15 of My Fixed Gear Hot Takes!

I've been riding fixed gear exclusively for the past 11 years, and I've developed a lot of preferences and opinions that a lot of people will disagree with. At the end of the day, bikes are supposed to be fun. Here's 15 of my fixed gear hot takes.
Wabi Cycles - The bike that's so good, it's the only bike I own:
wabicycles.com
Mildly ironic Reasonably Dangerous cycling shirts:
www.zachgallardo.com/merch
Get a shoutout at the end of each video by supporting the channel on Patreon: www.patreon.com/zachgallardo
Fixie Famous Shoutout:
Julian Corona
Brandon Black
Brent David
Mario Perez
Tad Onchi
Single Speed Shoutout:
Jake Atherton
Richard Tucker
Donny Norlander
epilektric
Gary Nunokawa
Luther Grulke
Mark Younger
Martin Mohr
Michael Greif
Michael Rutchik
Nicodache
zachy (My 2nd Channel) - This Brakeless Ride Called Life:
www.youtube.com/@zachy.mp4
Instagram:
zachygallardo
Join the Reasonably Dangerous Strava club:
www.strava.com/clubs/reasonably-dangerous-crew-442413
Catch my rides:
www.strava.com/athletes/5844980
#fixedgear

[@mortona42yt]

My fixed gear experience will not be complete until I get myself a sweet silk scarf that matches my frame.

[@pinoygal6232]

His style is certainly changing, or we're just finding out.

[@sonymicronin]

@@pinoygal6232I fuck with it lol, I be riding in flannels and shit lol

[@pinoygal6232]

I don't wear traditional biking clothes either. I ride in shorts, jeans, t-shirts..., but Zack here looks like he's headed to the drag show.@@sonymicronin

[@brosettastone7520]

@@pinoygal6232this dude is a chameleon hipster bro has a new style every couple months

[@user-mt6si6om2t]

Cool!! When are going to show us how a Wabi is made start to finish? You've shown us bits and pieces but never the whole thing. I would love to see every aspect of the process. From raw tubing to them put on a container.

[@Dave-bm8gj]

I stand by that request 100 just like some Maxway frame maker vids but with more process clips ☝🏽

[@l00tur]

With the clips Zach keeps showing, I imagine he’s full into the project on the Wabi tour and how a bike is made, start to finish. I also imagine as a long term supporter of Zach’s channel, he wants to do Wabi the absolute solid of providing a video they can host on their own social, and I’m certain Zach is pulling out all the stops to make it the video with the love it deserves. Just conjecture though lol

[@asahiaujang6179]

Wait, hear me out. Maybe he doesn’t show us the whole process bc it’s secret. Just like how Mr.Krabs doesn’t reveal the Krabby Patty secret formula. We just know its that good.🤔😂😜

[@Iamwel]

Now this is an episode in excited to see...

[@alexconstas9634]

That’d be cool. I never cared about metal or how it’s stuck together until I started getting into bikes. Pretty sweet!

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Ha. You’re one of the few bike channels I watch as well.

[@kennethward9530]

My 2 (OK, 5) cents based upon 36+ years with a fixed gear bike in my quiver; YMMV, do what makes you smile; 1) I have at least 1 brake when riding in public, obviously none when riding on track. Cars, dogs, pedestrians, deer and squirrels can outperform my anticipation and sub-jedi reflexes. Knock wood, formula's helped keep me riding 36+ years. 2) Never have been comfortable with anything other than shoulder width handlebars. I like compact drop bars for street use as they are, again, more comfortable. Track bars on the track, especially when riding 50 degree indoor velodrome. Height set to get forearms parallel to direction of travel if I'm really pushing. 3) Alloy/steel components are more cost effective and certainly more damage resistant than carbon fiber composites. If buying carbon because it makes you happy or you're competing, learn how to inspect for damage/flaws. At the very least, learn how to inspect for the "ring of death" on a carbon steer tube. 4) I'm absolutely copasetic mixing fixed gears with road bikes in a paceline or group ride. I have my brake lever, so I can quickly stop when they do. You can usually tell when a geared bike rider has fixed gear background, they are smooth as they know how to soft pedal and pedal through turns. Keep up the good content Zach.

[@david_r_munson]

1000% on number 1. A front brake lets you stop faster, period, which can save you and keep you from messing things up from other people. Plus, the better you can stop, the faster you can go.

