Two kinds of one-gear bike
People often use single-speed and fixed gear as if they mean the same thing. They do not. Both bikes have one gear ratio, but they differ in what happens at the rear wheel.
A freewheel single-speed has a mechanism that lets the wheel keep turning while the pedals stay still. You can stop pedalling and coast, just as on most bikes.
A fixed gear has a cog attached directly to the wheel, so the pedals and rear wheel are always linked. If the wheel turns, the pedals turn with it, and you cannot coast. Some bikes have a hub with a freewheel on one side and a fixed cog on the other, so the same bike can be set up either way. Check how your own bike is built before you ride it.
The rest of this article is general information. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any adjustment, and ask a shop to do any work you are unsure about.
How each one feels
On a freewheel bike, riding feels like a simplified version of a normal bike. You pedal, you coast, and you can position the pedals as you like, for example holding them level through a corner.
A fixed gear feels more connected. The pedals push your feet round as the bike moves, and you can slow the bike a little by resisting that motion with your legs. That can feel smooth and engaging, but it takes getting used to. Common surprises include the pedals lifting your feet on descents, difficulty coasting around corners and a strong urge to keep pedalling when you do not want to. Because the pedals can turn all the way through a corner, a pedal can touch the ground if you lean too far, so take bends gently.
Why a fixed gear still needs working brakes
Some riders believe that resisting the pedals is enough to stop a fixed gear bike. That is a risky idea. Leg resistance can slow the bike, but it is limited by your strength and by the grip of the rear tyre, which may skid or lose grip on a wet surface. It is also less reliable if a foot slips off the pedal or the chain comes off, in which case the legs cannot slow you at all.
For those reasons, riding a fixed gear on public roads with no brake is dangerous and, in many places, not allowed. Rules differ by country, so check the laws where you ride. As a sensible default, fit and maintain at least one good brake, and ideally two. A brake test before every ride, front and rear if you have them, is a cheap safeguard. Some of the myths here are explored under riding without brakes, which discusses why skills should not replace equipment.
Trick riding on fixed gear bikes, including skidding and track-style stunts, is a separate area with its own risks. If you are curious, read about skid stops and fixed-gear tricks from a safety point of view. Those are not skills to learn from an article, and track bike limits are real, so do not push beyond them.
Drills for a smooth spin
Whichever bike you ride, a smooth spin is the foundation. These drills are gentle and should be done in a quiet, flat, traffic-free place such as an empty car park or path.
Drill 1: Light-pressure pedalling
Ride at an easy pace and imagine your feet scraping mud off the bottom of your shoes at the bottom of the stroke. Keep your ankles relaxed and your upper body still. The goal is a round, even stroke, not power. This drill supports a smooth pedal stroke on any bike.
Drill 2: Cadence ladder
Choose a flat section and ride at a comfortable pace. Slowly allow your speed to rise, so that your pedals spin faster, and then ease back. Stay seated and loose. If you bounce in the saddle, you have gone beyond your comfortable spin; slow down. A more relaxed approach to high cadence pedalling helps you become accustomed to spinning without panic. Results vary, and there is no single correct number.
Drill 3: Controlled slowing (fixed gear only)
On a fixed gear, practise slowing a little by gently resisting the pedals while keeping your brakes ready. Do this at a modest speed on an empty, flat path, and rely on the brake for any real stop. Do not skid on purpose, and do not attempt this on wet ground. If the pedals feel like they are running away from you, relax your legs, use the brake and stop.
Drill 4: Pedal position awareness
On a freewheel bike, practise keeping your pedals level as you pass over bumps or through gentle corners, then restart smoothly. On a fixed gear, practise rolling to a stop while noticing where the pedals end up. Setting up a good pedal angle for starting is covered in single-speed starts.
Moving between bike types
If you have only ridden geared or freewheel bikes, give yourself time before riding a fixed gear in anything busy. Try it first on a flat, quiet path. Leave extra room around you, brake earlier and keep your pace modest. Carrying a spare moment of caution helps while your legs learn the new rhythm.
If you ride a fixed gear downhill, be especially careful. The pedals will spin faster as you gain speed, and holding them back for long periods can be tiring. Control your speed with the brakes and choose descents that you can manage. Hot rims or tired legs can reduce your control quickly.
Looking after the drivetrain
A single drivetrain still needs care. Keep the chain clean and correctly tensioned, and check it regularly for wear. On a fixed gear, a loose chain can come off, and without a freewheel, the consequence is greater, so ask a shop if you are unsure about tension. Tighten wheel nuts according to the manufacturer’s instructions, since a loose rear wheel on a fixed gear is a serious hazard.
A sensible approach
Both freewheel and fixed gear bikes can be enjoyable. The freewheel is easier to live with for most beginners, while the fixed gear asks for more attention. Choose what suits your riding, always keep working brakes, and build skills in small steps. As with any skill, outcomes differ from rider to rider, and caution is the best companion.