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Home > Fixed: Global Fixed-Gear Bike Culture
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Fixed: Global Fixed-Gear Bike Culture
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By Andrew Edwards and Max Leonard
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 (54 Reviews)
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List Price: $24.95
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Publisher:
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Laurence King Publishers
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Published:
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December 31, 1969 |
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Binding:
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Paperback
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Pages:
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144
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Fixed-gear cycling has today become the coolest form of urban transport, giving rise to a global fixed-gear culture.
Fixed is the first book to document fixed-gear cycling. The authors have traveled to cities around the world to examine at first hand the intersections between the fixed-gear bike's design and its racing heritage, and the street style and customization that are at the heart of its current popularity.
Interviews with sports-people, frame-builders, and those at the nexus of design, art, and fixed-gear culture give an insight into fixed-wheel design, philosophy, and riding experience. The book will appeal to cyclistsfixed-gear riders, urban riders, racers, and those interested in cycling heritageas well as to a wider design audience.
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Customer Reviews:
Add Your Own Review |
 Recognition for the Fixed Gear Bicycle Culture, February 27, 2010
By The 'Iron Horse' (Illinois Native in Manassas Park, VA)
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Fixed-gear bicycles are a special but relatively unknown subset of bicycles and bicycling: thought by many to be confined to the track and velodromes and thus relegated to the obscure and arcane. Fixed gear bicycles have the front chain ring directly connected to the rear sprocket via the chain so there is no coasting and no changing gears. "Fixed" is authors Edwards and Leonard's attempt to show the origin of fixed gear bicycles, how how they became specialized, and the diversity the fixed gear culture currently enjoys worldwide. The proclaimed intent is, "an exploration through interview, image and archive of why these bikes are special." Clearly the focus is on the bikes themselves but exploring the bicycles and their unique aspects, we learn about the individuals who ride them.
The book itself is packed with beautiful pictures of the bicycles. The captions are very descriptive but the grouping on the page makes them a little hard to follow and the typeface is very small. Also some of the quotations are PG13.
My first encounter with the fixed gear culture was in the early '80s when I was a high school student working in a semi-pro bicycle shop. One day the owner brought in an old track bike he had picked up. It was very different from the road bikes I was building and riding. Sleek and Spartan with the straight rear dropouts (which I learned later allowed for adjustability when changing the sprocket size) and downward sloping neck, clearly was a machine build for speed. The only accommodation for an accessory was a hole in the fork so a rider could install a hand brake for road use. I never took the plunge but to this day, when I see a bicycle messenger or a bike with no brakes, I look at the rear dropouts to see if it is a true track frame.
I thought the book was very good and I was pleases to see coverage of more groups than just track riders, Keirin racers in Japan, and bicycle messangers. I recommend this to anyone riding fixed gear bicycles or truly interested in exploring the whole of bicycling and the fixed gear culture. The pictures alone make it worth it.
6 of 6 people found the above review helpful.
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A Cultural Documentation/ Celebration, December 30, 2009
By ONENEO (Buffalo, NY)
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There's no denying that bicycle riding is a staple in ever-advancing American culture. For most the unique skill set required to master balancing and propelling one's self on two wheels happens in youth; for many in fact only a few years after having learned how to walk. From there it isn't uncommon for the bicycle to become a mode of transportation, a companion, a hobby right up into teen hood and despite its years of loyalty, it will likely end up suspended from a rafter-hook in the back of the garage once driving age comes about.
However, for some, being granted the privilege to operate a four-wheeled motorized vehicle on public asphalt is hardly justification for abandoning the simple machine that represented a milestone achievement so many years before. It is these individuals who will most relish in the words and images collected in Fixed.
The inherent tragedy in works like Fixed is that rarely do even fans of the piece truly appreciate the sheer undertaking involved in the creation process. In this case the immense research and photography responsibilities are shared between two individuals, Andrew Edwards and Max Leonard. In all and especially to those who care little for the details, the book succeeds in every one of its intentions.
Before taking a look at the hard facts of the book itself, let us first define the very concept of a fixed wheel bicycle. Technically the fixed-wheel bicycle was the second revolution of bicycle propulsion, the first of course being direct drive, where the pedals attach directly to the wheel (explaining the ridiculous size of early bicycle's front wheel- the only conceivable method of increasing the bike's top speed).
The fixed wheel may conjure up images of that first bicycle you likely learned to ride on whereby a chain connects a front sprocket directly to the rear, which is affixed directly to the hub of the rear wheel. No freewheel to let the pedals stay motionless while the wheels continue to spin, no gear selecting for when the slope of the terrain changes, and unlike the bike you likely first learned to ride on, no coaster brake that engaged by weighing the pedals rearward. No sir, the true fixed-wheel bike goes forward with forward rotations of the cranks and backward via the same logic. Should you find yourself sailing down a steep hill, try to keep up with the wildly spinning pedals below your feet. And here's where it really gets interesting, most true fixed-wheel devotes refuse to run brakes of any kind.
The book itself is hardcover-large but with flexible covers, fits nicely onto most bookshelves. Better still is that it really looks at home upon coffee tables and tends to inspire a browse and conversation by nearly anyone who happens upon it. Within its 144 pages there are 378 color illustrations and nary a single page therein without some interesting stat or fact.
The authors break down the editorial content quite logically, literally beginning with the bicycle's earliest documented history, then progressing to racing history and origins, from there to the evolution from track bike to street use (including the scenes today in many cities around the globe), then finally to recent bicycles that were built strictly as mechanical art forms; sculptures on wheels if you will.
Of course since this book deals strictly with the fixed wheel bicycle, the history lessons are a bit dogmatic in terms of scope. I found myself yearning to discover a bit more on the bicycle's evolution to include such innovations as multi-gear transmissions, disc brakes, and suspension but alas such tangents are better suited to a complete history of the bicycle (something this particular book never makes claims of being).
Such gripes notwithstanding, the material within is truly quite informative without ever crossing that delicate line into being boring, dry, or relevant only to participants. In fact, I could go as far as to say that the book's greatest strength is its ability to take the wealth of information contained within and to pace it out evenly and intelligently so that the reader is carried effortlessly along.
A self-admitted neophyte in the realm of early bicycle racing, I found myself truly amazed with some of the long-standing records and achievements set by highly motivated individuals (such as reaching speeds of 72mph on a fixie). Additionally the rules and regulations that different nations of the world implemented to keep things honest throughout the ages was equally fascinating.
The middle sections that take a look at the fixed-wheel bike scene as it stands today in several influential cities around the world is sharp in contrast to the earlier chapters but equally appealing in painting a picture of the lifestyle of those involved. A technology-junkie by nature, I have to admit that even I came away with newfound admiration for the motivation of those individuals (the messengers especially) who choose to conquer the cityscape with perhaps the simplest machine ever invented. The book's authors definitely managed to capture the sense of rebellion, of the underground nature of the movement in these pages.
Finally, I found myself quite impressed with the final section devoted to the bicycle as an art form despite unfounded initial misgivings. The simplicity of the bicycle's design and purity of form and function truly offer a magnificent canvas for the visionary artist. Some may believe that metallurgy, welding techniques, and lugs represent the opposite end of the creative-beauty spectrum but Fixed reminds us all that there is exquisiteness to be found nearly everywhere in the works of inspired individuals.
Complaints are few and far between and could probably be categorized into two groups. The first, as mentioned above, is that the material here could very well cause a bit of reader frustration in its penchant for omitting nearly every bicycle development that veers from the fixed-wheel history. I suppose in the book's defense, there are dozens of categories and further tangents it would have had to venture into had it decided to make mention of such things (multi-geared road bikes, single speeds, BMX, mountain bikes and so on). Truly the bicycle scene is an ever-specialized one and again, this book never makes claims of providing a complete history.
