10 Unspoken Rules of Fixed Gear Cycling

[@idksnufkin9465]

Bruh, A manager of a bike store that cares and teaches you to skid, before you use or ride out there? That is awesome. Mad respect!

[@gregoryblind8954]

They know you'll be buyin tires every two months

[@idksnufkin9465]

@@gregoryblind8954 two months? Maybe if you skid too much, I back pedal most of the time.

[@gregoryblind8954]

I super rarely skid. I really don't think it's a necessary skil set tho. With a brake, of course.

[@idksnufkin9465]

@@gregoryblind8954 yeah pretty much

[@zacharybennett3249]

💯

[@oscaramaral9502]

I don't ride a fixed gear but I always give the wave and nod to almost any cyclist to me it honestly doesn't matter what type of bike your riding were all cycling and that's what matters 👌

[@oscaramaral9502]

What's a good gear ratio for a newbie like myself? I live in Los Angeles and looking to finally give in haha

[@silentcyclist]

@@oscaramaral9502 46x16

[@oscaramaral9502]

@@silentcyclist fersure thanks man 👌

[@ronaldsrundans]

@<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="127">2:07</a> He meant not 3, but 1 skid patch point, because the tire always makes 3 rotations after 1 crank rotation and stops at the same point.

[@timfreeman9976]

Thanks, was trying to understand the correlation between skid points and gear ratios - this helped.

[@theosenberg]

Quicksilver is also a good messenger/fixed gear movie ;)

[@περδικιοςπερδεμενοςπερδικας]

quicksilver is the best movie!

[@EricReyes0142]

Pedal is my favorite

[@finnatwood7240]

i have the empire fixed gear movie on disc

[@wykaman]

Love that movie, totally agree! Kevin Bacon, Lawrence Fishburne, NELSON VAILS!

[@nate-city]

Quicksilver is the OG fixie movie that Premium Rush copied. -Kevin Bacon

[@event4216]

Too many rules to follow. All that do's and dontdo's are for unsecure people who need to fit certain scheme to feel self assured. Ride whatever you like and don't be jerk. If you want to stick to scheme and conform to restrictions, become an athlete or better yet, apply for marines.

[@brianluck84]

Definitely making riding fixed sound snobbish. This elitists vibe his giving fixies is very similar to the roadie world who shun those that don't follow the "rules"

[@ABCRapster]

@@brianluck84 absolutely! They take the fun out of riding fixed gear! Isn’t having fun the point of riding bikes in the first place?

[@doyouwanttogivemelekiss3097]

Some of the presented rules are rules the same way gravity is a rule (e.g., 1 and 2) - sure, you may ignore these rules, but you follow them, because you don't want to fall on your a$$ or overspend. And e.g. in the case of the gear ratios, they are very easy to fix. Just change the rear sprocket from an 18 to a 17 or a 19 tooth - and suddenly, you go from 3 to 17 or even 19 skid patches - making your tires last ~6 times as long, saving you $$$

[@walthansen6333]

I've been a fixed fanatic since the 70's. 1. I don't skid, never never. 2. Realize, before that first fixed ride, that you can't keep up with road bikes going down hill.

[@HaniJIsmail]

you don't skid, but you know how to?

[@thermodynamics1110]

cant keep up with any road bike. its not complicated

[@walthansen6333]

@@thermodynamics1110 going downhill on a fixed vs. a road bike.... uh, bullshit, short of putting your feet up off the pedals.

[@skyjuiceification]

U my sir are an urban track cyclist...as are most who rode fixed before about 1999 or so. trend obsessed fixie culture evolved out of a post-punk-skater social ethos.and most watching this came around even more recently to cycling. anyways the contact high of fashion having worn thin we now are seeing who is a cyclist and who is a kid hunting cool points and tricks to impress chicks.

