Fixed Gear & Single Speed Bikes

Fixed Gear and Single Speed bikes have been growing in popularity over the past few years.  We think there are a few reasons for this.  First, they are fun to ride.  Limiting yourself to one speed is a unique change of pace.  With single-speeds and fixed gear bikes, you can ride routes familiar to you and the ride has an entirely different feel to it.  Second, it's an excellent workout.  Once you reach hilly areas with these bikes, it's do or die.  Spend some time in a World Champion city like Philly and you will see these bikes all over the streets.  The trend of fixed & single speed bikes are making their way to the suburbs.

If you are not familiar with these terms, Fixed Gear and Single Speed bikes limit the rider to one gear.  Fixed Gear bikes force the rider to pedal constantly, through each and every revolution of the crankarms.  There is no coasting ability to this bike.  Single Speed bikes are similar except the bike has the ability to let the rider coast.

Imagine how difficult the Tour de France is.  Now imagine having to do it with only two gears.  That's how they used to do it.  They didn't have the choice, the "modern" derailleur had yet to be invented.  The Tour de France started in 1903 and road racing derailleurs came of age in 1938.  Riders used to have one gear for riding flats and when they came to the hills, they would "flip" the wheel over and use their "hill climbing" gear. 

We have experience in customizing these bikes for the terrain that you ride, making your routine routes more challenging.  We also have retrofitted customers old road bike frames and turned them into Fixed or Single Speed bikes.  Many riders have been opting for single and fixed geared bikes for Fall and Winter riding.  Firehouse Cycles rides fixed gear bikes through the winter, give us a call and come join us!

To see these great bikes go to www.specialize.com, and click on "Bikes", and go to www.jamisbikes.com, and click on "The Bikes"