A fixed-gear bicycle is a single-speed bike without a freewheel. Whenever the bike is in motion, the pedals will also spin around. As such, it is not possible to coast on a fixed-gear bicycle.

Because of the lack of gears and levers found on conventional bikes, a fixed-gear is considerably lighter and has very pure, simplistic appearance. Due to the mechanics, your body feels like an extension of the bicycle. This results in a sense of a connection to the road beneath. It is a feeling that must be experienced.

I bought the bicycle from BikesDirect.com, a merchant I can now recommend after having a good purchasing experience. Because they sell factory direct, they are able to offer a significant discount.

My bike was delivered on Wednesday. After buying the necessary tools an supplies from Missing Link, I assembled the bike on Thursday, and took my first ride on Friday. A photograph of the bicycle can been viewed on Flickr.

It is expected that anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 people in the nine Bay Area counties will take this opportunity to bike to work. A raffle is being held, where you can pledge to ride at least once during the week of May 14-18 and enter for a chance to win prizes.

As I do most days, I’ll be riding my bicycle to work on Thursday. I encourage others to do the same!