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Riding a bicycle is a great way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. You can take the whole family and pedal your way to better health. Perhaps you're tired of walking to work and ready for a faster commute. A fixed wheel bicycle is a simple machine that's the answer to your needs. These easy-to-ride bikes are perfect for beginners. Don't assume that a fixed wheel bike isn't for those who are serious about exercising or riding long distances: many competitive riders use them for training during the off-season, and they are popular on the track. You'll appreciate that they have better pedal efficiency and provide more controlled handling. Check out our list of the best fixed gear bikes and find the perfect one for your riding desires.

Fixed Gear Bike Close Up

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Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, "wisdom of the crowd" assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

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Benefits of Fixed Gear Bikes

Physical fitness. A fixed gear bike will help you get moving for cardio exercise. Getting your heart rate up will improve your stamina and physical fitness ability. The single gear will also require you to use more muscle power to improve muscle tone.
Easier maintenance. Fixed gear bikes have fewer components than multiple gear bicycles, making them easier to maintain and requiring less money to keep running smoothly. Beginners will find these bikes easy to take care of.
Greater riding control. Beginners who are new to bicycle riding will appreciate the simplicity of these bikes since it's easier to get pedaling and control the handling of the bike. You can develop your riding skills without having to worry about switching gears.

Types of Fixed Gear Bikes

Commuting

These types of bikes have sturdy steel frames with solid welds and thick tires. You'll appreciate the upright riding position that will be comfortable and give you plenty of visibility in traffic. These bicycles will have commuting features like fenders and extra racks for carrying your belongings. A standout feature you'll find on these bikes is a sealed bearing hub, which is a must-have for all-weather commuting.

Touring

These bicycles are designed for long-distance riding comfort and ability. They'll help you conquer the inclines with remarkable pedal efficiency. They typically have steel frames that are durable and dampen extra vibration. There will also be extra creature comforts that help make your long rides more comfortable, such as plush handlebar tape, brake hoods, fenders, racks, and water bottle holders.

Track

These sleek bikes have lighter frames that are made of carbon fiber or aluminum alloy. The angles in the frame are sharper for a more aerodynamic riding position and greater lateral stiffness. The wheelbase tends to be shorter, and the overall weight tends to be lighter. These types of fixed gear bikes tend to be more expensive than the others.

Top Brands

Schwinn

Founded in 1895, Schwinn is one of the oldest bicycle companies on the market. It has remained popular for decades due to its commitment to quality manufacturing and innovative developments. Take the whole family on a bike ride with the Schwinn Koen Boys Bike.

Golden Cycles

Founded in 2014, this relatively new company has a goal of getting more people to ride bicycles. Its line of bicycles features sturdy builds that are perfect for commuting. Its dedicated team strives to manufacture affordable bikes that are accessible to everyone. You'll love the bold white and hot pink styling of the Golden Cycles Single Speed Fixed Gear Bike with Front & Rear Brakes.

Retrospec

Founded in 2008, the founder of Retrospec was a USC student when he came up with the idea for this innovative company. His goal was to capitalize on the rising popularity of fixed gear bikes, and he wanted more people to try them out by producing high-quality bicycles that are easy to use and maintain. The retro look of the Retrospec Harper Single-Speed Fixed Gear Urban Commuter Bike will have you riding to work in style.

Fixed Gear Bike Pricing

Under $200: You can find a simple and affordable bicycle in this price range. They may lack features and accessories, but they'll give you affordable and dependable performance.
$200 to $400: The majority of fixed gear bicycles are in this price range. They'll have various features and builds but are all smooth rolling. You'll appreciate their quality components.
$400 and up: These high-quality bikes are well worth the investment for their inclusion of top-quality components. Fixed gear bikes in this price range will be more dependable and durable.

Key Features

Frame Material

You'll have three main options to choose from in the frame material of your bike: steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber. Steel is the heaviest and the most durable, while aluminum is lighter but still durable and corrosion-resistant. You'll also find aluminum to be the most affordable. Carbon fiber is the most expensive but also the lightest weight. While carbon fiber is ideal for track riding, it isn't the most durable, so it isn't the best for commuting.

Gear Size

When choosing the gear size for your bike, it's mainly about personal preference: think about the type of riding you want to do, the terrain you'll ride on, and your bicycling style. People who ride on mountains or hills tend to prefer a lower gear ratio. In contrast, those who ride on flatlands are happier with a higher gear ratio. Those who race want the highest gear possible because they aren't dealing with inclines and want the fastest ride possible.

Brakes

Fixed gear bikes come with zero, one, or two brakes. Riding a bicycle with no brakes requires you to backpedal to create resistance and slow the bike down. A brakeless bike isn't ideal for commuting with traffic. A single brake will be on the front fixie wheel. While a single brake will stop you, it will lack maximum stopping power and lack traction on the back tire. For the most stopping power, you want a front and back brake.

Other Considerations

Size. The bike you ride needs to fit you. It should be the right height so you can comfortably mount and dismount the bike. You'll need to measure the length of your instep. The frame measurements are listed as centimeters. You should be able to extend your leg while pedaling without restrictions.
Riding Position. Your bicycle should put you in a riding position that you find comfortable. For track riding, you'll want to be leaned more forward to make your body more aerodynamic. Commuting requires you to have a more upright position that gives you better visibility. Long-distance riding will have your body somewhere in the middle for efficiency and all-day comfort.
Accessories. Look for a bike that has the accessories you need to make riding more comfortable and enjoyable. As a commuter, you'll want lights, fenders, and a rack. A track bike should have an aerodynamic frame and minimal weight adding features. A distance cruiser should have at least one water bottle holder. It could also have a GPS mount and a small bag for holding your keys and wallet.

