed so constantly peddling and it messed with my brain when I was able to cost. 10/10 hated it love my fix. Another great vid man!
Brakes=death I’m much more of an aware rider since going brakeless.
😂 😂 😂 😂 Brakeless = Brainless. Yeah we get it. You are 17 and you think you are way too young to die. So its not possible.
What’s the pink bike in the video?
Greetings from Croatia 😎
Some time ago (I'm 39), I was riding fixed gear bikes,and I didn't even know! The bikes in Croatia 20 something years ago,a former Yugoslavia, were in the great majority, fixed gear! Man and woman's! You could only pedal forward,all the time,and you could break with the cranks 🤣
It was the most normal thing for me! In the beginning of the 90's, people started selling and buying bikes with gears on the bikes, and...
I never considered fixies dangerous! They are more expensive then they use to be,do! Hahaha 😂
Atm, I'm riding SS bikes,but, hopefully, I'll build me a one decent fixie 😁
lol zach this is kind of a bad video, you have to understand the influence you have and youtube is mostly a younger audience. Iv rode brakeless, braked, tandems, bromptons, everything. Brakeless isnt a "step up" or even something to strive for, its just a decision you can make if your riding area can justify it and if you have a lot of time on fixed gear and prefer it. "gotta run red lights and stop signs cuz no brakes #fixielyfe" doesnt make anyone look good.
Overall like Zach's channel quite a bit but its pretty fixie-brained at times. At least he has a brake on for his tour
Hey Zach do wabi cycles ship to Nigeria?
I was hit by someone doing 50+ while in my carbon road bike on my morning ride a couple years ago. Still here. Yes, I was wearing my helmet. Fractured my back in a few spots, but I am recovering well.
Yeah I live in london where you need to be able to stop on a dime at any moment so my brakes are staying on, also in the uk it's against the law to ride without 2 effective braking measures
Life is dangerous, nobody gets out alive.
In another video you said you didn't like the whole thinking about which gear to be in and optimization. However you are talking about doing a lot of thinking and adjusting ahead of time. Deciding what you can and can't (or shouldn't) do before you do it. But if you have gears and brakes and can coast you can be more adaptable on the fly. You don't have to be as worried about if you've done it before. You can get a little sketchy and more easily back off if you realize it's not good or not for you. I'm not saying you shouldn't do what you do, just that there are different kinds of fun to be had on all kinds of bikes.
I've seen that Sac footage before and still confused why you went left when you could have gone right given everyone else did lol. Glad you okay tho
I recently got the Wabi special and so far I can only do a 1 inch skid.
Every mile starts with an inch))
Personally speaking, far too dangerous here in West Berlin riding pure fixie for me. Tourist doing mad stuff, big powerful Mercedes, BMW etc racing each other to the next traffic light, Taxis, Buses, fucking idiots on e Scooters everywhere.
I'm just recovering from being twatted by a Taxi.
So guys n gals today I'm installing a lovely set of Ciamillo GLS micro rim brakes with a custom pink flash colour 190 grams for the set these will be paired with Sram s500 levers with some BLB carbon weave outer cables. I thought If I'm gonna run brakes I'm going all in.
Ride safe fam, ride safe. ♥️♥️♥️
riding brakeless definitely makes you more vigilant and aware but boy is it exhausting especially if you live in a hilly area
running red lights when safe and jumping off bridges when safe
Is more like Horse Riding than Motor Cycling! 😅👌🏻
I very ridden fixed gear for 6 years not a single accident. I build a nice geared racing bike already had a crash. Fixed gear are more safe. Because you constantly engaged in pedal movement it makes you more aware of your bike of your pavement. Just like u can't stop moving ur legs u can't stop ur awareness on a fixed gear. But on a geared bike it is much easier to ride u can stop pedaling and automatically stop looking ahead as much as u would be forced to do on a fixed gear.
Here in England it is the law to have a front brake. Stay Safe!!!
Awkward moment when I ride my fixie with front and rear brakes because I've never used clipless pedals and I don't like straps as I can never get my feet into them...