My number one rule for fixed gear: Run brakes (or at least a front brake) for AT LEAST a year. Even then you may decide to leave the brake(s) on. And that's cool too.
8:55 "Question of the day." My recommendation is getting a flip-flop hub and putting a freewheel hub on to start off with. Same number of teeth as the fixed-gear side. This will get one used to climbing and starting in the same gear combination. For instance I started with 46-16 SS for about 3 months before flipping to fg. It made the transition smoother. Then once I got used to riding fixed I got duel sided clipless pedals. I had them on my road and mountain bikes so THAT transition was easier, too. Once I was comfortable I increased the ratio to 48×15. Which is where I remain today after 12 years. All totaled the transition took 6 months from freewheel 46x16 to fixed gear 48x15.
Man Zac, after two years of watching your channel, you've finally converted this roadie. I'm one week out from getting the final components for my own fixed gear build and it's already looking pretty mad, thanks Zac.
Tip for beginners: fixed gear conversions. My first fixie was just a different wheelset and chain on my commuter frame (an old cheapo Peugeot road bike from Craigslist), which I set up for winter riding back in 2013. I live in Montreal and the winter months are unkind to every part of your bike, but especially your derailleur. I also liked that you could control your speed with your legs, because snow and ice greatly reduce the effectiveness of rim brakes. IMO conversions are a good way to test the waters without spending too much money. You can always convert back if you really don't like it. Personally I don't always like riding fixed but I got hooked enough during that first winter to have bought a purpose-built fixie which I use all the time (not just in the winter anymore). Obviously this only makes sense if you already have a bike to convert. Otherwise you're probably spending the same amount you would otherwise for worse parts or more for the same. Don't buy an old crappy road bike just to put fixie components on it, because you won't save money. Lastly, make sure the dropouts on your existing frame are fixie-compatible. Most are, but there are some exceptions. Don't get caught buying all the parts only to have to buy a new frameset anyway.
I highly recommend practice riding very slowly in an open area as this will help you gain more balance and is super useful. For the longest time I would only ride normally, like stop and go, but never ride really slowly just for fun/exercise, once I did and started leaning how to track stand it helped me out significantly and I felt that I learned how to truly ride a bike. As going to a school with a ton of bikes, I see lots of noobs struggle balancing at low speeds but having a fixed gear and practice going slow, you will feel way more confident!
Something that can help when first learning to skid stop is having a bigger cog. I started with 13t and couldn't stop to save my life. I upgraded to 18t and it's a beauty. Now I have a 20t and 21t and they're the best. And it's easier on the legs and an ease for up hills.
10-12 years ago I use to ride a fixes gear all over the bay area. Longest ride I've done was from Richmond to Hayward twice. I do miss it. Just got my girl a single speed and thinking about making one just for fun lol your videos are pushing me towards it too 😅
I started bicycle with one Pure Bike. It was a very good bicycle to begin with, but I changed almost every part of my bike. These were good but not optimal...
Zach! Thanks for all the advice. Two years ago,and after a lifetime of cycling, I suffered a Grand Mal stroke. I have had to learn to walk again,and try to heal. One of the biggest problems,,my left hand is paralyzed (brain damage- Big stroke) I am convinced,if I had a fixie, I could ride. I think I am up to something. Thanks for all the advice. Still trying to figure out a bike...
Hey i have a Q pls help me out, what if am riding at 25kmph and suddenly a pedestrian pops out how am I supposed to brake should I reverse paddle ??? Pls help me out m too curious 🤔
Tip: if you're fortunate enough to have an abundance of bike trails near you, learn to ride fixed gear on them. Usually trails are smooth, not as congested as the streets, and unlike an empty parking lot, they take you to places, usually scenic places.
At first i didnt really like ur nitto handlebars bars but now im starting to dig it, might actually get it because you look so comfortable riding with them
Pure nothing... If you are empathetically recommending a beginner fixed gear I can't understand why you wouldn't suggest the Fuji Feather. The Feather is such a dope frame, bringing back the old school with a threaded headset begging for a Nitto Pearl... The upgrades on that thing are limitless. The Fuji Feather is such a slept on bike... When I see one in the wild, my Wabi gets kinda itchy and my Steamroller feels like a fatso.
The Fuji Feather is also a great entry level bike if you can get it for around $400 (in the U.S.). I haven't recommended it lately since the price varies widely between $500-600. I agree, it's an underrated bike.
