Fixed Gear Bicycle For Cross-Training Purposes?

Question

My running friends have suggested that I get a fixed-gear (single speed) bicycle for cross-training days (the days which I take a break from running).

They claim that a fixed-gear bicycle provides a great all-rounded workout for the legs. Since I haven't been riding for a long long time, I would get used to it much quicker than those who have been riding on freewheel bikes. I am looking for a bicycle anyway, just not sure of the type.

I am considering a purchase due to the following main reasons :

1. Cost (I am a student, so I don't have much $ to spare. An entry-level bike would be good)
2. Ease of maintenance.
3. Transportation purposes.
4. All-rounded leg workout (which they claim)

Would appreciate your advice! Thank you!

Answer 1

Definitely do NOT do this.



Both fixed and single speed bikes aren't dramatically cheaper than geared bikes, so the loss of functionality isn't worth it.



You are riding the bike to take a break from running, so you need to be able to ride easy and in a small gear. Unless your roads are flat as a pancake, you will have to work extra hard in a big gear up the hills with a fixed gear - exactly the opposite of the reason you are on the bike.



The main purpose of your time on the bike should be active recovery and a change of pace mentally from running, not getting a "total leg workout". Save that for your running days. If you are doing the easy bike rides properly, you should be fresher on the days you want to run hard and will be able to get more improvement out of those workouts.



If you have a normal geared bike and do want to do a hard workout on the bike, all you need to do is put it in a big gear and go hard, a fixed gear wont give you a better workout.



It has been a common part of bicycle lore that using a fixed gear improves one's spin ( smooth pedal stroke ) on a normal geared bike, but this is very debatable. I actually think it hinders it slightly, JMHO, because instead of the motion getting into "muscle memory", momentum forces the foot through the circle artificially. It's fine and necessary if you are a track cyclist, but not very useful for a road cyclist and even less for a runner.

Answer 2

On your list of reasons to purchase a fixed gear #1 and #2 definitely apply. #3 does as well but it's not as definite. As for #4, I'm not so sure. I think the best training for a runner is to run. Riding a bike (any kind) might be a good way for you to get some active recovery but it won't make you a better runner. Running and cycling use the legs in very different ways.



If you still want a bike I would opt for single speed and not fixed gear. There is a whole culture built up around fixies and their "outsider" attitude. If you are approaching from a more practical view, single speed has the advantages you mention without the down side of no brakes, new riding skills needed, etc. Also many single speed bikes come with what is called a flip-flop hub. You can turn the back wheel around and go from a single speed cog (that lets you coast) to a fixed gear one where the hub is locked. These kinds of bikes show up on eBay and Craigslist all the time.

Answer 3

Fixed Gear Training

Answer 4

I ride a fixed gear bike for many of these reasons. Although I don't really like being part of the trend or labeled as a hipster.

1. The bike was cheap, much cheaper than my road bike. I use it as a winter beater that I don't have to worry about leaving outside. I also suggest buying it used, or getting a converted frame (one that was not necessarily made to be a fixed gear, but can function perfectly as one. These frames are plentiful and cheap).

2. They are super easy to maintain. If you can change a tire you are pretty much set. There are very few moving parts, other than one brake cable (and make sure you do get a brake).

3. I commute 20 miles a day on mine, it is fine. However, if you live somewhere hilly or where you are going to be stopping and starting a lot, it is not so great (no low gears to pedal at low speeds).

4. A lot of the benefit is for cyclists to ride, as having the fixed gear means you cannot stop pedaling at any time, so your cadence gets more steady. Because of this it is good for anyone, when your legs don't stop you don't get any breaks.

Answer 5

mtlbiker is right on the money. Fixed gears are not for novice cyclists, and really are only good 'cross' training for competitive cycists. Even then there are coaches who strongly advise against fixed gears unless you're training for track racing. I train a lot on fixed gear bikes and do a little track racing now and then (I suck at it).



Really, the reason they are attempting to cajole you into a 'fixie' is for style points. They're pretty much a fad these days, and there are a number of manufacturers making fixed gear/single speed frames and complete bikes.



If you want to look at it as a mode of transportation, a single speed is nice for its simplicity, but I wouldn't use it as 'cross training' for exactly why mtlbiker states, you'll wipe out your knees on a hill.



A fixed gear also requires some finesse and technique that you don't have yet. You have to remember, on a fixed gear, you _cannot_ stop pedaling. One of my first times out I was spinning along nicely, rolled up to a stop sign, and attempted to stop quickly, the group was highly entertained - you had to be there, even I think it was hilarious now.



Also, as a novice, do _not_ let anyone talk you into a fixed gear without brakes. They'll tell you that you can stop by using your legs, wrong..... as a novice, you'll need both front and rear. If you're riding around in the city on a fixed, there's no way you'll be able to stop quickly enough for a car pulling out in front of you just using your legs, and that's a sure way to severely pull a muscle or even tear a ligament depending on where your legs are when you try to stop. Riding without brakes in the city is just plain stupid in my book.



You don't need to spend alot of money. One thing you can do is buy a used low-end road bike and convert it. All it takes is removing the derailleurs and shifter cables, replacing the rear wheel with a single speed freewheel, and possibly adding a chain tensioner if the bike has vertical dropouts. You can do most of this yourself, though you might want some help if the bike has integrated shifter/brake levers.



After a while, you might want to try riding fixed, but I would get used to the single speed first. In that case, all you need to do is unscrew the freewheel and screw on a fixed cog in its place, but remember, don't play in traffic.

Answer 6

If you haven't been on a bike for a long time, a fixed gear bike may not be a good choice, unless you are riding exclusively on flat roads. When you begin training on a road bike, the idea is to not overstress your legs until you have built up some mileage. It is easy for a beginner to hurt their knees by pushing to hard a gear before they are ready, which can happen climbing hills on a fixed gear bike. The idea that you will adapt faster than someone who rides a bike with gears is wrong, an experienced cyclist will be used to spinning the pedals, and would adapt much faster than a non cyclist. A bike with gears would allow you to train on hills that you would probably not even be able to climb on a fixed gear bike allowing for a much more rounded training. Fixed gear bikes are less expensive and lower maintenance, but they are much less versatile than bikes with gears. A fixed gear is nice for those who ride in specific conditions, are already in good shape for cycling, and perhaps can afford more than 1 bike.

Answer 7

A multi-gear bike will be much better for training. A fixed gear bike is only good for a small range of speeds. You want to be able to increase the workout as you progress by climbing steeper hills and going faster. A single speed will greatly limit your workout choices. A fixed gear bike is for experience cyclists not someone who hasn't ridden for a while.



If your running friends say the a fixed gear bike is better for cross training ask if you can try their bike out to see. Chances are they don't own one.

Answer 8

Almost anything will be fine for only a two mile commute. Single gear bikes are not good for hills. Fixed gears are even worse, since you can't coast down hill. One advantage of folders is that they're easier to take with you on transit which can be nice if you want to ride to/from train stations or bus stops.