Fixed Gear Meaning in Cycling

A fixed gear bike, often called a fixie, is a bicycle with no freewheel mechanism. Because the rear gear is fixed to the wheel, the pedals always move when the bike moves. You cannot coast or rest your legs while you are traveling. If you want to go faster, you must pedal faster; if you want to stop, you must resist the pedals. Many urban cyclists love these bikes because they are simple, light, and require very little maintenance. They lack the complicated derailleurs and shifters found on most modern road bikes. This creates a unique feeling of being completely connected to the movement of the bicycle. While they are famous in city traffic, they are also the only bikes allowed in track racing. For example, a city commuter rides a fixed gear bike because it is easy to clean and never drops a chain. They enjoy the constant workout they get from pedaling every single second of their trip. It is a minimalist approach to cycling.