A single speed bike only has one gear, a single cog attached to a freewheel hub which allows the rider to coast when going downhill but forces additional effort when faced with a steep climb.
Some people confuse single speeds with a fixed gear bike, which, although operating on the same principle, does not permit coasting as the pedals are constantly turning. That said, a bike can be set up for both freewheeling and fixed wheel riding by fitting a flip-flop hub which can be reversed, depending on the style of riding required.
Most single speed bikes are ridden by road cyclists but more and more brands are now offering single speed mountain bike models proving their popularity even in the MTB world.
Advantages of Single Speed Bikes
- They are lighter and faster as they have less bike components. For a road cyclist, weight is everything; even it means having to work a little harder on the climbs.
- Single speeds are more efficient as there is no weight of a drive train and the chain can run in a straight line without having to do a loop the loop through pulleys and the cassette. That makes it easier and also faster to pedal.
- Maintenance is quick and easy. No chain rings or cassette to clean, no gear cables to adjust when gears keep slipping. In short, no hassle.
- A single speed hub makes the rear wheel stronger as spokes are fitted at a different angle and this additional strength translates to increased power.
- Single speeds are relatively cheap at under $400 for models with good components so are a good buy for commuters looking for a bike with longevity that is also easy to ride.
- For single speed enthusiasts, a bike with one gear is simply more enjoyable to ride. With no worries about when to shift gear, riders are free to enjoy the scenery and fresh aromas around them.
Disadvantages of a Single Speed Bike
- Multi gear bikes offer different gear ratios for the most efficient use of energy, which means a single speed bike is not good for long days in the saddle. Unless you happen to be Lance Armstrong!
- A higher fitness level is therefore required for riding uphill on a single speed.
- Most cyclists would argue that even for short rides, gut busting climbs are only for masochists!
- Why eschew the marvels of multiple gear technology in favour of blood, sweat and tears?
- For bike geeks, single speeds are simply too dull offering nothing to talk about in the pub when there are so few bike components.
Single Speed Mountain Bikes
Whilst the advantages of single speed can be understood for road riding where speed is of the essence and every gram counts, why should mountain bikers be switching to single speed too?
Low maintenance is probably the main reason as riders used to wet muddy conditions in winter months choose single speeds to minimise workshop and cleaning time. Mud can clog cassettes, cogs and derailleurs and almost make riding impossible whereas a single speed offers a tough but mechanical free workout.
The cool factor also cannot be underestimated. Turning up for a tough ride on a single speed and beating your mates back to the pub is pretty awe inspiring.
Switching to Single Speed
Commuters and pavement cyclists looking for an easy to ride bike with low maintenance might consider a single speed, especially if riding mainly on low gradient or flat terrain. Single speed mountain bikes are far more demanding and are probably best suited to short training rides in muddy conditions.
Related Articles
Don't buy a single speed bike, just convert an old hardtail with our article on How to Build a Single Speed Mountain Bike. Also of interest may be Hydration Packs for All Day Mountain Biking and Theft Prevention Tips for Bike Owners.
Helen Smeaton - Helen Smeaton runs a cycling and hiking business and is also a freelance writer and web designer. Read her profile for more information
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