Portland Fixie Rider

Gears: One. Note back wheel. No derailleur, no freewheel. Nice and simple. It’s pretty. Looks sleek. Whatever the theoretical benefits of riding a fixed-gear bike may be, the real reason it’s popular is because of the way it looks.

Brakes: None. While not advisible to ride without at least a FRONT brake, some riders ride brakeless to preserve the lines of a fixie bike, thus enhancing its classic design.

U-Lock: Back pocket. Kryptonite  brand with the yellow or orange detail. Either will do just fine; so express your individuality here. The lock should be smallest one you can find, both for the fit and to let people know you don’t have quick release wheels. Real messengers don’t do quick release so they can lock up securely in seconds flat.

Bag: Huge. Because a rack and pannier would spoil the lines. As for classic one strap across-the-sholder messenger style versus two strap backpack style, you can go either way. Again, express yourself. Chrome, Ortlieb, ReLOAD, Crumpler are popular.

Hat: Snug, long-brimmed, classic cycling hat like the pros on the Tour de France used to wear. Looks like a ‘beanie-with-a-brim’

Spoke Cards: See the cards stuck between the spokes of the back wheel? One origin of the spoke card was laminated cards inserted in spokes with numbers used to identify competitors in Alleycat races held between bicycle messengers.

Key Chain: Check out that springy band around the rider’s arm,  it’s the key to his u-lock.  Kept separate from main keys, for more convenient access to lock/unlock said lock.

Original Article written by John Wilmot titled How-to-be-a Fixie Clone, remixed by Mark.