Take a close look at this bike.  A real, hard look.  Notice anything different?  That’s not a chain you’re pulling when you turn that crank– its a belt.  Following suit from a trendsetting group of boutique bike builders, Trek has released its first series of fixed gear bikes with a belt-drive system, not a chain.  Belt-drive systems are lighter, quieter, firmer and less prone to stretching/breaking like the typical chain.  The Trek Soho Urban Commuter Bike is among the first major brand bikes to use this technology.  Personally, we might hold off until belt-drive is available on something a bit more sporty, like a Fuji Track Pro or even a Bianchi Pista.  While we wait for that, we’ve got to give Trek a friendly salute for this one.

Buy: $990

This classic Italian stallion is among the most coveted track bikes of the fixed gear movement.  The Bianchi Pista Track Bike and its signature aqua-colored frame can be found weaving through traffic in cities across the globe.  The Pista features a double-butted chrome-moly frame and fork, available in the classic “gang green” shown above or a silvery chrome.  While considered Bianchi’s “budget bike”, the Pista is adored for its simplicity and loved for its performance on the road.  We’ve covered the fixed gear movement quite a bit here on GearCrave.  If you’re looking for your “in”, this might just be it…

Buy: $579

(images courtesy: williamhsu and stupidpony, via flickr)

For those who prefer the latest in tech over vintage appeal, the Fuji Track Pro is one hell of a fixed gear beast.  Built for the velodrome but ready for the streets, this track bike uses a quaternary alloy phase frame with Aero shaped tubing and an integrated head tube.  The Fuji straight blade integrated carbon fork holds the front Alex Crostini tire, connected with a Formula High Flange Hub.  The squeamish can add a brake if they like, while the die hard riders can go without.  The rear wheel can be flipped to run as a single-speed, available for those who prefer a coasted, brake-friendly ride.  In short, Fuji didn’t hold back on components, frame structure and performance enhancements.  Just a few turns of that crank, and you’re at top speed…

Buy: $1220

(images courtesy: juliusbulius and matt-hurst via flickr)

The fixed-gear bike phenomenon is about more than just lighter, faster bikes– it has become a cultural movement buzzing in cities and suburbs across the world. What started on the race track and flourished in the city has caught the attention of forward-thinking design firms like Dresden-based Neongrau. Their contribution to fixed-gear culture is their sleek, sexy Veloheld Urban Spring Classic bike. The black model, shown above, features white detail on the rims, chain, handlebars and pedals. While visually stunning, the Veloheld maintains the fixed-gear focus on simplicity: no brakes, no gears. Worry not about those brakes, however– after a few rides, the back-pedal braking will feel as natural as, well, riding a bike…

Buy: ~$1200

We’re big fans of the fixed gear bike movement here at GearCrave.  So naturally, when a name like Brakeless joins the good people at Weaponshouse to design their own fixed gear beauty, we’re going to share it with you.  The Weaponshouse and Brakeless “Leg Grenade” Track Bike spares no expense on components.  Those Aerospoke wheels are not cheap themselves, and damn do they make this bike sexy.  Just imagine weaving through city traffic on this beauty.  As light as a feather, as fast a bullet, no brakes.  You’ll leave the bike messengers in your dust with this baby, on the streets or in the velodrome.

Buy: $TBD

Gears are for pussies.  While you’re shifting up three gears from standing start to top speed, I’m already 50 feet ahead of you.  One turn of the crank on my bike, and you’re in my dust.  Why?  I’ve only got one speed– fast.  This Fixed Fenomenon is growing by every turn of that single-speed crank.  It is cycling at its purest, it is performance at its best, and counter car culture at its most defiant.  If you want to ride, you absolutely must try it fixed.

Fixed is a new magazine, launched just this past week, for fixed-gear enthusiasts by fixed-gear enthusiasts and serves as both an insider’s playground and an outsider’s peek into the culture from a global perspective. The magazine will be available at select stores, but you can download the first issue free of charge here.

Between traffic lights, between traffic, there is a stretch of pavement fit for just one machine. The stop/start, gas/brake, walk/wait tango of traffic is for mere mortals, whereas the real dance is saved for those who dare to ride fixed. To ride fixed means to ride a bicycle with just one gear, just one brake, and your feet controlling all of the action. From a standing start, you’re just a few pedal turns away from top speed– no shifting, no gears, just pedals and pavement. In cities like Chicago, New York and San Francisco, this trend has hit critical mass. Our friends from Mission Bicycles, straight out of the Mission District in San Francisco, build and sell hand made, customizable “fixeys” for just under a thousand bucks. Their goal is to build custom color and component machines based on the fixed-gear theme. Where the fixed bike revolution started in the velodrome, it has made its way to your city quick enough. If you want the perfect fixey to start your obsession, give Mission Bicycles a shout. [gearpatrol]

Buy: from $795