A Bicycle Built for One: The “Fixie”

 

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ABOVE: PASHLEY GUV’NOR ; GEEKHOUSE CUSTOM BUILD; GLOBE ROLL 2 SE

 

The main selling point when buying a bike used to be how many speeds it had. The hottest ride on the street these days is the “fixie”, or the “fixed gear” bicycle, which means one speed only. The pedals are directly tied to the movement of the wheels… you pedal forward, the bike goes forward… you pedal backward, the bike goes backwards. The bicycle and rider are one. There is an appeal in this fundamental simplicity and beautiful design is the result. With so few moving parts, the pared down aesthetic and retro styling makes these bicycles true works of art, reminiscent of the first bicycles ever built.

The fixed gear culture has quite the obsessive following. The objects of desire are the custom builds with carefully chosen frames, handle bars, wheels and other parts, but if you’re looking to pick one up ready-to-ride, here are a few beauties I have found. CLICK CAPTION FOR SHOPPING INFO

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GAVIN FISSO

 

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FELT BROUGHAM CHROME

 

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SCOTT OTG 10

 

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VILANO EDGE CHROMOLY

 

 
 
 

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