Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between fixed gear and single speed?
On a fixie, the rear-cog is fixed to the rear wheel which means that they are unable to rotate independently of each other. So, if the wheels are moving then the pedals will as well, just like on a child’s tricycle. Bearings in the sprocket mean that this is not the case for single-speed bikes however. The wheels can turn even if the pedals are not, enabling the rider to coast. So, fixed-gear and single-speed bikes differ in that fixies do not permit coasting whilst single-speed bikes do. All Quella bikes come with a ‘Flip-Flop Hub’ meaning they come with both a fixed and a single-speed rear sprocket. All the rider needs to do is turn the rear wheel around to switch between the two.
Does my fixie come with brakes and pedals?
Yes, it will. We often photograph our bikes without brakes or pedals for aesthetic purposes but rest assured they come with both.
Do I have to assemble my bike?
Your bike will arrive 85% assembled. You will need to install the pedals*, attach the handlebars, drop the seat post in and tighten all the bolts. The bike comes with a multi-spanner and Allen-Keys to assist you when assembling. It is possible to build the bike with just a moderate knowledge of bicycles, but Quella highly recommends that all bikes be built by a professional bike mechanic for safety and proper tuning. Shipping direct to your local bike store for assembly is possible.
*Make sure you check the initial at the end of the pedal, L or R before inserting into the correct crank arm, the pedal should go in with little to no force using your fingertips*
Click below links for ‘HOW TO’ videos –
What tools will I need?
All the tools you will need to do the final assembly of your Quella bike will be supplied with your bike. All except a tyre pump.
What are gear ratios?
Gear ratios are calculated by dividing the number of ‘Teeth’ on the main chainring by the number of ‘Teeth’ on the rear-cog. The higher this number, the harder it is to accelerate and the higher the potential top-speed that can be achieved. As this number, or ratio, gets lower however, accelerating becomes easier and the potential top-speed decreases. The way you can adjust this ratio is to change the number of ‘Teeth’ on either of the sprockets. To increase the ratio you need to either increase the number of ‘Teeth’ on the main chainring or decrease the number of ‘Teeth’ on the rear-cog. Conversely, to decrease the ratio you must either decrease the number of ‘Teeth’ on the main chainring or increase the number of ‘Teeth’ on the rear-cog. Our bikes are setup to ensure the best fit for commuters. This means that the rider can get plenty of speed on the straights whilst still being able to set off easily from the lights.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept various payment methods, including credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), PayPal, and Apple Pay. You can choose the payment option that is most convenient for you during the checkout process.
How do I track my order?
You will receive an order confirmation via email upon receipt of your order, an invoice upon payment and a despatch note when the bike has been sent out – in which you will find your tracking details. You can use these details to log onto the associated shipping company website – a link for which will be provided in the despatch email – to find out when your delivery will arrive. Alternatively, the customer service departments of the respective shipping companies are very good so give them a call if you need to know in more detail when your bike will arrive.