A single-speed bike is a bicycle with a single gear, and it has considerably lower components than a multi-gear counterpart. Usually, the moving components such as derailleurs, hub shifts, levers, multiple gears, and chainrings are absent from this type of bicycle. In fact, a single-speed bike is easy to handle because it has only a single transmission ratio (an available gear), one chainring, and no derailleur attached.
Some other bike models even come with simplifying coastal brakes, eliminating the need for a rear drum or disc brake system. A single-speed bike is quite popular among those who admire the beauty of its simplicity and lightweight design. Some cyclists also prefer to own a single-speed bike because of its low maintenance cost. However, there are more benefits to riding a single-speed bike than you have expected. Let’s look at 8 benefits of the single-speed bike and why you shouldn’t miss it.
Benefit #1 Simplicity and lightweight design
The reduction of moving components such as derailleur, shifter, or chainring positively affects the bike’s weight, especially for a speedy ride. A single-speed bicycle is likely to save you several pounds of weight, and the lighter bike also requires less energy to move the bike forward in the same given gearing ratio. Additionally, if you live in an apartment or have to carry your bike indoors, you might consider owning a single-speed bike. The lighter the bike is, the easier you can handle it.
Generally, a single-speed bike is lighter in weight and more reliable because it is mechanically simpler than a multi-speed bike such as a road or mountain bike. Without transmission components like a derailleur, the bike looks unattractive so you can park it outside, and it will still be there when you come back. Furthermore, thanks to its simplicity, a single-speed bike is the best choice for beginners to start cycling so those novice cyclists wouldn’t worry about shifting gear. Ultimately, they can focus on gaining a sense of balance and pedaling the bicycle.
Benefit #2 Single-speed bike has Low maintenance cost
A road or mountain bike with multiple-speed has, of course, more moving components installed than a single speed bike. While a multi-speed bike requires derailleurs, chainrings, shifter, and other moving parts to function fully, a single-speed bike only needs one gear ratio, one chainring, and no derailleur at all.
Since this type of bicycle has fewer components than a conventional road or mountain bike, the maintenance cost is also much lower.
Furthermore, thanks to the absence of complicated moving components, you are likely to spend less on cleaning or replacing broken parts. Besides, you can save a lot of money at the bike shop since you can perform a D.I.Y. on some mechanical repairs.
The maintenance cost on multi-speed bicycles such as road or mountain bikes is much higher than that of a single-speed bike because various moving components like derailleur, gear, and chainring must work together in harmony. If only a single part of the gearing system fails to function, you will be left with no choice but to get it fixed.
On the contrary, a single-speed bike is easy to handle because of its simple structure. Without those complicated moving parts, you don’t have to worry about damaging a derailleur as it is often a result of chasing or banging your bicycle against obstacles. Finally, the only regular maintenance you need to do is the cleaning and oiling of the chain with lubricant.
Benefit #3 Single-speed bike is more affordable
Generally, a single-speed bike has fewer moving parts. Thus, it usually costs less than its multi-speed counterparts. Consequently, the bike is often much more affordable than a road or mountain bike on the average model.
Imagine that you are looking for a decent bicycle, and you only have a few hundred bucks in your wallet. Not surprisingly, you will find more single-speed bikes you can afford than road or mountain bikes.
Benefit #4 Single-speed bike offers a better mechanical efficiency
According to the riding test, the single-speed bike can achieve up to 99% of the mechanical transmission efficiency if installed and set up with a well-lubricated chain. Therefore, we can conclude that the more intense the force is, the more the mechanical efficiency is.
On the other hand, if we compare a single-speed bike’s mechanical efficiency with that of a multi-speed bicycle like a road or mountain bike, a bike with a derailleur can achieve up to 90% on the same condition.
Moreover, the absence of friction inherent in the rear derailleur gearbox’s pulley and several sprockets can enhance the mechanical efficiency. The point is that a multi-speed bike loses a substantial efficiency ratio in the transmission system.
