The 30 best fixed gear brands
Shimano, Cinelli and MKS lead our ranking of 30 fixed gear brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Fixed Gear brands, ranked
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1
Shimano
Shimano makes cranks, pedals, hubs, and brakes that fixed gear builds commonly use, though its focus is broader drivetrains.
Website: shimano-steps.com |Brands like Shimano
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Cinelli
Cinelli makes track handlebars, stems, and complete fixed gear and track bikes, with a long racing heritage.
Website: cinelli-usa.com |Brands like Cinelli
Popularity 5.5/10
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3
MKS
MKS makes flat and clipless track pedals, often used on fixed gear bikes.
Website: mkspedal.com |Brands like MKS
Popularity 5.1/10
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4
Novatec
Novatec makes hubs, including fixed gear and single speed hubs sold as parts.
Website: novatecusa.net |Brands like Novatec
Popularity 4.9/10
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5
Miche
Miche makes track cranks, hubs, and bottom brackets for fixed gear and track bikes.
Website: miche.it |Brands like Miche
Popularity 3.8/10
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6
Campagnolo
Campagnolo makes track hubs, cranks, and related components used on fixed gear bikes.
Website: campagnolo.com |Brands like Campagnolo
Popularity 3.7/10
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7
VP
VP Components makes pedals, cages, and accessories sold for fixed gear and urban bikes.
Website: vpcomponents.com |Brands like VP
Popularity 2.7/10
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8
Sturmey-Archer
Sturmey-Archer makes internal gear hubs and has offered fixed gear hubs in its line.
Website: sturmey-archer.com |Brands like Sturmey-Archer
Popularity 2.5/10
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9
Origin8
Origin8 makes fixed gear and single speed bikes and components like cranks, bars, and wheels.
Website: origin8.bike |Brands like Origin8
Popularity 2.2/10
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10
Selle Italia
Selle Italia makes saddles and seatposts that fixed gear riders commonly use.
Website: selleitalia.com |Brands like Selle Italia
Popularity 1.9/10
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11
Sun Race
Sun Race makes freewheels, cassettes, and cogs, including fixed gear sprockets.
Website: sunrace.com |Brands like Sun Race
Popularity 1.7/10
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12
Maxxis
Maxxis makes bicycle tires, including road and track tires used on fixed gear bikes.
Website: maxxis.com |Brands like Maxxis
Popularity 1.4/10
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13
Ritchey
Ritchey makes handlebars, stems, and cranks used on fixed gear and road bikes.
Website: us.ritcheylogic.com |Brands like Ritchey
Popularity 1.4/10
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14
Easton
Easton makes bicycle components such as handlebars, seatposts, and wheels, alongside other sporting goods.
Website: eastonshoes.com |Brands like Easton
Popularity 1.4/10
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15
Mongoose
Mongoose makes bicycles, including fixed gear and single speed models sold at mass retail.
Website: mongoose.com |Brands like Mongoose
Popularity 1.3/10
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16
Pedro’s
Pedros is a company that bike lovers run. They enjoy the ride, and they want the others to enjoy it. The company sells tools that are useful in maintaining your bike. You can reach places on your bike, and the...
Website: pedros.com |Brands like Pedro’s
Popularity 1.3/10
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17
State Bicycle Co.
State Bicycle Co. makes fixed gear and single speed complete bikes built for urban riders.
Website: statebicycle.com |Brands like State Bicycle Co.
Popularity 1.3/10
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18
Pinarello
Pinarello makes road and track bikes, including track frames used for fixed gear riding.
Website: pinarello.com |Brands like Pinarello
Popularity 1.1/10
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19
Tange
Tange makes headsets, bottom brackets, and steel tubing used in fixed gear frame building.
Website: tange-design.com |Brands like Tange
Popularity 1.1/10
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20
M-Wave
M-Wave makes bicycles and parts, including track and fixed gear models.
