Yes, Fixies are faster than road bikes. A fixed-gear bike has no conventional gearing making it more efficient. This results in fewer drivetrain losses and no derailleur. So, you can go faster on a fixie than on a traditional road bike.
While the fixie is faster than a conventional road bike, many different variables are at play. These variables dictate how fast a fixed-gear bike goes.
So, if you really want to know about the speed of a fixie, this article is for you.
A fixie, also called a fixed-gear bike has a single-speed transmission, providing many other benefits besides making it faster. A fixed-gear bike is also easier to ride, nimble and cheaper to maintain.
Therefore, if you are a beginner wanting to have fun with a fast bike, the fixie makes for a great option.
Come, let’s find out how fast a fixie bike goes.
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How Fast Can Fixie Bikes Go?
Most fixed gear-bikes can achieve a maximum speed of 32.8 miles per hour in a straight line and 40-45 miles per hour on a decline. A fixie can even go faster than that.
| Terrain | Average Speed |
|---|---|
| Flat Ground | 15-25 miles per hour |
| Downhill | 25-45 miles per hour |
The speed of the bike is estimated by its gear ratio. The gear ratio is measured by dividing the total number of teeth in the chainring by those in the sprocket.
Gear Ratio = total number of teeth in the chainring/ total number of teeth in the sprocket.
A common gear ratio in fixies is 50/11 or 4.55, which results in the top speed of the bike being 32.8 miles per hour.
However, there are other variables and factors as well that affect the speed of a fixie.
The difference in speeds results from a fixie’s various factors and characteristics. For starters, the bike’s design greatly influences how fast it can go.
A bike with an aerodynamic design has less drag and wind resistance. Therefore, making it faster.
The wheel diameter, chainring size, and rear sprocket are other critical factors determining a fixie’s top speed.
However, the ultimate hindrance to reaching the 32.8 miles per hour speed is the rider’s ability.
We have seen amateur riders hit 15-20 miles on a straight line and 25 miles per hour on a decline.
On the contrary, more seasoned riders can push 25-30 miles per hour on straights and 35-45 miles on declines.
How Fast Can Road Bikes Go?
The average speed of a road bike sits between 10-14 miles per hour on a straight. However, on a decline, the speed increases to 31-37 miles per. These speed figures can be higher or lower depending on the rider’s ability.
| Terrain | Average Speed |
|---|---|
| Flat Ground | 10-14 miles per hour |
| Downhill | 31-37 miles per hour |
The difference in speed between an amateur rider and a seasoned rider can be as high as 80%.
A conventional road bike requires smooth and efficient gear shifting. Riders learn to shift properly over time with practice and training.
Here is our another article on Are Road Bikes Faster Than Mountain Bikes so you can read now.
Fixed Gear vs. Road Bike: Which One is Faster?
Now that we know how fast each bike can go let’s see which one is faster.
Is it a fixed-gear bike or a Road bike?
| Bike Name | Flat Ground | Decline |
|---|---|---|
| Fixie Bike | 15-25 mph | 25-45 mph |
| Road Bike | 10-14 mph | 31-37 mph |
A fixed-gear bike is faster than an equivalent road bike. On average, a fixed-gear bike can achieve a speed of 15-20 miles per hour on flat ground. In contrast, a road bike can only manage 10-14 miles per hour.
A fixed-gear bike is faster on flats and downhill. The average speed on a decline for a fixed-gear bike is 35-40 miles per hour.
On the contrary, the average speed on a decline for a road bike is 31-37 miles per hour.
The only time a road bike edges out a fixed-gear bike is when it comes to rough terrain. On rough terrain, a road bike has an average speed of 16-20 miles per hour.
At the same time, a fixed-gear bike can only go as fast as 10-12 miles per hour.
However, all things considered, a fixed-gear bike is faster than a road bike, almost 9 out of 10 times. Therefore, a fixie is the better option for going fast.
If you want to read full comparison between Fixed Gear vs Road Bike, you can read it from here.
Are Fixed Gear Bikes Better Than Road Bikes?
Fixed-gear bikes have many benefits over road bikes. They are faster and lightweight, making them easy to handle and fun to ride. A fixed-gear bike is also easier to maintain. Hence, they are a better option than road bikes.
The single-speed makes these bikes faster than a road bikes. You don’t need to be skilled to go fast on a fixed-gear bike. Hence, making every ride thrilling for new riders.
A fixed-gear bike is also more maneuverable in town due to its slim frame. A fixed-gear bike will not leave you stranded because it requires minimal maintenance.
Therefore, it is budget-friendly and brings peace of mind when riding.
Is a Fixie better for commuting than a Road Bike?
A fixie is a great commuter because of its simple design. There is no worry of derailleur with a fixie, making it reliable for daily commutes. A fixie also has easy and cost-effective maintenance, making daily commutes attractive.
A fixie is more agile and handles better due to its lightweight design. The better handling makes the bike great for sweeping fast pedestrians and traffic.
As a result, a fixie is a very comfortable daily commuter. You can use this bike to go to school, the office, or work without hassle.
7 Health Benefits of a Fixie Biking
Fixie Biking has many health benefits you will not find on a road bike.
The health benefits are as follows :
1. Improved Blood Circulation
Due to constant paddling, fixie biking keeps the legs, thighs, and glutes engaged. Therefore, riders get improved blood circulation, which is healthy for the body.
2. Efficient Cardio
Fixie Biking is a great source of cardio. Due to constant paddling, the heart rate of the riders remains high. This results in a great cardio workout.
3. Fat Loss
Fixie biking requires a lot of energy, resulting in a high heart rate. The heart rate remains in the fat-burning zone at all times. Therefore, fixie biking is an excellent source of losing weight.
4. Building Leg Muscles
Fixie biking keeps the leg muscles pumped with blood. Therefore, you can build leg muscles from fixie biking.
5. Great For Posture
A fixie bike has a lightweight and streamlined design. As a result, riders naturally sit in an upright posture. Upright posture is great for the spine, shoulder, and abdominal muscles.
6. Enhanced Cadence
In fixie biking, you don’t get the chance to slack off. You cannot coast with a fixie and must always paddle. This is great for cadence.
7. Increased Stamina and Endurance
Fixie biking is a test of wits for your body. Therefore, it can significantly improve your body’s stamina and endurance.
Final Verdict
A fixie bike can go faster than an equivalent road bike. I have covered every aspect, making a fixed-gear bike faster than a road bike.
A fixed-gear bike is not only faster than a road bike but also a great daily commuter. It is easy to maneuver in town and has great handling. The low maintenance cost is also why you should use fixie on daily commutes.
All in all, the fixie is a great bike that serves its purpose well. It can fulfill the thrill of going fast on a budget while keeping you healthy.
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