In our penultimate installment from this year’s London Cycle Show, we take a look at the singlespeeds and fixed gear bikes that were gracing various bike manufacturers’ stands. We saw at the recent Interbike show in Las Vegas that the influence couriers and messengers have had on bike spec in the past five years has had a large impact on the bike industry as a whole.
Steel is the frame material of choice, but aluminium and carbon are also starting to be used. These bikes are used and abused on a daily basis, so they need to withstand the rigours of city riding.
Ridgeback Solo
Ridgeback’s steel framed singlespeed uses Continental Ultra Race tyres, and has mudguards to keep the grime away. Ideal as a commuter or a winter training bike. £599.99
Genesis Flyer
Using the same Reynolds 520 frame material as the Ridgeback, Genesis describe the Flyer as a modern classic and comes with a carbon/aluminium fork, Sugino 48 tooth chainset, Shimano Sora brakes and rolls on Formula Track/Alex AT400 wheels.
Surly Steamroller
Surly was one of the first of the bigger brands to go down the fixed gear route, and in the Steamroller they created a bombproof beast.
The frame is 4130 chromoly with a double-butted main triangle, and it’s an expensive heavyweight at £599.99.
Specialized Langster: Monaco and Polished Silver
The Langster range of singlespeed bikes derive their name from Specialized employee and US track champion Dan Langley, and since its creation, the Langster has been decorated with a range of world-city-inspired graphics – from London to New York, and this is the Monaco edition with Martini livery.
Made from Specialized A1 Premium Aluminium frame, with a Specialized FACT carbon/aluminium fork on Alex Race 32 wheels, Ultralight dual pivot brakes, and Flak Jacket tyres. £449.99 each
Iron Horse
Iron Horse buck the drop handlebar trend with their flat-barred Transit fixed gear bike. It’s got an FSA Track chainset, Tektro brakes, Vittoria tyres and costs £400.
Brick Lane Bikes
Brick Lane Bikes are a London-based shop specialising in track and fixed wheel bikes, and had an array of colourful machines on display. This is their track bike with custom paint job and an aerospoke wheel at the front:
And another custom painted black and orange number:
So, singlespeeds and fixies - love em or hate em? Let us know in the comments box below.