Ever feel like your bike has too many buttons and levers? Imagine gliding along with just one gear. It sounds simple, right? But when you start looking for a single gear bike, you find lots of choices. Should you get a fixed gear or a freewheel? What about the brakes? It can feel confusing when you just want a straightforward ride.
Lots of people love single gear bikes for their clean look and easy maintenance. They are perfect for zipping around town or just enjoying a relaxed spin. However, picking the perfect one without getting lost in the details is tough. You want a bike that fits your riding style without all the extra stuff you might not need.
This post will break down everything you need to know about single gear bicycles. We will look at the different types and what makes each one special. By the end, you will feel confident choosing the right one for you.
Top Single Gear Bicycle Recommendations
- Single speed for simplicity and flat handlebar for ease and style. Includes a flip-flop hub so you can ride fixed or with a freewheel. You decide how you ride.
- High-tensile strength steel frame absorbs the bumps in the road and is as durable as can be.
- Comes standard with 700 x 25C tires, 40mm deep-v rims, KMC chain, freestyle pedals and two sets of brakes.
- The bike is 90 % assembled and comes with the basic assembly tools, only a few parts need to be added to the bike, which will take about 15 minutes.
- Please select size according to height: ▲(47cm) / 4'10"- 5'1" ▲ (50cm) / 5'1"- 5'6" ▲(54cm) / 5'6"- 5'11" ▲ (58cm) / 5'11"- 6'3". Please reconfirm whether the size you purchased is correct before you pay.
- [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.
- [SINGLE-SPEED DESIGN] 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.
- [BEACH CRUISER BIKE FOR MEN] Versatile men's touring hybrid commuter bicycle with a sleek 17 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.
- Versatile Commuter Bike: The Golden Cycles fixie bike is perfect for teen and adult commuters. Whether you're heading to work or school, this single speed commuter bike is designed to meet your needs.
- Braking System: Safety is our top priority, which is why our fixie bicycle comes with front and rear brakes. You can trust that this fixie bike will provide the stopping power you need on the streets.
- Stylish Colors: Express your personal style with our wide range of color options. From classic black to vibrant pink, our Golden Cycles fixie bikes are sure to turn heads as you ride through the city.
- Fixed Gear Design: Built with a fixed gear system, this urban track bike offers a smooth and efficient ride. The fixed speed road bike is perfect for daily commuting with 700c Wheels.
- MAKE SURE TO SELECT THE CORRECT SIZE - Standover Height: 41cm (27") - 45cm (28") - 48cm (29") - 52cm (30") - 55cm (32") - 59cm (33") - 63cm (34")
- 【Entry Level BMX Bike】: Built with a durable high carbon steel frame designed to withstand the rigours of urban and stunt riding. Full freestyle BMX bike for park, street or dirt.
- 【Smooth, Shock-Absorbing Tires】 : Wide 20x2.40” tires grip the pavement for a smooth ride (when their wheels are on the ground) and can cushion bumps, jumps, and cracks in their way.
- 【High-performance drivetrain】: Equipped with 170mm one-piece forged steel cranks, 32T chainring and 16T freewheel, making it easy to ride; The single-speed drivetrain eliminates the complexity of gears and provides direct power transmission.
- 【Reliable Brake System】: Equipped with dependable V-brakes that deliver instant stopping power for precise control in high-intensity situations or casual cruising, ensuring rider safety at all times.
- 【360 Degree Rotor Freestyle】：This BMX bicycle has a 360° rotor, which allows the handlebars to spin all the way around, four pegs for more trick options.
