Fixed-gear bicycle facts for kids
A fixed-gear bicycle (also called a "fixie") is a bicycle that has no freewheel mechanism (allowing pedals to stay still while moving).
It is a dangerous bike to use in towns. This type of bicycle is becoming more and more popular around the world.
Fixed-gear bicycles are very light. They are built without any unnecessary gadgets, such as chain rings or freewheel hub. When a person rides a fixed-gear bicycle, he/she/they need not put a lot of energy into it as with a geared bike.
Most bicycles have a freewheel so the pedals will stay stationary while the bicycle is moving and so that the rider can ride without pedaling going forward or down a hill. Fixed-gear bicycles have even simpler mechanisms with pedals fixed to the back wheel. That means that the rider cannot stop pedaling. When the rear wheel turns, the pedals turn in the same direction. This allows a cyclist to use a brake by putting a pressure in opposite directions to pedals, so that the mechanism will not rotate.
It also makes it possible to ride backwards, although learning to do so is much more difficult than riding forwards.
Images for kids
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A fixed-gear bicycle
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An 18-tooth sprocket that attaches to the rear hub of fixed-gear bike
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Track sprockets are typically attached and removed from the hub by screwing them with a chain whip. This tool incorporates a lockring spanner for securing a reverse threaded lockring against the sprocket.
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Cyclist riding a fixed gear bike without brakes
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A horizontal dropout on a steel frame road bicycle converted to a single-speed. The derailleur hanger (below the axle) and an eyelet (above the axle) for mounting a fender or rack, both integral parts of the original frame, are now unused.
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A fixed-gear bike in China. Fluorescent colors are typical, and part of the trend.
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A Cinelli MASH Histogram frame
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A circus performer standing on a fixed-gear bicycle
See also
In Spanish: Bicicleta de piñón fijo para niños
