Art and Style

Fixies: bikes with no brakes take London by storm

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Alarmingly stripped-back bicycles with no brakes or gears, traditionally used by couriers, have inched their way to trendy status in London. Known as 'fixed gear', or 'fixie', the bike has only one gear, and if you need to brake, the only way is by standing on the pedals. Increasing numbers of Londoners are adopting the New York import, which originates with West Indies immigrants bringing the über-basic cycles with them on relocation to the US.
  • added March 09, 2008
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5 responses // Fixies: bikes with no brakes take London by storm

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    http://current.com/items/88597071_fixies_trucker_hat...
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    Fixies, trucker hats, and PBR, oh my! Check out this funny article about the phenomenon that's gripping the cities.

    mischabarrett
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    http://current.com/items/76404362_the_last_messenger

    What's it like to be a bike courier, and are they really dying out in NYC? Check it out and leave your thoughts.

    mischabarrett
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    They are dangerous though, so why use them? Don't the back wheels lock up as soon as you stop peddling? Why is it cool to have no brakes? I don't get it...

    phillyharper
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    It's something you have to experience. The pedals don't coast, meaning with every rotation of the back wheel, your feet are moving too. At first, it's easy to panic, being used to the clicking coasts common on all other kinds bicycles (road, mountain, etc.) but then the bike almost becomes an extension of the legs, like a pair of shoes. I've never felt like I have more control over something with wheels than when I'm riding my fixie. Plus, the world of track skids and track stands is a hell of a lot of fun. Forget the PBR and trucker hats, it's all about the experience on the bike, and not the trendy image.

    Philist
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    I'm used to being able to coast on my bike and when I took my friend's fixed gear for a spin, I almost ate it, haha. It's definitely something you have to get used to, but I look forward to having my own fixie someday. And then I will master the track stand!

    sabkl

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