Best Fixed Gear Bikes Reviews & Recommendations 2021

Best Overall

Schwinn Stites Fixie Commuter Road Bike

This steel-framed bicycle has a matte black style and measures 58 centimeters. It has a single-speed drivetrain with a versatile flip-flop hub and a flywheel. To give you plenty of stopping power, it has dual alloy caliper brakes. You'll like the high-profile alloy 700C wheels that are both lightweight and strong. The tires are designed to give you reliable performance throughout the changing seasons to make the bike durable and stable. The handlebar grips and seat are cushioned and comfortable while also adding to the sleek urban style. This bike gives you a no-frills riding experience while also being lightweight and agile enough to ride on your daily commute.

Unfortunately, a fixed cog is sold separately. The bike also has a rigid suspension, making riding this bicycle jarring, bouncy, or uncomfortable on rough roads.

Best Value

Takara Yuugen Single Speed Flat Bar Fixie Road Bike

Be ready for any adventure on this steel-framed bicycle and fork with an upright flat handlebar. It has a flip-flop rear hub for fixed or freewheel pedaling. Choose from a medium or large frame for a custom fit—both sizes have 700C wheels to give you a low resistance and smooth-rolling experience on roads. The rims are a 32 hole double-wall alloy for durability and reduced weight. To help you stop better, it has single-pivot alloy brakes on the front and rear tires. A standout feature of this bicycle is the bolt-on hubs to help deter theft.

The downside of this bicycle is that the brakes aren't as strong as other bikes on this list. You can replace them with more effective ones. You'll also need to assemble the bike upon delivery.

Premium Pick

Retrospec Harper Single-Speed Fixed Gear Commuter Bike

Stand out in a good way on this steel frame bicycle. Choose from matte black, Atlantic blue, slate, and sage green. It measures 43 centimeters and has a maximum weight limit of 220 pounds. This bicycle stands out because the frame is hand-built and TIG-welded. This helps it to be durable while also absorbing bumps on uneven pavement. It also has large 30-millimeter 700C rims with a deep V paired with a set of brakes for the front and rear tire. It also has VP freestyle pedals. You can easily add a water bottle holder and other accessories with the designed mounting points.

Unfortunately, this bicycle is on the small side, making it less than ideal for taller riders. You'll also need to assemble the bike, but thankfully, everything you need comes in the box, including tools.

Sleekest Bike

6KU Aluminum Fixed Gear Single-Speed Track Bike

Cruise down the road in style on this lightweight aluminum frame with its midnight flat black styling. It comes in small, medium, and large, so there's a perfectly sized bicycle for everyone. Riders between 5 feet 5 inches and 6 feet 2 inches tall can safely ride this bike. The frame sits on 30-millimeter deep V double-walled alloy wheels. Propelling you forward is a fixed gear or flywheel with a flip-flop hub. It also comes with front and rear brakes for sudden stopping ability. Similar to many other bikes on this list, you'll have to assemble it upon arrival.

One drawback of this bicycle is that the pedals lack durability and quality. However, you can easily replace them with better quality ones—the bike is easy to work on, making this change a quick one.

Best Design

Golden Cycles Single Speed Fixed Gear Bike

This bike stands out with all of its bold color options: you can choose bright blue, white, hot pink, mint, gold, red, and chameleon. You can also choose from sizes 41 through 63 centimeters, so people of all heights can comfortably ride this bike. It has a high tensile steel frame and a TIG-welded fork. The bike has front and rear wheel brakes for precise control. The handlebars stand out because they have custom alloy handlebars and 45-millimeter deep alloy rims. This bike also has a 32 hole sealed bearing flip flop hub.

Unfortunately, you'll need to put this bicycle together upon delivery, and not all of the required tools are included. Some of the components don't fit perfectly and will need some adjustment. However, the frame is solid on this bike, making it a perfect base for upgrading components later on.

Tips

Adjust the handlebars and seat to be at the right height for you to be in a comfortable position while riding. This will reduce fatigue and the risk of injury.
You can always convert your fixed gear bike into one with multiple gears if you decide your current bike isn't suitable for your changing needs.
Because these bikes have a simple design with few components, you can easily change out the parts. Upgrade your bike as you go to be a customized piece of equipment with high-quality components.

FAQs

Q: What are fixed gear bikes good for?

You can use a fixed gear bike for various purposes. They are suitable for exercise, commuting, track, training, and distance riding.

Q: What gear are fixed bikes?

These bikes have a drivetrain but don't have a freewheel mechanism. It's one of the first bike designs in history but has remained popular. The gear and pedals are directly connected, so if the back wheel is turning, so are the pedals.

Q: What are the best fixed gear bikes?

The best fixed gear bikes are those with a sturdy yet lightweight frame. They have decently sized gear that will give you riding versatility. It should also be the right size and have the accessories you want to make the bike useful for your intended purpose.

Q: How much does a fixed gear bike cost?

You can easily find a quality fixed gear bicycle for around $300 that will have a sturdy frame and a few extra features. You may find some for cheaper that is simplified with no accessories. Others are more expensive with all of the bells and whistles you could want.

Final Thoughts

You can't go wrong with the Schwinn Stites Fixie Commuter Road Bike with its durable steel frame, flip-flop hub, and cushioned handlebars. A smart and affordable alternative is the Takara Yuugen Single Speed Flat Bar Fixie Road Bike, thanks to its durable double-wall alloy rims and bolt-on hubs.