<p>So I really want a fixed gear bike, but I don’t know too much about them. I know that the braking system is different but that’s about it. They seem fun and challenging but would it be hard for someone like me that doesn’t have a lot of experience in cycling?</p>
<p>Fixed geared bike is hard. when you want to stop, you have to either jump off the bike, use your feet to slow yourself down, or the proper way is to pedal backwards. not recommended for newbies because if theres a car or a person in your way, its really hard to stop.</p>
<p>plus if you want to climb hills or what not, it gets tough.</p>
<p>If you dont have a lot of experience with cycling, a fixed gear bike might even be easier. I first rode a fixie and absolutely loved it because I never had to worry about changing gears since I didn’t really understand how to at the time anyway. Just one less thing to worry about IMO. Also, they are much cheaper and a great workout.</p>
<p>Are they efficient enough to just hop on and bike to class or is it something that you would just do to get a workout?</p>
<p>it depends.</p>
<p>They are more than efficient enough to bike to class. Unless if you’re biking more than a couple miles or up huge hills it won’t make much of a difference. Even if you are biking long distances, a fixie will be fine. I try to ride mine as much as possible, usually 3 or 4 times a week for up to 20 miles or so.</p>
<p>Hah sorry if I’m coming off as biased, but I am a HUGE fan of fixies. I mean they cost less, there’s less maintenance involved, less confusing, better workout…</p>
<p>Ahh, thanks bethyy, it just sucks because I picked out a brand new freewheel bike for my graduation, but now I really want a fixie! Lame.</p>
<p>when I was in Amsterdam, almost all the bikes in the city only had 1 gear, a few had 3 or 5. If it’s good enough for them to get around Amsterdam, it should be good enough to get around a college campus… unless you are at a mountainous campus.</p>
<p>I ride a brakeless fixed gear. They are actually more efficient, but you need to be stronger to be able to slow down, and also go up hills.</p>
<p>You can put brakes on them which I recommend. </p>
<p>Remeber to use a U lock, and don’t leave the bike out overnight, or you won’t see it again.</p>
<p>brakeless bikes are also illegal in most countries…</p>
<p>i have one as well but theyre definitely not reccomended</p>
<p>Oh yeah, for the bike I have now, I just have a steel cable that I wind through my bike wheels, the frame, and through the bottom of the seat with a padlock on the end of it. Is that advised? Or is a U lock the best way to go as far as locks are concerned.</p>
<p>It depends where the bike is going to be kept. A U-lock is certainly better, but depending on the area, not necessarily needed.</p>
<p>Well I am going to the Univ. of Oregon in Eugene, so it’s not like a high crime rate city. I think as long as I weave the cable through the front wheel which can be popped off, I will be fine.</p>
<p>…join the trend…</p>