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A 'single-speed bicycle' is a type of bicycle with a single gear ratio. These bicycles are without derailleur gears, hub gearing or other methods for varying the gear ratio of the bicycle. Historically, all bicycles were single speed bicycles, specifically fixed-gear or fixed wheel single speed bicycles that had no mechanism to vary the gear ratio or to allow the pedals to coast while the drive wheel moved.
Many individuals looking to improve the efficiency, speed and comfort for bicycle riders developed freewheel systems and gearing systems for bicycles. The term 'single speed' in this article refers to modern bicycles.
There are many types of modern single speed bicycles; BMX bicycles, most bicycles designed for children, cruiser type bicycles, classic commuter bicycles, unicycles, bicycles designed for track racing, fixed gear road bicycles, fixed gear mountain bicycles, and single speed bicycles.
Most 'Fixed-gear bicycles' or 'fixed wheel bicycles' are a subset of single speed bicycles, however it is possible to have a multi geared fixed gear bicycle. Fixed gear bicycles do not allow the rider to coast without pedaling while a single speed freewheel bicycle does. Fixed gear bicycles simply lack any sort of ratchet mechanism that allows the pedals to coast independently of the drive wheel. Both types of these bicycles are, in general, truly single speeds; however, fixed gear bicycles require distinct skills of their riders.

Contents

Advantages and disadvantages versus multi-speed bicycles

Advantages

Disadvantages

Types of single speed bicycles

See also

External links

Advantages and disadvantages versus multi-speed bicycles

Advantages

A single-speed bicycle is generally cheaper, lighter, and mechanically simpler than its multi-geared equivalent. Without derailleurs or other gearing systems, there are fewer parts on the bicycle that require maintenance. Replacing gears and chains on a single-speed bicycle is significantly cheaper. This is particularly advantageous when biking in muddy and gritty conditions which would wear out the expensive components of a geared bike.
The drivetrain efficiency of a single-speed can be greater than today's typical multi-geared bicycles. A straight chainline, lack of chain drag from rear derailleur jockey pulleys, and lack of chainrings ramps and pins all improve efficiency. As a single rear cog takes less space than the typical 7-10 cogs present on most multi-geared rear cassettes, rear wheels can be built with little or no dish, which is inherently stronger.
Single-speed bicycles are characterized by a simple and uncluttered look, which may be more aesthetically pleasing.

Disadvantages

★ smaller range of efficient speeds the bicycle can be pedaled at certain time

★ typically lower top speed of bicycle

★ banned from some races and other bicycle events

Types of single speed bicycles

Typically a reference to a single speed bicycle invokes the idea of a single speed mountain bicycle. However, mountain bicycles, road bicycles, cyclo-cross bicycles, and hybrid bicycles can be made as or changed into a single speed. Mountain bike single speeds designed for trail riding often have a relatively low, or easy and slow, gear ratio. This allows them to climb hills and deal with obstacles and gradients better. Single speed bicycles designed for road riding typically have higher, or harder and faster, gear ratios.
Single speed bicycles and fixed gear bicycles are popular with bicycle messengers for their reliability and durability. Depending on the situation, a messenger may prefer a mountain bike based single-speed, which can be an urban tank, able to roll over almost any obstacle, or a road bike-based single-speed, which is fast and light.
Statements by cycling industry representatives and journalists fueled the perception that major bicycle manufacturers discouraged modern single speed bicycles. However, increased popularity of the single speed has resulted in the design, marketing, and production of many models. In the United States market, bicycle companies Bianchi, Cannondale, KHS, Kona, Raleigh, Giant, Specialized, and Trek all have recently produced and marketed single speed bicycles.
Single speed mountain bikes are typically constructed with no suspension (fully rigid) or front suspension forks. However, as single speed bicycle production by major manufacturers has become more common, a limited number of fully suspended single speed mountain bikes have been produced. However the popularity of "full-suspension" single speeds has been limited by the general impression that the increased weight and complexity of a fully suspended frame runs counter to the "light and simple" image sought by many single speed riders.

See also

★ Chipps Chippendale

★ Mike Ferrentino

★ Single Speed World Championship

★ Travis Brown

★ Stella Carey

★ Marla Streb

★ Cruiser bicycle

External links

★ Singlespeed.net

★ 2007 Single-speed World Championship Race

★ Fixed gear gallery

★ Single-speed Bicycle Conversions

★ Single-Speed FAQ

★ Single-Speed Outlaw

★ Singlespeed.nl

★ Singlespeedgallery.com

★ Singlespeed Belgique French