Rookie questions

[diggler]

I know nothing about fixies and I have a few basic questions.

I understand there is one gear. Do you have a choice in gear when you buy it? i.e. if you are in a hilly terrain can you choose an easier gear?

Is it possible to have a freewheel with a single gear, or does that defeat the purpose?

Do people typically have brakes or do they just brake with their legs? Is braking with your legs hard work?

[BRLVR.v2]

Yes
Yes
and Yes...


Now go and google Sheldon Brown or single speed or fixed gear, because it's all on the internet.

[slidetaker]

you could possibly ask the shop to change to an easier gear inches for you for hills, but it may incur a small cost...

yes...search for "flip-flop" hub for details...

Most bikes out there have brakes as it is another equipment you can use. A brake is also required to make the bike roadworthy in accordance to Road Rules.

Effort in braking with legs generally depends on gear inches, terrain, leg muscles and speed.

[oldschoolfool]

you could possibly ask the shop to change to an easier gear inches for you for hills, but it may incur a small cost...

yes...search for "flip-flop" hub for details...

Most bikes out there have brakes as it is another equipment you can use. A brake is also required to make the bike roadworthy in accordance to Road Rules.

Effort in braking with legs generally depends on gear inches, terrain, leg muscles and speed.

Don't think you need a brake on a fixed gear to be roadworthy.

[familyguy]

Not to be roadworthy, its up to the purchaser. But if sold new, and not marketed as a 'track bike', it must have a brake.

Jim

[scrubnbash]

I think in Queensland you'll get a fine for not a having a brake.

Slowing with legs is very useful. Brakes are also very very useful.
If you go freewheel you'll want brakes front and rear. If you go fixed you'll only really need a front brake.

[slidetaker]

Dunno about other states, but in Victoria,
Road Rules 258 Equipment on a bicycle
A person must not ride a bicycle that does not
have—
(a) at least 1 effective brake; and
(b) a bell, horn, or similar warning device, in
working order.
Penalty: 5 penalty units.

The Road Rules obviously only apply in public space/road/path, not the velodome or your home....