This guide provides information on the Fixie phenomenon. Come into the shop to see our selection of fixed-gear bicycles, discuss options and for help you with all of your Fixie projects. We have all the answers, bicycles and accessories you’ll need to get started.

There’s no limit to the custom touches you an add to make your Fixie unique. Options include flat bars, motorcycle grips, disc wheels, deep-dish color-matched rims and hubs, vintage bicycle parts, and custom paint.

Fixies are fixed-gear bikes - the rear wheel and the pedals are connected through a single gear anchored to the rear wheel. Unlike standard bikes, there is no way to coast, there is only one gear and brakes are optional. Most Fixies don’t have derailleurs, shifters, double- or triple-chainring crankset, either. Though most fixies are road bikes, there are mountain-bike fixies, too.

Fixies are not the same as track bicycles, which are designed for use on racing tracks. Both types of bikes typically do not have brakes, but track bicycles have stiffer, tighter frames that are more appropriate for racing. Fixie frames are better suited for street-riding.

To determine which gear you will use, consider your typical pedal speed, the terrain you will be riding on, and your fitness level – more experience riders can handle higher gears. Keep in mind that you will want to use a slightly higher gear than you’re used to, since the efficient movement of the rear wheel and fixed gear will keep the pedals turning.

When you purchase a new Fixie at Recycled Cycles, our staff will help you pick the perfect gear. You can test-drive any our Fixies before you buy to make sure it’s the perfect fit for your cycling needs.

One of the most important components of any Fixie is the rear hub, which incorporates two sets of threads on the right side, for the fixed cog and the lockring. The lockring threads on the opposite direction, flush against the cog so that the cog doesn’t come off when the rider backpedals..

Hubs that have two sets opposing threads or standard freewheel threads on the left side allow for a different-size cog on the other side, so that the wheel can be flipped to change the gear or so that the bike can coast.

Most Fixie rear hubs feature threaded axles and high-quality threaded axle nuts instead of the quick releases on standard road and mountain bikes. Because Fixie frames typically have horizontal dropouts, chain tightening is possible, the rear wheel won’t lock in one position. The threaded axle and nuts keep the wheel from changing positions despite the added torque from the rear wheel and drivetrain of fixed-gear riding.

Most Fixies use the 3/32-inch chains and chainring found on road and mountain bikes. When building a Fixie, a 3/32-inch chain is easier to use than a 1/8-inch chain for several reasons. By using a 3/32-inch chain model, you will be able to use the original crankset from the bike. 3/32-inch chains are more flexible and lighter than 1/8-inch chains, leading to smoother and quieter pedaling.

When using an older 10-speeds, the original crankset will do, as long as the small chainring is a 42-tooth model. When selecting a crankset , look for slightly shorter crankarms than normal since a shorter crankarm will make the bike easier to handle on steep downhills.

There’s no limit to the custom touches you an add to make your Fixie unique. Options include flat bars, motorcycle grips, disc wheels, deep-dish color-matched rims and hubs, vintage bicycle parts, and custom paint.