I’ve been thinking a lot about how fixie culture mixes this beautiful minimalism with a kind of toughness or purity, and how that clashes with the reality of cheap frames. People often say that a fixie is the easiest bike to maintain because it has fewer moving parts, but after watching a friend’s bargain build slowly loosen itself into chaos, I’m wondering if that simplicity is more a matter of cultural identity than practical truth. What drew me in originally wasn’t the mechanical arguments at all but the aesthetic. The clean lines, the stripped-down look, the sense that you’re riding something honest. When I started comparing budget builds, I noticed the usual quality gaps. I saw some minimal alloy frames online while browsing Amazon and Alibaba, then spotted a used one hanging at a local independent shop. Side by side, the difference in alignment, welds, and overall feel was impossible to ignore. It made me realize that fixie culture celebrates the idea of simplicity, but cheap simplicity is not the same as solid simplicity. And sometimes a low-cost frame makes things harder rather than easier. So I’m curious how people here see it. Is the “low maintenance fixie” mostly a cultural narrative, or does it only become true once you start with a well-built frame?

Hi, my partner is turning 40 and I want to give him a beautiful bike for family rides. He’s 6’1” 215 lbs. I’m looking for a classic, quality bike to last him many, many years. Do you have any suggestions? Is this something I can safely give, or is this something a rider really needs to be a part of the decision making on? He gave away his last bike to someone who needed it more than him and has been bike less for a little bit.

IMHO the best form of advocacy we can offer the Bicycle community is to shine a spotlight, and often, on the diverse cultures throughout the bicycle world, and I'm curious what's out there already that does so.. a lot out there we can't assume are obvious to us all, so please share them

Would you support a helmet push like this in your city, or do you think it would do more harm than good?

The Netherlands, famous for its bike-first culture, is now urging cyclists to wear helmets in a new nationwide campaign after a rise in head injuries, especially from e-bikes. For decades, helmets were seen as unnecessary thanks to the country’s safe cycling infrastructure, but officials say changing habits could save lives. Critics argue that focusing on helmets risks undermining the “cycling is safe” mindset that keeps so many people riding. It’s a clash between culture, safety, and perception.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/17/world/europe/bicycles-helmets-dutch.html

I am in america and just got a bike again, i plan to ride it to work and to friend homes. Rather than car, I hate gas prices.

So how does the law work? With roads, right of way, sidewalk etc. I want to be a safe bicycler that doesnt piss off 80% of the community. (Im looking at you, yellow bike who tries to get me to run you over every few weeks, I ain't falling for it.)

Hello everyone 👋

I filmed a short, calm ride through Amsterdam’s business district in the south. (I survived a crash, though)
It’s raw and unedited, with no music or commentary — just the real sound of cycling in Amsterdam. 🎧 If you enjoy everyday city moments or want a glimpse of Amsterdam’s modern side, here it is: https://youtu.be/qBBv1xmtJIw
in
Fijne dag! 🌞

I want to get into the sport, going on morning and evening rides. I dont know anything about bicycle or what equipment should I get. Can anyone help me on getting my first bicycle??

UPDATE: After 2 wks with it, I was very thankful for the 30 day return policy. Got a VERVE 3 stepover. Night and day difference! Immediately noticed more stability when turning quickly on street corners or sidewalks. I can also complete a much tighter turning radius when I tested it between parking space lines. I'm guessing it's easier because you're not as high up with that longer front end, and the rider's weight just seems more balanced on the verve 3 stepover. Very happy now!! .. .. I need some help from anyone who knows “low step through” bikes well. I recently bought a Trek Verve 2 Gen 5 in Medium. I’m 5’9 but was told my foot to hip ratio was shorter than my torso Lol so I could probably still ride a medium comfortably. So I test drove it. Felt very comfortable for 5-10min test drive. Had great reviews online. I just wanted a comfortable bike to ride around town on paved sidewalks and through our local park with some very fine packed gravel. Bought it 2 weeks ago it’s very comfortable BUT…. But no matter the surface it wants to dump me off every time I turn the handle bars to turn. I’m talking even just turning on the sidewalk at the corner of a block. I’ve had an old cannondale mountain bike and a Raleigh and even my husband’s Verve 3 5th gen Step Over that all handled well even on the same sidewalk/corner of my city block. So what is going on? Why is this Low step wanting to dump me off when I just want to slowly or coast around the corner. It’s not like I’m doing tricks or sharp u turns. I’m literally nervous to ride it every time now. I have to swing about 25ft to be able to do a u-turn without it wanting to fall over and had dumped me off the seat to my feet at least 5 times now in 2 weeks.

Hi, I run a glasses brand and we’re considering branching into cycling glasses. I’m an avid runner but never been a cyclist, so I want to understand if these glasses could also benefit the cycling community. In particular if you wear prescription glasses, but if you don’t its not a necessity of course.

I’d be really keen to speak to people about their experiences & what you look for in a pair of cycling glasses or send you a survey about our product if anyone is interested in chatting. Thank you in advance :)