[@personallyurs01]

*Looked at a lot of options for getting my **Latest.Bike** . Great find in SAVA. Super light, nice components, really good value as it comes with many options only found in much higher priced bikes.*

[@stereotonic]

"pretty rare to see another fixed gear rider in the wild" *laughs in Brooklyn*

[@galenkehler]

Unwritten rule of fixed gear cycling: Don't coast!

[@blacklangster1141]

I feel like that one is pretty well written

[@suzaku3573]

@@blacklangster1141 pretty much

[@Kevin-xh8rs]

Ahm not to be that guy but what does it mean

[@reapanomin899]

Unless your cog slipped,but that would be horrible

[@thevillex7441]

@@Kevin-xh8rs it means you don't have a fixed gear if you coast it means you can stop peddling and your bike will keep moving but if you have a fixed geared bike If the bike is moving your legs need to be moving

[@ghost-facedhindu4275]

When I first saw Premium Rush, I thought that having the exact time where Wilee crashed, was odd. Having rode fixed gear for now 3 years, and having been hit by one car, I finally get it. When I was struck, the first thing could make out was my arm, and my watch said <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="698">11:38</a> am. The time is now burned into my memory. 😂

[@gold_soulo]

😂😂😂glad your okay

[@ghost-facedhindu4275]

@@gold_soulo 6 stitches in my left eyebrow and two fractured ribs, the bike needed new forks, new front wheel, and a buddy of mine straightened the drops for me, I still ride that tank to this day.

[@thermodynamics1110]

no offense personally...but i can see why "you guys" ride fix gear bikes. reason is you guys are making it more than what it is. like you guys have some sort of intimate relationships with your bike. i get it...

[@gold_soulo]

@@thermodynamics1110 Best believe my bike is a spoiled bitch all that money I put in her just to make me work for my enjoyment😂😂 but we love it

[@ghost-facedhindu4275]

@@thermodynamics1110 I have a relationship as intimate with my main mode of transportation as you do with yours. How intimate is it?

[@Whoopee_stick]

this is basically just a checklist for posers trying to not look like a poser XD witch may result in them kinda finding their own way and ending up not being a poser at all anymore. keep up the good work!

[@ephrimebuckins9996]

I ride on freewheel, fixers don’t like me much.😂😂😅

[@migz_hitgs]

Saying "whoop, whoop" when seeing another fixed gear rider. Fan from PH 🇵🇭

[@kokongjava]

Who started this

[@kokomban7856]

Whoop whoop!

[@Bossing_rene]

Whoop whoop cycling culture

[@theuniverseconspires]

whoop whoop! that's the sound of the police

[@wisdomofanowl9702]

Whoop pare

[@karlnorgaard6077]

I liked the audible distain in Zach's voice when he said "then you might as well be riding a single speed at that point". Haha. Im a freewheel single speed rider, though I think I will build up a fixed rear wheel one day. We love your show Zach.

[@ABCRapster]

Do what’s best for you! I ride with both brakes and on a fixed gear cog for as long as Zach’s being riding too. Never let someone’s opinion dictate what works for you

[@gurnug]

You don't need to know how to skid. Dragging tire has lower friction than rolling one hence skidding means longer breaking. Thats why we do it for fun and show. What you need to learn is to switch from front pedling to back pedling as fast as possible and in any legs position. On fixie You have awesome control over your back wheel and you feel best if it wants to drag so it is easy to prevent and keep it rolling and breaking.

[@albertsmith9878]

A Poser is somebody that has a bike but doesn’t ride it! Not over a picture my friend! You have a good imagination of fixed gear cycling!

[@niccstuazon1838]

Here in the Philippines when fixed gear riders greet each other we say woop woop 👌

[@gregvassilakos]

Being able to do a track stand should be on this list. It is at least as important as being able to skid. Of course, I can't do either, but I haven't given up trying. Also, when passing another rider regardless of the type of bike either of us is on, I give them the "V for Victory" sign. The nod is often missed because it is of such short duration.

