The bikes were created by messenger couriers in big cities who wanted to reduce weight by removing the gear system and saw the constant pedalling motion as a better way to control their speed in congested traffic. But now these bikes are being taken up by a wider audience. People who don't cycle for a living but ride to live. These bikes are becoming so popular that manufacturers are reporting their biggest sales growth in fixed-gear bikes.

Apart from the standard advantages of fixies, like speed control with your legs and a lighter bike all round, there is another reason why the bikes are being taken up by the masses. They enhance your image. Hopping on one of these bikes instantly raises your cool status 10 points.  In Adelaide we’ve seen more fixies leaning up against poles and benches outside pubs than alcos on Hindley Street at 11am (and that’s peak hour).