Digital Media Concepts/Fixed Gear Bikes

Introduction

Fixed gear bikes have been around for decades. It has become an easy way of transport for riders in the city for their daily commute. Fixed gear bikes are stripped to the bare mechanism of steering, pedaling, and rolling while still maintaining a sense of simplicity and elegance as riders weave in and out of traffic on them. As they become increasingly popular, more and more people are discovering the joy they receive from riding fixed gear.

History

Some of the first bikes ever created were fixed geared. This was before the invention of the derailleur which allowed for people to switch gears when riding. Single-speed were the only bikes available back then so they naturally became very popular in the sporting world. Bike racing became super popular and attracted huge crowds and turned bike racers in to stars. In fact, bike racers back in those days could earn almost $150,000 per year. One of the best known events in the sport of track racing was the hour record where world riders would pit themselves against the clock in an attempt to ride as far as they possibly could in an hour. Some of the greats of the sport have held the hour record, including Francesco Moser, Eddy Merckx and Miguel Indurain.

How it Works

Fixed geared bikes work by the having the cog directly attached to the rear hub which means that coasting isn't an option. When you pedal forward you go forward, when you pedal backwards you go backwards. This can as be used a style of braking, simply by resisting the pedals, riders are able to slow down. Riders say this makes them feel more connected with the bike. > Despite being stripped down to the bare minimum parts, fixies still remain incredibly popular to this day.

References

"History of Fixed Geared Bikes(Fixies)", accessed September 19, 2017,http://www.bigshotbikes.com/history-fixies.html