You're absolutely right... I still had it in my mind that the Feather retailed for around $400. I see now that they are MSRPing the thing at $550. You are more knowledgeable in this area of the market than me, but if someone can spend $550 on an entry level, complete, fixed bike, I would probably nudge them in a different direction. It's a shame that Wabi's start at close to $900 now. When the Classic was around $650 it was such an easy recommendation. Though I kinda feel happy with the price I paid for my Special now :)
6:20 those are not midsection wheels. In Europe we have two major types of rims, single disc and double disc. Double disc rims are durable, while single disc rims are used mainly for city bikes, hybrid bikes that never go fast, and are mainly used by women or old men. The rims in 6:20 are single disc and it's the worst thing you can do to a fixie, anyway you will need to change them in less than a year since they can be fixed up to a certain degree...
I want to try riding a fixie but single speed chose me,.. :) tips for starters: just keep pedaling and be alert always ahead of time then you can feel the hype after doing that..
i ordered my pure fix premium to germany and it had front and rear brakes, so it might come with a rear one for a lot of other people as well. maybe zachs bike only had a front one because it isnt illegal in the us as far as i know, so if it is illegal in your country it will probably do have a rear brake. correct me if i am wrong but thats how i made sense of that.
Hey Zach thanks for all the videos! enjoy them a lot to learn more (especially about what and what not to buy). I was wondering if you planned on visiting the biggest biking country in the world (FYI, that is the Netherlands) anytime soon? Can only recommend it after watching all your video's with poor roads for cycling. Give it a thought maybe? Would like to see how you like it.
Question. Does anyone remember spark toys? Like the little guns for example? You pull the trigger and a little metal wheel spins and flint touches it and sparks fly on the inside. Well does having heavier rims help maintain momentum?
I want to start to commute and leave my motorcycle behind for a while, but I have never go more than 1 km on a bicycle, and im a little big haha, its fixie or gear better on this type of situation (never ride a bike more than just a sunday of recreation with family).
LuvlyBraixen Define big mate ;) I was 144kg and i still rode 10-15km almost every day. Now i am 113kg and just switched to fixed gear, i ride road, mtb and fix.
I actually already want to ride a fixed gear but when it comes to my parents and me explaining why i want to, i think i have to make an entire thesis and a 100 slide powerpoint
As a disabled Marine my Dr. said to start riding a bike. I got a fixed gear. It was great until I tried to hard stop and nearly blew my kneecaps off. Enter freewheel and brakes😁
I found a vintage track frame that fits 32c tires easily, is fully lugged and has a pretty low trail fork (lot of rake). It is not drilled for brakes in the rear. And has a 25.4 seatpost. Is this uncommon?
Got a fixie last Aug still not ridden it.... getting very tempted to give it a try though or if I chicken out will convert it to single speed (don't judge me)
I just bought my first fixed gear (critical Harper) did i waste my money? Should I have just saved the $200 and bought a new more expensive bike or gone with a used one? I've been bumming bikes from friends and wanted to get my own asap.
Keep your brake. Don’t go for style/cool points. Keep your brake. I’ve been riding bikes since I was 5. I trust my skills and know my abilities. It doesn’t mean shit when you come up against oblivious/idiotic/douchebag drivers. I was stubborn and trusted my 20+ years of experience and all it took was one too many close calls and a confiscated bike to decide that I’m keeping a front brake.
Great video Zach. I was wondering if you have a video about wheels? Specifically about making them “true”. You mention it from time to time and I can’t find a video about it. If anyone else has a suggestion for me to find some info I would. Appreciate it. Thanks all!
Hi zach i have a trek 2300 carbon composite aluminum hybrid frame and i wanted your opinion whether it would be a good candidate for a fixie build. The main concern is the fact the carbon tubes are epoxy bonded to the aluminum sections. Might have to trash the idea but maybe if i added a front brake i could take the stress out of the frame during braking. Im not too worried about skidding or tricks just want the fixed gear feeling
I saw this video and I really want to get into riding a fixed gear bike I used to be a bmx rider. I got a mini velo custom bike and had it switched into a fixed gear. just wanna ask if a mini velo fixed is recommendable for a beginner? thanks for those whose going to answer 🙂
Hi, I'm new to modifying my bike and I was hoping if someone could suggest what type of brake levers I should get for riding with a dropbar? I usually like to ride with my hands on top of the drop bar and I was looking at those horizontal (cross/inline?) brakes. I want to create a similar build to the orange bike shown in this video with just the front brakes as that is all I'll be needing!