My second complaint, which is equally minor, is that the authors reveal their British heritage nearly constantly through the dialect differences between the English language and "American". No fault here in and of itself, but I have to confess as an American that it does take a little getting used to. Color = colour, constructor = constructeur, tire = tyre, etc.
In all though, very minimal complaints to report even from this, a mountain bike magazine editor. The material is interesting and just packed with intriguing facts, stats and tidbits. The photos are crisp and quite appropriate to the words and the information is broken down and presented intuitively. The mark of a good book in my opinion is one that leaves its reader reflecting upon it days after completion. Fixed made the grade.
4 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
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 I'm a Bike Nut and I Love this Book, December 29, 2009
By Vesta Irene (the Pacific Northwest)
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This is not quite a coffee table book, because it's a paperback and not a hardcover and because it's not big, gigantic and very heavy, but on my coffee table is where this book is living right now. All my life, well since I was fifteen, I've ridden a bike, mostly ten speeds, my first being a Schwinn Continental. I left Schwinn in my thirtys, got a French bike, because Ken and I had moved to Paris and when in France, do as the French. This bike was a fixie and I liked it fine. Two years later when we moved back to the States, I went back to Schwinn and bought a Paramount. It cost a lot of money, but we weren't poor, and it had ten speeds. I still have that bike and I still ride it. It's stood the test of time. It's light, it's beautiful, it's rugged and I ride it all the time.
But I still have fond memories of that fixie I rode in France. And I'm kind of a bike nut, so this book that lives on my coffee table for now was made for me. I love reading about bikes and their riders. The pictures are gorgeous to me, the history is wonderful to me. I'm a bike nut and I love this book.
Reviewed by Vesta Irene
4 of 5 people found the above review helpful.
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A Book for Cycling Enthusiasts, November 28, 2009
By Mr. Fred (Honolulu, Hawaii)
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"Fixed" is all about fixed-gear bicycles and fixed-gear bicycling; it's about those ultra-sleek, minimalistic track bikes that are built with no shifters, no freewheel, and even no brakes. These bikes are made for speed and efficiency and nothing else.
The book takes us through the early days of fixed gear cycling, telling us in word and illustration about the early racers, the brutal but popular six-day bicycle races, and forward into the era of modern track racing. Along the way we meet the cyclists and cycles that characterized each era. The second part of the book goes into the street culture of fixed-gear cycling; we encounter the bicycle messengers of New York, San Francisco, and beyond; we learn something about roller racing throughout the years; and finally, we read about the unusual and fascinating sport of bicycle polo. The third and final part of the book, titled "Beyond Riding," is a potpourri of articles mostly about the bicycles themselves, the people who make them, and the sheer artistry of it all.
The book is copiously illustrated with excellent black-and-white and color photography, including some rare period photos that you won't find elsewhere.
If it sounds like this is the perfect book--- it's not. The book is set in a tiny, thin, dim typeface that at its worst is completely illegible against darker backgrounds, and at best is an eye-strainer that all but youthful eyes will not be able to bear for sustained intervals. It is a shame that a book this rich and this good is so seriously marred in such a manner. (My copy was a final, not a pre-publication draft, so my comments stand.)
The book is sub-titled "global fixed gear bike culture." This subtitle is somewhat misleading. Although global aspects of fixed gear cycling are treated to a certain degree in the book, the subtitle implies a focus on modern fixed-gear cycling in its expressions throughout the world, and this is really only a small, and not especially deep, part of the subject matter.
If you are a bicycle fan of just about any ilk, and if you love great photos and a fascinating subject, this will be a great book to have and I certainly recommend it. But if you are a bit older and want to read all the text (which, by the way, is well-written, well-sequenced, and adds immeasurably to the value of the book if you're able to read it), you had better get out your spectacles and magnifying glass. It would be too bad to miss out on a book that deals so well with this slice of bicycling lore.
3 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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 Good coffee-table book!, December 1, 2009
By J. Howard (NC, USA)
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This is no how-to manual, rather, it is a beautiful-to-browse book of B&W photos of cycling. It is limited to a type of bike rarely seen around your neighborhood; these bikes have no gears and (omigosh) no brakes. I laughed when I saw that most other reviewers have also called it a coffee-table book! The photos are great, but my eyes hurt after 30 minutes of reading the text, which I found small and blurry. I'm sure the book has a niche, but I'm not sure what it is!
2 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
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Beautiful Pictures of Fixed Gear Biking/Interesting Background/Limited Explanation, December 30, 2009
By Ira Laefsky (Philadelphia, PA)
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I requested this book from Vine Reviewer services because I am a member of a Maker's Collective in Philadelphia Hive76 where some of the membership are avid bikers and modders of bike technology. I hoped that as a middle-aged technology enthusiast this book would tell me about the biking hobby, its participants. the component technology, and their activities. What this book turned out to be was a beautiful coffee-table set of photographs of fixed-gear bikes and bikers accompanied by text in faint narrow fonts that gives interesting vignettes of the history and culture of these bikers. I personally (but in common with other less-than perfect vision readers) found the text difficult to read, particularly where the small narrow fonts lay on a screen of low-contrast gray background. The text that I did manage to read gave interesting background on the origins of this avocation in racing and messenger culture. I also was hoping for some background on the technology which is beautifully illustrated in the photographs but after examining the text, I am still wondering what fraction of the total street-bike population is included in the term fixed-gear bikes. But, the photographs are indeed beautiful and the text that I was able to read gives interesting background on the origins and culture of this hobby.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Superlative "coffee-table" work for cyclists who will never own a coffee table, and for the rest of us, too, December 28, 2009
By least helpful reviewer (among us humans)
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For one thing, one of the authors, Andrew Edwards, is not only a member of the British Brighton Mitre cycling club, but is also a graphic designer with a degree in product design from Brighton University, East Sussex, and a documentarian, and it shows in the high quality of this presentation.
Each page is literally spectacular, from cover to flap-ended cover, with excellent design and photography. As a published photographer, I must allow the photography here is excellent, superior, and its presentation superb. This work, in short also serves as an excellent text in good photography and sublime graphic design. It serves not only therefore the latest and most pressing interests of the cycling world, but also of the artist. Studying carefully these photos, several upon each page without getting "busy," increases greatly one's knowledge of composition.
Even the ancient photographs from the nineteenth century look fresh, recent, answering our post-modern tastes, crisp and clear.
Take a look at what "works" in each of these photos, what makes them all compelling, dynamic and observant of the classic rules of composition, and then study how they have been placed together upon the page, dynamically interacting with one another and with the text, and you have received an excellent education not only in photography but also the graphic design of publications, as well as bikes. Easily these essentials of graphic design could be applied to your personal webpage as well, to whatever you publish, or draw, or paint.
The field of "coffee-table" books has been much maligned, although very popular a generation ago, when huge books were produced whose sole purpose was to adorn beautifully the coffee tables of the wealthy illiterate with comforting hard covered and heavy books of page after page of large format photos of, for instance, Irish castle ruins.
We can only wish this compelling, exciting book were printed so large; yet already it is printed very generously sized, and effectively, and far surpasses the "coffee table" realm.
Each photograph demands a viewing, and even the portraits are not static. The image of Larry Dufus in page 62 engagingly draws in the reader, challenges the viewer, powerfully explodes from the page in a simple B&W portrait smaller than passport size. Then the caption: "It's the equivalent of riding a wild stallion. A donkey also! The weak of heart aren't going to use it."
