A fixed gear bike translates to a bike that functions with a fixed rear wheel cog. Basically from a mechanical standpoint, the quintessential difference between riding freewheel or fixed is that with a freewheel cog there is a bearing that allows the back wheel to rotate free from the movement of the pedals, chain and allows riders to stop pedaling at any point of the ride to enjoy their momentum. On the contrary, fixed gear cogs intentionally lack the bearing that separates wheel movement from drivetrain movement, meaning the pedals move in a fixed sync with the rear wheels. Ultimately, you cannot coast while riding fixed, your pedals continue to move with the rotation of the bike.
Therefore, if you're riding fixed and your pedal moves the chain, which rotates the rear cog that spins your rear wheel, your bike will move in whichever direction the pedals/chain/cog move.
Yes, that means you can ride forward or backwards while riding fixed; However, that's only one of the benefits that come with these bikes. Fixed gear bikes are single speed, if you think this is unfortunate, try looking at it from the angle of less is more. As a result of being single speed, Fixies tend to weigh less than their multi-geared contenders -needing no shifters, cassettes, derailleurs, etc-. In terms of cycle efficiency, riding fixed takes the win as the transfer of user effort to the rear wheel is delivered almost seamlessly.
One of the most common questions surrounding fixie culture is how do you brake and stop one? Contrary to popular knowledge, all bikes sold in the US are required to come with at least a front brake, this standard does not exclude fixies. The most efficient way to slow one down is indeed using brakes; however, many find it more fitting to counteract against the rotation of the pedals by locking the pedals in a horizontal position, and in turn locking the rear wheel causing a skid stop.
Just as riding freewheel isn’t for everyone, neither is riding fixed. However, both come with advantages. With that in mind, all Loco Fixies and FG Cruisers® are shipped with flip-flop hubs allowing riders to switch from freewheel to fixed gear with the painless flip of the back wheel.
COVID-19 has had us social distancing and quarantining for so long that some of the most routine aspects of life have become obsolete. A night out with friends is, quite literally, out. Casual interactions with new acquaintances have gotten even more awkward — you'll be met with shaking heads if you try to shake hands.
Some days, it feels like we're forgetting what "normal" looks like. Despite this, it's more important than ever to maintain healthy habits and routines. And you know what they say... you never forget how to ride a bike.
The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown all of us for a loop. Some of our normal strategies for navigating everyday life are no longer safe, and "everyday life" is no longer recognizable.
In these unprecedented times of stress and confusion, we offer three life hacks to help get you power through this pandemic:
2020 has brought with it a myriad of challenges, the novel coronavirus being perhaps the most pressing. People around the world are struggling to live their everyday lives while staying healthy and reducing the spread of the disease. Even with a global pandemic, however, the world continues to spin. So do bike tires! But in slightly different ways.
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