[@Pikminarecool]

trackstand tip: the way trackstanding works is using your pedals to keep the bike under your center of gravity, hence why you need to turn your wheel. if like me your front foot is your left foot thenpushing forward will move the bike left, and backwards will move the bike right. I know you didn’t ask but I hope this is helpful

[@szabomate1179]

​@@Pikminarecoolit is helpful to me

[@blacklangster1141]

As someone who wanted to ride brakeless, a back brake is a great training tool/legal workaround for people starting out trying brakeless. In an emergency situation it can be used as an assist if your legs aren’t in just the right position to skid. Some countries (i.e. Canada) require a mechanism able to skid the rear wheel to be legal and a back brake is a great way to not get an $80 fine. And another $80 fine for not having a bell. Bike laws are wild here 😭

[@davidburgess741]

Not a problem here, Pos don't know what we're riding and don't know the law anyway.

[@chrisd4128]

Where in Canada are you? West Coast doesn't require a bell or rear brake.

[@blacklangster1141]

@@chrisd4128 ontario

[@kristyy420]

theres nothing wrong with a rear brake. i dont like his arguments. its for emergencies, you use your legs to slow down just as you would brakeless. the only thing that changes is your safety.

[@geoff5623]

@@chrisd4128 BC provincial law doesn't require a bell, but municipal bylaws may - Vancouver does. The brake law is a little vague, but using only a front brake is probably legally okay. I haven't heard of anyone I know getting ticketed for going brakeless in at least the last few years though. "A cycle operated on a highway must be equipped with a brake that will enable the person operating the cycle to make the braked wheels skid on dry, level and clean pavement." Enforcement of other things like requiring a helmet, lights after sunset, keeping at least one hand on the bars, or riding two-abreast can vary by region.

[@tommyofastora]

When I found out I was running my chain too tight & fixed it I instantly became a trackstand god

[@dexlofi]

Dude you gotta put Quicksilver on that list of fixed gear movies. 80's Kevin Bacon awesomeness.

[@rustyd3817]

In Philippines 🇵🇭 when you see another fixed rider you say WoopWoop! It’s funny cause my bike isn’t a fix gear anymore. I switched to single speed after 8 years

[@MisterSal9895]

Did you just remove the fixie cog and put a freewheel?

[@jedai_sblz]

whoop whoop !!

[@willcochran5555]

Adding to the video list, The Good Times are Killing Me is a brilliant video with some great street parts! A lot of freestyle but still captures the spirit of fixed! Highly reccomend

[@FlyingPastilla]

I keep my brakes and I care about aero because I love speed. Fixed gears are also fun because you can send it on sprints. Just yeeting it without having to shift is awesome and so is beating your PRs on strava. Back-pedalling only would probably kill me along with the fun

[@oswaldovirto5896]

Almost at 100k Zach. Keep it up!

[@MrAyley7]

Must watch atleast one alleycat races on youtube. get to know the games in the culture 🤙🏻🔥 those POV alleycat races is what got me to fixed gear in the first place. The different mechanics compared to a professional road race what makes it 10x much fun! 😁

[@celestialmachine]

As a roadie, racer, MTB dirt eater, and fixed gear crusty, if you don't nod or wave back its straight to jail.

[@sonymicronin]

I want to start making videos about fix gear but I don't know much about them or even much bikes in general... I just know for sure that I love riding them and do it as much as possible.

[@nate-city]

Love all these vids ZG! I wish I could skid. I’ve been riding fixed daily for 30yrs. Never tried.

[@krisjaynav]

when we rode our fixed gear bikes, we would never ever refer to them as fixies. 85 percent of my friends rode fixed gears (2000-2005 San Francisco & 2006-2009 Chicago) and we called them simply bikes. Bikes weren't so much hobbies as they were just the cheapest coolest transportation. I missed rolling down the street and randomly seeing a friend's bike locked up and then immediately calling them "i see your bike, where you at?"

