Single-Speed vs. Geared Bikes (Explained For New Riders)

Single-speed and geared bikes are each awesome in their own way. But before you plunk your money down on a new, one-speed bike...which is right for you?
A single-speed drivetrain is incredibly simple and even mentally freeing to ride. A geared one lets you tackle almost any terrain, not to mention hauling heavy loads.
There's a good reason that geared drivetrain are the norm. They're more capable, end of story.
And if day-to-day maintenance is your main concern, then consider an internally geared hub like I covered in this video: • Derailleur Vs. Hub Gea...
But if you stick to flat terrain, or want to experience the same routes differently, or want maximal simplicity at the cost of (sometimes) harder work, then single-speeds are well worth trying!
Here's the blog version for those who prefer to read: twowheelsbetter.net/single-sp...
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💯 Awesome bike stuff I like & you might, too:
🚲 PRIORITY BICYCLES (belt-drive bikes with hub gears): twowheelsbetter.net/go/priority
🚲 BROMPTON (reigning champ of folding bikes): twowheelsbetter.net/go/brompton
✅ BROOKS B67 (favorite saddle for upright riding): amzn.to/44JFQ2A
✅ BROOKS B17 (favorite saddle for hybrid & touring posture): amzn.to/3DE2nSc
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0:00 Intro
0:59 Con: The biggest issue with single-speeds
1:27 Con: Experimenting with gear ratios
2:27 Con: Momentum matters more
2:28 Con: Fewer options for complete bikes
3:36 Pro: Minimal maintenance
4:14 Pro: Cost & weight savings
5:23 Pro: Mechanical efficiency
5:59 Pro: Cleaner, sleeker look
6:38 Pro(?): A different experience
7:28 Conclusion: What's right for you?

[@Pianist203]

Single speed bike is my jam. Efficient, silent, tranquil riding experience. I truly enjoy that. It's also simple to maintain.

[@RicardoAng]

Single speed = more workout for the legs when going uphill. Feel the burn!

[@saulomairesse7367]

not necessary.... On MTB you have to deal with big hill, and bad terrains, its a sheet to deal, on the city you dont have these Hill nether bad terrains, so you can ride much lighter bike, with more speed, and if you have a good Gear ration, nothing will be bad, on my city i Ride 44/17 and its so Easy to climb any hill.

[@humanecities]

The convenience and simplicity are definitely the biggest appeal to me 🤔

[@twowheelsbetter_yt]

I hear you on that! Thanks for watching.

[@charliebambarger4517]

How convenience?

[@carltongadgettmannprice352]

I have single speed tandem, mountain and urban bikes. I replaced the 18 tooth cogs that came with them all with a 26 tooth cogs. The 26 tooth cog allows me to have the luxury of easy peddling and it also gives me the benefit of claiming hills easier. The only downside is my top speed is limited to about 12 - 15 mph but that is okay because the bike trails in the City that I ride in are usually crowded and the slower speed makes it safer for everyone and for myself. There is always a little kid that happens to cross my path because they are young and simply don't know any better.

[@twowheelsbetter_yt]

Yep I'm with you on that. 9 times out of 10 I'll take the lower, slower gearing and not wreck myself on the climbs. BTW I hadn't heard of a single-speed tandem before, sounds fun!

[@andrew-ng]

For daily commute, that's my "quiet time" where I get to relax. I prefer a single-speed for that. But on a weekend, that's a different story.

[@twowheelsbetter_yt]

Agreed-I love having both on hand to pick from!

[@TroubleshootGamingMeds]

Simplicity and low maintenance are why I love single speeds. I do still enjoy a nice geared bike though.

[@saulomairesse7367]

Some thing that i just hated about MTB was to have to clear the THE WHOLE BIKE, its just a B S. I hated, like spend 4 hours riding, and 2 hours cleaning wtf....

[@substance1]

I love single gear bikes, I have two. The main thing though is to find your sweet spot for the gear ratio. You can change the front chain ring, or change the rear freewheel. When you buy a single-speed bike, they general come with a front 46 Tooth and rear 16 Tooth. If you live in areas with decent hills, you might want to replace the rear freewheel to something around 18 Tooth freewheel.

