Fixie Vs Single Speed Bicycle: Differences And Similarities
Choosing between a fixie vs single speed bike may come with a lot of headaches. The two bikes have almost the same components, such as being lightweight, which most racers look for in a bicycle.
There are several arguments about which a better bike is and which serves better. However, most fixies are racing bikes, while single-speed bikes are more commuting bikes.
To address the issue, let us look at the two bikes and discuss the similarities and differences.
What is a Fixie Bike?
A fixie, also known as a fixed gear bike, is a bike that lacks many gears. The rear wheel of a best fixed gear bike is connected to the pedal. Therefore, when the wheel is moving, the pedal is also moving.
The fixed gear back limits a rider from freewheeling, whereby it is impossible to move up or down the hill without the pedal making some movement.
The fixie bike, in most cases, lacks brakes, making most racers love it. Lack of brakes does not limit them when it comes to speeding.
Pros of Using a Fixed Gear Bike.
i. The fixed-gear bikes are easy to store.
The bikes can be stored easily in a tight space than other geared bikes. The wheels of the fixed gear bike are easy to remove and return.
ii. Fun and unique experience
You gain fun and unique experience when riding a fixed-gear bike. There is a direct engagement between the rider and the bike.
iii. Perfect for cardio workout
The fixed gear bikes are best for cardio workout and muscle workouts. The bikes do not allow coasting.
Cons of Using Fixed Gear Bike.
i. Hard to use
The fixed-gear bikes are hard to use, especially if you are used to the normal bikes. It would be best if you keep pedaling, which most people with other bikes are not used to.
ii. Lack brakes
Fixed gear bikes lack brakes. The fixed gear uses the pedal crank to make effective stops.
What is the Future of Fixed Gear Bikes?
There has grown interested and like the fixed gear bikes. In most cities, there are bike clubs where people race or move from one location to another.
The simplicity and speed of the bike are creating more attention, and in the coming few years, almost everyone will own a fixed-gear bike.
What is a Single-speed Bike?
A single-speed bike contains a one-gear ratio. The single-speed bikes have a freewheel. Once you stop cycling the pedals, the back wheel will still turn, but the pedal arm will not turn. The single-speed bike does not have several components, such as hub gearing and derailleur gear.
The single-speed bike is among the oldest and most commonly used in the world. The bike allows coasting, which means your feet can rest while the bike is on areas where it can move without pedaling.
Pros of Using a single-speed Bike.
i. Easy to maintain
The single-speed bike is easy to maintain than the multiple-gear bike. The bike has fewer components which makes it easy to maintain. Fewer components need lower maintenance since they are cheaper to repair in case of wear and tear.
ii. It’s cheaper
The single-speed bike is cheaper since it lacks some main components. The low cost of the bike is because they do not need many components to build and maintain it.
Cons of Using a Single-speed Bike.
i. Lacks multiple speeds
The single-speed bike lacks multiple speeds, making it hard to shift from uphill riding to downhill.
Fixie Vs Single Speed Bike: Differences
i. First difference
A single bike contains brakes just like any other bike. For fixed gear bikes, some may have broken while others do not have brakes. Since, in most countries, it is illegal to have a bike without brakes, most fixed-gear bikes contain one brake.
ii. Second difference
Single wheel bike has a freewheel, while the fixie bike does not have a free wheel. The single-speed wheel can rotate without pedaling, while the fixie bike wheels cannot rotate without pedaling.
iii. Third difference
Single-speed bikes are good for both commuters and racers, and beginners. The fixie bike serves the racers best, and most beginners might have a hard time using it.
Single Speed Bike Vs Fixie Bike: Similarities
i. Favor commuters
The two bikes favor commuters in the cities as their components are almost similar. The two bikes have only one gear because they have a front chaining directly connected to the single rear.
ii. Both bikes do not shake.
The bikes rely on the rider to take control of speed and the wheels by the energy they use when pedaling. Your force on the pedal determines how the bike will move.
iii. Single-speed bikes and fixie bikes are lightweight.
They lack some components that weigh a lot of pounds. This makes them very light to carry and use. You do not have to exert much force when using the bikes.
iV. The single-speed and fixie bikes have a similar design.
By just looking at them, it is hard to notice any differences. They have similar riding experiences. Their design is very simple.
V. They are both easy to maintain.
The bikes have fewer components compared to other components, which makes them easy to maintain. Repairing them will only take a couple of minutes.
When to get a single-speed or a fixed-gear bike?
Single-speed bikes apply best for commuters or winter bikes since they do not have many gears. Thus, they are easy to maintain. The fixed-gear bikes are mostly used on a track.
The fixed-gear bikes are best for speed and thus apply for professional riders during competition. The lack of brakes makes them fast and can be used as city bikes.
If you live in an area that has many hills, then a fixed-gear bike will come in handy more than a single-speed bike. A single-speed bike is best for areas that are flat.
Conclusion
Both single-speed and fixed-gear bikes are easy to maintain and very convenient due to their lightweight nature. The main difference is that the single-speed has brakes while fixed-gear lacks breaks.
The single-speed bike is best for commuters, while the fixed gear bike applies to racers.
