Shimano Fixie Gear

Shimano recently unveiled a slew of new components to the global cycling press, and the revamped Ultegra 6700 road group, with all its sexy forged parts (and even more appealing price point) hogging all the attention.

Easton Haven Carbon For Fixie Wheelset

All-mountain goes bulletproof
The use of composites in bicycle manufacturing is hardly a new idea; frame builders have been utilizing bonded carbon fiber tubes since the mid-1970s, and as carbon-composite technology advanced, wheels and components were quickly embraced by the skinny-tire world.

Maxxis Tyre For Fixie

Also available in a heavier wire-bead version, the Re-Fuse is cheaper than most of its rivals and comes in a rainbow selection of colours. London fixie riders will no doubt love it for that feature alone.

Puncture protection comes from a Kevlar composite belt under the tread, and what Maxxis call a ‘silkworm cap ply’ casing running bead to bead. This protection bows out the tyre, so it needs a toe-strap or two to hold the tyre to the rim when fitting.

Here Comes Fixie For You

Big-city bike messengers have always been tragically cool and indifferent to fashion trends, because let's face it, not everyone can pull off Emo pants and 30-pound chains wrapped around the waist while riding a bike in New York City traffic.

But the influence messengers have had on bike spec the past five years has had a large impact on the bike industry as a whole, as seen in the halls of the Sands Convention Center during the recent Interbike trade show in Las Vegas.

It's Time For Hand Made Bicycle Show

Just as in years past, steel was the predominant material at this year's NAHBS thanks to its wide range of available sizes, shapes, alloys and gauges, the ease with which it can be manipulated, and the multiple ways in which it can be joined. Stainless alloys continue to grow in popularity, too, with Reynolds and Columbus increasing their inventory of sizes for their respective 953 and XCr alloys but also a newcomer to the scene, KVA.