Of course, here in my Mexican border town, and in the largest metropolitan area nearby, Ciudad Juarez, "the most violent city in the world," those who use fixed gear bicycles are mainly the old men collecting old cans before dawn, and the street vendors arriving with their wares to their posts. I do not notice them here within this book, within this international, global study, in this world of racing, of stunt riding, of fun and games, of the whole history of bicycles, of bicyle messengers overcoming elevators.
If I, restrained, sound bitterly it is just that I wish that butcher who removed a cartilage from my right knee when I was fourteen over forty years ago had not left my chronically and forever sore, and weak in that one knee. This book makes this old fire horse eager to run free once more.
Please do not permit my going all lady gaga over the graphics mislead you into overlooking the text itself, as I have up to this point. The text is professionally crafted and selected, beautifully written, equal to the astonishing graphics, including essential citations from throughout the entire history and world of cycling. For instance the most ineffable of these citations from all cycling history may be easily mistaken for a very long strand of black hair laid carelessly, langorously, across the first acknowledgements page, after opening the hard end-flapped front cover, and seeing the beautiful broad vista concealed within its large flap, and passing one page to a beautiful vision of sky blue with delicate high cold clouds, this one long hair which curls gently like the path of a wandering cyclist, and which, upon closest and most careful examination, reveals the definitive quote upon cycling drawn from the greatest cycling novel of all time, The Third Policeman by Flann O'Brien who defines the curious subatomic particle theory that we exchange atoms with whatever we come into constant contact, and that therefore the majority of the persons in the parish under consideration were half bicycle, and their bicycles half person.
In short, grab this book. You will believe you too can fly. This is a great book, and instructive to everyone, even those of us who merely stand and wait, those of us who lie upon an overstuffed couch perusing coffee table books.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Well, let me think..., December 3, 2009
By Terry Crock (Massillon, Ohio USA)
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This is a hard book for me to review, because I have read no other similar books to compare it too, but I liked it, so I will give it a four-star rating.
The reading is interesting. The book covers some racing history, present day racing on fixed-gear bikes, bike messengers, bike polo, and present day "big city" fixed gear riding. I thought the section on bike racing in Japan was especially interesting.
Also, there are also plenty of very good photographs in the book to keep one interested if you just want to look and not read. There were many wonderful pictures old and new, from very colorful shots of racing in Japan to even more colorful shots of fixed gear bikes built in a wide variety of vivid colors )shown on pages 140-141).
This is not, however, an in-depth study of anything that is covered. It is more like a coffee table book that one can pick up and read whatever section of the book that grabs your interest. This would also be a good gift or just an enjoyable book for anyone who likes bikes, I think.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Nice Coffee Table Book if You Love Bikes, November 28, 2009
By Sheryl Katz (Chatsworth, CA USA)
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This book is a nice coffee table book if you love bikes. It has hundreds of great pictures of fixed gear bikes, both classic and current. Interspersed is text that, on the whole is fairly interesting and provides some information that is new to me even though I've read zillions of words of text about bicycles in my life.
I have been a cyclist all my life and love just about any and every kind of bike from kids clunkers to handcrafted racing bikes, from heavy duty work tricycles to recumbents. I've never been a fixed gear rider, but I've had serious cyclist friends who adore fixed gear bikes, and I've always felt a certain romance for single gear bikes and fixed gear bikes for their simplicity, and I have been friends with bike messengers, whose culture at times has fascinated me. I gave this book four stars because to me it is a treat to sit and look repeatedly at pictures of bikes.
If you are looking for a book with serious content about cycling look elsewhere. If bikes don't fascinate you, look elsewhere. But if you are really into cycling and you are the sort of person who enjoys looking at all the bikes parked on the sidewalk and studying the customization that messengers on the streets have done, then you'll enjoy browsing through this book.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Great Book!, January 29, 2010
By Think Amazon.
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It is not usual to see a book written for a rarity in todays cycling groups. Fixed wheel cycles are not something some people even see or ride. This book covers their history and uses together with a really good article on the frames and makers. A stunning book for the enthusiast.
1 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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beautiful, January 24, 2010
By Daniel Mall (San Gabriel, CA United States)
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This book also works as a coffe table picture book - fantastic photos!
1 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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The main door for the fixed culture, October 29, 2010
By flux
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Great book for those who want to step into the fixed gear world or get the inspiration for a new bike, pleanty of amazing photos and accurate article make this book as one of the best in this field.
flux
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An interesting read for bike riders, October 21, 2010
By jellybiscuit (Raleigh, NC United States)
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For cyclists, Fixed provides a wealth of information and pictures covering the wide spectrum of fixed-gear riders, from the early days of bicycles, to track racing, to the more recent fixed-gear culture.
If anything, I might say that the book might try to cover a little too much information. Given the title of the book, I personally expected a focus more on the modern era of on-road fixed riding. Not that the historical data is necessarily a bad thing, just that it might not appeal as much to what I feel is the target audience.
That said, as someone who spends a great deal of time on a bikes of all kinds, including a fixed-gear, it was a worthwhile read. It falls more into the coffee table category than something you would sit down to read straight through though. I do not regret choosing this title, and feel that others already interested in the subject would agree.
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Fixed: coffee table book for bicycle fans of all types, August 19, 2010
By JargonTalk (Bucks County, PA USA)
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The authors of Fixed: Global Fixed-Gear Bike Culture have done a fine job of introducing the concept of fixed-gear cycling to those who know something about the art and to those who are neophytes. Andrew Edwards is a graphic designer who is also an amateur cyclist/racer, and Max Leonard is a freelance writer as well as being a dedicated cyclist. Their love of cycling shows through in their book.
This work is not a how-to manual, but rather a celebration of all things to do with fixed gear cycling. It's about those inconspicuous but sleek two-wheeled vehicles with no extra gears; bicycles built without extra gears, shifters or sometimes even without brakes. They are made strictly for effectiveness and speed, and little else.
This book is not what I expected it to be when ordered. It's not a manual or instruction book, but a splendid softbound coffee-table type of book, with photographs of fixed-gear bikes and those who ride them. Its 144 pages have over 370 color photos and/or illustrations, and scarce is the page that doesn't offer some interesting fact or statistic.
However, those with corrective reading glasses may wish to take out their strongest pair, as the fonts used were difficult to read, often small, narrow fonts set on a low contrast gray background. The text offered fascinating backgrounds on the origins of fixed gear cycling and those who participate in this avocation, which has its roots in bicycle racing and in the messenger traditions that one finds in the metropolitan centers of the world. The photographs are quite beautiful, but this reviewer (a fellow cyclist) had a difficult time reading about the fascinating background on the beginnings and culture of this pastime.
As a coffee table book, this is a 5-star offering, and if that's your direction, then go for it, because the photographs alone make it a good one. If however you're looking for solid information regarding fixed gear cycling, then you might find it somewhat lacking. It's still a solid 4-star offering, even considering the hard time this reviewer had reading the text.
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High Quality, August 14, 2010
By joblue (Brooklyn USA)
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Check out 718 Cyclery ([...]) more more reviews and to view my collaborative bike shop
"You can always add something to the bike, but you come to the point where you can't take any more away, and that's a fixed-wheel bike" Graeme Obree
Content:
The stated aim of this book is to examine the lineage of singlespeed bicycles, from track racers of the late 19th century to today's modern/urban fixed gear machines. The book makes it clear that this is not an exhaustive history of the bicycle as such. It does provide some great historical information that actually "filled in the gaps" that other bicycle history books have glossed over.
