Terminology.

Fixed Gear is a term that really annoys me. Singlespeed bikes are fixed gears, that is to say there is a fixed gear ratio.
A direct drive train, like those that most of us ride, is a fixed wheel.

Discuss?

With you on that one. Although fixed gear does not bother me too much fixie is the killer.

Yes I am an angry man.

Yeah...basically, you're right. In which case the name of this forum is tautologous.

I think that 'fixed gear' is an Americanism, but I can't (be arsed to) back up that assertion with a reference.

@ Tommy, It was the mention of "fixie" in some of today's posts that sparked this. The only thing springing to mind that is more deplorable is the habit of calling fixed wheel riders, "Fixers". STABBYDEATHKILL.

@Hutch, that's quite interesting, I hadn't considered the etymology of the term.

in the usa we call em fixed gear... beacsue the gear(s) is fixed to the hub innit

From Wiki, so pinch of salt needed:

"Fixed gear" is the standard term in the US, whilst "fixed wheel" is used in the UK[28][29]. The confusion comes about because "fixed", "gear" and "wheel" can have more than one meaning in this context. "Fixed" can mean not able to freewheel (coast), it can also mean not variable. "Gear" can refer to the sprocket or to a gear ratio. In the US, "fixed-gear" is used to mean the gear (sprocket) is attached to the hub without a freewheel. In the UK, "fixed-wheel" is the normal term, meaning the opposite of freewheel, whereas fixed gear usually means one gear (gear ratio).

[28] Time Trial Regulations. Cycling Time Trials. Retrieved on 2007-09-11. “Bicycles with a fixed wheel shall have a left hand threaded locking device securing the fixed sprocket. Similarly, tricycles with a fixed wheel shall have a suitable locking device or alternatively shall include an integral system as part of the design. Machines with fixed wheel require only a brake operating on the front wheel(s).”
[29] a b National Hill Climb Championship: King Paul Graps Title on the Chimney. Retrieved on 2007-09-11.

UK is fixed wheel right? Like the wheel is fixed to the cog no?

fixed gear can mean fixed or singlespeed.

fixed wheel can only mean fixed.

vegansdontneedgears in the usa we call em fixed gear... beacsue the gear(s) is fixed to the hub innit

Hmmm. If you follow that rationale, the wheel is fixed to the frame as well - in which case you should be calling it a fixed wheel...

i ride a stiff hub.

Yeah. And the word 'bicycle', too. What's wrong with 'velocipede' or 'gentleman's conveyance'?

Who cares?

Nicholas Who cares?

Err, we do. And obviously you don't.

yeah, loser - get back on your fixed gear bike, you dirty fixer, and ride straight back to apathyville.

So, if you shun the noun "fixie" (as I do), then there is no single word that means "fixed wheel bike".
People sometimes used "fixed" as a noun, but it it isn't: "I'm back on the fixed",
So there's a gap in the English language - anyone care to invent something?

Ref: Wheel being fixed to frame.

I'm a bit new to this fixed-..... scene, but I here's my twopenneth (approx 4 cents):

Is the wheel fixed to the frame? The axle certainy is in the same way that the gear is fixed to the wheel. Is the axle part of the wheel, or is the wheel just free to spin about an axle to which it is not fixed?

I can understand both terms. My Dad calls the arrangement a fixed-wheel from when he had a bike in the early 60's (hes definitely from the UK but would have had no influence from London).

mr_tom Yeah. And the word 'bicycle', too. What's wrong with 'velocipede' or 'gentleman's conveyance'?

Indeed ! :)

Object17 Fixed Gear is a term that really annoys me. Singlespeed bikes are fixed gears, that is to say there is a fixed gear ratio.
A direct drive train, like those that most of us ride, is a fixed wheel.

Discuss?

A fixed wheel has a fixed gear, either works for me, I am not much bothered about making sure the correct nomenclature is employed, language is flexible.

It always was a fixed wheel since when I started riding them back in the 80s

in fact (obscure claim to fame) I wrote to Chambers Dictionary to correct their incorrect 1983 defenition of a fixed wheel
(fixed-wheel bicycle a gearless bicycle in which one revolution of the pedals produces one revolution of the wheels) ha!
got a very polite reply and the next edition was corrected

no mention of fixed gear though...

ChrisNW Ref: Wheel being fixed to frame.

Is the wheel fixed to the frame? The axle certainy is in the same way that the gear is fixed to the wheel. Is the axle part of the wheel, or is the wheel just free to spin about an axle to which it is not fixed?

Yeah, that was not a 100% serious point. Essentially, for me: fixed wheel = no freewheel. Fixed gear just means single cog.

same as that and a "fixie" is a conversion....

mdx It always was a fixed wheel since when I started riding them back in the 80s

in fact (obscure claim to fame) I wrote to Chambers Dictionary to correct their incorrect 1983 defenition of a fixed wheel
(fixed-wheel bicycle a gearless bicycle in which one revolution of the pedals produces one revolution of the wheels) ha!
got a very polite reply and the next edition was corrected

no mention of fixed gear though...

Cool ! I love these kind of stories :)

If that was me I would have the relevant page framed and on display ! I never miss an opportunity to show off. :)

tynan [quote]mdx It always was a fixed wheel since when I started riding them back in the 80s

in fact (obscure claim to fame) I wrote to Chambers Dictionary to correct their incorrect 1983 defenition of a fixed wheel
(fixed-wheel bicycle a gearless bicycle in which one revolution of the pedals produces one revolution of the wheels) ha!
got a very polite reply and the next edition was corrected

no mention of fixed gear though...

Cool ! I love these kind of stories :)

If that was me I would have the relevant page framed and on display ! I never miss an opportunity to show off. :)[/quote]

i still got that 1983 dictionary, and somewhere the letter... i must dig it out...

given that you engilsh types have a lot of silly names for things i think we should just all admit that the americans are right,and refre to nhat, mike or roxy, or my self for any other dissagreements on the use of language.

Object17 Fixed Gear is a term that really annoys me. Singlespeed bikes are fixed gears, that is to say there is a fixed gear ratio.
A direct drive train, like those that most of us ride, is a fixed wheel.

Discuss?

go and see what Mr Sheldon Brown has to offer on this subject.