I have a question maybe you can help ease my mind. I have been riding bmx bikes for over 20years, and was good enough to have had a few parts and clips in videos. But im a bit older and getting hurt is no longer a day of rest ordeal. But i still love to ride. Well i just bought a retrospect dome v2 with carbon fork. It was on sale on amazon and it ticked my boxes, and it should be here in a day or 2. Now i am just curious. Was it a smart decision for a beginner ? I know my way around a bmx bike and i am hoping i did not just end up buying the equivalent of a Toys r Us bike. I am not looking for a pro level bike, but i also do not want a bike that will limit my beginner status.
i was stoned and was thinking fixed gears are really multy speeds because you are never spinning at the same speed rather than a 10 speed you're always adjusting your gears to spin at the same speeds
is it faster to bike on a fixed or 1 gear bike than a multi-gear bike? ( like a mountain bike?) Because I need a bike for speed, so I can get to work, or to somewhere I need as fast as possible. I currently have a 29" Genesis incline bike from Walmart (I'm 6 foot) , and It needs repairs after a week of use, the chain pops off sometimes and pedaling makes my knees so stiff that I can't use it. The pedal will actually loose pressure and pop off sometimes, only to catch the chain and hurt my foot! If it's a better investment to spend $500-$600 on building a fixed gear than repairing my bike, I'll take it! Even if I have to push it through Mountain terrain! ( The reason I always had a mountain bike, even as a kid, was because I thought more gears= Faster, and my mountain bike mad multiple gears, so i just stuck with it. It was hell to ride by high school, after years of use, and only now do I see the issue.)
My first time riding a fixie i got thrown over the bars because I had to ride it home from the lbs almost 30mins from home and had absolutely no experience whatsoever
What about starting fixed gear riding from a road riding background? I'm comfortable riding a road bike, and ride every day, but have never ridden a fixed gear bike. Also fully comfortable on clipless pedals - I've heard clipless is the way to go for fixed gear.
You have to ride with straps for foot retention .while riding you have to put more weight toward the front of your bike I would say to push your lead foot down while pulling your other foot upward
I ride a ponoandbike williamsburg , freewheeled from the first day Now after some months i am thinking to turn it to fixed, why i want to do this to myself?
I am looking to buy a miyata 912 single speed. It has 2 gears on the back. One on each side. Is one gear freestyle and one gear fixed? I have also seen a lot of videos that have that setup, but are only being used as fixed. Learning a lot from your vids so thanks!
@@silentcyclist I suppose it depends on whether the topic is a fixed gear or a fixed wheel. To me, a "fixie" bike could mean either. Back in the 70s we called it a "fixed wheel", some had one rear cog (gear) some had 3 with a simple handlebar fitted lever cable-pull shifter, it depended on whether we used it on the road, which then meant we had to have a front brake, or on a track (usually one we made ourselves in an off road area). I think the video link I posted referred to a fixed wheel bike, no brakes, so relies on leg power and knee and ankle ligaments to apply braking force on the back wheel. Good luck with your knees as you get older, I prefer brakes myself, save on needless waste of rubber that way too. My old 70s fixed wheel bike has two cogs, one on either side, one was fixed the other free. I'd ride to track on free cog and then take wheel off and flip it for fixed wheel drive for peddle races. For speedway style oval circuits on the dirt, I'd have to flip it to free wheel (but remove brake), this allowed us to get crank up on inside to avoid hitting the ground during the corner slides. Hope all this makes sense. Different strokes for different folks.
@@markdonovan1540 I personally don't like durianrider, and I don't like his energy. I was commuting every day on a road bike for 5 years. And was a motorcycle maniac for 7 years. Fixed gear makes personally me stronger and makes my life simple. You don't have to skid to brake on brakeless fixed gear, I use my leg strength to stop, not tires. Usually people skid for show. I got new tire for my bike in may, and I commute on my bike every day without brakes. And tire still fine. And I don't know what fixed wheel means. Fixed gear means you pedal all the time.
@@silentcyclist it certainly makes the bike more simple without all the gear changing and not having brake levers, I get the freedom aspect of it must feel great. Where I live in Madrid it's up and down a lot, so having gears makes my life easier. I'm 61 years old, so my legs prefer to take it easy and coast sometimes and use granny cog to get up them hills. I don't know how a fixed gear bike manages with hills, you must need legs if iron. PS. A fixed wheel is a fixed single gear. A free wheel is a cog that is not fixed to follow wheel rotation, hence you can coast without peddling, great for downhill riding and breezing style riding, more relaxing for me.
@@markdonovan1540 I ride fixed gear and I live in the area with many hills, and I love uphills, because they make me work with legs. Back in the beginning of the 1900s fixed gear bikes were the only bikes people had, they even did Tour de France on fixed gear bikes. If you live in Madrid Spain, you are lucky guy and your country is beautiful. 61 is still young, you have more life in you than you think. Have fun biking and safe travels. For me fixed gear means freedom, the only thing you worry about is pedaling.
Hi fellow cyclists. I'm having problems motivating myself to go out of the house and go on a nice and long cycling tour with one of my bikes. I have no fixie (yet) but I do have a communter/trekking bike, a MTB and a race bike. I ride my bike every day to work 12km in total but besides that I bike not that much as a I used to say a year ago. I don't really know why that is. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I live alone and mostly used to ride on my own. But I don't want to ride on my own that much anymore. I also work late shifts and work sometimes during the weekend so meeting with friends to go cycling together is a problem. Doe you also sometimes struggle with the same problem? Thanks in advance for any good tips.
