As an experienced fixie rider and lifelong cycling nerd, the legality of riding fixed gears is a topic near and dear to my heart. So strap on your helmet and get ready – this is the definitive guide to answering the question: are fixies actually illegal to ride on roads?
A Brief History of Fixed Gears
Before diving into the legalities, it helps to understand where fixed gears came from in the first place. Originally called a "direct drive bicycle," fixies were developed in the 1890s as bicycles transitioned from awkward "penny farthings" to the safety bike‘s familiar diamond frame we still ride today.
Victor Breyer patented the rear fixed hub in 1897, allowing bikes to be ridden without a hand-operated coaster brake. This paved the way for fixed gear track bikes used in velodromes for sprint and endurance racing events. By eliminating freewheel resistance, a fixed drivetrain delivers pure, direct power transfer for maximum speed around banked oval tracks.
For nearly a century, track cycling was the only realm where fixed gears existed – but that changed in the 1970s as BMX and trick riding gained popularity. Kids started experimenting with riding track bikes on the streets, kickstarting the fixed gear urban bike movement.
This morphed into an entire fixie subculture by the 2000s as hipsters, bike messengers and thrill-seekers adopted fixed gears en masse for the unique ride characteristics and radical aesthetics of removing brakes and gears.
The Fixation Culture of Brakeless Urban Fixies
Stripping gears and brakes originated from track bikes not needing them at constantly high speeds. But the mentality doesn‘t translate well to chaotic city streets.
A 2009 study in the New England Journal of Medicine found fixies were involved in 3x more injuries vs geared bikes, including 31% more fractures. And a 2012 study found nearly 1/4 of university fixie riders had been hit by cars, with 63% of those riders traveling brakeless.
Going brakeless is clearly more dangerous, but the aesthetic is part of fixie culture. As one rider I interviewed said: "Riding brakeless is stupid, but it looks so damn cool when you‘re just cruising the city."
Unfortunately coolness takes priority over safety for some urban fixie riders. All major cycling safety organizations strongly recommend using a front brake minimum to avoid potentially deadly accidents.
Are Fixies Totally Illegal to Ride on Roads?
The key regulations in various countries regarding fixed gears on public roads are:
- USA: No federal laws, but some states require brakes
- UK: Must have front brake
- Australia: Must have front and rear brakes
- Canada: Front brake minimum
- Most of Europe: Require front brake
So fixies themselves are not illegal, but riding without any brakes often is, depending on local laws. Keep reading for tips on building a completely legal and safe fixed gear ride.
Converting Fixie Wheels to Free Wheel
One easy way to guarantee road legality is converting your fixed wheel to a free wheel. Here‘s a quick guide:
For a threaded fixed hub:
- Remove fixed cog with a chainwhip and appropriate fixed cog wrench
- Clean threads thoroughly
- Apply grease to threads
- Thread on a single speed freewheel like the ACS Crossfire
- Reinstall wheel with proper chain tension
For a freehub wheel:
- Remove fixed cog
- Clean freehub body
- Apply grease to cassette splines on freehub
- Install spacer behind cassette if needed
- Install single speed cassette like Shimano CS-HG50
- Reinstall wheel and set chain tension
And voila – your fixie now has a freewheel to coast and brake legally!
Stopping Power: Best Brake Options for Fixies
While the fixed cog may technically count as a braking surface, relying on just your legs to stop at high speeds is sketchy at best. Here are some good front brake choices:
- Linear pull (V-Brakes) – Strong stopping power, easy to modulate
- Disc brakes – Excellent power, work in all weather
- Caliper brakes – Light weight, sleek aesthetics
I‘d recommend discs for maximum safety and performance. But calipers or linear pull brakes also offer good stopping power if set up properly.
Gear Ratios for Every Rider and Terrain
One amazing benefit of fixed gears is finding your perfect spin regardless of fitness or terrain. Here are some suggested gear ratios to start with:
For Flat Urban Areas
- Beginner riders: 70 gear inches (48×16)
- Intermediate: 75-85 gear inches (48×15 to 48×13)
- Advanced: 90+ gear inches (48×11 for a physical challenge!)
Hilly Terrain
- Beginner riders: 60 gear inches (48×18)
- Intermediate: 65-70 inches (48×16 to 48×15)
- Advanced: 75+ inches (48×13 for strong legs!)
And heavier or more powerful riders can size up to larger chainrings like 50t or 52t. Gear ratio calculators like BikeCalc.com simplify dialing in the perfect fixie gearing.
The Mechanics Behind Silent and Loud Hubs
Ever wonder why some hubs create an obnoxious buzzing sound when coasting? Here‘s a quick physics breakdown:
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Freewheel and freehub hubs use pawls that ratchet over teeth inside the hub shell.
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More pawls engaging more teeth simultaneously = louder clicks and buzzing.
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Thin lubricants like oil allow more vibration = louder. Thicker grease absorbs noise.
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Poor manufacturing tolerances can increase slop and chatter between pawl and teeth.
So high quality hubs with tighter tolerances, fewer pawls, and lower viscosity lube will run much quieter than a cheap hub dripping with oil. Silent hubs roll with less friction too.
Unique Thrills of Riding Fixed Gear
Beyond the hipster cred, riding fixed delivers thrilling sensations you won‘t find on any freewheel bike:
- Skidding – Locking up the rear wheel to slide around corners or stop quickly
- Track stands – Balancing in place without putting a foot down
- Reverse pedaling – Riding backward by cranking backward from a stop
- Insane sprint power transfer for a true BEAST MODE launch
It just feels incredible churning along city streets with the direct connection between your legs and the rear tire. Give fixies a try and experience the adrenaline rush yourself!
So there you have it friend – the full scoop on riding fixed safely and legally. Let me know if you have any other fixie questions!
Ride on,
Terry W.