Website: mwave.me |Brands like M-Wave
Popularity 1.1/10
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21
Felt
Felt makes road, track, and urban bikes, including track models used for fixed gear riding.
Website: feltbicycles.com |Brands like Felt
Popularity 0.9/10
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22
Phil Wood & Co.
Phil Wood makes hubs and bottom brackets, including fixed gear hubs, with a machined build.
Website: phil-wood-co.myshopify.com |Brands like Phil Wood & Co.
Popularity 0.9/10
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23
Dolan
Dolan makes track frames and complete track bikes used for fixed gear riding.
Website: dolan-bikes.com |Brands like Dolan
Popularity 0.7/10
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24
Alexrims
Alexrims makes wheel rims, including track rims used on fixed gear wheels.
Website: alexrims.com |Brands like Alexrims
Popularity 0.7/10
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25
Araya
Araya makes wheel rims, including track rims for fixed gear builds.
Website: araya-usa.com |Brands like Araya
Popularity 0.7/10
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26
Ambrosio
Ambrosio is a prominent bicycle rim and wheel manufacturer. They manufacture steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber wheels for a wide range of cycling sports, from classic to extreme and trendy. Their extensive product line includes front and rear rims, disc...
Website: ambrosiowheels.com |Brands like Ambrosio
Popularity 0.7/10
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27
Soma
Soma makes fixed gear and single speed bikes and frames built for urban riders.
Website: soma.com |Brands like Soma
Popularity 0.5/10
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28
Vittoria
Vittoria makes tires, including track tires used on fixed gear bikes.
Website: vittoria.com |Brands like Vittoria
Popularity 0.5/10
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29
Cannondale
Cannondale makes bicycles, including track models used for fixed gear riding.
Website: cannondale.com |Brands like Cannondale
Popularity 0.5/10
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30
Diamondback
Diamondback makes bicycles, including fixed gear and single speed models.
Website: diamondback.com |Brands like Diamondback
Popularity 0.5/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shimano | shimano-steps.com | /ShimanoEbike | shimanoebike | – | – |
| Cinelli | cinelli-usa.com | /cinelliusa | cinelliusa | @CinelliUSA | – |
| MKS | mkspedal.com | /mkspedal | mkspedal | – | UCHyzsDrJYfu2UlMXdxWf2g |
| Novatec | novatecusa.net | /Novatec | novatecwheels | – | – |
| Miche | miche.it | /Miche.Italy | miche.italy | @MicheOfficial1 | – |
| Campagnolo | campagnolo.com | /CampagnoloOfficial | campagnolosrl | @campagnolosrl | CampagnoloSrl |
| VP | vpcomponents.com | /VPComponents | vpcomponents | @vpcomponents | – |
| Sturmey-Archer | sturmey-archer.com | – | – | – | – |
| Origin8 | origin8.bike | /origin8cycling | origin8cycling | @origin8cycling | Origin8 Cycling |
| Selle Italia | selleitalia.com | /SelleItalia | selle_italia | – | Selle Italia |
Fixed Gear Buying Guide
Fixed gear bikes, also known as fixies, are a popular trend in the cycling world. They are simple, lightweight bikes with a single gear that is always in motion. Unlike traditional freewheel bikes, fixed gear bikes require pedaling at all times, making them ideal for urban commuting, track cycling, and even racing.
But with so many fixed gear options available, selecting the right bike can be a daunting task. In this guide, we’ll help you navigate through the features you should consider when buying a fixed gear bike.
Frame material:
Fixed gear bikes can have frames made of a variety of materials, with the most common being:
- Steel: This is a classic choice for fixed gear frames due to its durability, affordability, and vibration-dampening properties.
- Aluminum: This is a lighter option than steel but also more expensive.
- Carbon fiber: This is the lightest and most expensive option, often used in high-performance racing fixed gear bikes.
When choosing a frame material, consider your budget, riding style, and the terrain you’ll be biking on.