I built a fixie about 16 or 17 years ago out of an old lightweight steel frame. I've built or restored several others since, for my (adult) children and other friends and family. The way to spread the word is to lend people a bike. Some like it. Some don't. Always run two brakes. Always. Fast descents (170rpm+) are suicide with only a front. Wet roads at speed are also suicide without two brakes. Do not buy an overpriced "custom" fixie from your LBS. Pick up an old steel frame with horizontal drop-outs and build your bike up from the ground. If you build wheels, build your own. The rear is built more like a front.... No complex dishing. Keep it light. Keep it strong. Don't expect to find your ideal gearing at once... But it will come. Clip in. Rat cages have a "cool" look, but can be tiresome. Shimano or Crank Bros. are excellent.
Hey, Zach! As much as I would love to ride my bike every day to be reasonably dangerous, I live deep in the fiery depth of Florida. In the summer, the heat and the humidity are soul-crushing. Do you know of any indoor stationary trainers that are compatible for fixed gear bikes?
Hey Zach I just found your channel and really dig it. I can't find it if you've covered it but do you have any experiance on converting a cheap second hand bike to a fixie?
Question of the Day: What are your tips for people looking to start riding fixed gears?
Zach Gallardo don’t say fixie
Have insurance
Remember to say good bye to your loved ones, because they'll never see you again. You'll either die or get addicted.
Don't let it get stolen 😣
You stopped showing "fixed points", do it a program, this time analyzing what kind of person would use the bike presented
My number one rule for fixed gear: Run brakes (or at least a front brake) for AT LEAST a year. Even then you may decide to leave the brake(s) on. And that's cool too.
Pro tip: you don't need to take your feet out of foot retention if you learn to track stand.
8:55 "Question of the day."
My recommendation is getting a flip-flop hub and putting a freewheel hub on to start off with. Same number of teeth as the fixed-gear side. This will get one used to climbing and starting in the same gear combination.
For instance I started with 46-16 SS for about 3 months before flipping to fg. It made the transition smoother. Then once I got used to riding fixed I got duel sided clipless pedals. I had them on my road and mountain bikes so THAT transition was easier, too. Once I was comfortable I increased the ratio to 48×15. Which is where I remain today after 12 years.
All totaled the transition took 6 months from freewheel 46x16 to fixed gear 48x15.
yep. I rode my 43x18 SS for about 2 months before I flipped to my 43x16 fixed cog.
Man Zac, after two years of watching your channel, you've finally converted this roadie. I'm one week out from getting the final components for my own fixed gear build and it's already looking pretty mad, thanks Zac.
Tip for beginners: fixed gear conversions. My first fixie was just a different wheelset and chain on my commuter frame (an old cheapo Peugeot road bike from Craigslist), which I set up for winter riding back in 2013. I live in Montreal and the winter months are unkind to every part of your bike, but especially your derailleur. I also liked that you could control your speed with your legs, because snow and ice greatly reduce the effectiveness of rim brakes.
IMO conversions are a good way to test the waters without spending too much money. You can always convert back if you really don't like it. Personally I don't always like riding fixed but I got hooked enough during that first winter to have bought a purpose-built fixie which I use all the time (not just in the winter anymore).
Obviously this only makes sense if you already have a bike to convert. Otherwise you're probably spending the same amount you would otherwise for worse parts or more for the same. Don't buy an old crappy road bike just to put fixie components on it, because you won't save money. Lastly, make sure the dropouts on your existing frame are fixie-compatible. Most are, but there are some exceptions. Don't get caught buying all the parts only to have to buy a new frameset anyway.
I highly recommend practice riding very slowly in an open area as this will help you gain more balance and is super useful. For the longest time I would only ride normally, like stop and go, but never ride really slowly just for fun/exercise, once I did and started leaning how to track stand it helped me out significantly and I felt that I learned how to truly ride a bike. As going to a school with a ton of bikes, I see lots of noobs struggle balancing at low speeds but having a fixed gear and practice going slow, you will feel way more confident!
Something that can help when first learning to skid stop is having a bigger cog. I started with 13t and couldn't stop to save my life. I upgraded to 18t and it's a beauty. Now I have a 20t and 21t and they're the best. And it's easier on the legs and an ease for up hills.
10-12 years ago I use to ride a fixes gear all over the bay area. Longest ride I've done was from Richmond to Hayward twice. I do miss it. Just got my girl a single speed and thinking about making one just for fun lol your videos are pushing me towards it too 😅
This guy has convinced me to get a fixie now ima save up
Never thought you’d recommend a pure bike
CozMo TF well its a sponsor so...