[@twowheelsbetter_yt]

Definitely! I went as low as 39:18 (around 60" on 700x35) on my upright single-speed city bike in a hilly area. Not fast, but also nice not to burst a lung climbing 😢

[@saulomairesse7367]

nowadays I'm using a very similar gear ratio 44/17, on my city there is some hills, but nothing to big, and I just get used to it, for me its perfect.

[@kevreal]

Great video bro, love the “subjective” and metaphysical points about its simplicity and aesthetic

[@twowheelsbetter_yt]

Appreciate it!

[@christopherwebb3517]

I just traded in a geared bike I've owned for the past 15 years for a used single speed bike, and so far I love it. The appeal was basically that it was overall a much better bike than the one I had, and I was able to get it for my old bike plus the amount I was already going to pay to get that old bike tuned up. Now, I'm not a spring chick, and having only one gear will probably get old after a while, so I plan to eventually add an internal gear hub, but for now, what I have is working out great.

[@elliotcowell3139]

I have both, bikes are cheap you can have loads of them it's great! Gears are better for commuting because you'll sweat less. For the times when I just want to sit, pedal and watch the world wizz by, single speed every time.

[@ragingbull5883]

I came from a 20" BMX to a 26" dirt jumper single speed, and I thought about getting a gearset for it. But I like the lighteight of it, and simplicity. All my friends ride bikes with gears and I can still keep up.

[@ccchhhrrriiisss100]

Great video! I live in Palo Alto -- just a short bike ride from Google's main campus. In fact, my wife and I ride our bikes from our house to the San Francisco Bay Trail, around Shoreline Lake and then around the Google campus about once a week. All around the Google campus are those iconic multi-color single-speed Google bikes. Google leaves them out for workers and visitors to use. The campus is large enough to the point that a bike is helpful to get from one side of the campus to the next. Recently, we had family visiting us. We took them for a bike ride around the Bay Trail and Google campus. I jumped on one of those single-speed Google bikes -- and loved it! It is so easy to ride. It helps that the Google campus is relatively flat too.

[@twowheelsbetter_yt]

Thanks for watching Chris! What a beautiful, special part of the world you live in; glad to hear you're enjoying it on two wheels, and getting family to do the same!

[@Enkletonian]

Unrelated, but after watching your “best hybrid bike video” me and the wife are picking up a verve 1 disc on Tuesday as our first bike in 10 years. You had the exact explanation I was looking for after seeing multiple videos with basically advertisements as their lists. As an uneducated person on bikes it helped having someone with way more knowledge to field all the brands and information into something that seems trustworthy based on your other videos.

[@twowheelsbetter_yt]

Awesome, hope you love the Verve and get a whole lot of enjoyable miles out of it! Really appreciate the feedback, and I'm delighted to hear it was helpful. Mostly trying to make what I wish I could've watched as a newbie ;)

[@frankducett9]

Excellent video. Let's remember to adjust our rear brakes with a gear change.😊

[@leanmusclevideos]

I love my single speed and this was good information 👌👌

[@Lord_Stig]

Just order a Fuji singlespeed after being without a bike for a while. First I wanted a geared bike for the comfort and ease of use, then I rememberd my first full size bike. It was a old military single speed at 17kg atleast wich I had between the age of 9-18. I took that bike every where and while it demanded a lot of effort, after a while your body got used with it. Hell i even had my girlfriend on the back alot 😅 So now Im really looking forward for the challenge and joy of a single speed, might even help me get i better shape 😀 Thanks for a great video!

[@twowheelsbetter_yt]

Thanks for watching! I think that Fuji will be a ton of fun - and no doubt lighter than a military bike lol. Enjoy!

[@danieltdp]

I actually like to shift. It's part of the fun when I'm riding! But I agree with the aesthetics argument you presented.

[@twowheelsbetter_yt]

Fair enough! I'm fascinated by how it affects our experience on the bike, good or bad. Thanks for watching!

[@mom_im_losing_it]

My fixed gear is bulletproof.

[@danieltdp]

I never rode a fixie and I suspect it is an amazing experience!

[@MotoAtheist]

@@mom_im_losing_it I've yet to have a single major issue with any of my geared bikes I've had over the years that didn't involve damage from a stick or whatever and it was few and far between. Geared bikes have been pretty solid for nearly 15 years at least.