Its easy to criticize and nitpick works that are not our own, and I want to make it clear that this is a great work, and will serve to connect today's riders to the history of their rides. This books succeeds at understanding why modern riders enjoy these simple bikes, and manages to track down more than a few pioneers that serve as the glue from the past and into the future.
My 3 favorite parts of this book are:
1. Historical information about the beginnings of track racing, including information about the infamous 6-Day Races.
2. Pictures and description of Japanese Keirin League. The authors included material about training, racing, betting and parts conformation
3. Interviews with NYC bike messengers from the 1970's. As a messenger in the late 80's in NYC myself, I liked learning a bit more about my own bike history.
The book is divided into 3 sections, Racing, Track to Street, and Beyond Riding. The table of contents are as follows:
I Racing
Early Road Racing
L'Eroica
Six-day Racing
Modern Track
Three Classic Fixed Gear Bikes
Time Trials
The Hour
Keirin
Kalavinka
II Track to Street
New York City
Fixed Riding Spreads
San Francisco
Tokyo
London
Roller racing
Polo
III Beyond Riding
Art and Commerce
Laser
AF1 Bike
Paul Smith
Look Ma, No Brakes
Barry McGee
Vans
Mash SF
Uula Jero
Maximal Reduction Minimal Boundaries
It starts off in the late 19th Century, as bikes were moving from bone-shakers to penny farthings and on to safety bikes. There are some amazing images of this early history bike and bike racing history. Then the book abruptly presents a 2 page spread on the modern L'Eroica re-enactment tour/race in Italy. Although very interesting, it place (nestled up at the front section between "Early Road racing" and "Six Day Racing") is awkward.
This leads basically to my first of 3 minor criticisms of this book; organization. The chapters as presented in the Table of Contents appear to lay out a linear path through time, but the execution of this leads to many pages that seem out of place. Again, the material itself is well researched and expertly presented; its just that the story sort fo jumps around a bit.
My second, and quite minor, criticism is that this book is very British. For a book with such global aspirations, there is decent amount of "England as the Center of the World" material. It does take the reader on a tour of the world's major bike culture epicenters, and this does alot to dispel the Anglo-centric nature of the book.
My third (very minor) criticism is the use of some of the language in the book. For a book that is obviously trying to a broad appeal (as opposed to staying underground), the use of swear/curse words in a few quotes seems out of place. I am not offended at all by the language, but it seems out of place in a book that is so polished. Also, the use of the term "Ghetto" to describe a component is insensitive at best, and again seems very out of place.
Layout:
There are some amazing images in this book, and the info-dork in me wanted more descriptive captions of these images. As they stand, they do just fine. I really like the page number graphic on the vertical edge of each page, however they weren't always consistent (on images with full bleeds, sometimes there were page numbers, sometimes not). Also, chapter graphics weren't clear and didn't provide a distinct delineation of moving from one section of the book to the next.
As an architect who has read my share of architecture books form Europe, I would consider this book to be very European graphically. This book is well laid out, with clear font/text and high quality images, all published on high quality print stock with a very solid binding.
Conclusion:
Like I mentioned earlier, it is so easy to write reviews from a negative point of view...as it is so easy to sit back and take shots at people's work. This book was obviously well researched, with a clear purpose in mind. It doesn't drift from its stated intent, and provides a concise narrative of the lineage of today's fixed gear bikes. My criticisms are minor and mostly personal; and they shouldn't stop you from purchasing this book.
Rating
9/10
About the Reviewer. Joe Nocella is the founder/owner of 718 Cyclery, Inc. He is an architect by day, a college professor at night, and a bike builder on nights weekends and most holidays. This review was unsolicited, and a "reviewers copy" was not provided.
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Great Book About Fixies and the Fixie Culture, July 7, 2010
By Diane Mcgough (Lake Oswego, OR)
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This is a book that glorifies fixed-gear bikes (fixies). From the first black and white photo opposite the table of contents to the last color photo opposite the acknowledgements, you'll find nothing by wonderful photos of fixies, from the early 1800s to the present.
It seems there is quite a culture built around these bikes, which was a surprise to me, I would have thought the more gears, the better, but not so, not for fixie enthusiasts. One gear is all they need, all they want, like the racers.
I do have a fixie, but mine is a girl's bike built by Schwinn back when I was a little girl. I got it for Christmas when I was thirteen. I still have it, still ride it. It's a bit of a classic, not fancy, certainly not light weight, but it's fun. Anyway if You're thinking about a new bike, you might want to think fixie and if you're thinking fixie, you might want to give this book a whirl.
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Enjoyable, March 25, 2010
By turtlex (PA USA)
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As a lifelong bicycling fan, I can say that I truly enjoyed this book. The artwork is great, photos that grab your attention and really capture the feel of cycling. I wish more had been covered regarding the subculture of the Bike Messenger, but that honestly isn't what this book is about. That's just my preference. If you're a fan of bikes, and the culture surrounding those who are of the same thought... this is the book for you.
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The Hipness of Fixed, March 18, 2010
By theseus (US of A)
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This fun look at fixed-gear bicycles is a cool, well-designed book. This is an utterly giftable book for your favorite bike fanatic.
Part of the book is historical -- taking us back to the days of fixed gear bike races and comparing those machines and those races with the fixed racing on tracks of today. But this isn't a bike history book; it is, as claimed a book about bike culture. Thus we get a look into the technology of fixed gear bikes, the people who ride them, how they were and are designed. There's even a little attention paid to the sport of Bicycle Polo. Only for the reckless. The very, very reckless.
Throughout, the photography is excellent and evocative.
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One of the better cycling books I've read, March 2, 2010
By John (PHOENIX, AZ USA)
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Fixed Gear bicycles are those that have a single speed. The focus of this book is not on the cheap, single speed bikes many of us grew up on. Rather much of the book is about fixed speed racing bikes. However, in addition to racing, the book also describes the use of these bikes for both work and recreation. The book is very comprehensive and well thought out. It is full of pictures, statistics, quotations and trivia. It's clear that the authors did much research and have a passion for fixed speed bikes. This is probably one of the better books that I've come across on bicycles.
If you're a cycling enthusiast, this book should be part of your collection.
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Divine, February 17, 2010
By S. Fishburn (Fort Collins, Colorado, USA)
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Divine is not a word I normally would use in describing anything bike related, but I think this little coffee table volume is perfectly described as just that - divine. I am not a fixed bike person - I adore my geared Raleigh, and haven't been as happy with a bike since - well - my first Raleigh...but everything about Fixed is appealing, from the fantastic selection of photos and diagrams that pack a visual punch, to the well-written descriptions, explanations, theories, and observations that fill its pages. This is a book to savor and share, to give to all your friends who ride any bike at all. A note --- I had no difficulty with the size or darkness of the type and I'm in my 50's.
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A nice gift idea for the cyclist., February 15, 2010
By A Change Would Do You Good
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Packed full of full color photographs (as well as black and white reproductions of vintage models) and the history of "fixed" gear bikes this attractive book is sure to please the cycling enthusiast in your life. Covering the history of fixed gear bikes from the earliest days of biking, it is profusely illustrated and even covers in-depth information about different frame styles and makers. Not familiar with the "fixed-gear" phenomena myself prior to reading this book, it provided a wealth of information in an attractive format.
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Interesting and very enjoyable reading, February 14, 2010
By Bass Cadet (California)
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Most of my cycling books are technical how-to reference guides (e.g. The Bicycling Guide to Complete Bicycle Maintenance and Repairand Barnett's Manual). I also have a few more general cycling books (e.g. The Art of Urban Cycling) but nothing considered light reading. This book is a fun departure from those. It has many quick stories about fixed gear bike culture from around the world.