[@bobbyjolene916]

These unspoken rules are a how to look cool in front of other riders. There is a reason why they are unspoken, cause they are ridiculous. 😂

[@chezwickcheese139]

My first fixie was a Dolan Pre Cursa in bright green.. it was an eye opening experience 😂

[@r.a.8407]

Bro you love that purple chainring we get it its 🔥 lol

[@giliant]

I feel like Line of Sight from Lucas Brunelle, is a absolute must watch, really all of his stuff. Great video.

[@blaquekyd]

I love riding fixed gear but unwritten rules in hobbies are really gatekeepy and unwelcoming. Just let people do what they want, unless they are harming someone

[@SLOWVERT]

I prefer road bikes… but this channel is probably the most entertaining bike channel. Fixed gear riders are such purist.

[@skyjuiceification]

Purist of what?...if they were purists of track bikes they would ride primarily on tracks.

[@sheilastallard]

My hubby rides a fixie his 67 Keep Safe!

[@AndwikaPandu]

Kiw kiw kiw is a friendly greeting for fixed gear rider in Indonesia ...

[@rrxinating101]

Yoo the stunt video at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="538">8:58</a> was filmed in Singapore!! I literally go there to practice my stunts.

[@reapanomin899]

Rule 2(or rather,the explanation for that rule),is kinda the antithesis of me.80% of the reason I gravitated to fixed was because I pursue speed,and I wanted more of it.Speed was my definition of fun. While I don't worship carbon and see it as the sole mean of attaining better aerodynamics and speed,I still love the feel of carbon while riding.

[@nathanzhou2065]

I completed the required viewings ,when’s the final ? 😂 nah but I really loved that u brought up premium rush and Macaframa.

[@MisterSal9895]

You found me out! I'm that guy putting carbon fiber parts on my track bike. I originally bought my track bike for fun, trying fixed gear riding and a substitute road bike, because at the time I could not justify paying 5K+ for a road bike. My track bike with all it's upgrades/third party components sits super close to 2K. As of present I'm realizing I could have just saved up a tad more and bought one of those Chinese road bike on amazon for 2K instead of gradually upgrading over time. I think I'm more of a hipster roadie because I don't wear lycra and I"m the type of guy who likes to put road tires on MTB and Fat bikes.

[@keithchang8566]

i like the way you think very much.

[@holzwurm_hd7029]

Im actually a bit of everything. I love hard tails, i do also own a downhill but i rarely ride it, Ive got a roadbike, got a Mountainbike with a road bike handle bar, I've got a gravel bike, i also love riding my BMX and ive got a folding bike with a fox tail. Rn im in the middle (95% finished) of building a fixed gear ratio bike. Next up will probably be a real "fixie"

[@thomastrotta7859]

"Breaking away" is another must watch movie

[@broccoli5408]

You are doing well, making up your show topics. But i think you should find out how we can get hold of silver coloured components.

[@bobbypadilla7618]

Gatekeeper’s checklist. The drive train and stuff like that is good information. Ride to impress yourself, not others

[@appetit2619]

when will the purple wabi comes? cant wait to see it.

[@3wbasie]

Yeah I thought they were coming in like may?

[@sirmixalot3332]

Covid put world supply of purple on back order. I got a build stuck on pause because of the mad scientists in Wuhan and the subsequent CCCP/WHO coverup that led to an infected world. When will mfr’g & shipping catch up? Is it ever gonna happen? No you know a bit what life is/was like for large parts of the world pre Covid. Be thankful for what we do have & patient/industrious.

[@mattgunter2106]

Fixed gear advice: when you see that friend trying to sell that nice wheelset, make an offer with your personal goals in mind. Oh it's a road wheelset? Haggle for it and just buy the one hub you need (usually the rear). You've got rapport and a plan which could either save you a bunch of money or get you the wheels you've always wanted. Racy track wheelsets are hard to come by for the price you want but with the will to learn or a trusted mechanic you can get there. Trust your community and spec up. Everyone is a winner.

[@swidi_works]

have to say you got your skid patch science down tho!