Also, the single rear sprocket on the single-speed bike requires less space than the multi-speed cassettes. Thus, the rear wheel spoke is crafted with more symmetry in nature, making the wheel inherently more robust and efficient.
Benefit #5 Great choice to enhance your fitness
If you like the workout, a single-speed bike is the bicycle of your choice. Why? Because a single-speed bike has only one gearing ratio you have to build up your muscle strength and the cardio-vascular system to pedal on different credence and force in accordance with the speed in a particular terrain type. In other words, if you want to go faster on a single-speed bike, you have no choice but to pedal faster.
On the other hand, the multiple-speed bike comes with a multiple-gear ratio, which enables the cyclist to pedal with fewer strokes and easy credence. Furthermore, riding a single-speed bike on a high slope hill or mountain is pretty challenging for many cyclists.
Imagine that you are climbing to the top with your single gear ratio bike. All you have to do is to gut it all out with your legs’ power instead of the mechanical advantage of the gear ratio. With the single gear ratio bike, you must rely on your mind to adapt your cycling style to your bicycle constraint.
Benefit #6 Best choice for commuting
If you intend to ride your bike through the city streets, whether to commute to work, school or to ride in the park for your pleasure, the choice is a single-speed bike. With various styles, fenders, and luggage racks, a single-speed bike is the right choice for a short and medium-distance ride in the city.
Besides riding to and from work or school, you may use a single-speed bicycle to carry small loads or even make delivery services within the city. A single-speed bike does provide the option to mount various accessories such as a luggage rack, fender, or lighting equipment.
Benefit #7 Bi-mode available: freewheel and fixed gear
The modern single-speed bike usually comes with a bi-mode available, which lets you choose to ride either on freewheel mode or fixed gear mode. What is a freewheel mode? A freewheel mode is a single gear ratio riding style that screws directly to the rear wheel of the bicycle, and it allows the wheel to roll freely without pedaling. For instance, you can coast down the hill without worrying about pedaling your bike. Additionally, the freewheel mode is useful when you are on a long-distance ride.
On the contrary, a fixed-gear mode does not permit coasting. In the fixed gear mode, wheels and pedals are turning accordingly, like a kid’s tricycle. The fixed-gear mode is the best choice if you ride mostly on flat, paved roads. However, a fixed-gear mode is not suitable for hilly terrain as you may have some difficulties coasting down the hill. Besides, it is prohibited to perform a jump over obstacles while on the fixed gear mode.
You can easily switch between freewheel mode and fixed gear mode with a device called a “flip-flop” hub installed on the rear wheel. When riding a single-speed bike, it is advisable to start with fixed-gear mode. If it doesn’t suit your riding style, you can switch to freewheel mode at any time.
>>> Fixed gear mode or Freewheel mode? Find out more here
Benefit #8 Easy convertible structure to multi-speed bike later
A single-speed bike is designed to be easily convertible into a multiple-speed bike, providing the advantage of maneuverability and increased efficiency. However, you need to possess some technical knowledge and know-how each part connects and works together. With a small amount of money, you can buy the equipment to convert your single-speed bike to a multi-speed bicycle. I have listed the equipment as follows;
- Variable-speed cog set
- Shifter pod
- Shift cable
- Rear derailleur
- Assorted Allen wrenches and pliers
- Multi-sprocket cassettes
- Single-speed frame with drop-out design
- New rear wheel with multi-sprocket hub
Make sure that all parts function well and work in harmony.
>>>Check out the review of best single-speed bikes…….here
The Bottom Line
A multi-speed bike such as a road or mountain bike is more versatile to cruise on various types of terrain and, with multiple gearing ratios, you will pedal with less credence and force. If you enjoy cycling on a long-distance ride, a multi-speed bike is a bicycle for you. On the other hand, if you admire the concept of simplicity, a decent single-speed bike may answer your question. Thanks to its simple available gear ratio, you pay less to own it and may save a bundle for maintenance. Besides, a single-speed bike can be very useful in strength and credence training as it has no multiple gear ratio to assist you during the ride. What are you waiting for? Go and grab your favorite single-speed bike now.
