Ever watch someone zip by on a sleek, simple bike with no gears and wonder how they do it? Those are one-speed bikes! They look easy, but picking the perfect one can feel like a puzzle. You see cool designs, but then you worry about hills or stopping. It’s tough to know which simple bike fits your riding best.
Lots of people want the clean look and easy maintenance of a one-speed bike. They are great for cruising around town or your neighborhood. However, figuring out the right frame size, brake style, and if you need a coaster brake or not can become confusing fast. It feels like a small choice that has a big impact on your daily rides.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will break down what makes a great one-speed bike. You will learn exactly what features matter most for your needs. By the end, you will feel confident picking a bike that makes every ride fun and simple. Let’s dive into the world of perfect simplicity!
Top One Speed Bikes Recommendations
- Mountain Bikes For Kids: 20 in kids bike for boys and girls with bright colours, stylish and charming; A lightweight frame with a comfortable seat will make it the most comfortable and effortless bike for kids to ride around the neighbourhood
- Safer Riding: Front and rear steel v-brakes provide consistent, reliable braking when needed, while wide tyres add stability and grip; Every kid's bike is designed with children's safety in mind
- Quality Assurance: The durable hi-ten steel frame and front rigid suspension fork absorbs bumps for a smoother ride; Soft seat offers more riding comfort, making this kids bike ready for real riding adventures
- First Bike for Kid: 20" single speed kids mountain bike is ideal for ages 5+ and a rider height of 42-54 inches; Step-over steel frame design makes it easy to get on and off the bike; Adjustable seat can be adjusted as kids grow to suit different ages
- Buy With Confidence: Kids bikes arrive 85% assembled and include assembly tools; The bike can be fully assembled with the help of instructional videos, and we are happy to help with any problems during the assembly process
- Convenient Storage: Your new cruiser bike is equipped with a front basket and a reinforced rear rack, making it easy to carry supplies. Whether you're cruising through the city or enjoying the outdoors, you can stay active while keeping everything you need within reach.
- Beach and City Cruiser: Available in 24-inch and 26-inch sizes, this women's bike blends retro-inspired design with modern features. Its stylish look and versatile performance make it the perfect cruiser for both beachside rides and urban commutes, standing out wherever you go.
- Heavy Duty Performance: Built for durability, this 24- and 26-inch cruiser bike features a single-speed ATA cassette and premium rubber tires for excellent traction, wear-resistance, and a non-slip ride. Whether you're navigating city streets or rougher roads, you’ll maintain control and stability.
- Safety First: The sturdy carbon steel frame supports up to 300 lbs, providing a solid foundation for any rider. Nonslip handlebars and pedals, along with front and rear V-brakes, ensure a secure grip and reliable stopping power. Plus, three reflectors and a bell enhance visibility, keeping you safe during low-light conditions.
- Easy Assembly: The Classic Beach Cruiser Bike comes 85% pre-assembled, making the setup process quick and straightforward. You’ll be ready to ride in about 30 minutes. (For a smooth assembly experience, be sure to watch the installation video on our page before getting started.)
- Suspension Type: Rigid
- Bike Type: Cruiser Bike
- Convenient Storage: Your new cruiser bike comes with a front basket and reinforced rear rack to let you load up with supplies or take your furry friends and enjoy the freedom of mobility while staying in shape
- Beach and City Cruiser Bike: This 24 or 26 inch womens bike has a combination of a retro look inspired by comfort bikes and modern features, making it a unique beach and city cruiser bicycle that stands out from the crowd
- Heavy Duty: Our durable 24 and 26 inch cruiser bike employs a single speed ATA cassette and premium rubber tires to provide strong traction, wear-resistance, and nonslip performance to keep its rider in control even on rugged roads
- Safe and Sound: The cruiser bike's sturdy carbon steel frame holds up to 242 lb.; nonslip handlebars & pedals and front & rear V brakes provide a sure grip; and 3 reflectors and a bell make your presence known in low visibility
- Custom Comfort: This step through bike has a low sloping top tube and chain fender for a clean and easy ride; the cushioned handlebars and saddle softens any bumps in the road; and both the bike seat and handlebar are adjustable to meet your needs
- BEACH CRUISER BIKE FOR MEN: Versatile men's touring hybrid commuter bicycle with a sleek 19 inch steel frame; perfect for cruise, leisure, commute, and casual to up-tempo rides across multiple types of terrain; can hold riders up to 300 lbs, fits riders from 5 to 6 feet tall
