Fixies?

[autolycus]

I think i know what they are, but i'm puzzled by descriptions of parts, in particular brake calipers. In what way are they different from other rim brakes? Any other bits differ - just out of ignorance/interest.

 

[Sharky]

Front brakes are just the same as any road bikes and legally, you only need a front brake, but two are advised.

 

[Deleted member 35268]

Fixies are single speed racers. You can have them fixed gear (stop pedalling and the back wheel stops, immediately) or freewheel (not a fixie then, but still single speed), just the same as a normal road bike but no gears. Good to train on, good fun, nice and simple. Track bikes are fixies too.

 

[mjr]

brake calipers. In what way are they different from other rim brakes?

They're not specific to fixies but rim brake calipers join up at the top in an upside-down U shape. Most other types have two arms connected only by wire. http://sheldonbrown.com/rim-brakes.html#types

Any other bits differ - just out of ignorance/interest.

No derailleur, no freewheel/freehub and usually ⅛"-wide chain instead of 3/32" (but not always).

 

[Ian H]

And 'fixie' is a horrible term, related to trendy bikes pushed around cities by anaemic-looking youths. In the UK it's a fixed-wheel; in the US, a fixed-gear.

 

[mjr]

In the UK it's a fixed-wheel; in the US, a fixed-gear.

Around here, I think it's usually just "fixed". I'm not sure if I've heard "fixed wheel" in real life.

 

[Ian H]

Around here, I think it's usually just "fixed". I'm not sure if I've heard "fixed wheel" in real life.

'Fixed' is acceptable.

 

[ayceejay]

You can have them fixed gear (stop pedalling and the back wheel stops, immediately)
so says the voice of inexperience, This is the problem if you stop pedalling the rear wheel DOESN'T stop

 

[boydj]

You can have them fixed gear (stop pedalling and the back wheel stops, immediately)
so says the voice of inexperience, This is the problem if you stop pedalling the rear wheel DOESN'T stop

Try to stop pedalling - you'll get reminded very quickly that you can't (unless you are going very slowly).

 

[autolycus]

Many thanks for the expositions - and points of etiquette. With the masses of ads for fixie (sic!!) brakes on ebay i thought there must be some defining feature(s), but it appears not. 'Fixed' it is henceforth.

 

[Racing roadkill]

Riding fixed is fun.

 

[biggs682]

try it @autolycus

 

[Diggs]

A couple of other thoughts @autolycus It may refer to the smaller levers placed on the top of thehandlebars (like cyclocross levers) rather than on the drops themselves, or possibly the slightly longer reach callipers used when fitting 700c wheels on an old bike (originally designed for 27 1/4)
But yes, definately have a go. There's something about that transfer of power on hills and it's so quiet on the flat - like gliding

 

[autolycus]

It does seem there is something in this suggestion; there certainly seems some overlap, with some models of lever recommended for all types of bike and others specifically for fixed. Regarding calipers, it looks as if 'fixie' is indeed an alternative description to 'medium reach'. Can't seem to find anything less equivocal.

I seem to remember riding a fixed wheel bike once when i was a kid. I'm sure it is fun, but i don't think i'll be taking it up again at this stage. Old dogs and new tricks methinks.

 

[ayceejay]

are you talking about this?