[@jesus-xr9yo]

You are one of the few cycling channels I watch, everyone is on road disc bikes, they make cycling complicated... thanks for keeping it real.

[@matserdingud]

Fixed gear content is cool and all, but your fit is absolutely amazing

[@DIGITAL_DECAY.EXE_]

Zach looks like he's hiding hickies 💀

[@richardbently7236]

When did Bea Arthur start hosting the show?

[@scubawithatuba]

My bike already had a carbon fork and back tri-spoke and after subscribing to Zach I'm paranoid af, lol. PS. Zach, make the content that makes you happy! You're creative and entertaining, we don't constantly need bike content. True fans will stick around.

[@02wrxRally]

This year I started cycling again, riding a fixed conversion lugged steal bike I built years ago. Signed up for a century this fall, training rides are currently up to 60-70 miles and I've been going with a local club for some of the longer ones. The reactions once people start to notice my drivetrain in the pack have been a great ego boost, not to mention it's mostly a sea of carbon and ti. I run a brake, there hasn't been much if any of a clash in terms of bike incompatibility, mostly just my frustration that they don't charge the flat before the "hills"(midwest hills, which are just overpasses), and I have to be careful starting from stopped because they all push-coast-clip in and then pedal from a low gear while I'm just going from the moment I push off. Anyway my fixed gear has road bars and hoods, the lock mounted in the triangle, and a grab bag mounted to the bars come at me bro. I even rocked full fenders for a time.

[@tay-lore]

Some pretty great takes, though everyone should watch Terry B. Also, this scarf looks great!

[@l00tur]

FOAD too!

[@tay-lore]

@@l00tur yup

[@pedalrush4917]

Try our very own hand crafted Ave Maldea Frame/Frameset here in 🇵🇭 some of fixie rider overseas used it and they got hook by it.

[@tongpocalypse151]

Hot take! Back in '09 when I got my Kilo the most noticeable upgrade was ditching the steel fork for a carbon fork. Felt like the bike lost at least a pound and the rough LA streets got smoothed out significantly.

[@test40323]

So true about manufacturing quality in Asia, they are made to specs. e.g. iPhones. Also agree with you on shaving a few grams of weight, wind is my biggest enemy. Great episode.

[@roguecode2354]

I agree with the American made frames, so many popping up making Ti frames for like 5k and it seems like some dude with a welding machine thinking he makes some top notch stuff.

[@tomanicodin]

Carbon fibre is not just to shave grams. Hello stiffness and reactivity 👋 | But agree on the longevity

[@Vaterraman]

I just put a wider riser on my Fyxation, 750mm. I just prefer the handling for my conditions. I drive on terrible roads, over fields, up hills at times and narrow bars just make things twitchy. As for the pedals, I use clippless. I've use clippless for 10 years and have no issues unclipping. My shoes are fine for walking too

[@anielyantra1]

I think the best fork is a steel fork with rake. Lots of your points are leaning towards practical. That is a good thing!

[@ryant524]

Honestly a woundup is the best you’re gonna get

[@tbz1551]

6:44 Hilarious. I run the Soma Major Taylors on my 84 Merckx and JUST got nearly the exact brown bar tape to what you had on your Kilo TT here. I have similar tan (cream) walled tires (GP 5000’s) and was unsure if I should leave the black saddle on or switch to a brown zwift I have. The black saddle works with the brown tape much better than I expected. Also, I’m running the Miche Pistards that have 28 mm black rims so it’s another hit of black. Unintended consequence of watching this today… settled that debate for me I think.

[@tbz1551]

*edit - hate the new tape lol

[@dernubenfrieken5765]

PREACH on the bottle position of the Big Block. Drove me nuts when I had one.

[@minorlion1327]

I go so much nostalgia from this video. The flashy bikes are something

[@WesternUranus]

Stems should be slammed or have a max of 20mm of spacers imo Stem angle and length are the best way to adjust the fit while maintaining look and stiffness. If you have more than that you are riding the wrong size bike or the wrong bike for you. Find a bike that fits you without huge adjustments and it will be a lot more fun to ride appart from looking better

[@LuisMoreno-bf8hl]

Where can we get those bamboo forks though?!?

[@pedalrush4917]

Hot take in our country: #1 Gear Ratio (Bigger = Look Stronger) 😅 #2 The battle between Clipless/cleats VS Straps/Toecages #3 Obsession on a pursuit geometry #4 Carbon Compo #5 Rider it self hyped by premium rush or by manwa's windbreaker, they ride like one even though they're newbies, not much experience and low skill set rider. Take note they don't ride with straps or atleast they have one. (that's why many casualties 😅)

[@adhunt1]

Brakes are good, Zach!

