I’ve been obsessed with fixed-gear bikes and culture for a little while now. It’s really starting to take off (perhaps a little too much some would say) in Melbourne, plus it’s a global thing — fixed-gear aficionados can be found in almost every city in the world.
For the unitiated, a fixed-gear bike is simply a ‘track bike’ slightly adapted for use on the road. So it’s super-light, very simple in design and geometry and features a fixed rear wheel (no freewheel) and no brakes. Variations include the addition of a front brake and/or a rear wheel which has a freewheel on one side and a fixed gear on the other (flip-flop).
I guess it’s something which started among bicycle messengers in major cities who wanted the direct feel of track cycling, the control of a fixed rear wheel and the agility of a velodrome bike. Plus, like any culture, it gives the rider ‘underground rebel’ status. Riding without brakes is technically illegal, it’s very hard, and if your bike ever gets stolen from out front of your latest delivery you’ll know where to find the guy — plastered to the nearest pole.
Like every subculture, fixed-gear has its discontents. Some road-cyclists don’t like sharing the road with people not running brakes, and it probably annoys them that fixed-gear bikes are much cheaper than their $3000 steeds. That said, I think cycling in general will benefit from the exposure the inevitable explosion of fixed-gear culture will provide. Riders are generally more individualist, not necessarily wearing jerseys in team colours or sporting the latest carbon-fiber thingo, and this likely appeals to would-be riders who eschew the cliched ‘Beach Road clique’.
It appeals to me because of the simplicity of the bikes and feeling of being truly connected with the road. Though I’m a trainspotter at this stage (no bike), I hope to join the club soon.
Cool sites: fixed.org.au :: Shifter Bikes :: Singletracking :: Mission Bicycles :: Allegro Bikes.
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