I started bicycle with one Pure Bike. It was a very good bicycle to begin with, but I changed almost every part of my bike. These were good but not optimal...
Tip: sizing is very important
that's what she said
@@RyHitch haha goteeem
I just built my first fixie out of a 1982 Batavus Champion, it's a helluva lot of fun!
Zach! Thanks for all the advice. Two years ago,and after a lifetime of cycling, I suffered a Grand Mal stroke. I have had to learn to walk again,and try to heal. One of the biggest problems,,my left hand is paralyzed (brain damage- Big stroke) I am convinced,if I had a fixie, I could ride. I think I am up to something. Thanks for all the advice. Still trying to figure out a bike...
Just bought my first fixed gear. Realized due to me breaking my ankle 2 years back, I can't brake the way I need. Had to flip it to single
Hey i have a Q pls help me out, what if am riding at 25kmph and suddenly a pedestrian pops out how am I supposed to brake should I reverse paddle ??? Pls help me out m too curious 🤔
An appropriate reference to Premium Rush but no mention of that timeless classic Quicksilver? Is my age showing?
Grant L. Jackson Quicksilver??? Never heard of that before. May it's because I am outside of the US...
To be fair, Bacon's bike is only fixed in some shots haha
Jake Swift Quicksilver was full of inconsistencies. It’s still one of my top five bicycle movies.
Eldhose Jacob it was released in 1986 starring Kevin Bacon and Jami Gertz. A worthy watch.
That was a great movie
just bought my first fixed, started road biking in 2016 and now since moving to FL, I am starting to drink the sauce
Tip: if you're fortunate enough to have an abundance of bike trails near you, learn to ride fixed gear on them. Usually trails are smooth, not as congested as the streets, and unlike an empty parking lot, they take you to places, usually scenic places.
The tie is such a nice touch.
I would also recommend buying a used fixed gear if you have a friend in the scene who can help let you know if it’s a good or bad deal
Same
Hahahahaha when you started blurting our Premium Rush lines it cracked me up.
I'm a fixied gear addict lol, 6 years and I cant stop buying parts and bikes, trading and selling
"can't stop... Won't stop"
"be reasonably dangerous"
Equally cheesy and equally awesome to say! 👊
At first i didnt really like ur nitto handlebars bars but now im starting to dig it, might actually get it because you look so comfortable riding with them
They're worth every penny.
Pure nothing... If you are empathetically recommending a beginner fixed gear I can't understand why you wouldn't suggest the Fuji Feather. The Feather is such a dope frame, bringing back the old school with a threaded headset begging for a Nitto Pearl... The upgrades on that thing are limitless.
The Fuji Feather is such a slept on bike... When I see one in the wild, my Wabi gets kinda itchy and my Steamroller feels like a fatso.
Catastrophe Merchant he's recommended them feather in the past. Mine just got stolen or the fourth 😭😭😭
The Fuji Feather is also a great entry level bike if you can get it for around $400 (in the U.S.). I haven't recommended it lately since the price varies widely between $500-600. I agree, it's an underrated bike.
You're absolutely right... I still had it in my mind that the Feather retailed for around $400. I see now that they are MSRPing the thing at $550. You are more knowledgeable in this area of the market than me, but if someone can spend $550 on an entry level, complete, fixed bike, I would probably nudge them in a different direction.
It's a shame that Wabi's start at close to $900 now. When the Classic was around $650 it was such an easy recommendation. Though I kinda feel happy with the price I paid for my Special now :)
I haven’t even been riding a bike for a complete year yet, and I’ve dropped 2,000+ dollars on fixed gear parts and etc, it is truly and addiction
I ride a road bike and i just ordered a fixie its gonna take alot to get the hang of it pray for me with them hills .
So true. The first time I rode a Fixie I was in 💘.
6:20 those are not midsection wheels. In Europe we have two major types of rims, single disc and double disc. Double disc rims are durable, while single disc rims are used mainly for city bikes, hybrid bikes that never go fast, and are mainly used by women or old men. The rims in 6:20 are single disc and it's the worst thing you can do to a fixie, anyway you will need to change them in less than a year since they can be fixed up to a certain degree...
Beautiful bikes bro! I’m in Bermuda 10/2024 when I can I’ll get the king 22 inch frame 🫵🏾🕶
I want to try riding a fixie but single speed chose me,.. :) tips for starters: just keep pedaling and be alert always ahead of time then you can feel the hype after doing that..
try looking for a flip flop wheel when getting your first bike, just so you have the option to go singlespeed if you don't end up liking it
i ordered my pure fix premium to germany and it had front and rear brakes, so it might come with a rear one for a lot of other people as well. maybe zachs bike only had a front one because it isnt illegal in the us as far as i know, so if it is illegal in your country it will probably do have a rear brake. correct me if i am wrong but thats how i made sense of that.
