BMX bikes come with one gear, giving the impression that they are single-speed. However, fixed gear bicycles also have one gear, which leaves you with this dilemma: are BMX bicycles fixed gear or single speed?
BMX bikes are not fixed gear! They have a single gear and the reason for that is that they have a freewheel that allows the rear wheel to turn when you stop pedaling, but not the pedal arms (or cranks). However, the exceptions are custom BMX bikes, which are fixed gears.
I understand how confusing it can be to determine whether a BMX is a single gear or a fixed gear. For that reason, I will explain the differences between the two gears. Once we determine the difference, we will conclude whether BMX bikes are fixed gear or single speed.
What is a single speed bicycle?
Single-speed bicycles have a freewheel that allows movement in one direction. In that case, when you stop pedaling, the rear wheel will continue to spin, but the pedals or cranks will not.
That also means that you can’t stop the bike by stopping pedaling, because the rear wheel keeps moving. And since you can’t brake by stopping to pedal, the bike needs brakes.
The other thing worth noting is that since a freewheel allows movement in one direction, you can only pedal forwards and not backwards.
What is a fixed gear bicycle?
Unlike single-speed bicycles, fixed-gear bicycles (or fixies) do not have a freewheel. Instead, their rear sprockets are attached to the rear hub to form one piece. As a result, as soon as you stop pedaling, both the rear wheel and the pedal arms/cranks rotate.
So there is no freewheel (free movement without pedaling) as with single-speed. And since there is no coastal shipping. You can brake simply by stopping to pedal, eliminating the need for braking.
So yes, you don’t need brakes when you ride a fixie. You can brake not only by not pedaling, but also by touching the ground with your legs or by changing your body position.
Keep in mind, however, that it takes time to master these braking maneuvers, which is why some riders prefer to have their fixies custom made with braking, even if they aren’t necessary.
What is the difference between fixed gear bikes and single speed bikes?
Here’s how single-speed bikes compare to fixies:
a) Run out
Coasting refers to the free rolling of the bicycle without pedaling. Since single-speed bikes have a freewheel, the rear wheel continues to spin when you stop pedaling, meaning they encourage rolling out.
The lack of a freewheel in a fixie, on the other hand, means that the rear wheel stops spinning when you stop pedaling. A bicycle with a fixed gear therefore does not allow coasting.
b) Brakes
The lack of rollout on a fixie means the bike comes to a stop or slows down easily when you stop pedaling. Alternatively, you can stop the bike with your feet as soon as you touch them to the ground.
However, experienced motorcyclists change their body position when they want to slow down. Essentially, you don’t need brakes to ride a fixie. However, that is not the case for a single-speed.
Because single-speed bikes allow for coasting, you can’t stop the bike just by stopping to pedal. The rear wheel continues to roll even if you stop pedaling.
You may also have trouble touching the ground with your feet without applying the brakes. As a result, brakes are necessary for single-speed bicycles.
c) Stair direction:
Single-speed bicycles can only move forward when you pedal forward and not backward because of the freewheel mechanism. But when it comes to fixies, their lack of freewheel and roll-out means you can pedal back and forth.
That explains why fixed gear bikes are standard on racetracks and velodromes.
d) Driving comfort
Single-speed bikes are generally easier to ride, even by beginners, because of the freewheel mechanism. While fixies will be funnier to drive in the long run, you may have some trouble at first.
Fixies are thus not beginner friendly. After all, stopping it depends on your foot strength and not on the brakes.
e) Bike speed
Since a single speed allows coasting, you don’t have to pedal all the way through. That means you’re probably moving at the same speed, so faster.
A fixie, on the other hand, depends on your pedaling motion, and if you don’t pedal, your bike will slow you down. So you are unlikely to go at a higher speed.
f) Bike Control
Fixies generally require more rider involvement in their control. You must be actively involved in balancing and stopping the bike. That’s in contrast to a single-speed that allows coasting without too much rider participation.
Are BMX bikes now Fixed Gear or Single Speed?
From the above equation, it is undeniable that BMX bikes are single-speed.
