Fixed?

I don't recommend a fixed gear for a beginner. But if you like the simplicity and trendiness of a fixed gear, get a single speed road bike instead. The difference is that a single speed bike can coast, making downhills much easier. If it has a flip-flop hub then once you get some miles under you, you could then turn it into a fixed gear by simply turning the rear wheel around. The Specialized Langster is cheap and fits this bill although it rides pretty harsh due to the aluminum frame. Another alternative is to get a fixed gear bike like the Bianchi Pista, and add front and rear brakes and a free wheel (I'm assuming that the rear hub is a flip flop design). Fixed gear bikes are fun (I ride a Surly Steamroller). Riding a fixed gear bike with no brakes earns lots of coolness points, but I prefer having a front brake for emergency stops and to make descents easier.

(A flip flop hub is one that is threaded for a fixed gear cog and lockring on one side and a freewheel on the other side).

I don't ride a fixie. Just a Single Spd MTB/commuter.

If the going is flat then you can get away with the one cog. I personally have found having the one gear alittle limiting in that hilly going or riding with mates ( who generally have geared bikes) means you're left behind or struggling, but I'm talking long day rides ,like 100kms etc here.
My SS commuter mostly does city going & I find it great.
Picking your ratio is the key though, to make the best of what that one gear offers.
Fixed wheel bikes are an art to learn but they can really bite back if you're not careful (or just starting out). A Single Speed with a freewheel is like almost going halfway to a fixed wheel, so I would recomend that first off.

After having said all that I'm excited about using my dads old '50s road bike (an Aussie made Malvern Star from '57) for a fixie project along side my 2x MTBs (1x SS commuter, 1x MTB dirt 27spd) & maybe a 2nd roadie with gears for those cruisy bunch rides.
And thats the great thing about bikes, you can accumilate quite a collection without the finantial burden of ongoing licence/rego fees etc you can have with cars or motorcycles.

endcat said:

I don't recommend a fixed gear for a beginner. But if you like the simplicity and trendiness of a fixed gear, get a single speed road bike instead. The difference is that a single speed bike can coast, making downhills much easier. If it has a flip-flop hub then once you get some miles under you, you could then turn it into a fixed gear by simply turning the rear wheel around. The Specialized Langster is cheap and fits this bill although it rides pretty harsh due to the aluminum frame. Another alternative is to get a fixed gear bike like the Bianchi Pista, and add front and rear brakes and a free wheel (I'm assuming that the rear hub is a flip flop design). Fixed gear bikes are fun (I ride a Surly Steamroller). Riding a fixed gear bike with no brakes earns lots of coolness points, but I prefer having a front brake for emergency stops and to make descents easier.

(A flip flop hub is one that is threaded for a fixed gear cog and lockring on one side and a freewheel on the other side).

Dude, dont get a Bianchi Pista if you want to go freewheel, I have one and there is NO provision on that bike for a rear brake, only the front is set up for it. Good luck.

MikeFormaldehyd said:

...Sorry if this is a waste of space or whatever, but I know nearly nothing about bikes; any help is greatly appreciated!

I ride fixed - and love it. I'd be tempted to say that it's not a good idea for a beginner, but then I think back and the first bike I ever rode was a little fixie that my grandfather brazed up for my uncle to learn on (we're talking a 1930's bike here). For a long time, all the bikes on the road were fixed. See if you can find one to borrow for a ride - you'll like it or hate it. My only complaints are when the hills get too big (pissy little 165mm cranks), and being dropped off the bunch in a tail wind in a road race a while ago - little tossers should have more respect for a veteran with only one gear 😄
Give it a try. If you survive, you'll be a better bike rider for it.

I ride, race, commute on fix.....but would suggest using a freewheel first. Yes, fixed is the new trandy thing to do....but you need the skills to make it happen. Then practice and practice. Also, if you do go fixed....start off using brakes....then slowly ween yourself off them. Great for skills.

I have a Langster and love it. If you ride it fixed, please use both brakes until you have developed skills. I ride with the front but sure could use the rear sometimes. FWIW 🙄 220+ lbs down a hill in a fixed 48x14 even with brakes will not stop quickly, if ever, unless you are aided by an immovable object...

Huhenio CHEAP recomendations.

1- Get a yard sale ten speed. Little use good condition.
2- Head to your local bike shop and tell him to convert it into a fixed gear with flip flop hub. Request for the freewheel side to be set for riding, while the fixed side sits there waiting for you to use. Request LBS to set up the chain in the small ring, probably a 42 tooth ring.
3- Buy spd pedals and compatible shoes. That will set you back 120 dollars more or less.
4- For all that is sacred, please leave the brakes on and have them serviced if needed.
5- Buy helmet, full finger gloves, and padded shorts. New smaller cheap saddle is nice too.
6- Start riding, never coast. Get used to the pedals. Get bike properly fitted
7- Once you master the "never coast", flip the wheel to the fixed hub. Practice on parking lot.
8- Good to go.

huhenio said:

2- Head to your local bike shop and tell him to convert it into a fixed gear with flip flop hub. Request for the freewheel side to be set for riding, while the fixed side sits there waiting for you to use. Request LBS to set up the chain in the small ring, probably a 42 tooth ring.

How much should number 2 cost?

50ish bucks. Personally, I chose not to freewheel.

I own a 13, 14, and 16 cog. I use the 13 now, since I am getting stronger.