How to DJ on a Fixie

A fixed-gear bicycle, or fixie, is a bicycle with no variable gears and no freewheel. The lack of a freewheel requires the cyclist to pedal as long as the bike is in motion, effectively eliminating the ability to coast, and the single-speed nature of the fixed-gear bicycle makes certain hills and other terrain types much more physically demanding than they would be on a multispeed bicycle. With the rise of fixed-gear cycling clubs and groups, cyclists may find themselves wanting to provide some on-road entertainment for their cyclist friends. DJing from your fixie is one way to take your group's ride to the next level.

Things You'll Need

  • Bike-mounted speakers
  • MP3 player or MP3-enabled mobile phone
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mount your speakers onto the handlebars of your bicycle using the manufacturer-supplied mounting gear and instructions. If you were not supplied with proper mounting gear or instructions, you should contact the manufacturer for help.

    • 2

      Load your MP3 player or MP3-ready mobile phone with a playlist full of music that is appropriate for the age group of the cyclists and that you suspect will be a big hit with the group. You can take a survey of people's favorite artists prior to making the playlist if you do not know your group very well.

    • 3

      Hook your device up to your speakers and press the "Play" button as the ride begins.

    • 4

      Gauge the mood of your fellow riders. As the DJ, you control the pace of the music and, to an extent, the pace of the ride. If everyone seems tired, you may want to ask how everyone is doing and then announce that you will be slowing it down for a little while.

    • 5

      Take feedback at the end of the ride so that you can better prepare your next mix, and do not be afraid to let other people get involved in the generation of the playlist.