[@zensenpai6669]

I ride a single speed with a 52/18 gear ratio and have climbed hills as steep as 10% with it. There's just something about the smoothness of the drivetrain especially when I climb and put down some torque. I've only paid $200 after the tuning and everything. I can absolutely fly on this thing since it has drop bars and skinny tires.

[@jamaicaigot9335]

Hey there, really enjoyed the video - would love to get these as audio only, are you on audea?

[@dcrijo]

Very informative video! I've been interested in buying a single speed fixie, but what are your thoughts on a 3 speed?

[@DIYBicycleAdventure]

A bicycle toured Cross country on a single speed. It was difficult in the beginning. After a month my legs became my gears. And got easyer.

[@PRH123]

Thanks for mentioning the reliability and weather resistant character of a simpler bike, for me this is a major plus, riding in snow and ice ~4 months of the year, and frequent rain the rest of the year. The less there is, the less there is to clean, service, or break. I take it a bit further and use Sturmey Archer drum brake hubs on my single speed, so they are sealed against weather, which has no effect on them at all, and require no service. If you ride your bike every day and depend on it to commute, having it just work every day, without having to spend time to service it, is a big plus.

[@twowheelsbetter_yt]

Nice, that's a great winter set-up! How do you find the power and modulation on the SA drums (especially up front)? Heard mixed things but haven't personally tried them...

[@PRH123]

@@twowheelsbetter_yt they work fine, but you do have to pull harder on the levers…. the first time you ride them, you’ll be alarmed because you aren’t used to it, but once you understand that more force is required, then it’s OK…. It just requires getting used to it…. Using SA’s own 4 finger levers reduces the force required… I’m using 3 finger levers from a v brake bike, and so i have to pull harder than I otherwise would if I was using the appropriate levers…. and they also get more powerful after like the first 100 miles, some kind of bedding in of the brake shoes I guess… I’ve been riding the 70 mm front brake for years, but have recently ordered the 90 mm front brake…. They say it’s substantially more powerful, and it’s often used on recumbents and trikes… I have 3 bikes, one drum, one disk, one rim, and have no trouble transitioning between them…. I really like that unlike the disk bike, where I replace pads 3 times per year and discs every couple years, or the rim brakes where the pads melt away like they’re made of chalk in the rain in as little as one day, the Sturmey brakes have not required any servicing in 5 years of daily use, I haven’t even needed to replace the cables…!

[@twowheelsbetter_yt]

Wow, 5 years of zero maintenance definitely piques my interest, even if they're not the most powerful. Thanks for sharing that great info, much appreciated.

[@joansmith7649]

For relatively flat cities, I find the two-speed kick shift (with coaster brake) to be ideal. It provides the aesthetics of a single speed with no cables at all, and the convenience of a lower gear for slight inclines. It is not a hill climber by any means, but for flat urban cycling it can't be beat in my opinion.

[@twowheelsbetter_yt]

Good point! Definitely a reasonable and nice-looking choice that I tend to forget about. I rode one once and just couldn't get used to shifting with every stop (whether I wanted to or not) but perhaps there's a trick I missed.

[@joansmith7649]

@@twowheelsbetter_yt It just takes some getting used to, until it just happens subconsciously. For some that may take a few months.

[@ThisTimeTheWorld]

There's only two gears, so either stand on it harder or back pedal a little like you're about to manual or curb hop. It will be habit in no time. ​@@twowheelsbetter_yt

[@TimeHunter2305]

I've been thinking about converting to single speed on my commuter bike. This video provided useful information that help[ed make my decision. Can you recommend an optimal gear ratio for 8 km ride in the city and suburbs with several minor uphill's . What cog and chain ring should I use.

[@Cobwobbler]

Select a low ratio and single speed is epic fun.

[@johnnysinger3353]

Love my single speed and fixies.

[@CalmSnow_]

I have a Single Speed as a commuter. Conclusion: Single Speed is great for a reasonable flat city commutes, Downhill mtb, flat gravel. If you want to go up hills just get a bike with gears.

[@PhilOsGarage]

I was super lucky with my single speed, the 52/19 gearing is perfect for my area. It was pure luck, got it right first time.

[@anielyantra1]

Another aspect to single speeds is because of the dependency on human power the effort taxes you heart variability which helps condition your heart to better health. I'm 68 and ride a single speed 80's MTB initially for heart health...now just because I love it! Incidentally the 1.95 x26" tires are the most comfortable while still being responsively light.

