Single Speed Fixed Gear Bikes and Single Speed Freewheel Road Bikes. In technical terms, a fixed gear bike is a bicycle without a freewheel and only 1 speed. This means that while the bicycle is in motion, the pedals are always moving. This always gives the rider the ability to power the bike backwards, if desired. Also, this gives the cyclist the ability to stop the bike by back pedaling. Some fixed gear bikes will have an added freewheel or have the option of being fixed or free. Additionally, it is common that fixed gear bikes will have brakes added, although many fixed gear riders prefer to ride without brakes. Fixed gear bikes come from a track cycling tradition, where track riders ride in a circular velodrome. In actuality, most fixed gears are actually track bikes, but a track bike on the road is often thought of as a fixed gear.