Bike: October 2008 Archives
In case you haven't noticed, fixed and single-speed bikes are definitely in vogue at the moment. And there were hundreds on show at Cycle 2008, with almost every manufacturer featuring a couple of fixies and plenty of fixed-speed frames, wheels and conversion kits available for those wanting to move from the comfort zone of their multi-speed bikes.
Not all of fixies looked as beautiful as the Rapha Condor Recycling team colours bike pictured here...
Fixed speed bikes - which do not have a freewheel hub on the rear - started life on the velodrome track, where neither coasting nor brakes are required, and where the extra weight of cassette, freewheel, brakes, cable and levers are all destined to slow down a rider. On a fixed speed bike if the wheels are moving then so are your legs, and you brake by slowing your legs (no mean feat if you're going fast!). They have since become very popular with urban cycle couriers where their speed and reduced maintenance costs are beneficial, and where the simplicity and 'coolness' of the bikes plays an even bigger part.A fixed-speed bike is about as basic as you can get - like a child's trike only faster.
Single-speed bikes on the other hand are a hybrid: a single gear (no cassette) on the rear, no derailleur and only a single chain wheel on the front, but a rear hub with a freewheel so you can coast along without your legs having to keep pace with the back wheel.
Not all of fixies looked as beautiful as the Rapha Condor Recycling team colours bike pictured here...
Fixed speed bikes - which do not have a freewheel hub on the rear - started life on the velodrome track, where neither coasting nor brakes are required, and where the extra weight of cassette, freewheel, brakes, cable and levers are all destined to slow down a rider. On a fixed speed bike if the wheels are moving then so are your legs, and you brake by slowing your legs (no mean feat if you're going fast!). They have since become very popular with urban cycle couriers where their speed and reduced maintenance costs are beneficial, and where the simplicity and 'coolness' of the bikes plays an even bigger part.A fixed-speed bike is about as basic as you can get - like a child's trike only faster.
Single-speed bikes on the other hand are a hybrid: a single gear (no cassette) on the rear, no derailleur and only a single chain wheel on the front, but a rear hub with a freewheel so you can coast along without your legs having to keep pace with the back wheel.
Continue reading Fixies galore at Cycle 2008.
I'm very excited today because I am off to London to visit the 2008 bicycle show at Earl's Court. I'm hoping to see tons of exciting new bike kit, snaffle a few goodie bags, grab a bargain and maybe even see a celebrity or two. And I definitely plan to rub myself up against the glorious clothes at the Rapha stand!
