What are the advantages/disadvantages of a fixie?

[Jolt]

I definitely don't get it...there's a reason brakes and gears were invented, and they make a bike much more practical (and safer). Particularly when hills are involved.

[rebeccaC]

I definitely don't get it...there's a reason brakes and gears were invented, and they make a bike much more practical (and safer). Particularly when hills are involved.

Most fixie riders I know have a front brake. With the right technique you can easily stop a brakeless fixie though. Slowing down earlier and coming to a stop more gradually is just a matter of thinking more about your stop. Even a very fast stop with a scary wobble followed by skips and skids and with a sudden very high heart rate can get you stopped with a sense of control. For some that’s actually one of the attractions of a fixie. Personally I prefer a front brake but that’s just me.

[Irulan]

I definitely don't get it...there's a reason brakes and gears were invented, and they make a bike much more practical (and safer). Particularly when hills are involved.

Well- there are all different kinds of bikes and people just like to experience different things. Some folks don't get that I love my single speed mountain bike. There are track bikes, recumbents... all sorts of variety.