Single Speed Bikes - Advantages

Are you pondering over the options for buying a bike? Have you run out of options for efficient bikes? No problem, it is easy. Just decide if you want a single speed bike or multi-speed bike. Now what is a single speed bike? you might say. Hence let me tell you all about a single speed bike.

A single speed bicycle is a kind of a bicycle which has a single gear ratio. Gear ratio is the connection between the number of teeth on two gears, meshed with each other. Or, it is two sprockets linked with a single roller chain. There are usually two types of gears in bikes, derailleur gear and hub gears. But these single speed bikes do not have these gears. Moreover, there are various types of these bikes like single speed mountain bikes or trek bicycles, single speed road bikes, hybrid bicycles and so on. The parts of single speed bikes are fixed in such a way that it allows coasting through its free wheel mechanism. These bikes along with its subset, fixed wheel bikes, have become very popular in the recent times. However, what makes these bikes such a hot and vaunted commodity? Let's take a ride (I mean a look!) at the following single speed bikes advantages.

Advantages of Single Speed Bikes

Weight: This is good news for those who are ruminating about which bike to buy. One of the most appealing advantages of a single speed bike is that it is light weight, as compared to the geared bicycle. This is thanks to the absence of derailleurs and hub gears, which are normally found in multi-speed bikes. A few other parts can be made stronger, without making the bike too heavy.

Maintenance: Lesser accessories means less maintenance and that is a huge relief for the bike owners. Who would not want low bills for maintenance! The tires are also sturdier and replacing gear and parts is not a major hassle, again, on account of derailleurs and other gears.

A reason why bikers go for single speed bikes in winter is because the drive chain of a single speed can endure wet muddy and gritty conditions, unlike normal geared bikes. If normal geared bikes have to go through this, their components, which are expensive will wear out. Which will lead to high maintenance activity and cost for the bike. For more on types of bikes, have a look at the different types of bicycles.

Cost: This bike is not just light in weight but light on your pocket as well! Single speed bikes are significantly cheaper than their geared counterparts. Be it buying or assembling one, single speed bikes definitely save you a good buck or two. Moreover, you will not compromise on the strength and efficiency of the bike.

Drive Train Efficiency: Now, as compared to other geared bikes, the drive train efficiency of the single speed bike is much better. The derailleur is not present in a single speed bike. This reduces the drag in the chain system typically associated with derailleur's jockey pulleys. The chaining and cog of these bikes is in such a way that it lags behind on ramps and pins which adds to the single speed bikes advantages.

Sentimental Value: Although this is not admitted by those who ride single speed bikes, it is a fact. The idea and the knowledge that their bike is different from run of the mill geared bikes is something which they cherish. Moreover, they get that high that even without sophisticated gears, their bike can ride on the same roads and difficult terrain. Plus it is a great workout method and develops and tones your leg muscles in a lesser time. For more on cycling, read cycling tips for beginners.

Well, that was about whatever there was about the pros of single speed bikes. There are a few disadvantages of single speed bikes as well, but I think they are minor as compared to single speed bikes advantages. Lastly, now when ever you go to buy a bike, I am sure you would keep this in mind and then choose which one to buy, right?

Have a great time biking!