What is a fixed gear bike?
A fixed gear bike means that you cannot coast. In other words, if the wheels are moving, so are your pedals. However, the term is a bit of a misnomer since most of the fixed gear bikes out there are sold as single-speeds (which can coast) but can easily turn into a fixed-gear bike by flipping the rear wheel around. This is also true for Pure Fix. All bikes feature a “flip/flop” hub where one side has a freewheel (which can coast) and the other side a cog that always rotates with the wheel. Many people love the fixed-gear because it’s an organic human-meets-machine feeling. Many people love the single-speed because it’s kinda nice to coast(and it’s better on the knees).

What’s with this whole fixed-gear phenomenon?

Well, the first bikes ever made were fixed-gears! For indoor track racing the fixed-gear continued to reign, largely because the environment is fluid and variable-free (you don’t need to slow down or stop). Bike messengers discovered the fixed-gear and loved it because for them time is money – it’s fast, it’s agile, and above all, it’s simple. If you’re a city cyclist that wants speed and simplicity, you’d be hard pressed to find that in a Dutch-style bike or complicated road bike. But, you might say a fixed-gear is Dutch in its simplicity and a road bike in feel. That’s why they make so much sense. They look cool too.

Is the bike set up as a fixed gear?

Nope, it’s set up as a single-speed. If you want a fixed gear, we just flip the rear wheel around.

Can’t I buy this bike through the Pure Cycles online store?

Sure you can, but you’ll also pay 13% duties, a $50 brokerage charge, and in most cases, shipping. That comes out to the same price we sell the bike for. When you buy a bike from us we professionally assemble it, tune it, and offer a free tune-up after three months. We have your back! If you order online and decide to build the bike yourself, Pure Cycles will void all warranties that come with the bike.

What’s the difference between a brand like Pure Fix and other brands out there?

Most fixed-gear brands out there seem to be run by start-ups who are learning bikes on the fly. A fixed gear bike is simple, so we’re continually shocked by the quality we see out there. We’ve seen thick deep-dish rims that look cool but aren’t round. We’ve seen brake levers that won’t tighten to the handlebar because they were the wrong clamp size. We’ve seen non-machined rims that have zero braking surface. It’s ugly out there. Luckily Pure Fix makes a great product. The frames are strong; the wheels are terrific and they offer a lot of colours.

Can I add a rear brake?

It’s recommended! We have em’ in silver or black and a complete set (lever, cable and brake) is $60.

How do I ensure my new bike won’t get stolen?

Estimates are that over 90% of bicycle theft is tied to cash-for-drugs and this (unfortunately) makes every bike a target. Make sure you buy a good U-lock or a chain and your bike will be safe. You can read more about bike theft here.

What’s the warranty?