Should I build a Fixie?

A slick fixie I found on Unsplash. Love the colour and look of these bars, but I will definitely go more narrow.

I’m planning on shooting a mini documentary about the cycling groups in Vancouver. I’ll looking at how these groups are advocating for greater awareness of cyclists and at the same time how they are helping people get on bikes and stay on bikes, by building strong communities. One of those groups I plan to feature is YVRFIXED who celebrate the simplicity and beauty of fixed gear bikes through a publication of the same name and weekly group rides. Before I start scheduling interviews and shooting dates with founders and members of these different groups I would like to go out and ride with them to get a sense of the community and the over all vibe each one creates. So, it’s for this reason that I started thinking, ‘well, if I’m going to go out with the fixie group, maybe I should get a fixie.’ Then, obviously, I thought about how fun it would be to build my own fixie.

The idea is in motion… I will probably head down to Our Community Bikes and Kickstand this week to take a look at what kind of frames and wheels they have that might suit my purpose. I’ll document the build as I go and write about my experience riding with the fixie group.

Wish me luck.