Singlespeed bikes and fixed-gear bikes (fixie-bikes) are bicycles that have only one gear, regardless of whether they have a freewheel mechanism or a fixed gear. The shape of the frame is usually derived from racing bikes; the preferred material for the frame is steel. The efficiency is determined by the combination of the chainwheel (in front) and cog (back wheel). At bonvelo, we use a combination with 44 teeth (front) and 16 teeth (back). This provides comfortable yet speedy efficiency for city riding, even for beginners. For ambitious and athletic cyclists, the efficiency can by changed by simply switching out the back cog.
Fixie is short for “fixed-gear”. With a bit of practice, you can learn to use the fixed gear as a brake and to use the blocked rear wheel to skid to a stop. It’s a good idea to use pedal straps when doing so; some people also use clipless pedals.
The flip-flop hub is used to turn a single-speed bike into a fixed-gear bike. As you can see above, wheels with a flip-flop hub have a cog on both sides. Use the side with the fixed cog for fixed riding without freewheeling. The other side usually has a freewheel cog that will allow you to coast like you would with a racing bike or mountain bike.
We ship all of our bikes with mounted caliper brakes on the front and rear wheels. It is popular to ride fixies with only one brake or none at all. Caliper brakes are easy to remove in just a few steps, of course (though this does not conform with road safety laws).
Besides the classic riser bar, a wide variety of handlebar shapes are available for single-speed and fixie bikes. Drop handlebars, with ends that curve down, are very popular; bullhorn handlebars, with ends that curve forwards and a variety or grip positions, are very comfortable. We currently offer the ever-popular bullhorn handlebars or sporty track handlebars as optional upgrades. Both come wrapped in soft handlebar tape.
You’ll also find answers to (almost) all your questions in our FAQs – have fun reading!