It starts with the origins of bicycles. The book then deftly moves into early racing. From there it transitions to modern day racing including time trials and Keirin. After that, it moves from the track to street riding. The final section is a treat for the eyes. Throughout the book there are nice pictures showing bikes in all configurations. This last section really captures the beauty of fixed gear: fine photographs of simple but gorgeous bicycles. Pure bike porn.
I recently replaced the cassette on my commuter bike but am now seriously thinking of switching it over to fixed-gear. I have previously experimented with leaving it in the same gear and trying to pedal the whole ride. This book just might tip me over to the fixed-gear world.
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Hip and Giftable Book for bike enthusiasts, January 28, 2010
By K. Draper (oklahoma)
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I got this book for my college-aged son who is a cyclist, and he is enjoying it. The book is crammed with photos; most are full color, but the ones from the early days of bicycling are in the original black and white. Photos of the really old bikes, including the penny-farthing, are delightful! I also find the more modern photos to be quite entertaining and informative. However, I totally agree with the reviewers who complained about the readability of the text--the font choice is TOO small and thin! The binding of the book is not really heavy-duty enough for the nice thick colorful pages, but it's still good enough to thumb through and read as you go. In sum, it's a cool book that makes a nice gift for a young person who likes fixies, or bikes in general. I like it, too, even though it is kind of hard to read, and I STILL don't know how to STOP one of those darn things!
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This is the "in" coffee table book, January 21, 2010
By Buttonsamy (Bolinas, CA)
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This is one of the best coffee table books I've come across. For those of us into the bicycle culture, riding fixed gear is the new in and hip thing. This book explains the history of riding fixed gear and the bicycle culture.
Originally I picked this up because my hubby is crazy about bikes. He's recently taken up riding fixed gear bikes, and spend his time looking at bike porn on [..]. I always thought my competition was other females, but now I've discovered my real competition is bikes.
This is a facinating book that was extrodinarily well researched and contains heaps of information about bike and bicycling. If you or someone you know enjoys biking, rides fixed gear or talks about headsets, chainstays, bottom brackets, etc, this is a great gift for them!
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Cycling Minimalism - No gears, no brakes, January 17, 2010
By MS Gkygrl (Malta, NY USA)
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I love cycling. When I learned there was a cycling culture fashioned around a bicycle with a "fixed" gear (meaning no gears, just one) and no brakes ... I was drawn to this book.
The book is beautifully crafted and the photography is phenomenal. The book covers the history of fixed gear bicycles (remember the old photos of those cycles with the large wheel in the front - these are a direct ancestor).
The book will help any cycling enthusiast discover this novel world behind fixed gear cycling culture. The minimalist of all riding machines.
Truly a fascinating journey that makes me want to seek out a bike and a riding and racing club. Wonderful!
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Fixies for the masses?, January 14, 2010
By consumer (madison, WI)
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As someone with only a passing interest in bicycle culture, I was pleasently surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I certainly have noticed the dramatic rise in "fixies" over the last several years in cities all over, but really didn't know what it's all about. I do now.
With a comprehensive look at the history and culture of this unique mode of transport, I can understand it's hard-core adherents and growing global interest in fixed gear bikes.
As well as informative and engaging text, this book is absolutely filled with great photographs of a wide variety of cyclists and their awesome custom bikes.
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Old-Fashioned--and Very New!, January 6, 2010
By Kathy Diamond Davis, author, 'Thera.. (Oklahoma City, OK USA)
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The bikes I rode as a kid had one speed. By the time 10-speed bikes were
common, I had been rolled over by a horse, and riding a bicycle was no
longer so appealing to me!
I have had slight experience with multi-geared bicycles, and one thing
that bugged me was the maintenance. So when I saw this book on fixed-gear
bicycles, I wanted to read about them.
The fixed-gear bikes are used in a range of ways, described and
photographed in this book. Some are created as pieces of art and never ridden. Some
are ridden in races, both formal and informal. Some are used by bike
messengers in various cities in the world.
Many of these bicycles have no brakes. That makes riding them a challenge,
and injuries seem to be common. Some riders go for safety and courtesy
toward car drivers, others go for speed and maneuvering. There are also lots
of tricks done with them.
The fixed bicycles in this book do have bicycle chains. I'm also
interested in the new bicycles with no chains. I'm very curious about how they will
hold up, and what directions they will take.
This book is fascinating, both in the writing and in the photographs. I
look forward to seeing how these fixed-gear bicycles develop in the future.
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Interesting--though not quite "Global"--Look at Fixies, January 1, 2010
By M. T. Vancampen (Houston, TX)
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This is primarily a coffee book on fixed-gear bikes. There seems to be more information on their history than present-day culture surrounding them.
The vast majority of the book is made up of appealing color photographs that celebrate the beauty and simplicity of fixed-gear bikes. This reader wishes that more of the pictures were captioned. There is a narrative structure that ties these pictures together--and at times information on the pictures can be found here. This starts with historical information and then brings us into major cities with active fixed-gear communities. I found the historical information quite interesting and learned a lot of new information. However, the glossy pages and the small type make sitting down and reading this a slightly challenging proposition. It is far better to pick up on occasion and delve into at small bursts.
While it is "global" in the sense that it highlights fixed-gear riders and their cultures from a few select cities around the world, it is by no means as comprehensive as I expected. Still, it is an enjoyable and informative book for anyone interested in this increasingly more popular sub-genre of bicycle culture.
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X-Games on Steroids- come join the fun, December 31, 2009
By taiji dreamer (Albuquerque, NM USA)
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This book is absolutely great fun, for its target audience it would make a great coffee table book. Probably none of its target audience made up of insanely inspired over-the-top cyclists would own a coffee table, and if they do their probably using it as a jump ramp!
Documenting a century of fixed gear (non-freewheeling) bikes and the various uses that they have found, don't expect this book to move smoothly from topic to topic. I would guess the writers started with a great set of pictures, annotated them with random notes on 3x5 cards, tossed them in the air and then roughly categorized them! Chapter headings come from each pile's label. In this way this book is a metaphor for the experience and mindset that binds all this book's human subjects. The most oft repeated quote in the book is "a brakeless track bike on the street is a death wish". The player's in this game know the experience of high speed X-game mogul skiing if you replaced random bumps with rocks!
I used to race bikes in the 70's and my coach encouraged me to set up a fixed gear bike to work on my spin. The thrill and terror of riding such a bike in traffic is unforgettable. I accidently turned onto a long steep downhill with traffic in Boulder and know the experience of ski jumping, blind in deep woods (once was enough for me!). Now if you are interesting in dropping into the heads of people who do this and come back for more, this is your book.
If you're a normal road bike racer, who never contemplated that it would be fun to be in a criterium without brakes or helmet during downtown Manhattan rush hour with bike lanes that include building to building, sidewalks and stairs, this book can hint at the allycat racing.
Finally; this book needs a disclaimer, please don't try this at home. If you do, don't tell your parents, employer or insurer!
