Benefits of Owning a Single Speed Bicycle

Last updated 16. July 2019

The Benefits Of Owning Single Speed Bikes

If you’re looking to find out the benefits of owning a single speed bicycle, then you’re most likely either looking for a new bike, or you are perhaps wondering what it is that makes owners of single speed bike so happy. There are some excellent advantages to owning a single speed bicycle, instead of another type of bike, such as a multi-speed bicycle. But before we get onto the benefits, there’s something that we need to understand.

What is a Single Speed Bicycle?

To use the simplest terms available, a single speed bicycle is a bike that has a single gear ratio. This means that they do not have any components for altering the gear ratio. Unlike a multi-speed bicycle, a single speed bike won’t have hub gearing or derailleur gears. Single speed bicycles will usually have a freewheel mechanism. This offers you the ability to coast.

Single speed bicycles are a large umbrella that includes several types of bicycles, such as commuter bikes, BMXs, Fixie bikes, cruiser bikes, and often bikes that are used on tracks will be single speed bicycles too.

What are the Biggest Benefits of Owning a Single Speed Bike?

Black Single Speed Bike

Single speed bicycles have no shortage of fans. Here are some of the main benefits of owning a single speed bicycle:

They Don’t Require Much Maintenance

Not everyone wants to be constantly fiddling around with their bike. Unlike a multi-speed bicycle, there isn’t a lot on a single speed bike that you need to keep an eye on. There are no derailleurs. In fact, all you need to do is make sure your tires are pumped up, that your brakes are in good condition and adjusted correctly, and finally that the chain is taut. That’s it.

No Chain Rub

Chain rub is a common issue with bicycles that have a front derailleur. As a single speed bicycle doesn’t have one of these, and the chain goes from the chainring to the sprocket at an angle, then you won’t encounter this problem.

Silent and Efficient to Ride

A single speed bicycle will always give you a beautiful, smooth ride. These are lighter bikes than those with derailleurs. You are also more connected with the terrain you’re cycling on because you don’t have gears to deal with every inconsistency in the road. It is only you and the bicycle, your exertion produces the results, rather than the gears.

Better and Easier Braking

Person riding on a bike

The speed at which you go on a single speed bicycle will be dependent on the speed at which you are pedaling. But this also means that the more resistance that the single speed cyclist uses against the pedal motion means that the speed will reduce. This allows for a braking system that resembles that of a car. This isn’t possible on a multi-gear bicycle.

Affordability

Since single speed bicycles are a lot simpler than geared bicycles, then they lack all the extras that will cost you more dollars. But it isn’t just the money that you pay upfront for a single speed bicycle that is low. There isn’t a lot to go wrong on a single speed bike, so you’re not going to need to replace parts all the time. The ease of maintenance also translates into affordability.

It’s Better for Your Fitness Levels

If you don’t have any gears, then you’ve got to rely on yourself to do everything. Of course, the more exertion that you put into your pedals, then the fitter you will become. A single speed bicycle can help you burn calories while getting you from A to B.

There Are Fewer Distractions

One of the biggest problems people have when they are riding a multi-gear bicycle is that they are constantly thinking about the gears if they should change gears, if they are in the right gear, and so on. It is a distraction that you will not have if you are cycling on a single speed bicycle.

What Type of Terrain is a Single Speed Bike Suited To?

Of course, if you’re looking for a bike to go riding trails, then you’re probably not going to choose a single speed bicycle. This type of bike is better suited to roads or only slightly undulating terrain. Then again, a single speed bicycle can get you up to a hill. You just need to build up some momentum as you approach it, then, as long as you pedal hard, you’ll get up the hill with a lot less effort than you would imagine.

Should You Buy a Single Speed Bicycle?

If you’re looking for a versatile bicycle that comes at a low price, then a single speed bicycle is a solid investment. There is a multitude of types of single speed bicycles, so it won’t be hard to find one that suits your needs. Cyclists who live in cities or who do short journeys on relatively flat terrain will be more than happy with a single speed bicycle. Casual cyclists don’t need a host of fancy extras on their bikes.

The more parts to your bicycle, then the more maintenance and upkeep costs that come with them. A single speed bicycle will suit the vast majority of cyclists. If you buy one, then you’ll very quickly understand just how many benefits of owning a single speed bicycle there are.

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