I Tested Fixed Gear Conversion: Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Try It
I’ve always been fascinated by the simplicity and sleekness of fixed gear bikes, and the idea of transforming a regular bike into one has intrigued me even more. Fixed gear conversion is more than just a mechanical tweak—it’s a way to connect deeply with your ride, stripping away complexity to embrace a pure cycling experience. Whether you’re drawn to the minimalist style or the unique riding feel, diving into fixed gear conversion opens up a world where form meets function in the most straightforward, yet rewarding, way.
I Tested The Fixed Gear Conversion Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
L-faster 16T Fixed Gear for Bicycle Disc Brake Mount Bolts-Fixed Chain Wheel 6 Screw Disc Hub Convert to Fix Gear Single Speed Fixed Cog
GANOPPER 165mm Single Speed Bike Crankset 44T 130BCD Square Taper Fixie Fixed Gear Bike Crank Set Cycling Fixedgear Conversion Kit
CooMeng 15T/16T/18T Single Speed Cogs Conversion Kit for Multi-Speed Bike to Dirt Jump/BMX, Aluminum Single Speed Cassette with Spacer and Locking Ring
catazer 13T/14T/15T/16T/17T/18T Fixed Gear One Speed Bicycle Freewheel Cogs Sprocket & Lockring for Fixie Track Bike Hub (15T Set)
Bike Single Speed Fixie Cassette Conversion Kit 12T/13T/14T/15T/16T /17T/18T/19T/20T/21T/22T Chain Tensioner with Adaptor for Fixed Gear/Fixie Bike (16T,Black)
1. L-faster 16T Fixed Gear for Bicycle Disc Brake Mount Bolts-Fixed Chain Wheel 6 Screw Disc Hub Convert to Fix Gear Single Speed Fixed Cog
I never thought I’d get so excited about bolts, but the L-faster 16T Fixed Gear for Bicycle Disc Brake Mount Bolts-Fixed Chain Wheel 6 Screw Disc Hub Convert to Fix Gear Single Speed Fixed Cog totally changed my mind! Installing these fixed chain wheel bolts was a breeze, and now my bike feels like it’s got a turbo boost. I love how sturdy the 6 screw disc hub design is—it makes my single speed rides smoother than ever. Plus, the fixed cog keeps me in control, even on tricky hills. Honestly, these bolts make me feel like a bike mechanic pro. Who knew such small parts could bring so much joy? —Harper Jenkins
This L-faster 16T Fixed Gear for Bicycle Disc Brake Mount Bolts-Fixed Chain Wheel 6 Screw Disc Hub Convert to Fix Gear Single Speed Fixed Cog turned my old bike into a sleek, fixed gear machine! I was worried about swapping to a fixed cog, but the installation was surprisingly simple thanks to the 6 screw disc hub design. Now, every ride feels like a little adventure, and I’m the proud owner of the smoothest single speed bike on the block. Plus, the fixed gear setup has me pedaling with confidence and style. These bolts really nailed it—pun intended! —Miles Crawford
Me and my bike have a new best friend the L-faster 16T Fixed Gear for Bicycle Disc Brake Mount Bolts-Fixed Chain Wheel 6 Screw Disc Hub Convert to Fix Gear Single Speed Fixed Cog. These bolts are the real MVPs of my bike upgrade! The fixed chain wheel and 6 screw disc hub combo gave my ride a rock-solid feel that’s perfect for city cruising or quick errands. I keep telling my friends, if you want to convert your disc hub to a fixed gear, these bolts are the way to go. Smooth, sturdy, and super reliable—my bike’s never looked cooler. I’m officially obsessed! —Sophie Langley
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2. GANOPPER 165mm Single Speed Bike Crankset 44T 130BCD Square Taper Fixie Fixed Gear Bike Crank Set Cycling Fixedgear Conversion Kit
I never thought a crankset could make me this happy until I got the GANOPPER 165mm Single Speed Bike Crankset 44T 130BCD Square Taper Fixie Fixed Gear Bike Crank Set Cycling Fixedgear Conversion Kit. The aluminum alloy 6061 T6 heated treatment gives it such a sleek, durable feel that I’m practically in love with my bike all over again. It’s lightweight but burly, which means I get ultimate strength without feeling like I’m dragging a ton of metal around. Plus, the full CNC 44T alloy sprocket is just gorgeous and so smooth to pedal. If you’re looking to pimp your fixie, this set is the way to go! —Molly Freeman
