Why Are There Single Speed Bikes?

‍Single-speed bikes are the most common bikes available in the market. But have you ever wondered why there are single-speed bikes when multi-gear bikes exist?

The world of bikes is divided into two categories - multi-gear and single-speed bikes. While multi-gear bikes let you truly make the most of your time on your cycle, what exactly do single-speed bikes provide?

As the name implies, single-speed bikes are ideal for cruising since you don't have to worry about changing gears or hitting very high speeds. They're popular even now because they're easier to operate, lightweight, versatile, and brake with efficiency. 

While the first bike to be invented was a single-speed, the designs and speed output of bikes have evolved tremendously through the years. This can leave many folks confused as to which option to go for, the single-speed or multi-gear bike. Here, we will focus on the features of a single-speed bike so you can make a more informed decision.

As cycling enthusiasts who have used both single-speed and multi-gear bikes through the years, we are in the ideal position to give you all the information you need regarding single-speed bikes – and why they're still around after so many years.

‍Single-speed Bikes

A single-speed bike has only one gear ratio and does not include shifters or derailleur hangers. While "single-speed" is commonly used to refer to a single-speed road bike these days, there are many different types of single-speed bikes, including BMX bikes, mountain bikes, and most other branded bikes.

There are several advantages to riding a single-speed with a freewheel, including affordability, weight, maintenance, and simplicity of usage.

A single-speed has fewer moving components that require an initial investment and continuing maintenance, resulting in lower costs and weight on the frame. Single-speed bikes are popular among riders because of their simplicity.

You pedal quicker if you want to go faster. Riding from point A to point B with a freewheel requires very little thought. Depending on where you ride, a commuter bike with a single-speed might be a simple way to fit a workout into your day without taking any extra time.

You want to climb that hill, right? What's more, you'll have to get those legs moving and pick up the pace. The satisfaction of knowing you conquered the hill only with your legs is definitely worth the short-term effort.

Advantages of Single-speed Bikes

While single-speed bikes were the first type of bike to be invented, they've stuck around because of the many advantages of the single-speed design, making them a great choice for many folks.

The following are just some of the advantages of using single-speed bikes as compared to modern multi-gear bikes.

Versatility

Single-speed bikes don't require you to think about which gear you should be on to conquer any type of terrain. It's all about how much power you can muster through your legs. When on a single-speed bicycle, you must generate a lot of momentum while approaching a slope.

This will allow you to maintain your speed while also making pedaling simpler. If you're going downhill or just cycling about on a level track, there's no need to think about shifting gears, which means you can focus on the ride itself and just enjoy it.

Easier to Operate

One major difference between a single-speed bike and multi-geared bike is that the former is incredibly easy to operate, which makes it a great choice for both experienced and novice riders.

Single-speed bikes are less expensive than geared bikes since they have one gear that operates on a basic system.

Furthermore, as compared to geared cycles, these bikes use fewer components and parts. As a result, there are fewer pieces to break and wear out.

In the long run, you will save money on maintenance and replacement components if you choose this model.

When things are kept simple, life is a lot easier, and riding a bicycle is no exception. You don't have to bother about shifting with a single-speed bicycle since there are no gears.

You'd be shocked how many folks own a multi-speed bicycle but never shift because they're afraid something might go wrong while they’re riding.

Lightweight Design

For single-speed cyclists, the decrease in components favorably impacts the bike's weight. On multi-gear motorcycles, the number of chain rings, gears, and brake systems add up quickly.

Single-speed bikes can help you lose weight both on and off the bike by saving you several pounds.

A lighter bike means that you're carrying less overall weight. This means that you'll need to use less to move the bike forward to get it going.

Plus, lighter bikes are easier to transport. If you live in an apartment and have to take your bike inside regularly, you might want to look into the weight savings of a single gear.

Efficient Braking

The ability to brake using the pedals is one of the key advantages of a fixed gear bike. So, if your legs are powerful enough, you won't need a braking system.

This also means you won't have to spend additional money on brake repairs in the future. Braking using the pedals, on the other hand, may cause the gears and chain to wear out.

If you plan on riding your single-speed bike in the city, it's also a good idea to add a second braking system. If a car or a person gets in your path, you'll require greater braking strength to come to a rapid halt.

The Cost

The amount of money you spend on buying a bike is not the only cost you need to consider. Single-speed bikes are frequently far cheaper than multi-geared bikes due to their lack of components. Maintenance comes at a lower cost as well.

The typical rider may solve many of the issues with a single-speed bike. If they aren't able to do so on their own, they can always take their bike into the shop. Most bike shops can fix single-speed bikes faster than multi-gear bikes because they are just simpler, resulting in less labor time and a cheaper total cost.

There are substantially fewer components on single-speed motorcycles than on multi-gear bikes. On a multi-geared bike, shifters, various cogs, and chain rings are just a few of the moving parts that must work together in unison in order for the bike to move forward smoothly. If one component fails, the bike will be almost unrideable.

Because it just has one cog, one chain ring, and no derailleur, a single-speed bike is simple to maintain. Simple coaster brakes are also available on certain single-speed motorcycles, eliminating the requirement for a rear drum or disc braking system.