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Lean Mean Riding Machines, December 28, 2009
By Aaron Gutsell (Philadelphia)
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'Fixed' is a great looking book produced by a graphic designer and a freelance writer who are both obviously into cycling. Containing 378 photos, 'Fixed' could most easily be described as a coffee table book, yet that seems to be a brush off, as it is quite a thorough work, chronicling many recent developments, as well as the early years when all bikes were fixies and the founder of the Tour de France had to die before derailleurs could become de rigueur. There are some wonderful aspects of fixie riding beyond that of the center-city kamikaze kourier, such as Keirin in Japan, a legitimate and lucrative cycling profession that has its own academy just like Sumo, and the fiendishly fun-looking bicyle polo with its strange geometries and beat up bikes. To think of the years I've spent on 2,3,9,12,15 and 24-speed bikes endlessly tinkering with chittering, chattering, and malfunctioning derailleurs, when all I wanted was the quiet purity of rubber on road and the wind in my ears, and the solution lay undiscovered to me for so long, the fixie. It looked so scary, these madfolk with no brakes, but 'Fixed' describes the bare bones ecstasy and purity of the fixie, the intuitive feel of being at one with the bike. So many fixies are works of art with their clean, elegant designs, so that the coffee table format was the only way to capture a slice of the global cycling counterculture that is now very nearly mainstream. For a book to motivate you to try something new is a fine thing, so that "I laughed, I cried, it changed my life," would be an exaggeration, but I am headed out to the bike shop...
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Good Introduction to Fixed Bikes, December 26, 2009
By scholarly bureaucrat (Sacramento, CA)
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Fixed is a good introduction to the fixed bike culture and bicycles available today. I did not know anything about fixed bikes before reading this book, but it has lots of photos and personal descriptions of cyclists who actually ride the bikes (I do not, I bought this book for my son, who likes his fixed-speed bike).
I thought that fixed bikes were new, but found out that fixed bikes are not new at all, they have been used for over a century. Fairly impressive speed records have been set on fixed bikes as well, as they appear to be the preferred type of bicycle for velodrome Olympic-style racing. Overall, a very good book on the subject. May not appeal to non-cyclists.
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Beautiful & Meaningful, December 22, 2009
By Long-rider (Sacramento, Ca. United States)
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This is a beautiful coffee table book, and surprisingly, so much more. More because the photographs are historically important, and much more because the book is well-written. You don't find pretty pictures worthy of your coffee table, that just happen to be rare and historically valuable, paired with great writing which explains that historical significance.
To each his own, but I had not thought the choice of font worth commenting on, but took a 2nd look after reading others comments on it here. I think the font is well chosen, as it whispers between the photographs, rather than shouts.
I'm sure this book has great visual appeal and great writing because it is written by a graphics designer and a professional writer, both of whom are avid cyclists. I am secretly hoping the authors will be inspired to write another book, "Geared", which will cover the history of gearing, the progression of 5,6,7,8,9,10 and now 11-speed gearing, and the beautifully crafted Rohloff Speedhub.
I do wish this had been offered in hardback. While the softback is very well done, it does just barely squeak in as coffee table ready. This is an excellent book for anyone who owns a pair of cycling shorts with a chamois, and any impressionable mind you wish to encourage in that direction. Forty years ago a similar book launched my riding career.
Finally, this book won me over yet again by giving a final shout-out to Sheldon Brown. Few in any field have made such generous gifts to their sport and life's passion. Brown deserves this kind of recognition, and it was especially heartwarming that it was offered up so graciously by the authors.
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Great book on the history and culture of the bike..., December 22, 2009
By Creative Gal (Between Nothing and Nowhere)
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What I liked best about this book was the old timer type photos of men sitting on their huge penny farthing bikes in glorious black and white. I wish the book would have focused more on the early history of biking riding. But that is a minor quibble. It is a well written book and has photographs throughout. In San Diego, there is a lot of bike culture, people who would never own a car and those who value the exercise and environmentally friendliness of using a bike for their main transportation. I never learned how to ride a bike as a kid (long sad story) and I am truly interested in learning how by reading this book.
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can't put it down!, December 17, 2009
By Yahtzee! (San Francisco, CA USA)
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I have to applaud the authors in their wonderful effort to bring information about fixed gears and single speeds to the fore.
Having grown up in a family of racers (back in the day, in Europe) I have always been immersed in the culture of cycling (loooonog before there was a Greg Lemond, or a Lance Armstrong) so I was pleased to see some history about cycling in this book that I didn't know, and some international information about cycle designers and riders that was a refreshing change.
The book is mostly photographs, and detailed pictures of fixed gears, track bikes and single speeds, and random commentary from bike messengers and so forth that make it an interesting and widely diverse read, offering many views and perspectives.
However, I will caution that this book offers nothing in the way of "how to." If what you are looking for is a book about how to fix, build or maintain a fixed gear bike, or even what to look for when searching for a bike to purchase or convert yourself, this book gives nothing along those lines. What you do have is a book full of historical perspective, and images that feed the soul of even this old rider, who thought there was nothing that would ignite the lust for this means of conveyance any more than it ever has been.
To be honest, I need to convey that I received this book from amazon free of charge in order to review it. Even if I had paid for this book, I would be very pleased with it; it will be a long time before it gets shelved...this is a nice addition to any coffee table where you can have easy access to it--a keeper and well-worth the read!
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Interesting with great photos, December 17, 2009
By JR Peck (Orlando, FL)
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I should state up front that I'm not a fixed gear rider. I do ride my bike pretty often but I'm not a hard core rider. I do use mine to get to work and home or for relaxing rides around the neighborhood with my family. To understand just what fixed gear bikes are and a bit about the culture around them I started with wikipedia.
This book is primarily written with the assumption that the reader is already familiar with the fixed gear scene and bikes. Their is history and quotes from a wide array of people that make and ride fixed gear bikes but a lot of terms are used with the expectation that the reader will understand. This is fun, but a little frustrating for someone coming from the outside. I 'got it' quite a bit more once I read up some outside sources.
The current fascination with fixed gear seems to be driven primarily by people who very much want to be 'different' and/or extreme. The book really carries this attitude across. I had to laugh but some may find it to be a bit annoying. It's funny to me to read that there's fixed gear and then there's 'real' fixed gear and so on. Because of course once something gains some popularity the people who are really seeking to feel special have to find some way to differentiate themselves from the masses.
A lot of different people are quoted throughout the book and they employ some rather colorful language. Anyone looking to buy this for a youngster should make sure they are comfortable with this before they buy it. I was a bit surprised until I got further into the book and got a better feel for the outsider, rebel type vibe they are trying to build.
The photography is excellent, the corresponding articles short. The experience is a lot like reading National Geographic, or maybe even closer to Wired. Graphics heavy, but not completely without interesting text. The book does make good on it's promise of discussing a global culture. I loved the stories drawn from the U.S., Europe and Asia.
This is a quality book with some very interesting content. It didn't leave me with any desire to join the culture it describes but I'm not someone they would want anyway. I am most definitely not hip. But it's nice to have a book I can pick up and flip through for a few minutes or even longer and just enjoy great photography.
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Interesting, informative and fun, December 13, 2009
By Electric Z (Oregon)
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I got this book as a present for my daughter, the bicyclist of the family. She is a bicycle messenger and works in a bicycle shop. This book is full of fun facts, pictures and interesting antidotes. It has been fun reading for her and she gets a kick out the stuff in the book. Recommended for the bicyclist who is enthusiastic or passionate about bikes, or, as in my case, a gift for someone you know.
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Excellent historic perspective of fixed-gear bicyles!, December 13, 2009
By YogaKat (Oregon United States)
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This book will motivate you to get into fixed-gear bicyles if you're into bicyles at all. It covers fixed-gear racing, street riding, and as an art throughout the world.
The book shows photos from the 1800's bicyle racing through modern day velodrome racing. Photos include panoramics and close-ups showing details of a ton of different styled bikes. For street riding they cover New York City, San Francisco, Tokyo, and London and includes everything from tricks to roller racing to polo.
