THE ZEPHYR TRACK FORK CARBON AESTHETIC.

X-Wound ebony carbon and low rake give the Zephyr track fork the ideal aesthetic for a fixed gear bike. Wound Up’s X-Wound carbon fiber technology creates elite racing performance by better absorbing road vibrations and enhanced acceleration.  Though originally developed for the velodrome, the Zephyr’s association with fixie culture has, by now, eclipsed its original sport purpose.  You’ll be able to slice through traffic with precision or dominate the track. Either way, you won’t find a better ride.

TRACK RACING: THE VICTORIAN CYCLING SPORT.

Track racing took off in late Victorian Era England, soon growing to become an international sporting sensation. Velodromes sprouted around the world. Track racing was included in the first modern Olympic games, and, with the exception of the 1912 Games, has appeared in every Summer Olympics since. Velodrome racing saw a decline in the mid and late 20th century in the US, but currently appears to be enjoying a resurgence.

TAKING FIXED GEAR TO THE CITY STREETS.

Bike messengers preferred fixed-gear bicycles because of their simplicity. Fewer mechanical components translated to less maintenance and fewer repairs. The fixie had a lower cost-of-entry into bicycle ownership, and hence, the messenger business. Another advantage: a fixie’s asceticism made it less attractive to would-be thieves.

FIXED-GEAR BIKE CULTURE GOES BIG.

Eventually, the mythology of the self-reliant and resourceful bike messenger percolated into social awareness and gained resonance. Many urbanites admired the fixie’s spartan reliability, performance and longevity. By the early 2000s, fixie aficionados had coalesced into their own subculture that revolved around a dedication to the fixed-gear ethos. A vibrant contemporary movement continues to be fueled by fixie collectives such as Macaframa.

TRACK FORK CARBON PERFORMANCE YOU CAN FEEL.

The zen fixie aesthetic has found a fit in the Zephyr. Its round, filament-wound carbon fiber legs and reverse dropouts give it an understated sophistication that seems designed to please the fixie set. Yet, we were making the Zephyr before fixed-gear bikes became a big deal. It looked exactly the same then as it does now. That’s because we designed it to optimize ride control and ride quality. Its looks are a secondary function of its utilitarian design. But hey, what could be more minimalist than that?

Amy Danger agrees. Amy, a renowned vintage track bike builder (check out her Flickr and Instagram) discusses why she chose to include the Zephyr fork on her pristine 1995 green Cannondale track bike.