Bike Ark Fixie Orb (2019) - Review

by Simon Ananda Raj May 19, 2025 1 min read

The Bike Ark Fixie Orb is designed around the simplicity of fixed-speed urban cycling, combining a hi-tensile steel frame with a rigid steel fork and 700c wheels. Its minimalist drivetrain removes the complexity of derailleurs and conventional shifters, making the bicycle straightforward to operate and maintain. The Compass 700x28c tyres are suited to paved city surfaces and help maintain a smooth, efficient rolling character. With its distinctive fixie styling and bullhorn/flat handlebar configuration, the Orb has a sporty appearance that stands out in urban surroundings. The 12.3kg listed weight also keeps the overall package reasonably manageable for everyday cycling.

“A clean and stylish fixie built around simple urban riding.”

Buy Now

Simon Ananda Raj

Bike Ark Fixie Orb (2019)

Snapshot

4.1

Product Rating Out of 5

Performance 3.9

Design 4.2

Features 3.9

Value for Money 4.2
THINGS WE LIKE

✔ Aesthetic design

✔ Smooth pedaling

✔ Powerful Brakes

THINGS WE DON'T LIKE

✖ No QR on Seat Post

✖ N/A

✖ N/A
Frame

Hi-Tensile Steel

The frame geometry had a perfect combination of comfort and aggressiveness, which made sure acceleration and cutting through traffic, was easy.
Fork

Hi-Tensile Steel

Strong Fork.
Gearing

Fixed Gear

The flip-flop hub enables the rider to switch between fixie and freewheel model easily.
Breaks

Z-Star Alloy V-Brakes

The Z-star Alloy V-brakes were fast to react and balanced as well.
Tires

Compass 700x28c

The Compass 700x28c tires were fast rolling on urban roads.
Battery

N/A

N/A

: The Bike Ark Fixie Orb uses a hi-tensile steel frame that provides a sturdy foundation for regular city riding. Its fixed-speed design gives the bicycle a clean appearance because there are no front or rear derailleurs or shifter cables competing for attention. The rigid hi-tensile steel fork complements the frame with a simple and stable front-end construction. Its bullhorn/flat 600mm handlebar adds a sporty visual character while offering different hand positions depending on the configuration. The overall design has a distinctly urban personality, making it suitable for riders who value appearance as well as straightforward functionality.

"
“The Orb combines classic steel construction with a distinctly modern fixie look.”
: The Orb uses a fixed-speed drivetrain rather than a conventional multi-speed gear system, so there are no derailleurs or shifters to operate. Its 44T steel crankset works with the 16T rear sprocket listed for the bicycle, creating a simple drivetrain focused on direct power transfer. The Joytech Hi-Flange flip-flop hub is another notable component because this hub design can provide flexibility between fixed and freewheel configurations depending on the fitted setup. With fewer moving drivetrain components, maintenance is comparatively straightforward. The setup is particularly suited to riders who enjoy maintaining a steady rhythm during urban rides rather than frequently changing gears.

"
“The simple drivetrain keeps every pedal stroke direct and uncomplicated.”
: Comfort on the Fixie Orb comes primarily from its frame geometry, saddle design, tyres and riding position rather than from suspension. The bicycle uses a rigid fork, so there is no suspension travel to absorb larger bumps, but this keeps the steering structure simple and efficient. Its BikeArk ergonomically designed wide saddle provides a broader seating surface for everyday urban riding. The 700x28c Compass tyres provide a relatively narrow road-oriented profile that is appropriate for paved surfaces. Riders using the Orb mainly on smooth city roads can benefit from its efficient setup, while rougher roads may feel more noticeable through the rigid frame and fork.

"
“Its comfort comes from its saddle, geometry and tyres rather than suspension.”
: The Fixie Orb is equipped with Z-Star Alloy V-Brakes and alloy brake levers, giving the bicycle conventional braking control despite its fixed-speed drivetrain. The expert review noted that the V-brakes offered quick response and balanced stopping performance during the test ride. The rigid steel fork keeps the steering system direct, while the bullhorn/flat 600mm handlebar provides a sporty cockpit suitable for navigating city streets. The absence of suspension also means steering feedback remains relatively direct on smooth surfaces. Together, the braking and steering components give the Orb a straightforward road-focused character for urban use.

"
“Direct steering and responsive V-brakes suit the Orb's urban character.”
: The Bike Ark Fixie Orb uses 700c wheels with Compass 700x28c tyres, a combination suited to maintaining momentum on paved roads. The exact Fixie Orb specification lists double-wall alloy rims with a magnesium tri-spoke alloy option, while the Joytech Hi-Flange flip-flop hub completes the wheel setup. The 28c tyre width keeps the bicycle oriented toward efficient urban riding rather than rough-terrain use. Its ergonomically designed wide saddle is intended to provide a supportive seating platform for everyday rides. This wheel-and-saddle combination helps balance the Orb's sporty fixie character with practical city usability.

"
“The 700c wheels keep the ride quick and efficient across paved city roads.”

: Provide the answer to the question here.

"
Quote
: The Bike Ark Fixie Orb is a straightforward urban fixed-speed bicycle that combines a hi-tensile steel frame, rigid steel fork, 700c wheels and a simple drivetrain. Its 12.3kg listed weight, Compass 700x28c tyres, V-brakes and flip-flop hub give it a practical component package for city-focused cycling. The bicycle's strongest character comes from its clean fixie styling and uncomplicated riding experience rather than from advanced suspension or multi-speed equipment. Riders who prefer simple maintenance and a distinctive urban design will find the specification focused on those priorities. Overall, the Orb remains a clearly defined city-oriented fixie with a simple mechanical layout and sporty appearance.