We’ve looked at the best road bikes, and we’ve looked at the best mountain bikes. We’ve even weighed the pros and cons of each. But today, we’re going to be diving deeper into a more specific type of bike… The best single speed bikes.
Typically used for cruising along flatter roads and commuting, a single speed, like the name suggests, only has one speed. There’s no changing gears or any complex mechanisms. It’s the most basic form of a bike there is. You simply pedal to get going and you’re on your way.
Many people may confuse a single speed with a fixed gear bike because they are both locked into one gear ratio. But, there is actually a critical difference. On a fixed gear (or fixie), if the bike is moving, the pedals are always moving. The only way to stop the pedals is to stop the bike. On a single speed, however, you can stop pedaling and coast while the bike is moving. This means that you can work up a good speed and continue moving while you are no longer pedaling.
They operate differently because with a fixie, they connect the rear cog of the bike to the rear hub, requiring the constant movement while this is not the case for the single speed.
While we will explore the 7 best single speed bikes for cruising, it’s important to note that many bikes can actually be either a single speed or a fixie if they have a flip-flop hub. This will allow you to flip the rear wheel one way to make it a single speed and the other way to make it a fixed gear. Many of the best single speed bikes we have listed today have this feature so if you’re unfamiliar with a fixie, you can always have the option to try it.
Benefits of a Single Speed Bike
There are actually several benefits to having a single speed. While there may be lots of people who prefer a bike that allows you to shift gears during certain situations and terrains, there are others who deem this as unnecessary. So, let’s explore why…
Less Maintenance
Single speed bikes require much less maintenance. It’s simple, really… The more mechanisms on a bike, the more likely it is to break down. So, by having one speed and not having to shift your bike, moving the gears and everything, there’s really just less opportunity for things to get moved out of place or messed up.
If you’re looking for a bike without a lot of fuss and you live in an area that has flatter surfaces, a single speed may be exactly what you’re looking for.
More Affordable
Similar to the maintenance example, if you have fewer mechanisms, it’s more affordable to make. There are fewer intricacies that require time and money to install, build, and manufacture. Simply put, a single speed bike is a simple bike to build and manufacture, making it more affordable for consumers!
If your budget is tight and you live in areas where the terrain is pretty consistent, this is another reason a single speed could be a wonderful option for you. Of course, if your neighborhood or cycling route is hilly and physically demanding, you’d have to explore different options.
Great Workout
Like I said above, most people use single speed bikes in areas where it is flat. Most people who live in cities will use them as commuter bikes. People who live or vacation near the beach will use them to cruise. But, the fact of the matter is, if you can’t shift gears and you reach a hill or a variance in the elevation, it’s going to be more strenuous on you.
While some may see this as a negative, you can also see it as a great workout. You’re working your legs more than you would with a traditional bike that has more gears and speeds, especially if you’re using your bike as a fixie.
Best Single Speed Bikes
As with all of our lists, these are in no particular order! We made our list of the best single speed bikes in a way that has a variety of distinct features and looks. We do this because what is best for one person may be completely different for another. Our goal is to share the best of the best with a little variety hoping to help you find exactly what you need!
6KU Aluminum Single Speed / Fixie
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This lightweight single speed has a full aluminum frame and weighs a reported 29.7 pounds. It has a flip-flop hub, which allows riders to choose whether they want to ride fixed gear or freewheel.
At a lower price point, it has pretty spectacular reviews with over 650 certified purchasers rating it a 4.5 out of 5 stars. Most boasted about the quality and sharp look. Other than the instructions being a little confusing, most seemed to love this reliable bike, which is why it made it on our list of the best single speed bikes.
Golden Cycles Single Speed / Fixie
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This Golden Cycles single speed is more affordable and lighter than the 6KU weighing in at 24 pounds. It also comes equipped with a flip-flop hub. Interestingly, it may be lighter but they actually made it of steel.
In terms of reviews, it received a glowing rating as well with 4.4 out of 5 stars. Many loved the ease and little maintenance. The only consistent negatives I could find were that some people didn’t love the actual feel and symmetry of the handlebars, which really comes down to preference and feel.
Schwinn Stites Single Speed / Fixie
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Schwinn is a household name for bikes, so of course one of their bikes would make it on our list of the best single speed bikes. It’s a great commuter with a flip-flop hub, allowing you to use it as a fixie or a single speed.
While the ratings aren’t as beloved as the two above, it still received 3.8 out of 5 stars. Some shared frustration with the break quality and occasional squeaks. But, I think it’s important to point out that even though I couldn’t find a listing for the weight limit, there was a reviewer who shared that he was 335 pounds and rode this bike with ease. So, if you’re looking for a commuter and are on the heavier side, this would be an excellent option for you!
Schwinn Kedzie Lightweight Single Speed / Fixie
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Here’s another Schwinn for our best single speed bikes review! This is a more affordable option with a flip-flop hub and boasts a super lightweight frame, but actually weighs in at 31 pounds.
Like the Retrospec, it also received 4.1 out of 5 stars. Any Amazon negative reviews had less to do with the actual bike, but with the people delivering the bikes out. So, if this one is at your price point, it would be a pretty solid choice since the reviews would be much higher if you ordered straight from the manufacturer and avoided the shipping frustrations others faced.
Sixthreezero Around The Block Women’s Single Speed Cruiser
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Not only is this one of the most affordable options, it also has more of a unique look that is more reminiscent of a beach cruiser. Made for women, this may not be the bike for you if you are the other gender, but if it’s your taste, go for it! It’s got an area on the back where you can store things and has wider set handlebars. It does not, however, mention a flip-flop hub, so it may not be for you if that’s something you’re looking for.
It also has one of the highest ratings with over 400 reviewers giving it a 4.7 out of 5 stars. Most boast of its quality and that it is easy to use with only a few mentioning struggles with assembly. So, if you’re wanting a certain vibe with your single speed bike, this may be the one for you!
Kulana Lakona Single Speed Beach Cruiser Bike
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Another cruiser look, but in a unisex option, they make this bike of durable steel. Similar to the Sixthreezero above, it does not mention a fixie option.
The reviews are good with a 4.1 out of 5 rating, but I would caution that they specifically built this bike for individuals between 4 feet and 5 feet tall. So, if you are smaller, this could work. Otherwise, you may be better off picking another bike from our list of best single speed bikes.
Schwinn Mikko Single Speed Beach Cruiser Bike
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We’ve got one final Schwinn for our last bike on our list of the top 7 best single speed bikes for cruising. It’s a normal size, noting that it is best for riders between–5’ 4” to 6’ 2” tall. It also has that signature cruiser look similar to the previous two.
It has 4.3 out of 5 stars with over 900 ratings, which is quite excellent! So, if you are on the taller side and you’re looking for this style, this may be your best pick.
Conclusion
In this article of the 7 best single speed bikes, we discussed what a single speed bike is and the difference between a single speed and a fixed gear (fixie).
With a fixed gear, if the bike is moving, the pedals are moving. On a single speed, you can stop the pedals while coasting. Most of the best single speed bikes listed on this article come with a flip-flop hub, which means you can have either a single speed bike or a fixed gear bike.
We also covered the benefits of best single speed bikes. With single speeds there is less maintenance, they are more affordable than bikes with gears, and you can get a great workout!