- FOLDABILITY & ADJUSTABILITY: This foldable cruiser bike features a quick-release clamp that allows you to fold the bike quickly, which is easier to fold and stow in a corner of your apartment or your car trunk taking it with you anywhere. In addition, with a quick-adjust seat post clamp, you make easy adjustments seat to the right height
- ERGONOMIC FRAME DESIGN: Classic retro cruiser look meets contemporary functionality as well as while rust-resistant coating ensures durability in all weather conditions. Its low body design promotes an ergonomic riding posture, reducing strain and providing comfort during extended journeys
- SAFETY FIRST DESIGN: Dual V-brakes provide instant stopping power, with reflective wheel stripes and anti-slip pedals for night visibility. Wide 26" tires offer superior traction on sand, pavement, or gravel roads
- COMFORTABLE RIDING EXPERIENCE: Equipped with lightweight aluminum wheels, this women bike offers a safe and smooth riding. The precise 7-speed transmission system enables seamless gear shifting on hills, streets, or coastal roads. Cruiser handlebars and padded saddle reduce fatigue, perfect for commuting, leisure rides, or weekend adventures
- EASY TO INSTALLMENT: The 26-inch bike arrives with 85% assembled. You only need to assemble the handle, cushion, front wheel and pedal, adjust the brake and gear to complete the assembly. Front & rear fenders protect from mud/debris, making it ideal for beach, city, or trail riding
- Model: MG-BC1; Single Speed Bike Chain for Fixed Gear Bike Beach Cruiser Bike BMX.
- Unique Rugby Design: This single-speed bike chain is designed in a unique rugby style, combining power with aesthetics. Each link is like a well-polished rugby football, which not only gives your bike a unique visual impact, but also effectively reduces wind resistance and improves riding efficiency with its streamlined profile.
- Material Features: Made of high quality carbon steel, it has excellent strength and toughness to ensure stable operation in high intensity riding or extreme road conditions. With precision heat treatment and surface hardening process, the chain has excellent wear resistance, effectively accompanying your every cycling challenge.
- Wide Application: Suitable for most kinds of single speed bikes like fixed gear bike, cruiser bike, commuting bike, BMX, mountain bike, folding bike etc.
- Note: We provide professional customer service and comprehensive after - sales support. In case of any usage problems or queries, our team is always on hand to provide you with timely and efficient solutions to ensure that your riding experience is always hassle-free.
- 16-tooth freewheel engineered for durability and reliable performance on everyday rides, perfect for urban commuting and BMX bikes.
- Constructed with precision-threaded standard 1.37" x 24tpi cassette body, ensuring easy installation and compatibility with a wide range of BMX and single-speed bicycles.
- Manufactured from high-grade materials with a sleek silver finish that resists corrosion and wear, maximizing longevity even under frequent use and challenging riding conditions.
- Designed for seamless compatibility with 1/8" chains, providing smooth power transfer and efficient pedaling for a confident cycling experience.
- Features a traditional BMX 4-prong freewheel remover interface, simplifying maintenance and enabling quick gear swaps for versatile cycling applications.
- REPLACEMENT CHAIN: Fix up and replace worn and damaged chains with a replacement 1/2" x 1/8" Schwinn Bike Chain. Made to work with a variety of non-derailleur bikes, including BMX, cruisers and more.
- SMOOTHER RIDING: Replacement chain fits most adult single speed bikes, keeping your ride smooth and effective on mountain trails and road rides alike.
- HEAVY DUTY CHAIN: This 1/2" x 1/8" chain features 112 links and a heavy-duty build for lasting strength. An anti-drop design keeps your ride smooth, secure, and ready for the long haul.
- EASY REPLACEMENT: Designed for simple replacement, this chain works with the Schwinn Chain Tool and other tools for DIY repairs.
- TRUSTED SCHWINN QUALITY: Schwinn is the original American bike brand. We’ve spent over 130 years building the bicycle industry into what it is today, and we’re not done yet. Each product is designed in Madison, WI.
The Essential Buying Guide for Your Single Gear Bicycle
A single gear bicycle, often called a fixed-gear or “fixie,” offers a simple, pure riding experience. You only have one speed. This means less maintenance and a direct connection to your ride. Choosing the right one requires knowing what matters. This guide helps you pick the perfect single-speed machine.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on these core components. They define how well your bike performs and lasts.
Frame Material: The Bike’s Backbone
- Steel: Steel frames offer a smooth, comfortable ride. They are durable but can be heavier. Good steel is often used in budget-friendly or classic-style bikes.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is light and stiff. It makes the bike feel quick. It does not rust, which is great for rainy climates.
