Fyxation introduced the Quiver frame earlier this year, offering it in single speed, 1×10 and 2×10 complete builds. Or as a frameset, letting you decorate the 4130 chromoly frame anyway you like.
We brought in the 1×10 for review, which was built up with SRAM Apex, A-Class wheelset and smattering of Fyxation parts and pieces to make it roll. Most of its miles were under Ben, who commutes to work daily, along with a couple errands and joy rides by the rest of us.
Looking for a cheap, durable commuter that can take a few hits and still join in on the B or C weekend group ride? Roll past the break and see why the Quiver could be that +1 your own collection needs…
The Quiver’s fairly unassuming looks help it blend into city environs quite well, not attracting attention to itself, but not being that embarrassing spray painted beater, either.
Spec is solid for a $1,199 price point, including a shallow drop FSA alloy bar, house brand stem and Ritchey headset.
The Tektro calipers worked fine for the job, but some grabbier pads would be a good first upgrade.
There’s room in the frame for a 47c tire, perhaps with different brakes though.
Removable cable stops keep the frame smooth and clean if you’re running singlespeed or 1×10 setups.
Standard threaded bottom bracket and 1-1/4″ head tube is expected for a steel frame, particularly at this price point. And both have worked just fine for years, no need to change them for a bike like this.
The Fyxation Pilot seat post and saddle are solid performers, with enough padding for commuting in standard trousers without discomfort.
A wide range cassette makes up for the single chainring on the front to provide a good gear range. Their external sliding hanger is pretty trick, adding to the clean lines if you’re running single speed. It also pairs with their SixFyx custom rear derailleur collabo with Microshift to turn any 120mm spaced frame into a six speed geared bike.
The original chain had some issues, so we replaced it with a KMC, hence the orange Teflon-coated inner plates.
All in (sans pedals), the largest size 59 came in at a respectable 24lb 13oz.
RIDE REVIEWS
BEN’S REVIEW: I test rode the Fyxation Quiver 1×10 for a month as my commuter, giving my 1980s steel Rossin a break. The first thing I noticed about this bike was the weight and larger 35c Session 700 tires, which proved to make the bike incredibly stable and comfortable. My wife loved pedaling this bike to run errands because of the stability afforded by the sturdy cro-mo frame and the beefy tires. The plush ride made my usual steed feel flimsy and harsh. The 46 tooth front chain ring with an 11-32 10 speed cassette allowed me to wind it up when I needed to get ahead of traffic and also let me take it easy over the hills when trying not to break a sweat on the way to work. The Tektro brakes had more stopping power than the older 105s on my usual commuter. The bike I tested was did not have a chain guide and I dropped the chain several times when hopping over curbs and small obstacles. I think this bike is an excellent commuter and my only additions would be a front rack and maybe some fenders. It seems a bit heavy for the climbing that usually comes along with any gravel grinding rides, but it could be done – with some smaller tires of course.
TYLER’S REVIEW: Colin and I both had far fewer rides on it than Ben, but both of us loved it. Remember that Huffy you had when you were a kid? It’s like that, only much higher quality. It’s one of those bikes you can just hop on and ride. No fiddling, no need for special shoes and pedals, just something to get out and go. Which makes it perfect for short trips, riding with the family, commuting or anything else short of full on training rides. Fyxation’s tires are big and burly, so I had no fear of flatting. Or losing traction, regardless of weather. Fortunately, I didn’t have the chain drop issues Ben did. I could ride down stairs on it. Or across multiple train tracks. All without slowing down at all. And that’s what makes it so fun…just like a bicycle should be.
