Fixed Gears, Track bike, Fixie. These are words that in recent years were picked up by many. Mainly through publications by media where the public was told that Fixed Gear bikes never have brakes.
This is thanks to some media who writes what people want to hear, or do not understand.
A number of people think riding without braking is cool on a Fixie, while hardly trained to use a fixed gear bike safely and stop it fast. Others don’t understand the concept at all.
The well-known phenomenon was used by bicycle messengers in big cities around the World; Initiator New York City in the 70s of last century. Track bikes were a cheap alternative to bike messengers, which do not make much money. Wear of brake pads, cables, gears, chains. repairs usually cost 200-300 euros. At least every six months!
On rainy days between 8 and 10 hours work, brake pads wear out within 6 hours. While they were brand new that morning. A Fixed Gear bike would still be stoppable. mainly by the Fixed Wheel-to-drivetrain. Always safe, and better control. -Unless trained for it-.
Nevertheless, mounting at least one brake is a "Do". Firstly, because you probably do not have much experience, and secondly for mr. policeofficer. Even if you have experience you better Mount a frontbrake.
There are also people who think to make easy money on a "trend" by putting cheap bikes on the market. This often means a quick death for a beautiful concept. It has already happened with the Cruiser bike and the The Cargobike. The only ones who benefit are the people that hype and milking it. Watch out! You have been warned.
In addition, the Fixed Gear got hundreds of thousands of people around the world on the bike. And locally Commuters start to use the faster Single Speed bike more often.
Kaptein FixMeisters bike shop is the second shop of Peter Goudzwaard and the store is hosted by someone who has 20 years experience on the Fixed Gear.
We especially promote the single speed bike: the fast alternative to the city and region. Fixed or freewheel, on the road or in the mud. Beautiful or just workable, but also for training and sports. And of course we are supporting bike messengers, polo, track racing and trick riding.
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Mediamatic hosted an artshow dedicated to the FixGear in 2010.