| as been a growing movement toward single speed | | | | and with a simple brake construction and only a single |
| bikes for a number of reasons. At a glance, they | | | | gear, care and maintenance are much cheaper and |
| may not seem like a great choice. Given the simplicity | | | | simpler. |
| of the bikes, with no opportunities to switch gears, | | | | Single speed bikes are generally lightweight and easy |
| they may not seem ideal. However, if, as a | | | | to handle. Commuters may need to carry their bikes |
| consumer, you consider exactly why you are buying | | | | into the workplace, or up a flight of steps, indoor or |
| a bike, and when and why you will be riding your | | | | outdoor. With a lightweight bike, this is not difficult, |
| new bike, you may find that the single speed bikes | | | | even in a suit. The lightweight construction also |
| are exactly what you are looking for. | | | | improves maneuverability in case of an unexpected |
| Uses | | | | pothole or pylon. |
| Single speed bikes have been use for years under | | | | The overall efficiency of the driveline is also an |
| various circumstances. Childrens bikes are almost | | | | advantage. Without the complicated gear system of |
| always single speed bikes. BMX bikes and dirt bikes | | | | a freewheel bicycle, and with a straight chainline, |
| are single speed as well. Track bikes and cruiser type | | | | efficiency is greatly improved overall; the ride is less |
| bicycles (wider bikes with ballooned tires and wide, | | | | stressful for the rider and less wear on the bike. |
| padded seats) are single speed bikes. They are also | | | | Disadvantages |
| used for training for bike racers, because riding a | | | | Because of the inability to shift gears, the single |
| single speed bike is said to improve a riders pedaling | | | | speed bikes are simply less versatile. They are not |
| technique. | | | | ideal for mountain biking, riding up and down steep |
| It can make an excellent commuter bike for work or | | | | hills or biking cross country, when conditions may |
| school, when the terrain is predictable and constant, | | | | change and make multiple gear choices ideal. |
| and there are few environment challenges, like | | | | It will be slower than a multi-speed bicycle, because a |
| ditches to jump and streams to ford. | | | | multi-speed bike can reach a point at which the |
| Advantages | | | | wheels are turning faster than the cyclist is pedaling; |
| The simplicity of single speed bikes is a huge draw | | | | this point is not reached on a single speed bike. |
| both for sportsmen and commuters. BMX riders and | | | | SE 700C Series |
| stunt cyclists, for example, only use first gear | | | | The new SE 700C series of single speed bikes offers |
| anyway, so they do not need the extra gears, and | | | | a variety of looks and styles from which to choose. |
| when there is a fall or an accident, there are fewer | | | | Aluminum and alloy frames add to the ease of |
| parts to break or need replacement. | | | | maintenance and lightweight structure that make |
| For the commuter, the simplicity is still a draw. Time | | | | single speed bikes so desirable. |
| and money are both of the essence for most of us, | | | | |