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If you are a beginner biker you might be a little bit confused about BMX bikes and their gear configuration!
So are BMX bikes fixed gear?
The answer to this question is no! BMX bikes are not fixed gear because they are mainly designed for stunts, tricks, and jumps. In order to do these things, it is important for the rider to be able to stop paddling and perform the stunts.
This becomes quite difficult on a fixed gear bike as it stops completely if you stop pushing the paddles.
In this article, we will compare fixed gear bikes with BMX bikes, so you can have a better idea and understand why are BMX bikes, not fixed gear.
What is a Fixed Gear Bike System
In order to answer this question in the best possible way, I feel it necessary to tell you a bit about fixed gear systems!
This will help establishing a concept and understand the whole concept better.
A fixed gear bike has only one speed and one gear. This means that when you pedal, the back wheel will turn but if you stop paddling, the bike will not continue moving forward since it is attached to the pedals.
This means that the pedal also works as a braking mechanism on a fixed-gear bike system.
Advantages of a Fixed Gear Bike
Now that you have learned about the principle behind a fixed gear bike you might also be interested in knowing about its advantages.
A fixed gear bike system has many advantages such as it is lighter in weight, easy to maintain, and highly affordable.
Also, a fixed-gear bike can provide you with more control over your movements since you know exactly how much power you are providing to the back wheel.
Disadvantages of a Fixed Gear Bike
The disadvantage of a fixed gear bike system is that it does not give you much variety in terms of speed and terrain as compared to other types of bikes.
Also, these bikes require more effort from your side as opposed to another type of bikes since you have to continuously pedal regardless of the terrain or situation!
Apart from that, they are not the best choice if you plan to get a bike for stunts, jumps, and other tricks as mentioned earlier.
Are BMX Bikes Fixed Gear? – Difference Between Fixed Gear Bikes And BMX Bikes
Although both fixed gear and BMX bikes use single gear systems, there exists a huge difference between the two.
- You Might Also like to Read: Why Are BMX Bikes So Expensive?
In contrast to the former, BMX bikes have a single speed mechanism that allows the rider to paddle backward or forward without stopping the back wheel of the bike.
This helps in maneuvering and performing different kinds of stunts such as a wheelie and a bunny hop.
Other than that, BMX bikes have a wider handlebar which helps in maintaining balance and control. The tires are also thicker to offer more traction on rough surfaces and challenging terrains!
What Type of Bike is a Fixed Gear?
A fixed gear bike is a bicycle that has only one drivetrain speed, meaning the pedals and the rear wheel are directly connected.
The cyclist needs to pedal constantly in order to keep the bike moving.
This type of bike is also known as a “fixie” or a “track” bike because they are often used on velodrome tracks.
Fixed gear bikes have become popular among urban cyclists due to their simplicity and minimal design.
They usually feature no brakes, allowing riders to slow down by resisting the motion of the chain and crankset.
Keeping all these things in mind one can easily spot whether a bike is a fixie or a single speed.
Is BMX Single Speed?
Coming back to the main topic i.e. if a BMX bike is not a fixie then what kind of system does it use? Is it a single speed bike?
Yes, it is!
Single speed bikes are the best option for riders who enjoy a different kind of tricks and impress others.
Apart from that there are certain advantages and disadvantages of a single speed mechanism as well.
Advantages of a Single Speed Bike
The first and foremost advantage of a single speed bike is its simplicity.
It requires less maintenance as compared to other types of bikes and can be easily customized with different parts according to the rider’s preference.
Moreover, they are lightweight due to their minimalist design and do not require any gears or shifters which makes them an ideal choice for urban cyclists who want a simple and efficient way of commuting!
Disadvantages of Single Speed Bikes
The main disadvantage of single speed bikes is that they provide a limited range in terms of speeds.
They are best suited for flat terrain and cannot be used on steep inclines where more resistance is required.
Apart from that, single-speed bikes lack suspension which can make them uncomfortable when riding over rough surfaces and bumpy roads.
Do BMX Bikes Have Gears?
Technically the bike won’t be able to move forward if there are no gears.
So the answer to this question is yes! BMX bikes do have gears.
However, what makes these bikes different from mountain bikes is the lack of a gear shifting mechanism.
BMX bikes are usually single speed meaning that all of the gears are fixed and cannot be adjusted.
This means that you will have to pedal continuously regardless of the terrain or situation.
Overall, BMX bikes are not designed for long rides on hilly terrains but they can easily handle flat surfaces and regular street terrain.
If you are about to climb a steep area on a mountain bike you can simply shift the gears and adjust its level to a much softer gear.
Apart from that if you want to achieve speed, you can simply shift the gear to the top most.
This mechanism doesn’t exist on a BMX bike.
Last Minute Thoughts!
To sum it up, fixed-gear bikes and single speeds are very different in terms of functionality
Fixed-gear bikes provide more control over the movement but lack variety and require more effort from the rider.
On the other hand, single-speed bikes are lightweight, simple to use, and ideal for urban riders who want an efficient way of commuting! They also provide a limited range in terms of speeds which can be a disadvantage when riding on steep inclines or rough terrain.
It all comes down to personal preference; so before buying any type of bike make sure that you consider your purpose, budget, and skill level to make the best decision for yourself.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this article and found it helpful. Please don’t forget to share it with your friends and family and spread my word!
Happy biking and thank you so much for reading!
See you soon!
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