Many cyclists love the simplicity of a fixie, but most people picture them in an urban setting. However, taking a fixed-gear bike on a mountain trail is an exciting challenge. Unlike traditional mountain bikes, these require constant pedaling, which can be both an advantage and a drawback. The pros include a direct connection between rider and terrain, making it an environmentally friendly and cost-effective way to travel.
However, there are cons—steep climbs and tricky descents can be tough without gears. If you’re considering one for your daily rides or commute, you should absolutely look at terrain suitability before making a choice. In this article, we give you information on can you get fixed gear mountain bikes?
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Single speed vs fixed gear mountain bikes
A single speed bike and a fixed gear bike may look similar, but they feel very different to ride. Both have a single gear ratio, using a chain, rear cog, and ring, meaning you can’t switch between gears.
The main difference is how the wheel moves. A single speed has a free wheel, letting you coast when riding downhill or on a smooth road.
A fixie, however, has a fixed wheel, so as long as your pedals are turning, your wheel moves with them, making it a more connected but challenging way to travel.
What to look for in a fixie mountain bike
When planning to take a fixie off-road, choosing the right bikes is crucial. Unlike track cycling, where lightweight frames and speed matter most, a mountain fixie needs strong materials like titanium or steel to handle the inevitable knocks and scrapes from rough trails.
Wide tires, reliable suspension, and shock-absorbing features improve control on tricky terrain. The right hand position can make a difference too—some riders prefer drop bars for aerodynamics, while others go for wide flat handlebars for better stability and maneuverability.
Pros and cons of fixie mountain bikes
What makes a fixie bike the preferred choice for a mountain biker? And what difficulties does this kind of riding present?
Cons
Hilly terrain is hard work
Riding a fixie on trails can be hard work, especially when tackling hills without the ability to switch gears. Constant pedaling puts extra strain on your legs, making rides feel more intense and often shorter than those on a geared bike. While some enjoy the challenge, pushing through the burn can take a toll, and if you’re not prepared, your enjoyment might take a nosedive before the ride is over.
You can’t place your pedals
A skilled mountain biker knows how to adjust their pedal position to avoid hitting rocks and other obstructions on the trail. However, when you ride a fixie bike, you lose some control because the pedals are always moving. This makes navigating rough terrain trickier, as you can’t pause or adjust your level of movement like you would on a geared bike.
They (sometimes) give you less control
Fixies without brakes are more difficult to stop suddenly since you have to use your legs to provide backward pressure to the pedals in order to slow down.
They're more challenging to ride
It takes a little more concentration to ride a fixed gear bike, and you might be in for a horrible surprise if you forget to keep moving your legs or if you lean over too far in a corner.
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Pros
The riding experience
Many people who ride a fixie on rough terrain are almost evangelical about the experience. Instead of relying on geared systems, you slow down by resisting the motion of the pedals, which makes riders feel more connected to the bike. There’s no crunching or clunking from shifting gears—just the sound of the wheels rolling over the ground, your view of the trail ahead, and the pure simplicity of mountain riding.
Lightweight
One big advantage of fixie bikes is that they have fewer components than standard geared models, making them lighter. This can be a lifesaver when the terrain gets too tricky or steep, forcing you to carry your bike for a stretch instead of riding.
Reliability
One reason riders love a fixie bike is its minimal components, which make maintenance much easier. With fewer parts to clean and maintain, there’s less that can go wrong on the trail. Even if you have the misfortune to hit the deck, a fixie is built to withstand the shock better than a complex geared system.
Fitness and finesse
Riding a fixie mountain bike forces you to push your body harder than a geared bike, making it a great way to build fitness. As your levels rise, you also sharpen your skill and technique as a rider. Many bikers feel more in tune with the terrain because they must anticipate and respond quickly to the trail ahead, creating a deeper connection between rider and ride.
Where to find fixed gear mountain bikes
If you want the unique experience of a fixie mountain bike, you have a few options. You can take the DIY approach and convert a geared bike into a single speed, or you can buy a brand new model designed for fixed wheel biking. Many single speed bikes, including those from Steed, can be adapted for fixed gear riding. They come with a rear wheel that has both a fixed cog and a free wheel, so you can simply flip it to match the style of ride you prefer.
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Why ride a mountain fixie bike?
Fixies are fun!
One of the best things about fixies is their uniqueness—many riders love to paint and decorate them, adding unusual components and stylish accessories to make their bikes stand out. Beyond their elegant appearance, they offer a pure cycling experience, thanks to their simplicity in operation and the fact that they require much less maintenance than geared bikes. This fixed-gear phenomenon has become a thriving, fascinating part of the fringe element of the biking world, attracting those who enjoy a more direct connection between rider and road.
Fixed gear riders have style!
You’ve probably seen fixie riders darting through town traffic, standing out from standard roadies and mountain bikers. These unusual bikes are incredibly popular, as many people love the challenge of riding with just one gear, without coasting. If you’ve ever had questions about why fixies are so special, the answer lies in their simplicity and style. Whether you want to join the fun, explore new insights, or browse a selection of fixed-gear bicycles, there are plenty of options. From custom projects to expert advice, shops offer accessories and guidance to help you ride in your own style.
That smooth fixie feeling
Fixies bring a sense of simplicity that reminds riders of the earliest days of cycling, when having just one gear was common. Since your feet stay connected to the rear wheel, which drives the pedals, your stroke becomes almost perfect, without a dead spot in motion. This makes riding more efficient, as you naturally spin efficiently and learn to pedal constantly, even when going faster downhill. Plus, with no shifting mechanisms to worry about, you save mental energy that would otherwise be wasted on adjusting gears.
Ultimately, the connection between the rider and the machine is almost perfect
Some riders become so skilled on a fixie that they can balance in place, slow, and even stop without using brakes. The appeal of fixed-gear bicycles goes beyond practicality—it’s a quirky, unique, and even trendy part of cycling culture. With its countercultural roots, fixie riding has developed into a fun movement that anyone can enjoy and appreciate. You don’t have to be a tattooed bike messenger to be part of this good company—just someone who loves the simplicity and freedom of the ride.
How do you ride a fixie bike?
How do you start riding a fixie?
To start riding a fixie, first hop over the top tube and straddle the bike. Make sure one pedal is pointing forward, then place your foot on it and press down with your weight. As you lift your other foot off the ground, place it on the second pedal. This helps build momentum so that when the cranks start turning, you smoothly settle onto the seat and stay balanced as you ride.
Can you stop pedaling on a fixed gear bike?
You can’t just stop pedaling on a fixed gear bike like you would on a regular bike. Since the drivetrain is directly connected to the back wheel, your legs keep spinning as long as the bike is moving. If you want to slow down or perform a skid stop, you need to purposefully apply pressure to lock the wheel and make the bike skid to a stop.
How do you ride a fixie downhill?
Riding a fixie downhill requires carefully managing your speed to stay in control. Since your legs keep spinning, it’s crucial to gently apply the brakes to maintain a comfortable level of movement. You can also use backward pressure on the pedals to help slow your momentum. Unlike regular bikes, riding a fixie in the hills is more about balance and precision than going fast, ensuring you’re still enjoying the ride while maintaining full control.
How do you stop on a fixie bike?
Utilize the brakes! Additionally, you can stop the pedals from rotating so fast by applying rearward pressure.
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