A fixed wheel bicycle is different from a multiple speed bicycle because it has no freewheel. It does not under any circumstances allow the rider to coast. Why? When the rear wheel is in motion so are the pedals. On a one speed, or fixed wheel, the sprocket is directly attached to the hub. A sprocket is a toothed wheel meshed with a chain.

Riders of this type of bicycle prefer it for several reasons. They believe that a rider’s pedaling technique improves because pedaling rhythm cannot be interrupted while the bicycle is moving. After all coasting is not permitted because if the back wheel is moving so are the pedals. The continuous pedaling keeps the legs supple and improves circulation.

Riding and owning this type of bicycle has other advantages. It is weighs lighter than a comparable bicycle with a freewheel and is easier to maintain because there are fewer mechanical parts. The chain line is shorter and straighter as it only needs to be mounted from hub to crank.

One disadvantage to riding a single speed bicycle is that going down a hill can be more difficult for the simple reason that riders are forced to pedal faster. Unfortunately for some, coasting, while always an option on a bike equipped with a freewheel, is still not an option but braking can be if done correctly. If coasting is tried a rider will most certainly get a kick, by a pedal, in the trailing leg or fall after losing control.

Another problem area, especially for beginners, is taking a corner at a high rate of speed. Pedals tend to hit the ground and cause a loss of control. A fall could be caused if the rear wheel should lift off of the ground. To prevent this from happening the bike should have good ground clearance and the pedals should not stick out to far.

To riders of a fixed wheel bicycles the advantages of riding it surpass the disadvantages by a wide margin. Especially when former riders of multiple speed bicycles become comfortable with the change in style and the fewer options available to them for getting down a hill. After all coasting is not allowed. What appeals to them is the simpler ride and the closer connection to road and bike.

Ever wondered what makes a fixed wheel bike so special? John Green takes us on the ultimate fixed wheel bike journey on http://www.fixedgearbikes.org

Tags: , , , , ,