- Chromoly (A type of Steel): This offers the best of both worlds—strength and lighter weight than standard steel. It is often found on higher-quality single gears.
Hub Type: Coasting vs. Fixed
This is crucial for a single-speed bike. You must decide if you want to coast or be locked to the pedals.
- Fixed Gear (Fixie): The rear cog is bolted directly to the hub. If the wheels turn, your pedals turn. You can slow down by resisting the pedals. This is thrilling but takes practice.
- Freewheel (Single Speed): This works like a standard bike gear system, but with only one gear. When you stop pedaling, the rear wheel keeps spinning. This is safer for beginners or hilly areas.
Brakes
Even if you are an experienced fixie rider, brakes are important for safety and legality in many places.
- Look for reliable front and rear hand brakes.
- Some fixed-gear purists use only leg resistance (skidding), but street riding requires reliable hand brakes.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the smaller parts significantly affects your ride quality and how long the bike lasts.
Drivetrain Components
The chainring, cog, and chain must fit together perfectly. Poorly made parts wear out fast.
- Improve Quality: Sealed cartridge bottom brackets last much longer than loose ball bearings. Quality chains stay cleaner and resist stretching.
- Reduce Quality: Cheap, heavy steel components add unnecessary weight and wear down quickly.
Wheelset and Tires
Wheels carry the load. Strong rims are essential, especially in the city where you hit potholes.
- Double-Walled Rims: These rims are much stronger than single-walled rims. They resist bending when you hit bumps hard.
- Tire Width: Wider tires (around 32mm or more) offer better comfort and puncture resistance for city commuting.
User Experience and Use Cases
Single gear bikes shine in specific environments. Think about where you plan to ride most often.
Urban Commuting
Single gears are fantastic for commuting. They are simple, quick to accelerate from stops, and require minimal upkeep.
- Best For: Flat to gently rolling city streets.
- Why: Fewer things break when you ride every day.
Recreational Fitness
Riding fixed gear forces you to maintain a consistent pace. This is excellent for building leg strength and cadence (pedaling speed).
- Best For: Riders who enjoy a simple, connected feeling with their machine.
- Consideration: Avoid steep hills unless you have excellent fitness or a freewheel setup.
The best single gear bike fits your terrain and your desire for simplicity. If you want low maintenance and speed on flat ground, this is your bike.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Single Gear Bicycles
Q: Are single gear bikes hard to ride?
A: They are easy to pedal, but fixed-gear bikes require practice to stop and control speed using only your legs. Single-speed bikes with a freewheel ride just like geared bikes.
Q: Do I need special shoes to ride a fixie?
A: Not necessarily, but stiff-soled shoes give you better control when resisting the pedals to slow down.
Q: How fast can I go on a single gear bike?
A: Speed depends entirely on your leg strength and how hard you push. The gear ratio limits your maximum comfortable speed on downhills.
Q: Can I add gears to a single gear bike later?
A: Usually, no. Single gear bikes use special frames designed only for one chain line. Converting them requires changing the frame, which is not practical.
Q: Are single gear bikes safe in traffic?
A: Yes, they are very safe if they have good hand brakes. They are nimble and quick in traffic.
Q: What is “cross-chaining”?
A: Cross-chaining means the chain runs at a severe angle, which happens on bikes with multiple gears. Single gears do not have this problem because the chain runs perfectly straight.
Q: Which type of single gear is better for beginners: fixed or freewheel?
A: A single-speed bike with a freewheel is much better for beginners. It lets you stop pedaling when you need to.
Q: Do single gear bikes weigh less than geared bikes?
A: Yes, they usually weigh less because they lack derailleurs, shifters, and extra cassette cogs.
Q: How do I choose the right gear ratio (e.g., 46/16)?
A: Higher numbers (like 48/15) make pedaling harder but result in higher top speeds. Lower numbers (like 44/17) make pedaling easier for hills.
Q: Do single gear bikes require maintenance?
A: They require very little maintenance. You only need to keep the chain clean and properly tensioned.