Fixed gear bikes, otherwise known as fixies, have somewhat developed into a popular trend among the college crowd and hipsters alike. As popular as they have become, they are not new to the world of biking. Fixie bikes in Berlin have been running on the track or velodrome for many years. They are also used by road cyclists for off-season training during the winter or to add some variety to their normal training routine.

The freewheel was introduced early in the history of cycling. It revolutionized cycling, but the stationary gear was still here to stay. What the freewheel did was allow the pedals to remain stable on the coast. With a fixed gear bike, the pedals would spin as long as the bike was moving. Riders can still apply some braking action when they apply resistance to pedal rotation. The bike can actually be driven backward as the pedals can be turned in any direction.

One advantage of this type of bike is its low weight. With no derailleur, shifters, cables, and all that extra chainring, the overall weight of the bike is reduced. The drivetrain is more efficient than its geared version because there are fewer mechanical parts to get in the way. The rider is able to transfer more energy to the drivetrain than a geared bike.

There are many fixie riders who do not use the brakes; They have become efficient enough at applying resistance to slow down and stop the pedals. A bike rider can also learn to get into a controlled skid to stop. When the road is wet or slippery, many riders find that they get better road feedback from a fixed gear bike than a geared bike.

Since no one can stop the crank from turning, you should get used to going downhill fast or going into tight corners as the pedals can hit the road while spinning. When going downhill at high speeds, the rider may have to pedal at 170 rpm or more. Many people think that riding a fixed gear is more efficient and you are able to transfer more power to the road.