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The proper term for a single gear fixed wheel bicycle. These bikes were traditionally home made by the users; they would take a traditional 10 speed frame toss out the hanging derailleur and remove the 5 speed fly wheel and replace it with a single speed "fixed" hub. These bikes were most popular among NYC bike messengers in the 70's, 80s, and early 90's because of their low [maintenance] and lighter weight; many users would have only a front brake or forgo brakes totally because you can control the bikes momentum solely suing your feet. These bikes were not for the lazy or [lighthearted] because they require a much more skilful and alert riding style as well as [perpetual motion] because the is no "free" spin mode.

The Fix could be brought out right in those days at some bike stores by asking for a racing bike. Racing bikes were [usually] made by Bianchi or Lotus and sported rear facing dropouts for the back wheel; these store bought Fix bikes were uncommon for the average fix rider and primarily purchased by bike messengers.

The majority of serous road bike riders, then and now, use geared bikes.

Today people are calling bikes like this "Fixies"; there was no such term ( fixie ) being used on [the streets] in 1970's thru early 90's.
Fixie should be used to describe store bought bicycles many of which do not even have fixed flywheels.

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