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The Daily Insight

Why do hipsters ride fixies?

Author

Isabella Ramos

Updated on April 28, 2026

Hipster’s and fixies go together like Donald Trump and being completely out of sync with the reality of everyday life. But hipsters also know that owning the right type of bike is part of their default belief in their way of life. That’s part of the reason why so many of them ride fixies.

Are fixie bikes still popular?

Fixed-gear bikes, also known as fixies, have become quite common in recent years, and virtually everyone has seen one at some point. However, despite their distinct difference from other types of bikes, most people don’t realize they’ve seen one. It takes the sharp eye of a true bicycle enthusiast to recognize a fixie.

Are fixies the new hipsters?

Nobody wants to be labelled as a hipster anymore. Alongside horn-rimmed glasses and long beards, fixies have also found their place in the everyday marketing of large companies. Nevertheless, they have become a fixed component of a young, hip urban culture.

Is the hipster a subculture?

Subculture has never had a problem with neologism or exploitation of slang, from emo to punk to hippie. The hipster, however, was someone else already. Specifically, he was a black subcultural figure of the late forties, best anatomized by Anatole Broyard in an essay for the Partisan Review called “A Portrait of the Hipster.”

What is hipster fashion?

The hipster aesthetic dates back to the 1940s, but did not reach the height of its popularity until the late 2000s to early 2010s. Hipster Fashion revolves around the idea of rejecting the ‘mainstream’ trends and utilizing unique or ‘quirky’ items to define an outfit. This can be anything from someones hairstyle, to their sock.

Should you travel with a fixed gear?

Another reason to travel with a fixed gear – not just for bike messengers. No gears need to be changed, no rear derailleur, front derailleur, shifter cable or gear lever that may break. Critical responses speak of an idiotic trend. I warmly invite these people to trial a fixie and experience this fantastic bike for themselves.