My Love Affair with the Fixed Gear Bike

by Chris Abraham on 20/07/2005 ·

pista thumb My Love Affair with the Fixed Gear BikeI have a Bianchi Pista track bike I use for my city bike. I have had it for over five years and it is a perfect city bike: low complexity, high reliability, low desirability, high durability.


A frame, clipless pedals, a saddle, a seat post, two wheels, two hubs, spokes, a BMX chainring, a BMX chain, a rear cog, handlebars, and a stem.

pista My Love Affair with the Fixed Gear Bike

No front and rear derailleurs, shifters, dual brakes, chain tension, gear ratios, or chain slap. And a lot less oiling.

A lot lighter as well, and since the wheels are bolted on — no quick release — there is less chance of the bike being poached of a wheel or two is you don’t lock them down.

Sometimes, I just lock the frame as the wheels are on there.

Simple, elegant, and I love it.

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