Here are the reasons why I advocate that:
1. BMX bikes have a freewheel
BMX bikes have a freewheel mechanism that allows the rear wheel to continue rolling after pedaling (what we call coasting). And because of the freewheel, it lacks the derailleurs and other components that can vary the gear ratio.
2. BMX bikes are brake dependent
While it doesn’t apply to all BMX bikes, single-speed bikes don’t stop when you stop pedaling, meaning braking is necessary. That’s what happens with BMX bikes.
Their gear system encourages coasting, meaning you can’t just stop at the bike by stopping to pedal – no braking is required.
However, keep in mind that most BMX bikes only have the rear brake and lack the front brake. Only a few BMX bikes have brakes on both wheels. In general, the rear brakes allow the bike to slow down and provide more control.
3. The pedals of BMX bikes are unidirectional
Only fixed gears allow the pedals to move forward and backward while pedaling. However, that is not the case with BMX bikes.
Remember that the crank stops spinning when you stop pedaling when it comes to single speed bikes. That’s what happens with BMX bikes. In this case, the pedals only respond to pedaling forward.
The Exception (BMX Bikes Fixed Gear)
While standard non-custom BMX bikes are single-speed, custom options come with fixed gears. In general it depends on what you want.
If you want fixed gear BMX bikes, you should ask the manufacturer to make one for you. Otherwise you can get a fixed gear bikethat single-speed comes as a BMX.
Do BMX bikes have gears?
BMX bikes are single-speed, which is another way of saying they have one gear. However, their gear ratio varies from bike to bike.
Essentially, older models have larger gear ratios like 44/16, while newer models have smaller gear ratios like 23/8, 22/8, and 25/9.
In general, smaller gear ratios promote a smoother gearing experience than larger gear ratios, even though they experience extra grinding.
What is the best BMX bike gear option?
The best BMX gear ratio for BMX includes the following:
The 44/16 gear allows you to ride BMX faster and accelerate faster. The only problem is that it has a much lower maximum speed. As a result, this gear is best for recreational riding and commuting, but not for competition.
It is also only best for flats.
According to experts 3:11 acceleration is perfect for riders who like to grind. It makes pedaling more manageable and allows you to perform risky stunts.
The 25/9 gear is a smaller gear ratio that makes pedaling seamless. It is beginner friendly and generally allows you to ride faster.
People also ask (about BMX Bikes Fixed Gear)
1. Are BMX Bikes Single Speed?
Yes, BMX bikes are single-speed. They have a freewheel that allows you to roll out (free roll if you’re not pedaling). Overall, their freewheeling advantages make them faster, especially on flatter ground.
2. What are the different gears of a BMX?
BMX bikes come in a variety of gear options, with the most popular being 44/16 (best for recreational riding), 30/11 (best for grinding), and 25/9 (best for beginners). Others are 23/8, 27/9, 30/9, 33/12 and 36/16.
3. Do BMX bikes have gears?
BMX bikes are generally one-speed. However, they have different gear ratios, which promise different cycling experiences. The most common gear ratios are 44/16, 23/8, 25/9 and 30/11.
4. Can you tell if a bicycle is a fixed gear?
Yes, you can see a fixed-gear if the rear sprocket is mounted on the rear hub and thus has no freewheel. The bicycle is not a fixed gear but single-speed if the freewheel is present.
You can also distinguish a fixie from the pedaling experience. If it allows coasting (free-rolling when you stop pedaling), then it’s not a fixed gear.
5. Are BMX bikes hard to ride?
BMX bikes come in single-speed, which makes them comfortable to ride. So no, BMX bikes are not difficult to ride, especially on flatter surfaces. However, you may find them challenging and uncomfortable to ride on rougher terrains and hills because there is no gear shifting.
6. Are Fixed Gear Bikes Illegal?
Fixed gear bicycles are illegal in most places such as the UK when ridden on public roads and highways without front brakes. So, provided the bike has brakes on both wheels, it is not illegal to ride.
Relevant:
Are BMX Bikes Fixed Gear? Final Thought:
The answer to this question is NO! No, BMX bikes are not fixed gear because they have a freewheel. Instead, they are single-speed and the gearing allows them to roll out seamlessly but rely on the brakes.
