The hottest trend in NYC is the Fixie scene. These bikes were originally designed to be ridden on a velodrome or track for racing purposes, but they’ve fast become a cheap, elegant form of two wheel transport. They’re fast, agile and sometimes scary if you ride them as a fixed gear and not freewheel.
The Fixie term comes from the fact that it’s a fixed gear ratio that makes it a single speed but more importantly it doesn’t coast (you can’t stop pedaling while its moving). You are connected to the movement of the wheel. This aspect of a Fixie takes a little getting used to but when you’ve mastered it your bike handling skills as well as your endurance and strength will increase. Fixies can also be set up to just be single speeds that allow you to coast and freewheel like a normal bike.
Fixies are also very affordable starting at $375 for a bike shop quality bike with lighter frame materials and better components, don’t be fooled by the internet knock offs. Come by and swing a leg over this very cool bike variety!