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flip-flop hub

Noun

A bicycle hub with two sides, one with a freewheel and one with a fixed gear.

Example usage: My Flip-Flop Hub allows me to switch between a freewheel and a fixed gear.

Most used in: Fixed gear cycling circles.

Most used by: Fixed gear cyclists who use their bikes for both recreation and commuting.

Popularity: 8/10

Comedy Value: 4/10

Also see: Flip-Flop Hub, Reversible Hub, Fixed/Free Hub, Track Hub,

What is a Flip-Flop Hub in Fixed Gear Cycling?

A flip-flop hub is a type of bicycle hub designed for fixed gear bicycles. It has two sides: one side is threaded for a fixed cog and the other side is threaded for a single speed freewheel. The idea is that the cyclist can flip the wheel over to the other side and switch from a fixed gear to a single speed freewheel.

Flip-flop hubs are becoming increasingly popular among fixed gear cyclists, with some estimates suggesting that around 40% of fixed gear bikes now have flip-flop hubs. This is largely due to the versatility that flip-flop hubs offer cyclists. The ability to switch from a fixed gear to a single speed freewheel gives riders the option to vary their riding style and challenge themselves by changing up their gear ratio.

Flip-flop hubs are also relatively inexpensive and easy to install. This makes them an attractive option for cyclists looking to customize their ride without breaking the bank. Overall, flip-flop hubs are a great way to add versatility to any fixed gear bike.

The Origin of the Term 'Flip-Flop Hub' in Fixed Gear Cycling

The term 'flip-flop hub' has been used to describe a type of bicycle hub since the early 2000s. This type of hub is commonly used in fixed gear cycling, which is the practice of riding a bicycle with a single gear and no freewheel mechanism.

The hub is designed to allow the cyclist to switch between a fixed gear and a freewheel gear without having to remove the wheel from the frame. This is done by flipping the wheel around, hence the term 'flip-flop'. The hub was first used in the cycling community in the San Francisco Bay Area in the United States, where it quickly became popular among fixed gear cyclists.

Today, the flip-flop hub has become a common feature of many fixed gear bicycles and can be found in a variety of sizes and configurations. The popularity of the hub has grown to the point where it is now widely available and used in many different countries around the world.

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