Think about it, no brakes, no freewheel…Fixed gears can be very dangerous. Lets go over some of the most common dangers associated with fixed gear bicycles.
-Pedal Strike. This occurs when you are taking a sharp turn and strike the pedal against the ground. This is easily avoided with a freewheel bike because you can simply keep the pedals horizontal, but with a fixed gear the pedals are constantly moving. Striking the ground can lift the rear wheel up and cause you to most likely fall. Having the smaller cranks and pedals that do not stick out so much can help prevent pedal strike.
-Catching fingers in the chain. KEEP YOUR HANDS AWAY FROM YOUR CHAIN…especially when you reach down while you are riding or when you have it up on a stand and are making repairs. The momentum of the wheel will keep the drive train rolling and if your finger gets caught, you can kiss those puppies goodbye.
Stay tuned for more safety tips and hazards.
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