Recently, fixed-gear biking has become rather popular among young urbanites.  Some readers might be asking, 'what exactly is a fixed gear?'  To answer their questions, I put together a brief FAQ on the subject.    

So what makes a fixed gear bike different from any other bike?

The most distinguishing and easily identifiable characteristic of a fixed gear bike is that it cannot coast like other bikes, because the bike's single gear is directly connected to both the chain and wheel.  Whenever the wheels of the bike are moving, the pedals are moving.  Because of this, it is possible to slow and stop the bike by applying rearward pressure to the bike pedals.  Most fixed gear bikes are track bikes, originally meant for cycling in velodromes, oval-shaped track arenas, but any type of bicycle can be converted to a fixed gear. 

Why Fixed Gear?

Fixed gear bikes, having only one gear, are considerably lighter and easier to maintain than other bikes.  They only get lighter and simpler when the brakes are removed, as they often are.  Avid cyclists say that the constant use of leg muscles in pedaling and stopping increases muscle suppleness and pedaling rhythm. 

No brakes?

That's right.  The rationale behind removing brakes is to remove weight and potential maintenance trouble.  Stopping the bike can be done by pushing back against the pedals, as noted previously, or by executing a bike trick known as a 'skid,' where the rear wheel is removed from the ground briefly by the rider leaning forward, and locking the pedals in place, which causes the bike to skid to a halt.  The lack of brakes has led to accidents and at least one death. While some fixed gear riders chose to keep the front brake, most discard them entirely, citing either performance or stylistic reasons. 

Do any readers ride on of these fixed gear bikes?  What do they think of this FAQ?  Has anyone had an experience in traffic with one?  

 Photos courtesy of users gromgull and veganstraightedge on flickr.com.