Just Do It

Fixed Gear Conversion Class

by Dianca Potts

Fri., Jan. 16 and 23, $100, reservations required, Neighborhood Bike Works, 3916 Locust Walk, 215-386-0316, neighborhoodbikeworks.org

A hot item for hipsters and urban cyclists, the fixed gear is a staple on Philly streets and beyond. Neighborhood Bike Works wants you to ditch buying your fixed gear readymade and go DIY instead. The West Philly nonprofit is offering cyclists the know-how necessary to make their fixie dreams come true. So what exactly is a fixed gear? It's a bike with one gear (no shifting), no free wheel (no coasting) and generally no breaks. "I've been riding a fixed gear since 1983 — my grandfather used to ride one. For me it's not a fad," says Executive Director Andy Dyson. "With the huge demand for fixed gear bikes, its possible to really mess up your bike trying to make it a fixed gear. It's not rocket science, but it's not completely straightforward, either."

Conversion class instructor Lizzie Brown rides a fixed gear herself and also ran a track/fixed gear bike shop back in Brooklyn before joining the NBW team. Helping bikers escape the devastation of a misguided conversion, this two-part class is open to novices and pros alike with tools and parts for basic conversion provided by NBW, including bike frames for those without wheels. So what's the cream of the fixed crop? "The absolute best type of bike to use is one of the old English three speeds," according to Brown. "The frames tend to be lightweight and a three-speed frame has some rake on the fork, so it's comfortable for riding on Philly streets."

Proceeds from the class will go to keep things at NBW spinning, helping fund programs like Earn-A-Bike — which gives the community's youth an opportunity to learn about bike repair and safety. With only 10 slots available, the class is bound to fill up, but don't worry — there is another session next week, in case you miss out on this one.