- COMFORTABLE AND ERGONOMIC: City bike features a soft foam bike seat, comfy handlebar grips, and an upright riding style which keeps your back and shoulders comfortable while on the move; road bike features a forward-pedaling design which allows riders to ride close to the ground while maintaining proper leg extension
- SINGLE-SPEED DESIGN: 1 speed beach cruiser bike is great for cruising on flat terrain; men's hybrid bike features a rear coaster brake for easy stopping
- SLEEK STYLE: These bikes for men feature a stylish, curvy frame with a comfortable foam saddle; hybrid bicycles include a rear rack for optional bike accessories such as baskets and panniers
- QUALITY TIRES: Adult hybrid bicycle features white wall tires which provide a cushioned, stable ride for easy rolling; each tire measures 26 L x 2 W in inches
- MODEL: 18T single speed freewheel. Weight: 170g
- SUITS FOR: It is suitable for general single speed bicycles, like folding bicycle, commuter bikes, lady bikes, beach bikes, etc. which use 1/2 "x 1/8" single speed chains
- MATERIAL: Made of high-quality iron, with high performance, heat resistance, and long service life
- HIGH PRECISION: The thread is clear and can tightly integrate with the hub, making cycling smoother
- ELECTROPLATING SURFACE TREATMENT: The surface treatment process of electroplating prevents rust, improves wear resistance, and enhances aesthetics
- Convenient Large Rear Basket: This cruiser bicycle for adults comes with a sturdy large rear basket that can support up to 50 pounds; Perfect for carrying groceries, personal items, picnic supplies, pets, and other items
- Effortless Maneuverability: Designed with a smooth-rolling 3-wheel system and precision-engineered steering geometry, this adult tricycle delivers exceptional handling whether navigating tight corners or open pathways
- Stable and Reliable: With a sturdy steel frame that can support up to 450 lbs, our tricycle offers exceptional stability and balance thanks to its low center of gravity and wide rear axle; Durable tires provide excellent traction and wear resistance
- Safe & Comfortable: Front V and rear brakes, even if you carry heavy goods, the all wheel brake system can effectively controls the downhill speed to ensure safety.Extra-soft wide and thickened padded seat with conical spring to cushion your ride
- Multiple Size Options: Multiple sizes and colors available. 24 inch for 4'9"-5'1", 26 inch for 5'3"-6'2". The height of the seat is adjustable, you can adjust the height according to your needs. The adult tricycle comes with a manual, and assembly tools, etc
- GROW IN FUN: Recommended ages for 12-24 months. The infant balance bike is the best birthday gift for toddlers to learn walking and riding. It helps to develop babies' balance, steering, coordination, and gain confidence at an early age.
- SAFELY RIDE: No pedal and fully widened closed wheel to avoid clamping baby's feet. 135 ° turning limit and gravity steering without leaving the ground to prevent the baby from turning over.
- STURDY & COMFORTABLE DESIGN: The mini balance bike equips sturdy aluminum alloy frame, non-slip TPU handle, and a softly supportive seat.The mini balance bike wheels are non-slip, wear-resistant and non-destructive floor, and baby can ride indoors or outdoors.
- PERFECT GIFT FOR BABIES: This baby balance bike is made of high-quality material. This ensures that they are safe for any baby. Safe design can be assured as gift for 1 year old boys and girls.
- EASY TO CARRY: With only 1.6kg (3.6 pounds) of weight, both you and your children can easily carry it around to play. Increased the children’s interest, no need to worry about the children giving up because they can’t move it without your help.
The Essential Guide to Buying Your First One-Speed Bike
One-speed bikes, often called fixed-gear or single-speed bikes, are simple, fun, and require less maintenance. They are perfect for city riding and flat terrain. This guide helps you choose the right one for you.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a one-speed bike, check these important parts first. These features decide how well the bike rides and how long it lasts.
Gearing and Drivetrain
- Fixed Gear vs. Freewheel: Fixed-gear means the pedals always move when the rear wheel moves. You must pedal constantly. Freewheel means you can coast (stop pedaling) like a normal bike. Most beginners prefer a freewheel setup for easier stopping.
- Chain Tension: The chain must be tight enough. A loose chain falls off easily. Good bikes have easy ways to adjust the chain tension at the rear axle.
Braking System
Since these bikes often lack complex gear shifters, good brakes are vital for safety.
- Front Brake: Always make sure the bike has a reliable front brake. This is your main stopping power.
- Rear Brake (Optional but Recommended): Many fixed-gear riders rely on back-pedaling resistance, but for new riders, a rear caliper or coaster brake adds crucial stopping security.
Geometry and Fit
The frame shape affects how you sit and ride.
- Frame Material: Steel is common and offers a comfortable ride. Aluminum is lighter but can feel stiffer.
