Ask Bicycling: Fixie vs Single Speed, Trail Hydration, and Removing Rust

All your ride quandaries, solved

bicycling staff May 8, 2014
Photo by Angelo Calilap

Q: What's the difference between a singlespeed and a fixie? Why would you want only one gear?
A singlespeed is exactly what it sounds like—a bike with one gear. A fixie (or fixed gear) is a singlespeed without brakes and without the mechanism that allows the bike to coast when you're not pedaling. In other words, if the wheels on a fixie are moving, so are the cranks—and your legs. Why would you want a single gear? It can make you stronger, especially on hills, which require more power to climb when you don't have the ability to downshift. And because there's no need for components such as a cassette, shifters, and derailleurs, bikes with one gear are lighter and require less maintenance. For one thing, there are fewer parts to break. "It's also easier to keep your bike clean," says Vicki Barclay, 2013 singlespeed cyclocross world champion. Any kind of bike can be a singlespeed—road, mountain, cyclocross, or commuter. Fixies tend to be popular with urban riders, bike messengers, and the style-conscious who prize their old-school functionality and sleek, minimalist aesthetic.

How can I keep sweat out of my eyes on long, hot climbs?
Keep your forehead dry and win style points by wearing a cycling cap under your helmet. Look for one made of a wicking material that will transfer perspiration away from your skin. Another option, albeit not quite as elegant: the Halo Headband, which features a thin rubber strip that lies flat against your skin and, according to the manufacturer, channels sweat away from your eyes and face. We've also seen intriguing suggestions on online forums, including applying a swipe of clear lip balm to your forehead above your eyebrows. Some users say it redirects sweat to the sides of your face, though if your Chap-Stick has a high SPF, consider the potential for unfortunate tan lines.

Hydration packs feel so bulky. Can't I use water bottles when I mountain bike?
Of course you can. Unless the sun is really beating down, two 24-ounce bottles should be plenty for rides up to a couple of hours. But if you're going longer or wandering far from the trailhead and a water source, a hydration pack will allow you to carry the larger quantity of fluid you'll need—some hold as much as 100 ounces, more than twice the capacity of two bottles. The pack's built-in tube and mouthpiece are simple to access, meaning you'll probably drink more frequently, especially on technical trails where taking your hands off the bar to reach for a bottle is not an option. And that's where a pack really proves its worth. Not only do well-hydrated muscles perform better, they also bounce back faster so you don't miss out on any trail time. "I recover better from a ride when I wear a hydration pack," says Luna Pro team member Shonny Vanlandingham. In case those benefits aren't enough, consider this: A pack also holds food, tools, a camera, and other gear that can help transform a regular ride into an adventure.

My kid left her bike out in the rain and now the gears and chain are covered with rust. Can this be fixed?
If the rust is so extensive that links have seized, take the bike to a shop and expect to buy a new chain (around $15 for most kids' bikes). But if it's minor, you can remove rust with a little TLC. Here's how: Start by liberally spraying the cassette, chainring, and chain with a solvent like WD-40, says Andy Phelps, manager at Re-Cyclery, a shop in San Rafael, California, that restores bikes for the nonprofit Trips for Kids. Scour with a stiff wire brush, then remove the solvent by scrubbing the drivetrain with a citrus degreaser. Wipe down everything with a clean, dry cloth and wait an hour for the drivetrain to fully dry. Next, apply a protective lubricant to the drivetrain, then wipe off the excess with a clean rag.

Help! I get sick of sugary gels and bars during long rides.
Why not bring real food? Just because packaged energy products exist doesn't mean you always have to eat them when you ride. Some simple, make-ahead snacks that offer quick energy: potatoes roasted with rosemary and sea salt, sliced into bite-size pieces; PB&J cut into quarters and frozen so it stays fresh in your pocket; or the snacks in Feed Zone Portables, a cookbook by chef Biju Thomas and coach Allen Lim. "Allen and Biju's rice cakes are my go-to," says former pro cyclist Craig Lewis. Additional recipes from the book include baked eggs, sausage and potato cakes, two-bite pies, and other nutrition-packed minimeals that are easy to digest.