Cyclists across the globe have been awash with debates regarding comparing Single Speed and Fixed Gear Bikes for decades. Here, I will put my effort to rest this argument to an end by elaborating my thoughts and experiences about both kinds of bikes in detail.
Single Speed Bike
Figure 1 Freewheel at the rear hub, which makes the chain move freely
A single-speed bike is a typical introduction with a single gear, no hub gears, so the biker cannot change the gears while riding. On revoking the pedaling of a single-speed bike, the chain stops, and the back wheels keep on rolling. A single-speed bike gives the biker a comfortable and free cruise experience where he rides the bicycle without gear tensions. So, we can say that the bikers prefer single speed because of their simplicity. Rolling down the hills with single-speed bikes is another alluring experience that feels like a gush of breeze at the mountains.
Five Reasons Why You Need a Single Speed Bike?
- Simplicity with no complex gear system
- Cost friendly
- It’s only the biker and the road, no tantrums of gear changing and cogs
- Maintenance Ease
- Bikers can enjoy coaster-brake skids and experience speed exhilaration
Pros and Cons of Single Speed Bike
| PROS | CONS |
| Acts as a bike without the tension of gear change | Not appropriate for hilly terrain |
| The high-Quality braking system | Freewheel lacks a biker’s connection with the bicycle |
| Perfect for the long-distance ride where braking needs prompt reaction | Minimalist style seat in some single speed bikes is uncomfortable for most users |
| Best for the beginner bikers | The absence of a flip-flop hub is not appealing for biking freaks. |
Top Three Single Speed Bikes
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Pure Fix Original Single Speed Fixie Bike
This bike is especially suggested for the speed and back wheel skidders with impressive specs and lightweight, easy to handle, and drift. The bike frame is supported by one year warranty. Other features of this bicycle are mentioned below;
Weight: 22-25 Pounds
Frame Size: 43, 47, 50, 54, 58cm
Wheel Size: 700 x 28c
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Big Shot Bikes Single Speed Fixed Gear Track Bike
This is one of the best track cycles that can run smoothly on the city streets also. This bicycle is supported with a track-style geometrical frame. Another lightweight single-speed bike with a racer looks. Provides an aerodynamic riding position to the biker with more weight on the front wheel.
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Firm Strong Urban Man Single Speed Beach Cruiser Bicycle
This single-speed bike constitutes extra-wide handlebars that provide a comfy rider position. It has a rare-coaster brake, while hand brakes are missing in this model. This bike does not support useless cables and levers, and a flip-flop hub is also absent in this model. That is why the rider will miss switching into a freewheeling cycle.
Fixed Gear Bike
Figure 2 A Fixed Gear Bike
Fixies are popular among youngsters because of their simplicity and ease of riding. They are lighter in weight. The fixed gear bikes are different from single-speed bikes, particularly because of their cog, which is associated with the motion of the pedals. The mechanical performance of fixed gear bikes is more efficient than any other bike and requires lower energy from the biker. Another feature that creates a difference between fixies and other bikes is the absence of brakes in them.
But unfortunately, sometimes this no brake bicycle feature negatively impacts the buyers because no brakes bike needs an exceptionally expert biker. The aerodynamic and razor-sharp geometry of fixies made them a perfect choice for thrill lovers and racers. Acceleration and speed reduction are both functions done through pedal pressure. Youngsters are crazy to go for fixed gear bikes because they enjoy the direct connection of the rider with the bike.
Pros and Cons of Fixed Gear Bikes
| PROS | CONS |
| Fixed gear bikes help the bikers in training their body and develop stamina. | It takes more time to ride a fixie, so it can be considered challenging for beginners. |
| Continuous pedaling helps in growing leg muscles stronger | People with weak knees or hearts are not appropriate to ride these fixies |
| Best to ride during moist and wet conditions because of not depending on rim brakes | |
| Looks cooler effect to the bikers, and it burns more calories due to extra force exerted by the biker in riding these fixies |
Some Best Fixed Gear Bikes
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Retrospect Harper Single-speed
This is one of the most cost-friendly bicycles associated with flat bar brakes on both front and rear wheels. This model is also available with coaster brakes and can be bought for a few more dollars. The size of the tires is 700c x 28mm.