What are the videos you reference at 3:36? "Mash and ______________ movies...."
I’ve watched premium rush like 8 times
Hey Zach thanks for all the videos! enjoy them a lot to learn more (especially about what and what not to buy). I was wondering if you planned on visiting the biggest biking country in the world (FYI, that is the Netherlands) anytime soon? Can only recommend it after watching all your video's with poor roads for cycling. Give it a thought maybe? Would like to see how you like it.
Question. Does anyone remember spark toys? Like the little guns for example? You pull the trigger and a little metal wheel spins and flint touches it and sparks fly on the inside. Well does having heavier rims help maintain momentum?
I want to start to commute and leave my motorcycle behind for a while, but I have never go more than 1 km on a bicycle, and im a little big haha, its fixie or gear better on this type of situation (never ride a bike more than just a sunday of recreation with family).
LuvlyBraixen Define big mate ;) I was 144kg and i still rode 10-15km almost every day. Now i am 113kg and just switched to fixed gear, i ride road, mtb and fix.
Yeah!! Riding a fixie is much fun! Than drugs😁💜
I actually already want to ride a fixed gear but when it comes to my parents and me explaining why i want to, i think i have to make an entire thesis and a 100 slide powerpoint
Damn bro same here any update man?
I still show Premium Rush just to get friends hyped to ride any bike.
As a disabled Marine my Dr. said to start riding a bike. I got a fixed gear. It was great until I tried to hard stop and nearly blew my kneecaps off. Enter freewheel and brakes😁
How to ride fixed gear bikes?
I’m guessing (before watching video): 1) Get fixed gear bike; 2) Ride it.
Step 1.5, dont get launched over the handlebars the first/last time you try to just stop pedaling.
I've been riding fixie for about 3 weeks and I have lost my muscle memory for normal cogs every time I try to ride my legs lock up
I found a vintage track frame that fits 32c tires easily, is fully lugged and has a pretty low trail fork (lot of rake). It is not drilled for brakes in the rear. And has a 25.4 seatpost. Is this uncommon?
What frame is it? Make model. On the look out for similar tyre spacing
5:05 Some hubs don't have metal caps over sealed bearings like this - should this be taken into considerations when choosing bike or wheels?
The bearings have a rubber seal on the outside which prevents dirt from getting in. You should be fine either way.
Got a fixie last Aug still not ridden it.... getting very tempted to give it a try though or if I chicken out will convert it to single speed (don't judge me)
No one plugs quicksilver wtf?! Kevin bacon my dudes.
Mikey Likesit less relevant to fixed gear riding, more relevant to messenger culture.
That opening scene with NYC's own Nelson Vails racing a taxi.
I just bought my first fixed gear (critical Harper) did i waste my money? Should I have just saved the $200 and bought a new more expensive bike or gone with a used one? I've been bumming bikes from friends and wanted to get my own asap.
anyone know what’s the style on that All-City frame (2:28) & if they’re still available???
The ghost of Errol Flynn approves that ‘stache!!
lol at using an adidas boost shoe for cycling. look at that sole flex at 7:49!
Can't wait for the comparison!
sorry man, i'm too old and too weak to swap my many gears for one gear. your vids are awesome, btw.
What do you think about the Zycle Fix Prime Bicycles?
At 8:33, are you wearing clipless shoes/pedals?
Keep your brake. Don’t go for style/cool points. Keep your brake. I’ve been riding bikes since I was 5. I trust my skills and know my abilities. It doesn’t mean shit when you come up against oblivious/idiotic/douchebag drivers. I was stubborn and trusted my 20+ years of experience and all it took was one too many close calls and a confiscated bike to decide that I’m keeping a front brake.
I broke my fixed gear virginity today, I was riding single speed, brought a flip flop wheel which came with the fixed cog
I bought a cheap single-speed with a flip flop cog. It arrives tomorrow. Excited to begin riding it to work.
Great video Zach. I was wondering if you have a video about wheels? Specifically about making them “true”. You mention it from time to time and I can’t find a video about it. If anyone else has a suggestion for me to find some info I would. Appreciate it. Thanks all!
Hi zach i have a trek 2300 carbon composite aluminum hybrid frame and i wanted your opinion whether it would be a good candidate for a fixie build. The main concern is the fact the carbon tubes are epoxy bonded to the aluminum sections. Might have to trash the idea but maybe if i added a front brake i could take the stress out of the frame during braking. Im not too worried about skidding or tricks just want the fixed gear feeling
Thanks for the video, i need to start saving money 😆
Who said that fixed gears got only one gear? There's four -- Sitting on the saddle, off the saddle, pushing and reverse.
