Why do bike messengers prefer fixed-gear bikes? It seems like a good road bike or hybrid would be better suited...
2006-12-13 06:03:55 · 5 answers · asked by mrknositall 6 in Sports ➔ Cycling
Simple, minimal maintenance, light weight.
and there is the 'coolness' factor in riding a fixie.
Since most messengers wont be climbing any major mountains, they can pick one gear that works for them and stick with that.
2006-12-14 13:47:35 · answer #1 · answered by rab 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Reason 1) Fixed-gear bikes require little maintenance.
Reason 2) Fixed-gear bikes do not require shifting on uphills.
Reason 3) Fixed-gear bikes allow for track-standing.
Reason 4) Fixed-gear bikes are less likely to get stolen.
Reason 5) Fixed-gear bikes are very cheap, messengers are poor.
Reason 6) Fixed-gear bikes are in vogue.
Reason 7) Fixed-gear bikes are cheap to fix.
2006-12-13 19:26:01 · answer #2 · answered by Double Century Dude 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The main reason seems to be that a fixie is the "in" thing, especially for messengers. There are some adjantages to being able to track stand, but there are many other people out there who can track stand just as well on a regular bike.
2006-12-14 01:42:49 · answer #3 · answered by CM 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most bike messengers work in high density areas with relatively flat roadways, so the extra gears are not really necessary.
also, fixed gear bikes are lighter weight, simpler to ride and repair, and easier to do a track stand on...
2006-12-13 06:49:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
simplicity maybe
2006-12-13 06:44:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