[@christopherwebb3517]

"I don't want to be riding behind someone who has the ability to stop in a timely manner."

[@FractalZero]

@@christopherwebb3517 this is dumb and you know it - brakes aren't used in a velodrome for a very good reason ie what zach outlined

[@jopmota]

@@FractalZero Streets are very very different from velodromes.

[@adhunt1]

@@jopmotaRight?! In what world is a group street ride analogous to velodrome racing?

[@pinoygal6232]

I ride with brakes and a freewheel. I shouldn't even be here. I'm so ashamed.

[@event4216]

Track and high end parts on casual bikes - I recently dropped idea of Shimano track hubs as they would look silly on bike which never sees real track. I'll spend that money on decent tires and food/water to actually ride my bike. I'll let someone other look silly with Rotor cranks on street.

[@exzyla6548]

I got my first fixed gear last week, it's a classic build and the handle bar is this! 6:33

[@oakleafcurrents2976]

15. Do you also assume people on a brake less group ride will be on the same page about bike setup/maintenance? A loose lock ring or worn chain can cause a much worse crash than a brake.

[@N0_WAY]

SPDs are so much more comfortable than any strap. It’s Ok To be afraid Zach just admit it.

[@MAGAIVER]

The foot pulling out of clipless pedals issue is real I've been there, but my bike is sensible and has brakes so it's not an issue. Back when I used to ride brakeless it was clips and straps for me.

[@Primoesuno36]

Outfit is very Little Richard in this one. Cheers

[@TheSpaceBrosShow]

Pathlesspedaled and Spindatt are 👌👌 Good taste

[@endymion2300]

fixed gear rider since 2008, here. i need a brake because i can't skid without aggravating my janky ankle. never had a problem in group rides tho. wider bars are easier to climb with and control the bike in an emergency situation. clipless are better than straps, but that's because street shoes and straps give me hot spots and spd mtb shoes have stiffer soles and are still easy to walk around grocery stores in. carbon forks on a steel frame is the business. pursuit bars are the business; even though i have risers on right now because i got hit by a car and don't ride fast enough to justify being aero af. i also dig 130bcd cranks, but mostly because i ride a massive ratio and finding 55+ tooth chainrings in 144 is hard.

[@fatrobdouble]

I ride a bike with track drops and there are 4 hand positions i use.

[@justinrieger3133]

Dude, I love the videos. I've been watching for a couple of years, and I've learned a lot, but wtf are you wearing, bro?

[@alexgravel66]

130bcd is good, find chainring in 1/8 in Europe it's very difficult in small size

[@mikerossi4741]

#4. I have Wabi’s classic, special, and thunder, but not interested in their lightning because of this.

[@feve6071]

the shade at weis M f g lol

[@BeastyBite]

his fit is crazy!

[@nxelmusic]

are short flat bars still aero?

[@l00tur]

Just broom sticks

[@Relevant_Irrelevance]

I'd love a fixie, but where I live is just too hilly and I already have knee issues as it is :( Love your channel for the hype and spirit though :)

[@gur262]

Bikes with nexus hubs look like a fixie/Singlespeed at first glance but offer plenty gears. Reviews make it seem that even 200w support (sushi bike, battery hidden as bottle) can get a Singlespeed up a hill. The zehus backspin is completely in the rear wheel. Not sure if that would work better or worse than gears on a hill

[@harrisonweiland6851]

Wabi frames are absolutely perfect if anyone is on the fence.

[@KokoFixed]

dat scarf game tho

[@davidmurphy9151]

The pen pineapple guy is lookin good.

[@tonyhernandez2730]

I have my bottles on both tubes and do ok with both.

[@angelicafernandez9831]

9:12 You mean we are all fat? 🤨 Lol Nice video

[@bobbydigital7482]

Wider bars are for stability…now you don’t need to ride broomstick sized handlebars but wider bars do create better stability

[@danielpfister4855]

I don’t think ird is still around. Sugino for the win!

[@NotALizardPerson81]

They are.

[@ianmagnuson1626]

hold up, can we talk about your fit??????

