F.A.Q.
What is a fixed gear and single speed bike?
First lets start out by explaining what a single speed bicycle is, which will better help you understand what a fixed gear bike is as you read on. A single speed bicycle has only one speed(gear) that is controlled by a freewheel. A freewheel is a rear sprocket that allows the cyclist to coast while riding their bike. Single speed bicycles do not have gears and are very low maintenance compared to geared bikes. Geared bikes have derailleurs, which are components that allow a cyclist to shift between different gears. Geared bikes have a lot of moving parts, which causes parts such as your chain and gears to wear out much faster and many times you will have to adjust your gears to prevent the chain from skipping.
On the other hand, a fixed gear bicycle is a bicycle without a freewheel. A fixed gear bicycle has a a rear sprocket(cog) that is fixed directly to the rear wheel. This essentially means that if you are pedaling you do not have the option to coast on your bike. In other words, if you bike a mile, you actually bike a mile! A fixed gear bike has the same concept as a spinning exercise bike. When you are pedaling and take your feet off of the pedals, the pedals continue to move round and round. Many people may think, why would you want a bike that does that? Well the answer is that fixed gear bicycles allow the rider to be connected to their bike in a different way. When you ride a fixed gear you start to understand how a bike actually works, it allows you to feel as if the bicycle is part of you and not just another form of transportation. Fixed gear bicycles are fun, exciting, efficient, and are a great workout. Fixed gear bicycles take about a week to get use to because you have to break your old habit of coasting on a normal bicycle, but once you master a fixed gear bicycle you will never want to go back to a normal bike. Fixed gear bicycles are low maintenance, reliable, and very cool.
Why Choose Wyatt Bicycle Company?
Wyatt Bicycle Company's main goal is to build a solid customer relation with every one of our customers and provide a quality product that we stand behind. We offer the most affordable high quality fixed gear bicycle on the market based on our 4130 chromoly aero frame and the numerous well known components that are on the bikes.
Our bikes are made from 4130-Chromoly steel, which is the lightest and strongest steel available for bicycle frames. Many fixed gear bicycle companies use Hi-tensile steel, which is heavy and not as strong. Wyatt bikes come standard with both front and rear brakes that are completely removable without having to remove the grips from the handlebars. This makes it very convenient for someone who does not want brakes on their bike when riding with a fixed gear setup. Many companies only come with a front brake and you have to pay extra to have a rear brake added. Our bikes also come with a flip-flop rear hub that allows the user to easily switch between either a fixed gear setup or a single speed setup. Lastly, Wyatt Bicycle Company knows the importance of having well known brands on a bike, that is why we equip our bicycles with Fyxation, KMC, and Kenda products.
Should I ride fixed gear or single speed?
Riding a fixed gear is like no other biking experience. It is fun, exciting, and fast. Riding fixed is like having the bike as another part of your body, since your legs are constantly moving. If you are going down hill, your legs will have to be moving. This means that if you bike a mile, you will be biking a true mile because you never coast.
Riding single speed is a more relaxed version of riding fixed. Single speed allows the rider to coast on the bicycle (legs do not have to be moving) much like a normal bicycle. The only difference is that there is only one gear, so you never have to shift the gears.
What are the benefits of a fixed gear bicycle?
Riding fixed gear will make you stronger and a better cyclist. Fixed gear bicycles are the same as spinning bicycles in a gym, except for the fact that you are getting somewhere and you are outdoors. Fixed gear bicycles can transform you in the following ways…
Improves Cadence and Pedal Stroke
- A smooth fast cadence is the most efficient way to ride improving your bike sprinting speed.
- Cadence reminds you how efficient a bicycle actually is.
Improves top end speed
- Fixed gear forces you to keep pedaling faster and faster because you do not have the option to shift back into a smaller gear.
Develops speed and strength
- Not only does fixed gear bicycles develop physical strength, it enhances mental strength when forced to ride up a hill, which ultimately enhances speed.
Teaches you how to stop free-wheeling
- When you start to ride a fixed gear bicycle you realize how much you use to coast on your previous bike.
- If you bike a mile on a fixed gear bicycle, you bike a mile!
Sharpens your riding skills
- Fixed gear bicycles allow you to be more aware of the road and your surroundings as you bike.
- Since you have to be pedaling at all times, you have to pay attention to what you are doing.
What size frame should I choose?
Frame size is a very important decision when purchasing a bike. View the table below to match your height with the corresponding table. Generally, it is better to get a frame that is a little smaller because you have the option to adjust the seat height. For example, if you are 5'11" you should get a 55cm frame.
Select frame by rider height
Choose Small (52cm) if height is 5'2" to 5'8"
Choose Medium (55cm) if height is 5'7" to 6'1"
Choose Large (59cm) if height is 6' to 6'4"
Stand Over Height (Inseam)
Small (52cm) Frame = 30.5"
Medium (55cm) Frame = 32"
Large (59cm) Frame = 33"
Helpful Tip
If your height is between sizes, measure your inseam to see which frame will fit better. The inseam should be measured from the floor to your groin, while wearing the shoes you plan on riding in. It is better to purchase the smaller frame if you know you have stopped growing. This is because you have the option to adjust the seat height. For example, if you are 5'7" with an inseam of 31", we would recommend the small frame and not the medium frame.
What is is the frame geometry for the different frame sizes?
| Frame Size |
Small (52cm) |
Medium (55cm) |
Large (59cm) |
| Top Tube Length (c-c) |
565mm |
570mm |
575mm |
| Seat Tube Length (c-t) |
520mm |
550mm |
590mm |
| Head Tube Length |
140mm |
150mm |
150mm |
| Chain Stay Length |
360mm |
360mm |
360mm |
| Seat Stay Length |
532mm |
532mm |
532mm |
| Fork Length |
355mm |
355mm |
355mm |
| Fork Offset Angle |
45 degrees |
45 degrees |
45 degrees |
| Headset Angle |
73 degrees |
73 degrees |
73 degrees |
| Seat Tube Angle |
74 degrees |
74 degrees |
74 degrees |
| Bottom Bracket Length |
68mm |
68mm |
68mm |
What is the frame made out of?
Our bicycle frames have a unique aero design that is made from super strong 4130 chromoly steel, which provides strength, lightness, and excellent shock absorption while riding through the city.
What is Chromoly Steel?
4130-Chromoly steel is used to make all of our bike frames and forks because it is stronger and lighter than hi-tensile steel. Chromoly steel is a carbon based steel that contains chromium and molybdenum, which is where the name "Chromoly" is derived from. Chromoly steel has a higher tensile strength than high-tensile steel, which means that it takes more force for the material to fail (bend, snap, or crack). Since 4130 Chromoly is stronger, the tube walls can be thinner on the bike, ultimately making the bike lighter while still keeping it's strength and durability.
How is the bike shipped?
All bikes come 85% built in the box. The front wheel, seat, handlebars, and pedals need to be put on the bike. It is highly recommended that you have a professional mechanic assemble the bike. An instruction manual is included.
What is the warranty?
All bikes come with a lifetime limited warranty on the frame and fork. All other parts come with a 45 day limited warranty, but this does not cover normal wear and tear of the parts. Must register bicycle online within 30 days and have bicycle fully assembled at a professional bicycle shop or warranty will be void.