How To Choose Your First Fixed Gear Bike: The Complete Guide (2026)
Thinking about your first fixed gear bike but not sure where to start? You are not alone. Fixies look simple from the outside — one gear, no brakes, no fuss. But the moment you start digging, the questions pile up fast. Steel or aluminium? What gearing? Drop bars or riser bars? How do I size it? This guide answers all of it, clearly, so you can buy with confidence.
What Actually Is A Fixed Gear Bike?
A fixed gear bicycle — fixie for short — is a bike where the rear cog is locked directly to the wheel hub. There is no freewheel mechanism. When the wheel turns, your pedals turn with it. Always. You cannot coast.
This sounds like a limitation. In practice it is a feature. The constant feedback loop between your legs and the road makes you a sharper, more aware rider. You feel the road through the pedals. You anticipate corners, traffic, and descents instinctively rather than reactively.
Fixed Gear vs Single Speed: What Is The Difference?
This is the question most beginners get wrong. Both fixed gear and single speed bikes have one gear. That is where the similarity ends.
Fixed Gear
- Rear cog locked to hub
- Pedals always turn with wheel
- No coasting — ever
- Can slow using leg resistance
- Rider and bike are one system
- Standard for track cycling
Single Speed
- Rear cog uses a freewheel
- You can coast freely
- Requires brakes to stop
- Simpler than geared bikes
- Good for casual commuting
- Easier learning curve
Most Unknown Bikes ship with a flip-flop hub — fixed gear on one side, freewheel on the other. You can try both and switch between them any time simply by reversing the rear wheel.
Frame Material: Steel vs Aluminium
Frame material is the single biggest decision that shapes how your bike feels to ride. Both options have genuine advantages depending on how and where you ride.
4130 Chromoly Steel
Steel flexes slightly under load, which absorbs road vibration naturally. The result is a smoother, more forgiving ride on rough city streets. Steel frames are also more repairable if damaged. The trade-off is weight — a steel fixie typically weighs around 9–10kg. The Unknown SC-1 is built from 4130 chromoly steel and is the choice for everyday city riding where comfort and durability matter most.
6066-T6 Aluminium
Aluminium is stiffer and lighter than steel. It transfers power more efficiently and accelerates faster. At 7.5kg, the Unknown Singularity and LV3 are noticeably quicker off the line and more responsive at speed. The stiffer ride suits riders who prioritise performance over long-distance comfort.
How To Size A Fixed Gear Bike
Fixie sizing follows the same logic as road bikes. The frame size is the most important variable — too small and you will be cramped, too large and handling becomes vague. Use your height as the starting point, then refine based on inseam and riding style.
Match frame size to height
For Unknown Bikes: 52cm suits 155–167cm, 55cm suits 167–178cm, 59cm suits 178–190cm, 62cm suits 190–200cm. If between sizes, size down for a more agile urban ride.
Check saddle height
Your leg should have a slight bend (around 25–30 degrees) at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Too low and you lose power. Too high and your hips rock side to side.
Choose your handlebar style
Riser bars give an upright, comfortable position — good for beginners and commuters. Drop bars put you in a more aggressive forward position — better for performance and speed.
Dial in the stem length
Reach — the distance from saddle to bars — affects comfort and handling. A shorter stem gives a more upright, slower-steering setup. Longer stems add responsiveness.
What Gear Ratio Should You Run?
Gear ratio on a fixie is the relationship between chainring teeth (front) and cog teeth (rear). It determines how hard you push and how fast you spin. The most common ratio for urban riding is 46/17 or 48/17 — a good balance of acceleration and top speed for city streets.
Do You Need Brakes On A Fixed Gear Bike?
This is the question everyone asks. The answer is: yes, especially if you are new to fixed gear riding. Most European countries legally require at least a front brake on any bicycle used on public roads.
Beyond legality, a front brake gives you significantly more stopping power than leg resistance alone, particularly in wet conditions or emergencies. All Unknown Bikes ship with front and rear brakes included. As your track stand improves and your confidence grows, many riders remove the rear brake. The front stays.
Which Unknown Bike Is Right For You?
We build fixed gear bikes for every type of rider, from first-time fixie buyers to experienced track cyclists. Here is a straight breakdown of which model suits which rider.
4130 chromoly steel · 9.4kg · Flip-flop hub · 6 colours · Riser bars · Front & rear brakes
6066-T6 aluminum · 7.5kg · Carbon/alloy fork · Fix/Free hub · Drop bars
6066-T6 aluminum · Full carbon fork · Track geometry · 48t chainring
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a fixed gear bike good for beginners?
Yes — with the right approach. Start with a flip-flop hub (fixed on one side, freewheel on the other) so you can build confidence before committing to full fixed gear. The Unknown SC-1 ships with exactly this setup and is designed specifically for new riders.
How do you stop a fixed gear bike?
With a brake and with leg resistance. On a fixie, resisting the forward motion of the pedals applies pressure to the rear wheel. Combined with a front brake, stopping distances are comparable to any other bike. All Unknown Bikes ship with front and rear brakes included.
What is the best fixed gear bike for city riding in Europe?
For most city riders, the Unknown SC-1 (€399) or Unknown Singularity (from €949) are the ideal choices. The SC-1 handles rough roads well thanks to its chromoly steel frame. The Singularity is lighter and faster for riders who want more performance on their daily commute.
Do fixed gear bikes come fully assembled?
All Unknown Bikes ship fully built from our European warehouse. They arrive ready to ride with free pedals and foot straps included. Minor adjustments to saddle height and handlebar position may be needed, which take under five minutes.
How much should I spend on my first fixed gear bike?
A quality entry-level fixie starts at €399. Avoid cheap sub-€200 bikes — the components fail quickly and the riding experience is poor. The Unknown SC-1 at €399 is the sweet spot: proper chromoly steel frame, sealed bearing hubs, and reliable components that last years of daily use.
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