Kiliwatch loves : The “FIXIES” phenomenon
When a bike isn’t like other bikes …
So what exactly is this ‘city bike’? What is this UFO that couriers speed around on from San Francisco to New York? KILIWATCH digs the development of these new bikes and is pleased to introduce you to the phenomenon! Watch out, retro-vintage sequence !
Fixies, a new way of getting around …
The definition of the Fixie is rather simple: A good coloured or just matte black “vintage” road frame, definitely no brakes, a good pair of wheels, (and balls) and at the back a “fixie” (fixed gear) with the wheel! The initial consequence is that it pedals as much as it moves and the relationship is direct between the chain transmission and the fixed gear. Then it’s all a question of using your thighs because the cyclist is quickly faced with two options: pedal or brake !
You pedal or you brake … but watch out, it kick ass !
Fixies offer a unique speed sensation! The faster you go, the more you pedal and the faster your legs go round, driven by the fixie!
To brake you have 2 options. Either you play it ‘safe’ and press the brake like with a normal bike, (but you’re a chicken if you have one), or without the traditional recognised system, you stop pedalling, blocking the back wheel and causing a skid that you rally better be in control of!
Come on … get your fixie, check out the vids and let’s go … !
Youtube links :
MASH SF AUSTIN WITH LANCE ARMSTRONG