[@gregoryblind8954]

If they didn't ask about your bike, don't tell them its a fixed gear.

[@jacksquat2067]

Hey. Hey hey heyheyhey... I'm a roadie and I nod to everyone. Even fixed gear cyclists. :P

[@WCIIIReiniger]

How do you know that someone rides a "Fixed Gear"? He tells you. So rule number 11 seems to be tell everyone you ride a "Fixed Gear".

[@wormdamage]

I think you forgot the most important rule - bring beer!

[@TheHellasavagex]

I'm curious is it better/cheaper to buy a new bike or a vintage bike on the cheap and just piece it together? I'd love a video discussing that or even repurposing old bikes in general... Thank you... :)

[@fast.biking_freddy]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="575">9:35</a> - YOU LEFT OUT LINE OF SIGHT By Lucas Brunelle but I can excuse you because you're a west coast rider.

[@terbennett]

Cool vid. Just to let you know, roadies that won't wave to you won't wave to anyone. I'm a roadie and crit racer. I wave to anyone on a bile because you're in the saddle. To me, if you ride, you're family.

[@alexs6352]

As a roadie (imsorryplsdontbanme) that carbon giant with a dork disc, flats, a random ass bottle and a non-gps cycling computer made me writhe in pain

[@grimispotato245]

Premium rush is a funny movie ! The lines are memorable and so usable !

[@noahhight7781]

Fun fact when theres hardly any fixed gear riders in your town, most of this stuff doesnt matter. Maintenance and etiquette makes sense but brakes or no brakes its all the same

[@skyjuiceification]

....................

[@brianmaldonado3723]

Obscure rules of fixed gear...bike locking chains can only be as long as will fit locked around your waist with no dangling chain.

[@darryllaa]

Zach:you must know how to skid to have control over your bike My <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="3134">52:14</a>:no

[@olindanielcaraan1755]

In my country, when you pas with another fixed gear rider, we usually say "whoop whoop"

[@Doctorpopets]

Back in the 80’s there also was “Quicksilver” movie with Kevin Bacon.

[@liokin229]

I'm going to keep the rear brake until I really get back pedaling down. It may be lame, but I use to help me skid and to slow my cadence down on super steep hills.

[@JustYato]

I've been riding fixed gear bike for almost 9 months now and I'm content with my bike, what I'm scared about is getting crashed. while I crashed for so many times and times that I'm wearing a helmet and know what to do in situations but there's something in me that's scaring me to ride one. any tip on how I can cope or atleast get out of that fear?

[@johnnieabreu7030]

You for got about another movie call Quick silver

[@swidi_works]

teaching to skid is good for tire sales. also the lower the bar to entry the higher the gates. lol. NOOOO! @<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="496">8:16</a> you want that lock around the sidestay and RIM not spokes.

[@projecthowto]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="405">6:45</a> what’s the crankset and chain ring on that bike ?

[@greyguy.960]

Do as you please, don't follow these rules. Enjoy your bike don't follow a trend or group.

[@ArtByteLucas]

Grats on the skillshare sponsorship lol

[@suguhakuroaki875]

No. 4 in Philippines we often say whoop whoop when we meet other Fixed Gear riders.

[@joshuanmarte1806]

I’m being honest at first I didn’t like your channel cause you glorified wabi bikes a lot but… I enjoy watching your content and I hope to see more thanks for all your information man I apréciate you lots

[@ne130dy]

I haven’t seen a fellow fixed gear rider in almost a year 🥲

[@arturoromero6468]

@zack gallardo so you recommend any of those ratios for hill climbs and straight aways.?

[@GoddamnAxl]

I'm a roadie, I have a fixed gear because I can't afford carbons or electronic shifters or hydraulic disc brakes.

[@gilangr5315]

in Indonesia, instead of "nod" we use "kiw kiw"calling

[@anggapratama5204]

LOL . Banyak yang pake free wheel ngaku nya fixie 👌🏻

[@lochdhud]

The only fixed gear I have ridden in recent memory is my unicycle. Now it is time to upgrade to a second wheel. I live in Florida and have no need for gears plus derailleurs suck!

