Fixed Gear FAQ
What is a fixed gear bicycle?
A fixed gear, or “fixie”, is a bicycle in its most pure and simple form. The bicycle has only one gear and doesn’t allow the rider to coast. This means that when your bike is rolling, your feet are pedaling. This presents a new challenge for cyclists and also allows the rider to be in complete control. After your first ride on a fixed gear bicycle, you will understand cosmic relationship between a rider and their fixie. A fixed gear bicycle will become an extension of your own body.
Who rides fixed gear bicycles?
Anyone and everyone can learn to ride a fixed gear bicycle. Traditionally, they were used as training tools for European racing cyclists. In the off-season the racers would build up their muscles and practice being as physically connected to a bicycle as possible. This transformed into a racing league for fixed gear bicycles only, and eventually into the circle track racing we see today on the velodrome. Today, fixed gear bicycles are a favorite in the bicycle messenger community because of their lightweight and simplistic style. These bikes are so much fun you can see them in the heart of every city and on the back roads all over the world. After you get on a fixed gear, you won’t want to ride anything else.
If you only have one gear, what do you do about hills?
Lots of people worry about hills on a fixed gear, but after you’ve been to San Francisco and see all the hills and all the fixies, you’ll notice there is little to be worried about. Mission Bicycle will set up your bicycle custom to deal with the terrain you’ll be riding everyday. If you have lots of hills to tackle or lots of urban riding we’ll be happy to help you make the best choice in gearing. After a few rides, many cyclists comment that hills are easier to climb on a fixed gear because you don’t loose any momentum like you do on a freewheel.
How do you slow down?
Fixed gear bicycles are generally slowed down by applying backpressure to your pedals. This means that while your pedals are moving forward, you will use you’re your feet to resist the forward motion, hence slowing down your speed. Every Mission Bicycle comes equipped with at least a one front brake. While it is current trend to ride without brakes, it is California Law that every bicycle sold must have at least one wheel brake.
Why should I buy a Mission Bicycle?
Mission Bicycles have many superior features compared to the fixed gear bikes milled out by larger bicycle companies. Take a look at our photo gallery, Mission Bicycles are works of art and we can create that dreamy ride you’ve always wanted. Create the color scheme that represents you, or send us a custom graphic. Anything is possible. We only create custom fixed gear bicycles, we don’t manufacture mountain or road bikes, and our attention and energy is completely focused. Mission Bicycle only uses the best components and if there is a special part you’d like, let us knows and we’ll get it for you. Also, all our bicycles are built by hand in San Francisco and we’ll be happy to talk to you anytime.
If you have any specific technical questions about parts or process feel free to email us at: Info@missionbicycle.com