Fixed-Gear Bike Brands: 18 of the Best Fixie Brands

Fixies (fixed gear bicycles) are more popular than they’ve ever been. Even though fixies have their own unique set of pros and cons, lots of cyclists are choosing to ditch their freewheel mechanisms.

With more popularity comes more brands. Where once fixies were quite a rare sight on the road, there are nowadays companies all around the world keen to jump on the fixie trend. From luxury brands to more budget offerings, it’s never been easier to find the right fixed gear bicycle to suit your riding preferences and lifestyle.

Whether you’re a fixie devotee or you just want to give these unique bicycles a try, it can be hard to know where to start. Join us as we take a look at the biggest and best fixie brands in the world, where they’re based and what they offer.

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Why Fixed-Gear Bikes Are Great

Fixie lovers will tell you that these bikes are great because they are so much fun! They allow you to take to the road unfettered, making for a faster, more agile and more natural ride without any of the distractions of other bicycles.

Fixed gear bikes are undoubtedly quick and many cyclists simply consider them more fun. They are also associated with a retro aesthetic that harks back to the early days of cycling, so they deliver a much needed dose of nostalgia in today’s modern world. Another benefit of fixies is reduced maintenance. They contain fewer parts so require less upkeep.

These bikes will also make you a better cyclist as they force you to perfect your pedalling technique. They can help you get fitter too (providing a unique challenge on hills!). Fixies are favoured by Olympic athletes for how they improve their technique.

Where to Buy Fixies

Since they’re so popular, you’ll find fixies in most cycling stores around the world. This is useful if you’ve never ridden one before because the experience is quite different and can be challenging to the uninitiated. A test ride is recommended. 

Many brands specialise in fixies but depending on where you’re located it might not be easy to find a stockist. In this case, buying online is your best option. Most companies offer international shipping at reasonable rates and heading online significantly widens the amount of choice.

International shipping also means that you’ll have to take customs fees into account but if you have your heart set on a specific fixie or brand then it might be your only choice. Of course, research is essential if you’re planning to buy a fixie without giving it a test ride first, so pay close attention to the specs and reviews.

Best Fixed-Gear Bike Brands

We’ve put together this list of the best fixie brands based on how many bikes they offer, build quality, features and price. Some brands offer what might be considered the “classic” fixie with accompanying retro stylings, others are more modern.

Although fixies are famed for their simplicity (and this is one of their unique selling points) that hasn’t stopped the companies on this list from innovating and enhancing the classic design.

The brands listed here are based around the world so local stockists might not always be available. In those cases, we’ve given international shipping information. Most of the companies offer a wide and ever expanding list of fixies with different features, designs and price points. You’ll be able to find both budget friendly and more premium options if you take a deeper dive into their catalogues.

1. Sole Bicycles

Founded in California, Sole Bikes encapsulate everything we love about the East Coast with a laid back, beach lifestyle vibe. The bikes are uniquely styled with a Californian surfer aesthetic that’s instantly recognisable. Although the range is wide, the bikes are all in the same price bracket so you won’t feel like you’ve compromised by buying a budget model.

Delivery is another highlight. All Sole bikes ship 90% assembled and the company offers a flat fee for international shipping. The models are semi-customisable, too (you can choose a custom frame size and select add-ons like kickstands and drop handlebars). Sole is one of the leading fixie manufacturers in the world so you can’t really go wrong here.

2. Santafixie

Another big name brand, Santafixie is famous for its fixies and offers a wide range. From the ultra modern stylings of the Raval Raw to the more retro Anthozoa, there’s a bike for everybody. Occupying a mid range price bracket, the models should suit any budget. Santafixie is renowned for its high build quality with premium materials, aluminium frames and attention to detail.

Although there aren’t as many customisation options as you would get with a Sole bike, you can still choose your handlebar style. The company frequently has sales, so if you can’t find the bike you want for a suitable price today, consider checking back in the future. Better still, Santafixie offers a long list of international shipping locations for a reasonable price.

3. Quella

Quella is an excellent alternative to some of the bigger brands listed here. They offer four fixie ranges: the retro styled Varsity, the ultra-modern Stealth, the Nero and the Electric Collection. You can even contact the company directly to order a custom build, a service that not many other fixie brands offer. A British brand, Quella started trading just after the 2012 UK Olympics, inspired by the success of the cycling teams there (the company has since won the UK Street Velodrome cycling series twice).

The company’s focus is on urban cycling, so their bikes are agile, streamlined and designed with fun in mind. Quella bikes are also highly customisable; you can add everything from bottle holders to bike locks and inner tubes.

14 More Great Fixed-Gear Bike Brands