[@MAGAIVER]

Having a super negative stem and still having spacers under it is just stupid. You could've achieved the same position with a more sensible stem and no spacers. When you have no spacers and the front end is still too high that's when you need a very negative stem. My bike has 2 brakes, compact drop with proper drop bar brake levers and is mostly ridden on the freewheel side so I get 0 fixie points.

[@ryant524]

Is that ascot cycling or scooby doo specific? Asking for a friend lol

[@jimbrittain402]

Do I contradict myself? Very well, then, I contradict myself. I am large; I contain multitudes.

[@noah654]

Zach you can't recommend other channels without linking 'em on up

[@humildemarcelo]

130 BCD crank gang here!

[@jopmota]

A lot of rules for something that should be the most rule-free activity a person could ever do: biking

[@tbz1551]

… a “hot take” is not supposed to be considered a ‘rule’, rather a timely, strong opinion, and possibly controversial.

[@tomanicodin]

Taiwan is the best bike manufacturer. It's been for many years now 🤣🤣🤣

[@frankkudos7338]

👍

[@sharinneedles319]

I've never wanted a Wabi cycle more in my life than since watching Zach's videos

[@damiunwalker357]

I have a yellow Wabi Special with upgraded Wabi sub 15 wheels and a brooks b17 saddle. It's such a nice bike. If you can afford it, I'd highly recommend it.

[@pinoygal6232]

I wonder how they compare to the All-City. I wish I could test-ride one.

[@lucacycles8623]

@@pinoygal6232 One of the big differences is that All-City's tend to be in stock!

[@pinoygal6232]

@@lucacycles8623 That's hilarious. I had the same experience when I tried to order one 3 years ago, and had to get the Big Block. I really like my All-City, (except for the paint scheme).

[@jayceinfinitealgharhythmns9814]

I have one and I actually hate it! Crappy paint job, the stock wheels never stay in place unless I have a chain tensioner. The tubing feels way too thin, like if a heavy rain drop hits it, it’ll be bent. I’m NEVER buying a sponsored product again. This guy lies to sell a really $#i++y bike!

[@waynecremlock]

for me, its clipless brakeless

[@Double.Tapp.]

You ever tried spd cleats

[@6_nikki_9]

BASED

[@christopherwebb3517]

I disagree about the down tube being the best place for a water bottle on a fixed gear. I say the best place is behind the saddle.

[@pinoygal6232]

In my Velocity, but usually not-at-all.

[@event4216]

Track bars look inappropriate when cafe racers ride grabbing them near stem. They are sloped for a reason. Wide MTB bars on FG also look meh, maybe trick riders need them to reach more easily. They aren't needed to actually steer bike.

[@sodrak6925]

Zach, carbon fiber is not the carbon fiber we had in the 90's... if you buy carbon fiber parts from a trustable company, it's totally safe, solid and reliable. Yes, it may break if you seriously fall or throw your bike off a bridge or under a car, but it's totally safe for a normal daily ride, even if it falls off from a wall

[@meelz812]

Skill issue, I can reach my seat tube bottle easy (っ˘ڡ˘ς) I do wish it was on the downtube though why surly why

[@newoldsteel]

Lol my take, just say NO to carbon fiber forks! And it’s NOT a steel bike with one 🤦🏻

[@assortedexorcist2645]

dao ming su 😂

[@Double.Tapp.]

Bro stay reasonably dangerous

[@pinoygal6232]

Track bars suck! I like a short, straight riser. Get the perfect stem geometry for your custom angle. Set-it and forget it.

[@James-bi8dg]

Track drops mad ugly 😂

[@jawaddb8061]

Track drops look horrible

[@carlsportfolio9266]

Prepare for the day that sky will turn blood red. As the blood of humanity will soon fill the oceans. Prepare for the liberation of souls.

[@TheKoreanTr0ll]

…I see.

[@vincekerrigan8300]

This guy is talking rubbish. Riding without brakes is stupid - you cannot stop efficiently without them. He actually confirms this when he says he doesn't like to ride behind a rider with brakes.

[@pinoygal6232]

Are you going LGBTQ?

[@FractalZero]

all of them at once?

[@pinoygal6232]

@@FractalZero That would be impressive, honestly. I'm trying to picture it.

[@christophersalisbury4064]

Everything everywhere all at once

[@l00tur]

I think he’s going in a ride!

[@tchomusic]

Is this guy for real? Carbon is the best material ever used for cycling.

[@brian_jake]

I respect your opinion but no way😂😂😂😂

[@benjaminziegler7437]

Carbon is for cunts