Five if you count leaning over the bar, specially when going uphill:)
Good Job
Zach what do you think about the Rocky Mount Boroughs 2008 bike as a beginner Fixed-gear bike.
I saw this video and I really want to get into riding a fixed gear bike I used to be a bmx rider.
I got a mini velo custom bike and had it switched into a fixed gear.
just wanna ask if a mini velo fixed is recommendable for a beginner?
thanks for those whose going to answer 🙂
Hi, I'm new to modifying my bike and I was hoping if someone could suggest what type of brake levers I should get for riding with a dropbar? I usually like to ride with my hands on top of the drop bar and I was looking at those horizontal (cross/inline?) brakes. I want to create a similar build to the orange bike shown in this video with just the front brakes as that is all I'll be needing!
i have a bike coming in parts rn im getting hype with this
You’re always talking about Premium Rush but you missing the OG bike movie Quicksilver
I have a question maybe you can help ease my mind. I have been riding bmx bikes for over 20years, and was good enough to have had a few parts and clips in videos. But im a bit older and getting hurt is no longer a day of rest ordeal. But i still love to ride. Well i just bought a retrospect dome v2 with carbon fork. It was on sale on amazon and it ticked my boxes, and it should be here in a day or 2. Now i am just curious. Was it a smart decision for a beginner ? I know my way around a bmx bike and i am hoping i did not just end up buying the equivalent of a Toys r Us bike. I am not looking for a pro level bike, but i also do not want a bike that will limit my beginner status.
i was stoned and was thinking fixed gears are really multy speeds because you are never spinning at the same speed rather than a 10 speed you're always adjusting your gears to spin at the same speeds
Hey Zach, tell beginners the difference between 'sealed' and sealed cartridge bearings!
Any good websites to get a nice fixie? or even customize one? preferably with no brakes
is it faster to bike on a fixed or 1 gear bike than a multi-gear bike? ( like a mountain bike?) Because I need a bike for speed, so I can get to work, or to somewhere I need as fast as possible. I currently have a 29" Genesis incline bike from Walmart (I'm 6 foot) , and It needs repairs after a week of use, the chain pops off sometimes and pedaling makes my knees so stiff that I can't use it. The pedal will actually loose pressure and pop off sometimes, only to catch the chain and hurt my foot! If it's a better investment to spend $500-$600 on building a fixed gear than repairing my bike, I'll take it! Even if I have to push it through Mountain terrain!
( The reason I always had a mountain bike, even as a kid, was because I thought more gears= Faster, and my mountain bike mad multiple gears, so i just stuck with it. It was hell to ride by high school, after years of use, and only now do I see the issue.)
My first time riding a fixie i got thrown over the bars because I had to ride it home from the lbs almost 30mins from home and had absolutely no experience whatsoever
Curious about the sacramento meet up...couldnt get the day off for it
It's was a lot of fun! About 20 people showed up for a 20 mile ride. I'll probably do more in the future.
What about starting fixed gear riding from a road riding background? I'm comfortable riding a road bike, and ride every day, but have never ridden a fixed gear bike. Also fully comfortable on clipless pedals - I've heard clipless is the way to go for fixed gear.
Hey zach, have you ever tried building an fgfs 650b bike from a 700c one?
Retrospec Harper for first ever bike with moderate hills?
What's the best way to explain the mechanics of stopping while in fixed mode to someone interested in fixies?
You have to ride with straps for foot retention .while riding you have to put more weight toward the front of your bike I would say to push your lead foot down while pulling your other foot upward
read the manwha windbreaker that motivated me to ride fixed gear lol
Why coast thru life?
I ride a ponoandbike williamsburg , freewheeled from the first day
Now after some months i am thinking to turn it to fixed, why i want to do this to myself?
What's the best and most bling fixie I can get for less than 1000 USD.
Can you send me a link or where to watch this movies please . Thank you
Xmovies8.com sound like a porn site but no.
I am looking to buy a miyata 912 single speed. It has 2 gears on the back. One on each side. Is one gear freestyle and one gear fixed? I have also seen a lot of videos that have that setup, but are only being used as fixed. Learning a lot from your vids so thanks!
all combinations are possible.
How do you feel about the surly steamroller?
Mustache! ... also what about Line of Sight for some good hype?
Hello, any thoughts of the Raleigh Teaba 2018 model? I saw it’s on sale for $439. Thanks!
Just bought a vintage bianchi frame gonna make a fixie and ride it!
Make sure you watch this video before you decide:
ruclips.net/video/290djiNH2HE/видео.html
That guy knows nothing about fixed gear.