It's easy reading and makes a great gift or coffee table book (beautifully printed and clear full-color photography). I love the last section that shows the artistic side of bike design (lots of Colnago's, Cinelli's, and even the bike style I have: Mixti).
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You Don't Have To Be a Hipster "Fixie" To Love This Book!, December 13, 2009
By Paige (New York)
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Fixed-gear bikes are one-speed bikes without brakes that share roots with the aggressive "track racers". An entire culture has sprung up of intrepid urban bicyclists who possess raw guts, an independent spirit and raw athleticism.
The authors of FIXED capture this culture with amazing photography and a concise history of its origins and modern characters. From the early origins of the fixed gear bikes, to track racing in Japan, to the bike messengers in NYC in the eighties, it is all here. Beautiful photographs of fixed gear bikes will make even recreational bicyclists salivate. The authors share their love affair with the most simple, beautiful, pure "machine" man has ever invented - the single gear bicycle!
Hard-core "fixies" will sneer at this book, afraid that it will boost fixed-gear cycling's popularity even more. (But they will secretly love it). Recreational cyclists of all stripes will love this book for the interesting history and the photography. Some readers of this book will even be inspired to get a fixed gear bicycle themselves!
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A Fun, Informative Book About Fixed Gear Biking, December 13, 2009
By Sara Hackett (from the Darkside)
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I zip around Reno on a 2009 Schwinn Madison Fixed Gear Road Bike, though the folks at Schwinn probably didn't intend for me to turn the handle bars up on my yellow beauty, I did. I just don't want to ride hunched over. So why spend over six hundred dollars for a bike like this if you're going to ride it sitting up straight like a girl. Well, I am a girl. The bike is light as heck and I get tons of cardio excercis on it. Plus, it's a pure joy to ride.
So being a fixie girl, this book was one I really wanted. The photos are nostalgic and excellent. If you're into bikes, this is a book for you. If you want to learn about early road racing or just want to see great photos of fixed gear biking around New York or London, then you'll enjoy this book. And if, like me, you have a fixed gear bike, you'll really enjoy the book. In fact even if you have one of those bikes with gears on it, you'll still like this book. I know you will.
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Better than expected, December 11, 2009
By Alberto Vargas (San Francisco, CA USA)
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I jumped on this book since I have always been bemused by the fixie culture. Where I live, there are thousands of so-called hipsters who are wedded to their fixed gear bikes. Don't get me wrong - I grew up with fixed gear bikes back in the day. However, these days the fixie seems to be some sort of reverse snobism social statement, along with wearing a tighter-than-necessary Che Guevara t-shirt and drinking only sustainably grown ultra organic coffee (or Pabst Blue Ribbon beer!) while reading Noam Chomsky's latest tome in the comfort of a formerly working-class neighborhood which is being gentrified by the mere presence of the hipster.
So back to the book: it is actually a good history of bicycles in general. Plenty of good illustrations, color as well as historic black-and-white photos. It makes a nice coffee table book. I personally got it for free, so I am happy with it, but probably would not pay for it if I had to :)
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An exemplary niche book on fixies, the (first and) next big cycling thing, December 10, 2009
By K. Swanson (Austin, TX United States)
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4.6 stars
I am increasingly surrounded in my 'hood by fixies, as their enthusiasts call them. They tend to be intelligent, fun-loving, iconoclastic and cool folks in general. I love the whole concept of fixed-gear riding: simplify and thus gain more quality and oddly enough, versatility. And for anyone who has ever enjoyed riding a one-gear bike, even as a kid (remember skidding down steep hills with your brakes locked?), this is a really fine tome.
It's done by Brits and that results in this case in a more refined layout and feel than most American niche books. Less splashiness and more focus. There's a cornucopia of photos from the past century, organized with taste, and there's lots of very intelligent writing on a subject the authors are clearly very passionate about. There's also a refreshing sense of humor to it all.
The history of fixed-gear cycling is well-covered, with much entertaining miscellanea sprinkled in. There's a good look at the London, NYC and SF fixie scenes and participants, and more than enough tidbits for any fan of biking in general.
I'm not a fixie freak like some I know, but if I was, this book would be manna.
A very well-done production in every way, and well worth gifting to any serious bike fan you know.
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Every part of this book looks good, December 4, 2009
By brian d foy (Chicago, IL United States)
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This is a wonderful book to leave out for company. Photographs take up most of the space, and what beautiful photographs they are; this is bicycle porn with plenty of close-up shots of hubs, stems, cranks and other components. Other photographs put the bikes in context: on the track, under messengers on the street, over the unpaved roads of the early Tour de France.
There's limited story to go with the pictures, and if you already know some of the history of cycling you'll appreciate it quite a bit more. Many of the bigs names show up, and there's even a photo of Lance Armstrong leading a line of fixies.
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Great gift for a fixed gear bike fan, December 3, 2009
By davemill (San Jose, CA USA)
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This book was crafted by someone who loves fixed gear bikes, and anyone with similar interests will enjoy it. The format is that of a small coffee table book, but this one is not just about the photos-it also features a wonderful and complete historical review and current overview of "fixed" bikes, culture and art.
Culture and art? Yea. Lots of bikers are emotional about their bikes, but fixed fans are like a club. There's something about designing, building and riding a bike that has just two wheels, a frame, a chain and pedals that bonds them all together. Proper fixed bikes don't have derailleurs, shifters, coaster hubs or even brakes. If the bike is moving, the pedals are spinning, and the pedals are the only control the rider has on the bike's acceleration or deceleration. Fixed bikes are a whole different animal.
There are more photos and information here than I ever knew was available about the world of fixed bikes. No significant complaints. Five stars for any fan, highly recommended.
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Attractive, interesting, and useful, too., December 2, 2009
By Michael J Edelman (Huntington Woods, MI USA)
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Twenty years ago no one rode fixed gear bikes other than track racers, very small children, and a few eccentrics. Then one day a bicycle messenger who'd had yet another good bicycle stolen out from under him realized that he'd be better off building a simple, cheap fixed gear bike from old road bike parts. Other messengers copied this, and suddenly what had initially been done from desperation became very fashionable. All the major bicycle makers (not to mention a lot of boutique makers) were turning out fixed gear bikes. Riders tired of fussing with derailleur adjustment, broken cables, and expensive shifters were turning to the simplicity of a fixie. Even mountain bikers got into the swing of things.
Part it was indeed fashion, but a lot of it was the realization by many bikers that for most of us, who don't live in the mountains, and don't race, one speed is more than enough. Fixed gear bikes are simple, rugged, and light, and provide a feeling of kinship to the earliest "safety bike" riders of the 19th Century and the great bicycle road racers of the early 20th, neither of whom had more than one gear available to them.
I admit to being a bit of a fixed gear fanatic myself. I started out riding a Windsor track bike back in the 199os and eventually built myself several fixed gear bikes using old road frames. I even had a fixed-gear mountain bike for a while, and I still regularly ride my Rivendell Quickbeam (admittedly a single speed bike and not a fixie, but it's in the same spirit.)
"Fixed" is a gorgeous little book, with lots of excellent color photos illustrating the entire history of fixed gear bikes, from the earliest bikes, up through racing, bike messengers, stunt bikes, and the current trend towards riding fixies just for fun. There's good advice for the rider looking to buy (or assemble) his or her own fixie. It's an excellent introduction to fixie culture as well as an attractive book for fixed-gear aficionados to thumb through.