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Fyxation Pixel
This model is available in different appealing colors and looks more like a three-piece aluminum crank. This brand is attributed to increased power hill climbing with 32mm tires that can be fitted any time after the bicycle purchase. Flip-flop rare wheels can also be fitted with a one-speed freewheel for a more wonderful experience.
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Wobi Lightning
Made with super lightweight steel, this fixed gear bike is available in different metallic colors/ this is a fast-paced bicycle supported with Columbus Spirit Tubing. The light weight of this bike can get a customized shape depending upon the buyer’s choice.
Mechanical Difference between Fixed Gear and Single Speed Bike
Mechanically, bikers are unable to spot the minute difference between fixies and single-speed bikes. This difference is connected to the fittings and fixes of both kinds of bikes. Single speeds are associated with a freewheel cog that rotates smoothly one way but gets stuck at the other. This cog helps in moving the rear wheel by pumping the pedals and frees it when the rare wheel moves faster than the cog. In contrast, fixed gear bikes run without any such mechanism because the cog is attached to the hub, which turns with the rear wheel and ultimately makes the pedals turn. Although it is a minor difference, bikers with technical know-how can easily differentiate between the performance of fixies and the single-speed made due to the cog adjustments.
Comparison Chart
One of the primary differences between single-speed and fixed-gear bikes is that fixies cannot freewheel, move without pedal movement, and roll down the hill. At the same time, single-speed cycles can give these exciting experiences to the rider. The following table can well elaborate the basic differences between both kinds of bicycles.
| FIXED GEAR BIKES | SINGLE-SPEED BIKES |
| Need pedaling to go downhill | Can coast, can move downhill without pedals |
| Can’t freewheel | They have a rotating Freewheel cog |
| Pedals are required to move backward or forward | Pedals can help in moving forward |
| Legs have to work as brakes for slowing down or stop | Single-speed is associated with brakes for stopping purpose |
| Fixed Gear Bikes are attributed with a flip-flop rear wheel and a fixed cog to the hub | It constitutes of one gear ratio and a freewheel |
What to Look for in Single Speed and Fixed Speed Bike while Buying?
- Frame Design
While buying single-speed or fixed-gear bike, the buyer should focus mainly on the Bike frame. There are steel and alloy frames, and according to technical aspects, alloy frames are always lighter in weight as compared to steel frames. Forks are available in alloy, steel metal, single-speed bikes are often found with rigid fork.
- Drivetrain and Gears
Look carefully for the gearing depending upon the area, place where you want to ride the bike. Fixies are good enough to be bought because they don’t cost much for changing the gearing. The choice to buy a single-speed bike or fixies depends largely upon the path they will be riding in the future.
- Wheels
The buyer should concentrate more on the axle width while buying the wheels depending upon different standards. Usually, fixies need120m space for the rear wheel is used, whereas, some other bikes have a rear axle of 130 mm.
- Chain Width
Most of the bikes use wider chains that face more stress as compared to the normal-sized chains. A fixed-gear bike should be bought with 1/8 inches chain and a wide sprocket and chainring.
- Brakes
Brakes are significant for the kind of ride you want, either with single-speed or fixed gear bikes. According to UK traffic rules, a road bike should have two braking mechanisms and many single-speed bikes are attributed with two-rim brakes. However, fixies can also be found with disc brakes with a flip-flop hub.
Conclusion
Day-to-day advancement in technology introduces new and amazing features to single-speed and fixed gear bikes. The latest versions in both kinds of bikes have confused the bikers in making the best decision regarding their purchase. However, a wide variety in both types of bikes and their diversified specs have made biking a thrilling adventure for the fun-lovers.