Cool shop: @Bike

By Will Wu, December 17, 2014

In the world of fixed-gear bikes, less is more. Unlike the standard multi-geared variety, a fixed-gear bicycle has only one drive cog bolted directly to the hub of the rear wheel. Without freewheel or derailleur, the bike is in motion only when the pedals are ridden. There is no brake incorporated either. To stop, the rider stands up on the pedals and leans backward, using his or her own bodyweight to apply the braking force.

The advantages of being light, simple, trendy and, most importantly, less energy consuming have won fixies mainstream popularity since 2010, especially among cyclists in urban areas where the hideous traffic jams are a turnoff.

Even though @Bike is located in a less thriving area in Haizhu District, it has still managed to earn recognition among Guangzhou’s fixed-gear riders. The two-story shop was opened in 2011. Bikes, from the retro-chic to the avant-garde, are on display on the first floor, while tools and accessories like wheels, tires, frames and saddles are on the second. Brands such as Bianchi, Cinelli and Gios from Italy, Leader, Aventon and Chrome from America, Mavic and Corima from France and MKS and Shimano from Japan are among the imported wares being sold. A small area has been set up for veteran riders to assemble their own bikes, though for a rookie, Fei, the owner of @Bike who has been a fixie fanatic for four years, strongly suggests starting with a pre-assembled two-wheeler with a break attached. “Applying a braking force to the bike requires long-time practice,” he notes. “It is not an easy job for a first-time learner.” Experienced people are recommended to choose wheels with fewer spokes or border rims that remarkably reduce drag.

The average cost for a fixed-gear bike ranges from RMB2,000 to RMB60,000. More expensive models are made using materials like carbon fiber, which lighten the bike and increase the speed.

Taking on one of these rides can be an expensive hobby to maintain, but the feeling of freedom from constraint imparted by pedaling a fixie wherever and whenever one wants is beyond price.

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