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A brief history of an obsessive culture, December 2, 2009
By Van, emvc (at) lycos.com (Honolulu, Hawai'i, USA)
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Bicycles have a magic that inspires a degree of obsession that is novel and extreme. Few other artifacts have ever caused people to shape their lives around an impliment to the extent or with the passion that bicyclists do. Even surfers do not make the fetish of their boards and accessiories that bicyclists often do. ("Fetish - 1. an object regarded with awe as being the embodiment or habitation of a potent spirit or as having magical potency. 2. any object, idea, etc., eliciting unquestioning reverence, respect, or devotion" How apt.)
As with any broad category of human culture, their are factions and subcultures within the broader field. Within bicycles, you see mountain bikes, several styles of racing bikes, retro styled, etc, and "fixed" bicycles. Not fixed like the dog, but I'm sure a fan of multi-gear bikes might view it that way. "Fixed" as in fixed gears, without a derailleur and usually without brakes. This is the quintessential bicycle, stripped of artifice (as much as any artifact can be), in its most basic and authentic form.
"Fixed" tells the story of fixed-gear bikes from the first bicycles to their current form. For racing, messengers, commuting, and stunts, this most basic bicycle has a colorful history, a vibrant present, and a bright future. And the text and photographs of "Fixed" communicate all of this well. The prose is engaging and well-written, covering the diverse history from inception to present in a clear and articulate fashion. The photos are superb in composition and as an integral part of the story this book communicates.
I don't ride seriously, and had never given any special thought to 'fixed' versus 'multigear' bikes, and still enjoyed this book. A first rate exploration of a specialized bit of history.
E. M. Van Court
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Great coffee table book for bike fans, December 1, 2009
By Boston Bluesman (Boston, MA USA)
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Similar to other reviews I think this is a beautiful coffee table book. I like bikes, a lot. I also find bike culture extremely interesting. The book does a great job covering fixed gear bike culture across the globe and giving more insight into why people ride these types of bikes.
You may already known this, but fixed gear bike have a single speed and no brakes. It is simple, pure and can eat you alive if you don't know what you are doing. It is common for bike carriers to ride this type of bike, which has its roots in track bikes. This book covers the history of fixed gear and track bikes and the regional differences in bike cultures.
The photography is excellent. Unfortunately is you want to read cover to cover it can be difficult to see the text. Font size is a bit small and for whatever reason the publisher has used lighter almost brown color text.
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Armchair cycling adventures, January 19, 2010
By Sam I Am (San Rafael, CA)
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This is a fun book to read on a winters day when the weather keeps you off your bike. The photos are fun and the writer captures the renegade spirit of the fixed gear warrior. Enjoyable read.
0 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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quick and beautiful, January 17, 2010
By ingonyama (Berkeley, CA USA)
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I commute to work on a fixie on a nearly daily basis on a short but steep ride, and a couple years ago around the time I was building up the bike, I did my time on [...] (10,000+ user-submitted photos of fixies) before building it up but have kicked that habit. Which is to say I appreciate fixed gear bikes but am not obsessive. That said, I really enjoyed this book. The authors have done a great job in locating great photos from a range of historical periods, finding interesting sources (e.g. Ernest Hemingway's reminiscences of watching 6-day track races in Paris) and have arranged the book in a way that makes it easy to pick up and put down: it's broken up into short segments, 2-4 pages or so, each one sort of like a short magazine article. You can pick it up anywhere & jump from continent to continent, discipline (track racing, messengering, bike polo etc.) to discipline, and decade to decade as you read through.
A couple negatives or criticisms. 1st the paperback binding isn't ideal for the book - it's practically impossible to open it all the way without bending the spine a bit, so it's going to show wear and tear if you have it out on the coffee table. I would have liked a larger format and a sturdier or hardcover spine. (But the publishers are probably reasonably assessing the price point and audience for this book....) 2nd I don't know why the final section -- art and commerce -- was separate from the rest of the book. These could have easily been scattered throughout, which might have been a better reflection of the dimension of aesthetic admiration in FG cultures. 3rd I would have liked more "beginner" stuff, even though most readers will already be familiar with it, on the kinesthetic experiences of riding FG, how to stop a bike without brakes, track stops, etc. 4th the book is global in its coverage, but early on especially you can tell that it's by and somewhat oriented towards UK riders (a lot of the segments on early racing are UK-focused). And they write "tyre" :)
Some of the bikes are just amazing -- the pre-1901 BSA that is so similar to bikes 110 years later, the Carlton with a 63 (not a typo) / 14 gearing, built for drafting behind motorcycles on the track, the disc wheel Cinelli hand-painted by Keith Haring.
In short, it's a great gift for anyone you know who rides fixie or who loves working on bikes (a lot of overlap in those two categories, I think...).
0 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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FIXED-gear bike culture, April 10, 2010
By FollowerofYeshua (USA)
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Came in good condition as ordered. It was given as gift and person thanked us for it.
0 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Not what I expected., February 2, 2010
By . (Chicago, IL USA)
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I have no relationship to the culture of fixed gear, (outside of just liking the bikes), and expected more 'nuts and bolts', less style. Nonetheless, it's an attractive book.
0 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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Good book for any cycling enthusiast, January 19, 2012
By Chris in St. Pete (St. Petersburg, FL United States)
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Interesting and informative book on the history of fixed gear and single speed bicycles. Fortunately it doesn't pander to the hipster set to which most current fixie riding is attributed. Certainly geared (no pun intended) to be a visual book, it exceeded my expectations in terms of actual content once I got past the compelling photography.
As a stand alone visual book it excels. Lots of great pictures from the very beginning of bicycle racing right through to current times.
Don't judge this book by its cover because it contains more depth of content than just the urban hipster doofus fixies of today.
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Nice intro to single speed culture, September 29, 2011
By Jeffrey Stanley (Wichita, KS United States)
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This is a soft-cover coffee table book covering the phenomenon of the track bike.
Beautiful photography, interesting history, and coverage of single-speed keep-pedaling culture.
I'm a fan of cycling but not really part of the urban track bike scene. I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
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A nice gift idea for the cyclist., February 15, 2010
By pixels and bits
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Packed full of full color photographs (as well as black and white reproductions of vintage models) and the history of "fixed" gear bikes this attractive book is sure to please the cycling enthusiast in your life. Covering the history of fixed gear bikes from the earliest days of biking, it is profusely illustrated and even covers in-depth information about different frame styles and makers. Not familiar with the "fixed-gear" phenomena myself prior to reading this book, it provided a wealth of information in an attractive format.
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Old-Fashioned--and Very New!, January 6, 2010
By Kathy Diamond Davis, author (Oklahoma City, OK USA)
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The bikes I rode as a kid had one speed. By the time 10-speed bikes were
common, I had been rolled over by a horse, and riding a bicycle was no
longer so appealing to me!
I have had slight experience with multi-geared bicycles, and one thing
that bugged me was the maintenance. So when I saw this book on fixed-gear
bicycles, I wanted to read about them.
The fixed-gear bikes are used in a range of ways, described and
photographed in this book. Some are created as pieces of art and never ridden. Some
are ridden in races, both formal and informal. Some are used by bike
messengers in various cities in the world.
Many of these bicycles have no brakes. That makes riding them a challenge,
and injuries seem to be common. Some riders go for safety and courtesy
toward car drivers, others go for speed and maneuvering. There are also lots
of tricks done with them.
The fixed bicycles in this book do have bicycle chains. I'm also
interested in the new bicycles with no chains. I'm very curious about how they will
hold up, and what directions they will take.
This book is fascinating, both in the writing and in the photographs. I
look forward to seeing how these fixed-gear bicycles develop in the future.
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