@@silentcyclist I suppose it depends on whether the topic is a fixed gear or a fixed wheel. To me, a "fixie" bike could mean either. Back in the 70s we called it a "fixed wheel", some had one rear cog (gear) some had 3 with a simple handlebar fitted lever cable-pull shifter, it depended on whether we used it on the road, which then meant we had to have a front brake, or on a track (usually one we made ourselves in an off road area).
I think the video link I posted referred to a fixed wheel bike, no brakes, so relies on leg power and knee and ankle ligaments to apply braking force on the back wheel. Good luck with your knees as you get older, I prefer brakes myself, save on needless waste of rubber that way too.
My old 70s fixed wheel bike has two cogs, one on either side, one was fixed the other free. I'd ride to track on free cog and then take wheel off and flip it for fixed wheel drive for peddle races. For speedway style oval circuits on the dirt, I'd have to flip it to free wheel (but remove brake), this allowed us to get crank up on inside to avoid hitting the ground during the corner slides.
Hope all this makes sense. Different strokes for different folks.
@@markdonovan1540 I personally don't like durianrider, and I don't like his energy. I was commuting every day on a road bike for 5 years. And was a motorcycle maniac for 7 years. Fixed gear makes personally me stronger and makes my life simple. You don't have to skid to brake on brakeless fixed gear, I use my leg strength to stop, not tires. Usually people skid for show. I got new tire for my bike in may, and I commute on my bike every day without brakes. And tire still fine. And I don't know what fixed wheel means. Fixed gear means you pedal all the time.
@@silentcyclist it certainly makes the bike more simple without all the gear changing and not having brake levers, I get the freedom aspect of it must feel great.
Where I live in Madrid it's up and down a lot, so having gears makes my life easier. I'm 61 years old, so my legs prefer to take it easy and coast sometimes and use granny cog to get up them hills. I don't know how a fixed gear bike manages with hills, you must need legs if iron.
PS. A fixed wheel is a fixed single gear. A free wheel is a cog that is not fixed to follow wheel rotation, hence you can coast without peddling, great for downhill riding and breezing style riding, more relaxing for me.
@@markdonovan1540 I ride fixed gear and I live in the area with many hills, and I love uphills, because they make me work with legs. Back in the beginning of the 1900s fixed gear bikes were the only bikes people had, they even did Tour de France on fixed gear bikes. If you live in Madrid Spain, you are lucky guy and your country is beautiful. 61 is still young, you have more life in you than you think. Have fun biking and safe travels. For me fixed gear means freedom, the only thing you worry about is pedaling.
Hi fellow cyclists. I'm having problems motivating myself to go out of the house and go on a nice and long cycling tour with one of my bikes. I have no fixie (yet) but I do have a communter/trekking bike, a MTB and a race bike. I ride my bike every day to work 12km in total but besides that I bike not that much as a I used to say a year ago. I don't really know why that is. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I live alone and mostly used to ride on my own. But I don't want to ride on my own that much anymore. I also work late shifts and work sometimes during the weekend so meeting with friends to go cycling together is a problem. Doe you also sometimes struggle with the same problem? Thanks in advance for any good tips.
Join a MTB or cycling club. Go on fixed gear spins... You'll meet people with the same time constraints and always have a riding buddy.
I built a fixie about 16 or 17 years ago out of an old lightweight steel frame.
I've built or restored several others since, for my (adult) children and other friends and family.
The way to spread the word is to lend people a bike.
Some like it. Some don't.
Always run two brakes. Always.
Fast descents (170rpm+) are suicide with only a front.
Wet roads at speed are also suicide without two brakes.
Do not buy an overpriced "custom" fixie from your LBS.
Pick up an old steel frame with horizontal drop-outs and build your bike up from the ground. If you build wheels, build your own. The rear is built more like a front.... No complex dishing. Keep it light. Keep it strong. Don't expect to find your ideal gearing at once... But it will come.
Clip in. Rat cages have a "cool" look, but can be tiresome.
Shimano or Crank Bros. are excellent.
I got my first fixed gear Cinelli Smash about 650 euros, My first time riding today, it's hard
Cutting down on fuel costs would be huge for me
Till you learn how to skid and start burning gatorskins.
what is the bike at 2:22
Hey, Zach! As much as I would love to ride my bike every day to be reasonably dangerous, I live deep in the fiery depth of Florida. In the summer, the heat and the humidity are soul-crushing. Do you know of any indoor stationary trainers that are compatible for fixed gear bikes?
Cullen Murphy all rollers should be fixed compatible.
I ride single gear bike, maybe in the future I will turn my rear wheel and ride fixed gear.
Hey Zach I just found your channel and really dig it. I can't find it if you've covered it but do you have any experiance on converting a cheap second hand bike to a fixie?
I like DIY stuff and think I'm gonna go this route for my first fixed gear.
Is there any bike movie that isn't silly?
when he said i should subscribe teher was an animation on the subscribe button... HOW?!