Fixie bike aesthetics/culture

[Grog]

Are you sure it's fixed? Maybe it's just a single-speed bike.

Also sometimes replacement parts are just not available for such bikes, and conversion is the only way to keep a beautiful frame on the road.

We have a spectacular old steel Miyata racing bike in the basement. It's no longer possible to update it as a geared bike: the parts are totally worn out (by about 75,000 km of riding) but we can't get the proper cogs and chainrings for it anymore. Most bike shops are also not very good at fixing it, and we're not especially good at DIY. It will most likely become a single-speed bike in the coming year. I am mentally ready to pay in the $300-500 range for the repairs/update. Sadly, it's too big for me to ride. Such a beautiful machine.

I'm pretty short, and I'm sort of in the zone where I wouldn't go out myself to get a single-speed bike (I wouldn't want a fixie I think) but I'd seize the opportunity if I found one my size just sitting on a floor. And I don't think $300 is expensive for an older, good quality bike that has been put back together nicely. Just a pair of new tires would reach over $50, not to talk about pedals, handlebar tape, labour etc.

Maybe they just felt like creating this bike. I see no reason to be appalled about it. I love the simplicity and elegance of single-speed (and fixed-gear) bicycles. It's the very essence as it gets to the idea of a human-powered machine. I can understand the cult around it, even though I don't partake in it.

[PamNY]

Maybe they just felt like creating this bike. I see no reason to be appalled about it. I love the simplicity and elegance of single-speed (and fixed-gear) bicycles. It's the very essence as it gets to the idea of a human-powered machine. I can understand the cult around it, even though I don't partake in it.

Exactly what I thought. I love seeing a beautiful fixie.

Pam

[newfsmith]

Riding in a group with others on fixies I can see several advantages for urban riding.
1) All of the fixies I've encountered have at least 1 brake so they are street legal.
2) Being able to easily track stand is a real advantage in traffic, and fixies are much easier to do that on.
3) They accelerate quicker, especially if they were actually track frames before.

The going price for a reconditioned fixie in the Boston area starts at $300. There is a sizable market for small fixies for women and boys. While I don't see many with racks, the riders all have large Chrome, Bailey or Timbuk2
messengers bags. Most of the ones I see use Planet Bike Superflashes on the bags and a PB 1W LED headlight on the bars. About half use cages on the pedals. Simple, light fixies are much easier to carry upstairs to a triple decker apartment.

[PamNY]

2) Being able to easily track stand is a real advantage in traffic, and fixies are much easier to do that on.

That does look like a handy skill. I always feel slightly envious.

Pam