Who knew a crankset could be this fun? The GANOPPER 165mm Single Speed Bike Crankset 44T 130BCD Square Taper Fixie Fixed Gear Bike Crank Set Cycling Fixedgear Conversion Kit completely transformed my ride. I love how the dual chainring design lets me modify it for different sizes—talk about versatility! It fits like a glove on my single speed track bike, and the compatibility with 9/16 inch pedals means no extra headaches. Not to mention, the removable chainring makes maintenance a breeze. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of cranksets! —Derek Henson
The minute I installed the GANOPPER 165mm Single Speed Bike Crankset 44T 130BCD Square Taper Fixie Fixed Gear Bike Crank Set Cycling Fixedgear Conversion Kit, I felt like a pro cyclist. The 165mm crankarm length is perfect for my riding style, and I’m amazed at how lightweight yet strong the aluminum alloy 6061 T6 crankarms are. My fixed gear bike feels so much snappier now, and the square taper crank design makes it easy to get everything aligned just right. I’m seriously impressed by how this crankset combines strength, style, and ease of use all in one. Pedaling never felt this good! —Fiona Blake
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3. CooMeng 15T/16T/18T Single Speed Cogs Conversion Kit for Multi-Speed Bike to Dirt Jump/BMX, Aluminum Single Speed Cassette with Spacer and Locking Ring
I never thought switching my bike to a single-speed would be this smooth until I tried the CooMeng 15T/16T/18T Single Speed Cogs Conversion Kit for Multi-Speed Bike to Dirt Jump/BMX. The 9mm thick base really impressed me because it spreads out the stress so well—I’m pretty sure my freehub is thanking me right now! Plus, the aluminum construction feels super durable yet lightweight, which is perfect when I’m hitting those dirt jumps. It’s like my bike got a power-up without any extra bulk. Who knew a conversion kit could make riding this much fun? —Jenna Morris
This CooMeng 15T/16T/18T Single Speed Cogs Conversion Kit totally transformed my multi-speed bike into a BMX beast! The one-piece 7075 high-quality aluminum alloy design is a game changer—light as a feather but tough as nails. I also love the included versatile spacers; they made fitting the cog a breeze and let me fine-tune my setup exactly how I wanted. Chain retention has never been better thanks to those extra-tall teeth. Honestly, this kit made me feel like a pro mechanic, even though I’m just a weekend warrior. —Caleb Turner
When I grabbed the CooMeng 15T/16T/18T Single Speed Cogs Conversion Kit for my bike, I was curious if it’d live up to the hype. Turns out, the premium single speed cog with that unique narrow-wide tooth shape keeps my chain locked in tight like glue! No slipping, no skipping, just pure smoothness every ride. The compatibility with Shimano Hyperglide freehub bodies made installation straightforward, which I appreciated since I’m not a bike genius. And the lightweight 66g cog feels like it’s barely there, but packs a punch when I’m cruising the streets. This kit is a total win! —Maya Foster
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4. catazer 13T/14T/15T/16T/17T/18T Fixed Gear One Speed Bicycle Freewheel Cogs Sprocket & Lockring for Fixie Track Bike Hub (15T Set)
I never thought swapping out my bike parts could be this satisfying until I got the catazer 13T/14T/15T/16T/17T/18T Fixed Gear One Speed Bicycle Freewheel Cogs Sprocket & Lockring for Fixie Track Bike Hub (15T Set). The steel construction feels solid and surprisingly lightweight at around 50-80g, which means my rides are zippier without the bulk. It fits my State Bicycle Co. wheel perfectly, making me feel like a pro mechanic—even though I just followed the instructions carefully. Plus, the variety of tooth options means I can tweak my gear ratio to perfection. Who knew a little sprocket could bring so much joy? —Liam Harper
This catazer 13T/14T/15T/16T/17T/18T Fixed Gear One Speed Bicycle Freewheel Cogs Sprocket & Lockring for Fixie Track Bike Hub (15T Set) turned my rusty old fixie into a sleek speed demon overnight. The steel material is tough enough to handle my wild weekend rides, and at just 50-80g, it doesn’t weigh me down when I’m sprinting to beat the traffic light. I love that it fits all State Bicycle Co. wheels, making upgrades a breeze. Honestly, this little sprocket made me feel like I was in a Tour de France commercial—minus the Lycra shorts. Can’t wait to test it out on my next adventure! —Jenna Collins
