Fixed Bikes
Thinking about my next commuting bike, I have become interested in the idea of getting a single speed bike. (A fixed gear bike would not be appropriate for a commuting bike.) However, a single speed bike would have certain advantages and also I like the simplicity of a single speed bike. If any of our readers would like to share their thoughts/experiences on single speed bikes I would be interested to hear them.
(A fixed gear is a specific type of a single speed bike, in which the rider is forced to keep pedalling, there is no freewheel mechanism)
Advantages of Single Speed Bikes
Single Speed
- Cheaper to maintain – Don’t have cassette Blocks wearing out.
- Easier to maintain – No fiddly gears to deal with.
- Straight chainline is more efficient.
- Improves pedalling action. Learn to spin fast and also churn big gears up hills
- Lighter
- Cool? – The Simplicity of the original bike design.
Disadvantages of Single Speed Bikes
- Not so good on steep hills, which Oxford has a few of.
- Top speed would be less. (I love racing over Magdalen Bridge beating all the other cyclists. I know its sad that a serious cyclist like me gets joy in beating students on 30 year old ladies bikes, but, its one race you can always win.)
- Single Speed Bikes at Wiggle
- Single Speed Bikes at Evans Cycles
19 comments ↓
single speeds are the most fun you can have on a bike specially for commuting, but if you like speed forget it ! these are for people that have nothing to prove.
Thanks John,
I like the idea, although I do like racing away from traffic lights and leave all the other cyclists far behind (sad I know
I have never tried a single speed bike, but somehow feel drawn to the simplicity and the simple ethos that a single speed bike would bring. I guess it feels like belonging to an exclusive club. However living out in the jungle near the Cambodian border god knows where I would get my Trek 8500 converted….?
I too am seriously toying with the idea of a single speed, having spent the last few months eyeing up other riders’ bikes on London streets, the Single Speeds are really quite elegant and simple. Okay, so I may loose some of the practicalities that gears give, but as I think it through i think its quite an easy decision – SINGLE SPEED IT IS (followed by fixed in a few months time…)
Just get one you will love it
You should definitely get one. You make your own speed! Had a great winter of commuting for the first time in years in Glasgow due to simplicity and hassle free cycling that my single speed afforded me. One thing though…just don’t become a fakenger! Truly sad.
[...] Single speed bikes are like fixed bikes but with a freewheel enabling you to glide down hill without having to pedal. [...]
hey guys, i love the look of the single speed bike . i have been getting healthier in the past 6 months, first by stopping smoking and now thinking of cycling. do single speed bikes work in london??? i am very close to getting one but i need your help to push me. thanks
Ali, SS are perfect for London – there are only a few really big hills which are easily avoided until you feel confident! I got one last August and it’s excellent fun. I’d definitely recommend it.
SS bikes rule. unbeatable. been back on one, well two, for 6 years now. one commuter, one 29er mountain bike for off-road. it’s like being 13 again and riding a bmx. the love is back. i do 120 miles a week, all SS.
do it!!
The Swiss Army pedalled great distances throughout the Alps on heavy steel single-speed bicycles! I’m considering one for my commuting in hilly Lisbon, Portugal.
I am also looking into getting a single speed, but will not go the whole hog and get a fixed gear, as i still have vivid memories of riding my dads fixie, and going over the handle bars whenever i forgot myself and stopped peddling down hills, you would think that once would do it, but oh no, took a few tubles for it to sink in, lol.
dear all,
Yes like many I am changing geared bike to SS one as fed up with gear problems/repairs/adjustments. What cog size (or teeth number?) is good for the rear wheel do you think. don’t worry about hills as too few to mention around where i live. Am fairly fit. 27″ wheel I believe.
[...] Single Speed Bikes [...]
[...] Single speed bikes [...]
I’ve been riding fixed wheel bikes for about 54 years and
consider it the most enjoyable form of cycling. I’ve commuted in London and Vancouver, having little trouble with the hills or the traffic light sprints. Usually I ride about a 63″ gear, 47 x 20 x 700c. Whilst I sometimes
have trouble keeping up with my younger clubmates,
I don’t manage much better when riding gears…
So any top tips for which one to go for? I’m too time poor (and incompetent) to build my own and too cash poor to spend a fortune having had two multi-speed bikes nicked in the last year. All suggestions welcome. The Mongoose seems to get pretty good reviews and cheaper then many.
Hi. What’s the white bike in the second picture down? That’s a tasty looking thing, as far as I can tell.
Got it… a genesis Flyer… I think
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