I want to ride my bi cycle....

Top 7 Reasons Why Fixed-Gear Bikes are Oh So Hot Right Now

Photo: Placid Casual.

It's no news that fixed-gear bikes (or 'fixies') are trendy in cool-hipster biking.Wallpaper magazine is writing about them, Urban Outfitters is selling them, and some even go far to say that the trend is now over (always a sign that something has gone big).

The trend is definitely not over, and many people who are not all the time ahead of fashion, super dedicated bikers or that don't live in New York City are still wondering: Why have fixed gear bikes become so popular? What is it that makes these bikes special? And, most importantly, Should I jump in on the fixie wagon?

If you're one of them (or if you're a super trendy person who already has a fixie but want to check if you have your cultural data about it straight) read on.

1. The subculture factor

Photo: Pierre LaScott.

People love subcultures, especially when its protagonists are perceived as cool. Nobody doubts that the use of skateboards spread rapidly not only because kids loved to ride a table with wheels, but also because they wanted to ressemble a bunch of really cool Californian teenagers who did it.

Fixies come from the bike-messengers culture, and they were most likely adopted by them for convenience (simple bikes that don't attract thieves and that are very low maintenance). Now, however, they've become sort of a cult in the messenger culture and so they come with kind of a savvy element around them.

Will the fixie follow a similar path than the skateboard and become (really) mainstream or will it remain a choice of a smaller group? Time will tell.

2. Their Cheapness

Photo: Gromgull.

Let's be honest: Who can really afford a designer bike? On the other hand, foldings can be a little expensive sometimes, as well as all really nice bikes.

But fixed gear bikes are (or were?) cheap. As Wired put it: "Find an old beat-up road bike, buy a new hub and throw away all extraneous hardware. You now have a fixie." To make it unique, all you have to do is add your touch (see point 4 in this article).

Of course, that is if you're not looking for a super cool designer fixie (see Wallpaper magazine article linked before).

3. Light and Clean Looks

Photo: Listen Missy.

Long, long gone are the times when biking meant bulky bicycles with tons of accessories. As these vehicles get more integrated to everyday lives, people are looking for simple models that just get the job done. Additionally, we live in times when frugal living and simpleness have become desirable values for some segments.

So the simple and clean look of fixies fits right in in these two aspirations. They're as clean as it gets for bikes, with just light frames, no gears and thin tires. Bingo.

4. Endless Customization

Photo: ChristCycles.com.

You can surely modify and customize almost any bike, but there is a whole culture of customizing fixed gear bikes that has surely added to the growth of the trend.

As FixedGearGallery.com, a website with over 11 thousand bikes listed, shows, there's no end to how unique you can make a fixie. Hey, there's even one that resembles an '80s BMX!

5. Speed/Danger/Feel/"The zen thing"

Photo: Hamron.

Why are extreme sports so popular? One of the reasons may be that people love activities that are a little bit dangerous but that also provide some ultra-connection with the surrounding environment and a shock of adrenaline.

Though not a 'sport', fixed gear bikes could fit in that area. As you cannot coast with them, you're pretty much pedaling all the time and therefore accelerating, so the bikes can get fast (and no kidding they're fast, they can even beat a helicopter!). You also have a better feel of the road and of how much traction you are getting. Many people even leave the brakes out for extra fun, so the only way to stop is forcing the pedals (not something we recommend).

These things, some claim, create a sort of ultra connection to the road and a rush. Or perhaps "it's a zen thing" as Bike Snob NY joked some time ago.

6. The Culture Around Them

Images: Paula Alvarado & Screen Capture BerlinFixed.blogspot.com.

Even if there was a whole cult around fixed gear bikes before they became popular to new public, as the trend grows, so does the merchandise, media, and culture around them. More blogs, books, and magazines, to name some, come up and retro-feed the cycle by encouraging the cult.

And let's face it: it's fun to be a part of some sort of club. This certainly adds up to why fixies continue to draw people.

7. The Trend

Photo: Urban Outfitters.

Finally, let's just say it: fixed gear bikes are so hot right now because they're in fashion, and some people are always looking for the next big thing.

But as we know, some trends come and go in a minute, and others find a way to stick around and create a whole industry around them. are temporary, others come to stay.

Will the fixie stay? What do you think?

Bonus: Find out if fixies are right for you!

More on Fixed Gear Bikes at TreeHugger:
Should Fixed-Gear Bikes Be Allowed on the Road?
Guys Ride Fixies in Empty Slovenian Hydro Pumped Storage Power Plant
A Modern Fixed Gear with 80s BMX Style