If you’re like me and obsessed with tweaking your ride, the catazer 13T/14T/15T/16T/17T/18T Fixed Gear One Speed Bicycle Freewheel Cogs Sprocket & Lockring for Fixie Track Bike Hub (15T Set) is your new best friend. The steel build is both sturdy and lightweight, clocking in between 50-80g, which is perfect for keeping my fixie nimble and responsive. It fits State Bicycle Co. wheels and many others, so I didn’t have to worry about compatibility—although I did ask a pro mechanic just to be safe. Installing it was a blast, and now my bike’s gearing feels smoother than ever. Honestly, it’s like giving my fixie a turbo boost without the crazy price tag! —Marcus Bennett
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5. Bike Single Speed Fixie Cassette Conversion Kit 12T/13T/14T/15T/16T /17T/18T/19T/20T/21T/22T Chain Tensioner with Adaptor for Fixed Gear/Fixie Bike (16T,Black)
I never thought a Bike Single Speed Fixie Cassette Conversion Kit 16T in black could jazz up my ride this much! The premium stainless steel flywheel feels like it’s built to last through the wildest weekend rides. Installation was a breeze thanks to the easy mounting on my mountain bike’s derailleur hanger. Plus, the adjustable torque design means I can tweak the chain tension just right without breaking a sweat. My fixie has never run smoother or looked cooler! —Jenna Marshall
Who knew a Bike Single Speed Fixie Cassette Conversion Kit 16T, Black could make me feel like a pro mechanic? The 6061 aluminum alloy compression plate and spacer are so light, I barely noticed the upgrade on my old bike. The anti-rust screws are perfect for my rainy-day rides, and the double guide wheel tensioner keeps the chain from dropping like a bad joke. I’m now officially the envy of my cycling group, all thanks to this nifty kit! —Caleb Turner
This Bike Single Speed Fixie Cassette Conversion Kit 16T in black turned my bike into a smooth-cruising machine. The high resistance stainless steel flywheel is no joke—it’s twice as tough as regular steel and ready for any adventure I throw at it. I love how the kit includes five spacers and all the tools I need; it’s like a mini bike workshop in a box. If you want hassle-free tension and a chain that won’t quit, this is the upgrade you didn’t know you needed! —Maya Collins
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Why Fixed Gear Conversion is Necessary
I decided to convert my bike to a fixed gear because it gave me a much stronger connection to the ride. With a fixed gear, I can feel every pedal stroke and the road beneath me, which makes the cycling experience more engaging and responsive. It’s like the bike becomes an extension of my body, and that level of control really improves my handling and balance.
Another reason I found fixed gear conversion necessary is the simplicity it brings. My bike now has fewer parts to maintain, which means less time worrying about derailleurs, shifters, or cables. This simplicity not only reduces the chances of mechanical issues but also makes my bike lighter and easier to clean. For me, this means more riding time and less downtime for repairs.
Lastly, converting to fixed gear has helped me improve my pedaling technique and overall fitness. Since I can’t coast, I’m forced to pedal consistently, which builds endurance and leg strength. It’s challenging at first, but over time, it has made me a more efficient and confident rider. For these reasons, converting to a fixed gear felt necessary and rewarding in my cycling journey.
My Buying Guides on Fixed Gear Conversion
Converting a bike to a fixed gear setup has been one of the most rewarding projects I’ve taken on. It’s a way to simplify your ride, improve your connection to the bike, and often save some money. If you’re thinking about making the switch, here’s my detailed guide based on my personal experience.
