Riding a fixie is ultimate freedom!
It is an extremely simple concept, but just feels so great to grab your bike and get outside.
You do not need to worry about adjusting the derailleurs, about applying lube all the time, and if your bike needs any work, very minimal tools are needed.
Across the country, there are bike couriers who are riding fixies because they are light weight, hard to break, and function great in traffic, not to mention the control.
The thing is, fixed gear riders are few and far between. It is an art and a skill to ride a bike that you cannot just coast with and this scares a lot of people from even trying it out.
It is almost like relearning how to ride. When you first get on, the experience is unique but truly amazing.
Once you have it down though, you will be able to do all the awesome moves like hopping your bike, and skidding to a stop just like all the professionals and bike couriers. You will then be able to do what most people are not, ride a fixed gear!
Click here to see the top Fixed Gear Bikes
Becoming More Popular Means Higher Prices?
Fixies are becoming more popular and because of this, different manufacturers are getting into the market and trying to compete. A lot of these companies like to have premium products and they start introducing premium fixed gear bikes and the next thing thing you start seeing that these are costing upwards of $1,000 which is simply madness.
Yes, they will probably be pretty awesome, but that is getting away from the simplicity and art that is the fixie.
Think of the people that ride these, who are they? Most likely they are people in college, delivery guys and girls, and people who want to stick out from the crowd. The best way for them to get going, is to get a cheap fixed gear bike!
What you should know buying a cheap fixie today
Many companies still do produce affordable fixed gear bikes that look great and refuse to raise their prices. For this, we salute them!
When buying a fixie, you should keep these things in mind.
- Customization is key! They are meant to be customized and you should always have this in your mind when you are shopping. If you do not like one small aspect, it can be changed!
- Tires will wear out. No matter what you have on your fixed gear bike, they will wear out faster than normal. This is just the name of the game.
- Everyone changes the handlebars. I am not really sure of the reason for this, but I always see handlebars on fixies that have been swapped out so you may want to do that as well.
Here are some top choices for buying a fixed gear bicycle.
Pure Fix Cycles Fixed Gear Single Speed Urban Fixie
You will see a lot of models out there today, but you will be hard pressed to find one with as much style as this one. On top of that, they are very affordable!
The frame just looks great and feels great as well. You will sit upright and feel comfortable.
The frame is made out of steel so it will not be as light as a carbon bike. Steel is cheap though, so this will save a lot of your money just by getting a bike with a steel frame. Because a fixie is made from just a frame, some wheels, pedals, and handlebars, it will be very light. This particular model weighs about 23 pounds.
The tires it comes with are Kenda which I think are perfect tires for when you first get the bike. If you want to get new ones later, that is all fine and well but if you are riding in the city, I would suggest you get a little bit wider tire.
The absolute best part about this fixed gear bike is that if you are sick and tired of not being able to coast, you can simple take the rear wheel out, flip that bad boy around, and put it back in to convert it to a single speed! Talk about versatility!
If you want to get the warranty that comes with this Pure Fix bike you will need to go to a bike shop and get it put together. This will typically run you about 50 dollars but to get the warranty, I would highly suggest it.
If you want to put it together yourself and cannot waste any time getting out on the road, you will need to put about 1 hour into assembly.
With this particular unit, there are so many color and size options.
Click here to see the Pure Fix and check the price
Critical Cycles With Pista Drop Bars
If you want to get the classic style that comes straight out of cali with awesome style, you may like the Critical Cycles.
The steel frame that comes with this beautiful unit is hand made and will surely bring back memories if you are from the coast.
The frame is very similar to a track bike but the main difference is that this one is actually a comfy ride. If you like to feel like you are racing down the streets and like that certain feel, this is a great choice.
Remember that you want your ride to be durable as well. Critical Cycles really delivers with double walled wheels so the next time you ride over a pot hole, your wheels will be spared from being warped.
This comes with the same feature as above. If you want to switch it from a fixed geared bike to being able to coast, simply flip the wheel around and put it back on. You can then use the front break which is great for the amount of money you will spend.
For under $300 dollars with all the components you would expect to see on a more expensive model, this is something you should consider purchasing
Click here to see the Critical Cycles With Pista Drop Bars
Vilano Edge Fixed Gear Single Speed Bike
Vilano is a company you do not want to miss when it comes to providing value on a bike for the money.
The frame is a simple steel frame, but it is made to last any abuse you will put it through and still look good too.
A lot of people switch out their handlebars, but I actually like the handlebars on this bike. When the bicycle is shipped, these bars are pre wrapped so all you need to do is attach them and you are good to go.
The main difference between this and other units is that the Vilano Edge comes with a front break, but also a rear break. If you want something extremely versatile, then this feature should be remembered.
The headset that comes with the Vilano edge comes in at 1 1/8 but is actually very durable from what I have seen. However, you will not be able to raise up the handlebars so this may be some room for concern.
Vilano is a great company that is known for producing top quality bikes. They offer great value and this particular one comes in a few awesome colors!
Click here to check out the Vilano Edge
Critical Cycles Upright Urban Fixie
Critical Cycles makes such great products that I had to include them for a second time. The Pure Fix is great, but the upright urban is almost just as good.
When you get this Upright Urban, you can expect to sit in an upright position and the handlebars are raised which is a nice change of pace for any student that is tired of crunching over when you need to move around.
You also get some really nice components such as a Promax break, KMC chain, and Wellgo pedals. For this price point, it is nice to see these high level components that are name brand.
Keep in mind this is a more stylish ride and it will come in at 10 different colors so there is something for everyone.
There are three sizes which is too bad. Small, Medium, and Large are what is offered. If you are much above 6 feet this may not be a good fit, but hey, go check it out for yourself.
Click here to see the Upright Urban and check prices
Takara Sugiyama Flat Bar Fixie
Last but not least, we have the Sugiyama by Takara. For years this company has been producing cheap fixies that stand out. Previous models were kind of an eye sore, but with this new model, they seemed to have turned that around.
As you can tell from the picture, the paint job really sticks out. The thing I do not like is how many times they tried to plaster their brand all over this frame. Oh well, still not that big of a deal.
This bike works perfectly for a beginner into the fixed gear world. You can adjust the stem to make sure you are in a comfortable riding position and the tires are pretty wide so they stand up when running over rough terrain. This is also a comfortable unit to ride.
This is the only product on our list that comes with a chain guard and to be honest I do not really like it. You will see most people riding other bikes will simply roll up their jean leg on that side and no problem. I guess for the lazy, or fashionable, the chain guard is decent. You will have to make up your own mind on this one.
Finally, this bike is a bit heavier than other models and weighs about 30 pounds. With that being said, a lot of people lvoe this bike and the reviews are very positive. It is cheap and affordable but still works great. Give it a look and see what you think.
Click here to see more reviews and price of the Takara Sugiyama
Final Words
If you are new to riding a fixie, there is nothing better. After learning to ride, you will quickly see that riding any bike, you handle it much better. Sure, you will not be able to coast and will be forced to pedal, but this just gives you ultimate control over your machine. This control is essential if riding in heavy traffic, such as New York!
Do not take the time to fiddle over a purchase like this. Fixed gear bikes are cheap and hold up well to abuse. Pick one out that you like the look of and just play with it! It will not hurt your wallet and the amount of smiles per mile will be high.
Go out and have the time of your life!
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