Tight circuits, high speeds, pure adrenaline: crit racing is one of the most intense disciplines in cycling. In recent years, fixed-gear crits in particular have evolved from a niche subculture into a core part of the urban racing scene. One rider right in the middle of it is Steven Carleton—based in Switzerland and lining up at several races this spring.
From Everyday Bike to the Starting Grid
Like many riders, Steven’s story didn’t begin with performance testing or a racing license. It started simply. “I bought a bike through a friend who worked in a bike shop and just used it to get around.”
That quickly changed when he started working as a bicycle courier. Riding countless kilometers every day—through traffic, in all kinds of weather—turned cycling into much more than just a way to get from A to B.
Over time, his interest in the sport itself grew. Steven began diving deeper into the cycling scene, and one format kept catching his attention: fixed-gear crit racing. The mix of speed, technical riding, and an urban race format fascinated him immediately. It didn’t take long before he signed up for his first race.
Why Crits? Why Fixed Gear?
Crits are fast, loud, tight—and brutally honest. What still excites Steven most about them today is their uncompromising nature.
In fixed-gear crits especially, many key decisions are made before the race even starts. The most important one: choosing the right gear ratio.
“You have to make the right decision when it comes to gear choice. You’re riding without brakes on pretty tight circuits at very high speed.”
Once the race begins, there’s no way to adjust. Every pedal stroke, every corner, every racing line has to be precise. Braking happens only through the fixed drivetrain, the peloton stays tightly packed, and mistakes are punished instantly.
For Steven, it’s exactly this combination of risk, control, and racing intensity that makes the discipline so appealing.
The Right Setup for Crit Racing
Fixed-gear crits are traditionally raced on track bikes: a single gear, fixed drivetrain, no brakes. Steven rides with the support of his main sponsor Löwenzahn Bikes, also based in Switzerland.
Despite the minimalist setup, the details matter enormously. Tire choice and tire pressure are constant topics, as they play a crucial role in grip, rolling resistance, and control on tight urban courses.
Clothing has also evolved toward a clear performance focus. Many riders still rely on the classic combination of bib shorts and a jersey, but race suits are becoming increasingly common. They offer aerodynamic advantages and improved comfort at high speeds—factors that can make a decisive difference in short, intense races.
Season Highlights 2026
The upcoming season has several highlights lined up for Steven. One major goal is the Ironman Thun, a challenge that offers a fascinating contrast to explosive crit racing and requires a completely different kind of preparation.
At the same time, his passion remains firmly rooted in short, high-intensity races. His favorite event is still the Zuricrit, one of the best-known fixed-gear crit races in Switzerland.
Alongside that, his season includes several smaller races where speed, technical skill, and race toughness take center stage.
One of the standout moments in spring is the legendary Rad Race – Last Man Standing in Berlin. Held on a go-kart track, it’s famous for its extremely technical layout and relentless pace.
Crit racing is more than just a race. It’s a statement for pure cycling—precision, courage, and absolute control.
And that same philosophy is reflected in our apparel: functional, uncompromising, and built for maximum speed—whether it’s on the go-kart track in Berlin or at the Zuricrit in the middle of the city.
