The Red and Black

Issue date: 3/6/09 Section: News

Media Credit: WAITES LASETER Many students on campus buy or make fixed-gear bicycles because theyr're the most basic form, affordable and easier to maintain than other bikes. [Click to enlarge]

With spring around the corner, the University community can expect to see more students taking their bicycles out for a spin - even without brakes.

Riding a fixed-gear bike is a new trend nationally and locally.

"It's hard to get used to at first," said Jake Jackson, a junior from Atlanta who rides a fixed-gear bike, "but it's a time-effective and cost-efficient way to get around."

In fixed-gear bikes, the sprocket - a toothed gear-like center of the back wheel - is attached directly to the bike's hub, disabling the freewheel mechanism that allows coasting.

Jackson said in a telephone interview that despite not having a formal braking system, riders can stop the bike by gradually decreasing pedaling speed.

"People are looking for something to ride in the city," said Ryan King, who works at Sunshine Cycles bike shop in Athens, in a telephone interview. "They want a bike that is more functional, fun, fast, cheap and is easy to manage."

King said he has seen an increase in the amount of people looking to build these types of bikes.

Since the fixed-gear is the most basic form of bicycle, many people build them because of their affordability and easy maintenance.

Ironically, a "brakeless" type of fixed-gear bike called a track bike is used for safety reasons in arena cycling where stopping abruptly would cause accidents and pile-ups on the track.

On the other hand, most University students build their bikes because of financial limitations, Jackson said.

"I didn't have a car at the time, so a friend of mine helped me put my bike together," he said. "I picked up random parts from garage sales and various shops almost for free."

Though constructing fixed-gear bikes may be simple, successfully maneuvering through traffic is a skill that requires focus and practice, especially in highly congested areas on campus, Jackson said.

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