Size:
Choosing the correct size fixed gear bike is essential for a comfortable and efficient ride. You can determine your bike size by measuring your inseam and using a sizing chart from the manufacturer or bike shop.
It’s important to note that fixed gear bikes typically have a smaller frame size than freewheel bikes since they don’t have the added component of a freewheel hub. Be sure to test ride the bike before purchasing to ensure the size is right for you.
Gear ratio:
The gear ratio on a fixed gear bike refers to the number of teeth on the front and back chainrings. The gear ratio determines the bike’s top speed and acceleration. The standard gear ratio for fixed gear bikes is 48:16 (or 3:1), meaning the front chainring has 48 teeth and the back cog has 16 teeth.
If you plan on using your fixed gear bike for commuting or everyday riding, a gear ratio in the 46:17 or 44:16 range may be more suitable. For track racing or high-performance cycling, a higher gear ratio in the 52:14 or 52:15 range may be preferable.
Brakes:
Fixed gear bikes have two brake options:
- No brakes: Some fixed gear riders prefer to ride without brakes or rely on their legs to slow down the bike.
- Single or dual brakes: Many fixed gear bikes come equipped with a front and rear brake, allowing for greater control and slowing power.
It’s important to note that riding without brakes is illegal in some areas and can be dangerous, especially in high traffic areas. We recommend always having at least one brake on your fixed gear bike.
Handlebars:
The handlebars on a fixed gear bike can affect your riding position, comfort, and steering control. The most common handlebar types are:
- Bullhorns: These handlebars curve forward and provide a more aerodynamic riding position. They’re ideal for fast riding and racing.
- Drops: These handlebars curve downward and allow for multiple hand positions, making them suitable for long-distance rides.
- Flat: These handlebars are straight and provide a more upright riding position, ideal for casual city riding.
Be sure to test the different handlebar options to determine which style is most comfortable and suitable for your riding style.
Wheels:
The wheels on a fixed gear bike play a significant role in the bike’s speed, acceleration, and overall performance. Some features to consider when selecting wheels include:
- Weight: Lighter wheels are more responsive and easier to accelerate.
- Strength: Stronger wheels can handle more wear and tear, making them ideal for rough terrain or heavy use.
- Tire width: Wider tires provide more stability, while thinner tires offer greater speed and agility.
- Rim depth: Deeper rims provide better aerodynamics, while shallower rims offer greater versatility and shock absorption.
Be sure to select wheels that are compatible with your frame size and brake type, and that meet your riding needs.
Saddle:
The saddle on a fixed gear bike can affect your comfort and riding position. Some factors to consider when selecting a saddle include:
- Width and length: Choose a saddle that provides adequate support for your sit bones, with a length that allows for comfortable shifting and pedaling.
- Padding: Select a saddle with appropriate padding for your riding style and comfort preferences. Remember, too much padding can actually impede your pedaling efficiency.
- Shape: Consider a saddle with a shape that matches your riding style and position, such as a wider, more contoured saddle for upright city riding, or a more narrow, streamlined saddle for racing.
Be sure to test several saddle options to find the one that is most comfortable and suitable for your riding needs.
Accessories:
Once you’ve selected your fixed gear bike, you may want to consider some accessories to enhance your riding experience. Some popular accessories for fixed gear bikes include:
- Lighting: Front and rear lights are essential for night riding and enhancing your visibility in low-light conditions.
- Lock: A sturdy bike lock is necessary for securing your bike when you’re not riding it.
- Messenger bag: A messenger bag or backpack can help you carry your gear and belongings while riding.
- Pedals: Upgrading your pedals can provide better grip and performance during your rides.
Be sure to select accessories that are compatible with your bike and will meet your riding needs.
Conclusion:
Investing in a fixed gear bike is a personal decision that should take your riding style, budget, and preferences into account. By considering the features outlined in this guide and testing different options, you can select a fixed gear bike that will meet your needs and provide a comfortable and efficient ride.
