Erica Barnett On Single-Gear Bicycles

After trying a few different fixed-gear bikes, I eventually graduated to the Bianchi Pista—a stunningly gorgeous silver bike with one fixed gear, no brakes, and handlebars so low you have to look up to see the street.


"You might want to try this one on the sidewalk," Tamura told me. It was by far the scariest bike I've ever ridden—the experience of stopping by pushing back against the pedals is the most counterintuitive thing a longtime free-wheel biker could ever experience—but the power and control was indescribable.

I have to admit it—I want one. But I also know that, for riders like me (those who don't have lightning-quick reflexes and quads of steel) they're incredibly dangerous.