- Handlebars: Track-style handlebars offer an aggressive, fast feel. Flat bars give you an upright, relaxed city posture. Choose what feels comfortable for your daily ride.
Important Materials That Matter
The materials used in the bike build directly affect its weight and durability.
Frame and Fork
Most good entry-level bikes use Chromoly Steel. This material absorbs road vibrations well, making your ride smoother. Higher-end bikes use lightweight aluminum or carbon fiber, but these cost more.
Wheels and Tires
Look for double-walled rims. These rims are stronger than single-walled rims. Stronger rims handle potholes better. Tires should match your riding surface. Skinny tires suit smooth roads; slightly wider tires handle rough city streets better.
Components (Crankset and Hubs)
Quality components last longer. Sealed bearing hubs keep dirt out, meaning you service them less often. A solid crankset prevents flexing when you push hard on the pedals.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all one-speeds are built the same. Pay attention to these details.
Quality Boosters
- Sealed Bearings: These keep dust and water out of the wheel hubs and bottom bracket. This significantly reduces maintenance needs.
- Component Brands: Well-known component manufacturers (like Shimano or Sturmey-Archer) often indicate better reliability than generic, unbranded parts.
- Good Weld Quality: Look closely at where the tubes join the frame. Clean, smooth welds show careful construction.
Quality Reducers (Red Flags)
- Heavy Weight: If a bike feels surprisingly heavy, it likely uses cheap, thick steel and low-quality parts.
- Flimsy Brakes: Cheap caliper brakes often feel spongy and do not stop you quickly.
- Painted-on Logos: Bikes with thick, cheap paint jobs often hide poor frame construction underneath.
User Experience and Use Cases
A one-speed bike shines in specific environments. Understanding where you ride helps you select the perfect model.
Ideal Use Cases
- Urban Commuting: One-speeds are fantastic for short trips across town. They are nimble and easy to lock up because they have fewer parts to worry about.
- Fitness Riding: Riding a single speed forces you to maintain a consistent cadence (pedaling speed). This provides a great leg workout, especially on flat routes.
- Leisure Cruising: If your area lacks steep hills, these bikes offer a simple, distraction-free ride experience.
When to Avoid a One-Speed
If your daily route includes long, steep hills, a one-speed bike will make climbing very difficult. You will often have to walk the bike uphill. For varied terrain, a geared bike is a better choice.
One-Speed Bike Buying FAQs
Q: What is the main difference between a single-speed and a fixed-gear bike?
A: A single-speed usually has a freewheel, letting you coast without pedaling. A fixed-gear (fixie) requires you to pedal whenever the rear wheel moves; you cannot coast.
Q: Do one-speed bikes need brakes?
A: Yes, absolutely! While some experienced fixed-gear riders stop using leg resistance, all riders should have at least a reliable front brake for safety and legal requirements.
Q: Are one-speed bikes hard to maintain?
A: No, they are very easy to maintain. They lack derailleurs, shifters, and extra cables, meaning fewer things break or need adjustment.
Q: What gear ratio is best for a beginner?
A: A gear ratio around 2.7:1 (like a 46-tooth chainring paired with a 16-tooth rear cog) works well. This offers a good balance between easy starting and decent top speed on flat ground.
Q: Can I add gears to a one-speed bike later?
A: It is usually difficult and expensive. The rear wheel hub often needs to be replaced, and the frame must have special mounts (called “braze-ons”) for the derailleurs. It is better to buy a geared bike if you think you need gears later.
Q: How much should a quality entry-level one-speed cost?
A: You can expect to pay between \$350 and \$650 for a reliable, durable entry-level bike with decent components. Cheaper bikes often use very heavy, low-quality steel.
Q: What is “cross-chaining” and why is it not a problem on these bikes?
A: Cross-chaining is when the chain runs at a severe angle on a multi-geared bike. Since one-speeds only have one chain line, cross-chaining is impossible.
Q: What is the best way to stop a fixed-gear bike if I don’t want hand brakes?
A: Experienced riders use “skidding” or “skipping” the rear wheel by resisting the forward motion of the pedals. However, this takes significant practice and is not recommended for new riders.
Q: Should I buy aluminum or steel for city riding?
A: Steel offers a more comfortable, shock-absorbing ride, which is great for bumpy city streets. Aluminum is lighter for faster rides but transfers more road vibration to the rider.
Q: How do I choose the right frame size?
A: Frame sizing is similar to other bikes. You should be able to stand over the top tube with a couple of inches of clearance between the tube and your body. Check the manufacturer’s size chart based on your height.