[@watcher9999able]

for the movies also: cornfed... and line of sight from bruno . did yall know that the song silver machine from hawkwind was actually about a bicycle?

[@35mikop]

bonus: You must read “Windbreaker”

[@JeremyLCrabtree]

I've been riding fixed for 10 years now, and I can't skid. I have a front brake, though, and that will stop me faster than skidding could.

[@shibainu6087]

As a courier in the UK. I approve.

[@iain6225]

Seat height? Best type of foot retention? Type of handle bar?

[@SlayM00N]

What about 42/17 gear ratio ?

[@lay5580]

I don't know if I can call my bike as fixed gear my wheel is 27 and my frame is an old japanese frame and also I like my gearing 52/13 my cogs has no lockring I like to ride it with no brake I can't do skid but I really like my bike and I don't care if someone judge my bike I saw so many fixed gear I'm my country Philippines I just ride my bike even it's not on good condition

[@sirmixalot3332]

All good brother the most important thing is you dig your bike. Your way ahead of people with more expensive things that look down on others with less. They are the posers.

[@ConstructMTL]

LINE OF SIGHT. THE movie to watch

[@govinddddddd]

You missed all fixed rider should wear cycling caps😉💖

[@iTechRevolutionTV]

To all my fixies def read the “Windbreaker” manhwa.

[@mohammadessam770]

Fun fact we call skidding in Saudi "knee braking" and we call the fixie " knee brake bike"

[@oxoras8635]

I feel like some of these things are just wrong. Hardcore fixed gear riders might disagree with me, but plenty of people can enjoy fixed gear bikes without worrying about being absolutely invested. For example: You shouldn't have the idea that you shouldn't be riding fixed gear unless you are willing to take your rear break off, IT'S STILL A FIXED GEAR! Just because somebody doesn't want to commit to everything on this list doesn't mean they aren't a fixed gear rider (please clean your drivetrain though, like c'mon, you should do that on any bike lol).

[@davidzuijdwijk6806]

I'll keep my brakes, feeling connected, is just that, a feeling, it isn't real. If I need to do all the stuff you're talking about to not be a poser, I don't want to hang out with the eletist gang, worse than roadies

[@philipohene-ataohene-nyako2960]

What if you have a 44/16 or 44/18 gear ratio is that good or bad?

[@johnweek69]

here in the ph, or as far as im concerned, around manila, we use "whoop whoop" as our "nod"

[@tudorsturza7664]

this community seems desperately single

[@gibsonf06]

totally

[@JohnWick-tb9lw]

Try reading WINDBREAKER. They give hype about fix gear

[@tay-lore]

If I lived anywhere in my town other than the top of the hill, I could be a fixie too... but I usually walk up the hill anyway... I have too many gears...

[@shh.grey1]

For once in a blue moon the vid aint sponsored by wabi damn

[@kipcc3918]

Skill share tho. 😅

[@ANIML57]

BELL RINGS make ANY OTHER CYCLISTS ON THE ROAD MORE AWARE!!! AND also pedestrian traffic. Also sport a couple blinkies as it makes you and other cyclists more visible! It’s stupid and irresponsible to encourage invisibility as a cyclist. I grew up in a place where cyclists were treated as equals on the roads but had many friends die at the wheels of drivers. Now I’m confronted with ignorant jackasses who could care less for us. Don’t take this as gospel but for fucks sake, watch out and please acknowledge your fellow 2 wheeled champs on the road. Love, Gpa

[@darrenjamesbelangel953]

Heyy, I have a problem on my rear hub where it really dances and feels funny when skidding, how to fix or should I buy a new one?

[@TheFloridaBikeVlogger]

so where can I watch premium rush for free? I have a borrowed netflix out if that helps

[@lucywucyyy]

as a mountain biker carbon is seen as rich poser flexing crap as well