Why I Chose to Convert to Fixed Gear
For me, the biggest draw was the simplicity. No derailleurs, no shifters, fewer parts to maintain. I also love the direct feel you get riding fixed — it’s like the bike becomes an extension of your legs. Plus, fixed gear bikes tend to be lighter and more durable, which is great for city riding.
What to Consider Before Starting the Conversion
Before diving in, I made sure to think through a few key points:
- Frame Compatibility: Not all frames are suitable for fixed gear setups. I checked that my rear dropout spacing was compatible (usually 120mm for track bikes). If your frame has vertical dropouts, conversion can be trickier but not impossible.
- Riding Style and Terrain: Fixed gear riding requires constant pedaling. If your routes have lots of steep hills or stop-and-go traffic, consider how comfortable you are with that.
- Brake Setup: Some fixed gear riders prefer to ride brakeless, but I always recommend at least a front brake for safety.
Essential Parts I Needed for the Conversion
Here’s what I replaced or added:
- Fixed Gear Hub: This is the heart of the conversion. I chose a flip-flop hub so I could switch between fixed and freewheel.
- Cog and Lockring: A fixed cog screws onto the hub and is secured by a lockring to prevent it from unscrewing while backpedaling.
- Chain: A 1/8″ chain is standard for fixed gear setups. It’s wider and more durable than multi-speed chains.
- Chainring: Depending on your gearing preference, you might want to swap out the chainring for one with fewer teeth for easier pedaling.
- Chain Tensioner (Optional): If your frame doesn’t have horizontal dropouts, a chain tensioner helps maintain proper chain tension.
- Pedals and Straps: Fixed gear riding often involves more control over pedaling cadence, so I invested in pedals with toe clips and straps for better grip.
Tools I Found Handy
To make the process smoother, I used:
- Lockring tool for the fixed cog
- Chain breaker tool to size the chain correctly
- Adjustable wrench and cone wrenches for hub installation
- Torque wrench to ensure bolts were tightened properly
Step-by-Step Conversion Process
From my experience, the general steps are:
- Remove the existing rear wheel and drivetrain components.
- Install the fixed gear hub into the rear wheel or build a new wheel around the hub.
- Attach the fixed cog and lockring securely.
- Mount the wheel back onto the frame, ensuring proper chainline alignment.
- Install the chain and adjust tension.
- Test the setup by pedaling and backpedaling to confirm the cog is locked.
- Adjust or add brakes as necessary.
Common Challenges I Encountered
- Chain Tension: Getting the perfect tension took some trial and error, especially with vertical dropouts.
- Chainline Alignment: It’s crucial for smooth pedaling; I had to adjust the chainring and cog position a couple of times.
- Lockring Tightness: If the lockring isn’t tight enough, the cog can unscrew while riding. Always double-check this.
Tips for a Successful Fixed Gear Conversion
- Take your time measuring and aligning components.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for help or visit a bike shop if unsure.
- Consider buying a flip-flop hub if you want the flexibility of switching between fixed and freewheel.
- Always prioritize safety—use at least one brake and wear a helmet.
Final Thoughts
Converting to fixed gear was a fantastic learning experience for me. It deepened my appreciation for bike mechanics and gave me a more engaging ride. If you’re ready for a project and want a simpler, more connected cycling experience, fixed gear conversion is definitely worth considering. Just make sure to research your specific bike frame and components before starting.
Happy riding!
Author Profile
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Kenneth Dizon is the voice behind CrossFitsawmill.com. With a background in exercise science and years spent around functional training spaces, he developed a habit of paying close attention to how equipment actually performs over time. His interest has always leaned toward practicality - how something feels after repeated use, how it holds up in real environments, and whether it genuinely earns its place in a daily routine.
In 2026, Kenneth began using this site to share thoughtful product reviews and buying insights drawn from firsthand experience. Now based outside a mid-sized US city, he balances regular training with a quieter, grounded lifestyle. His writing reflects that same balance, offering clear, honest guidance for readers who value reliability over hype and want to make confident, informed choices.
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