A Fixie, otherwise known as a fixed gear bicycle, is a type of bicycle with a single gear ratio and a rear wheel cog that is locked onto the wheel without the ability to coast. This means that as long as the back wheel on a fixed gear bicycle is in motion the pedals are also in motion. This gives the rider increased mobility, but can also make riding fixed gear in hilly areas quite a chore.
Another aspect of fixed geared bicycles that separates them from geared bikes is their simplicity and light weight. Because fixies lack the ability to change gears they require substantially fewer parts than typical geared bikes. The fact that they cannot coast also eliminates the need for handbrakes in some cases, further reducing the weight and complexity of the bike. Here is a diagram illustrating the difference between the gears of a typical road bike and that of a fixie:
Today, fixed geared bicycles are an important part of pop culture around the world for their unique feel and look.
