One of the most convenient and popular forms of transportation is a fixie bike. It’s very affordable and not at all complicated. It is a perfect option for beginner cyclists; learning the ropes with this variation is very easy.
People love it a lot because of how simplistic it is to use, and many have it as their companion for a casual ride.
However, a lot of people often wonder if they can spice up their fixie and make riding it more exciting. Therefore, the very common question is, “Can you add gears to a fixie?” Well, worry no more! Today we will show you exactly how it’s done!
Can You Add Gears to a Fixie?
In short, yes, you can add gears to a fixie. The process is a bit different than your average sportbike, but it is very much doable. Unlike other cycles, you will need to jump through a few more hoops and complete a few extra steps to accomplish this process.
But the end result is actually worth the effort and greatly increases the depth of the fixie’s performance.
How to Add Gears to a Fixie
Here’s a step by step process of how you can add gears to a fixie. Follow it to the letter, and you will be done with the installation in a matter of minutes!
Step 1: Putting the Fixie in the Right Place
First of all, you will need to know the best position for customizing your fixie. Knowing about positioning can save you a lot of time and effort. It can also prevent those annoying scrapes and cuts that might come from working on a bicycle.
To find out the ideal placement, you need to identify where the component is or will be, on which you intend to work.
Adding gears to a single speed bike like the fixie will require you to operate on the rear wheel. Therefore, it’s best to flip the cycle before you start working on it. It will make the component more comfortable to install.
At the same time, you will be able to access the tire without having to hunch over. Another alternative can be to place the bicycle on a stand. This method will propel the entire vehicle a few inches off the ground and create room for a smooth installation.
Step 2: Taking the Fixie Apart
Now that you have the bike in the proper position and ready to operate on it, you will need to start by taking out a few pieces. The first piece to go will have to be the chain of the fixie.
Since the chain connects the two wheels, the pedals, and gears, removing it will make the entire process smoother. It will also provide lesser obstacles when fitting the equipment to the bicycle.
Once the chain removal process is complete, you will need to deflate the rear tire. If your wheel doesn’t have any air, it will be easier to fit the gear to the fixie.
It will be more convenient to manage a single-speed to multi-speed conversion kit if there’s no additional weight from them. In case the bicycle has center-pull brakes, it will be an excellent decision to release it too.
Step 3: Removing Fixie Tires
Now that you have removed all the components getting in your way, it’s time to get to work on the tire. Removing the wheel needs to be done with the utmost sensitivity. The last thing that you will want to do is damage it and buy a new one.
One of the easiest methods is to use a quick-release lever because it takes up little to no time at all.
In case you don’t have a quick-release lever, you can always opt for an Allen wrench. It’s inexpensive and a common addition as a household tool. On the other hand, it will cause you to exert more and take up a lot of your time. Otherwise, it is also an effective process regardless of having its small quirks.
Step 4: Getting the Gear’s Cog Set Ready
Then comes the part of getting the cog set ready for installing the gear. Start by loosening its lock-ring and extract the fix-gear cog of the rear tire. Go ahead and align it with the hub’s splines. Grease its threads generously and tighten the entire cog set effectively. After that, just reinstall the tire and inflate it again.
Step 5: Equipping the Gear’s Shifter Pod
Now that you are done popping the tire back in, you will have to set up the shifter pod. Start by getting the handlebars out and then put the shifter pods into it. Now attach the shifter cables in alignment to the bike frame up the back axle and set the derailleur to the fixie.
Last but not least, simply reinstall the chain to the bicycle and have the rear cog center the bike, and the process is complete!
Conclusion
A fixie might seem like a very one-dimensional bicycle. Therefore, you might assume that there isn’t much you can do to improve your ride experience or its performance. However, now that you know the answer to the question, “Can you add gears to a fixie?”, you know how much capable this vehicle is.
So if you are ever planning to buy a fixie, do not be disheartened by its simplicity. The possibilities of customization are endless with this bike, and you will have an amazing time zooming down the streets on it. A fixie will never feel like a bland commute ever again!
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