In Vancouver, fixed-gear bikes have achieved a cool factor that’s been compared with skateboarding culture circa ‘92 - ‘95. They’ve evolved from being the lightweight and low maintenance choice of bike couriers into a sought after fashion accessory. Is Vancouver’s single-speed obsession more about being seen with a fixie than actually riding one?

In Paris, fixie culture is literally underground. Aficionados of the brakeless bike build them from scratch out of scrap parts. It’s a way of life, a primary form of transportation, not a fad. Unless you’ve broken bones or knocked out teeth in one or more bad crashes, you’re seen as a poser.

Every Sunday, leaders of the fixie scene in Paris meet up at the Palais de Tokyo for bike polo. It’s gets wild!

Thanks for the photos Sidy!