[@alexandervelchev3213]

Single speed and fixed gears bikes are awesome and they do provide some advantages over geared bikes. Your first priority should be having fun and if you are not enjoying them you do not need to force yourself. I have sacrificed years to accommodate my style of riding to be equal to the road bike riders from my club in my town starting from 44/16 to 53/15 gear ratio and now finally I am able to compete with most of them anywhere on the road. I am even thinking of changing 53 to 54 or 55T, because finally I have managed to learn how to climb steep hills. You got to love the pain :) Fixed gear bikes are a whole lot of a different story. I have never done more than 200km and it was hard. 430km is biggest ride with SS and I am sure I can do more if I can pace myself. My personal advice for everyone is to have and to try as many as you can different bikes to find what suits you best. There is nothing wrong in mountain biking. It is just not for me.

[@singletona082]

While I am unenthused over 'dingle speed' as something I would personally use, I would like a video on it since it does seem curious enough to warrent a deeper dive.

[@twowheelsbetter_yt]

Noted! Definitely better suited to a hands-on video (vs graphics and stock footage) so I'll have to do that whenever I buy a single-speed again. Thanks for watching!

[@singletona082]

@@twowheelsbetter_yt If nothing else if this is a trend thing it might get the algorithm to like you for five minutes.

[@paulnam4488]

I have a few dingle bikes and the system is more useful on mountain bikes because of flatter road riding to the steep trails and/or having an easier and harder ßßratio for the trails. I set up a road bike as a dingle but in practice it ended up staying in the same tall gear all the time.

[@deimosb1697]

I have a happy three speed internal gear bike and i think that might be be just right for me although i have considered single speeds

[@twowheelsbetter_yt]

Definitely a good set-up!

[@phucle5172]

With a "dingle speed" set up, will you be able change the gear ratio without taking the rear wheel off?

[@twowheelsbetter_yt]

Kind of. You have to loosen the quick-release to reposition the axle for proper chain tension. So you're not technically removing the wheel, but it's not _that_ much less work.

[@hotwings6918]

Rode a single speed all my life in an area with some hills. When I got my first 7 speed bike I started flying

[@kevinangus4848]

Thanks for clarifying fixed vs freewheel in the first minute! I'm 65, have ridden fixed for 37 years, always with a front brake, originally with a rack and aero bars. On an indoor trainer, you get a really round stroke. Or you're a bumbling hazard, and need it even more. And you learn everything wrong with your technique: think up and pay attention, and you are instantly comfortable. Or not. 🏧🏧

[@frankducett9]

WABI makes some beautiful singlespeeds with Reynolds and Columbus tubes. Closest thing to flying.

[@michaelyap939]

Well sometimes I really wish to ride on single speed bike when derailleur give me troubles, but other time I prefer can switch to low gear when up steep hill

[@nikhilerigila8175]

I run most of the time. Planning to get a cycle in the off season. Assuming I ride once or twice a week average. So would you recommend me to spend double the amount and get a geared bike. Or the cheaper single speed? Also single speed does mimick running more than the gears

[@twowheelsbetter_yt]

Depends on what terrain and how far you're riding. If hilly and/or long distance, a geared bike is the safer choice. They don't cost anywhere near twice as much as a *comparable* single-speed, but I'm not sure exactly what you're looking at. You might end up loving a single-speed after all, but I wouldn't recommend one without know way more. And even then, it's personal preference.

[@nikhilerigila8175]

@@twowheelsbetter_yt I'm looking at an entry level road bike. As I primarily run and use bike only for cross training for short durations. A Entry level 14 speed road bike costs 28k Indian Rupees. And a Single Speed Road Bike costs 15k Indian Rupees. Both having the same frame, forks, breaks, tires, handlebars. Only the gear setup is the difference. I will be riding mostly once or twice a week for an hour. As I am still in college. I am wondering is spending almost twice the money is really worth for it, for the short amount of time I will spend on the bike. ?

[@twowheelsbetter_yt]

I see. Then since it's mostly for exercise, so working hard is the point, I'd probably get the single-speed to save money (and maintenance).

[@VinceIsDatBitch]

@@nikhilerigila8175 if you really want to mimic running, consider converting the single speed to a fixed gear as it's easily reversible

[@Lopez_the_heavy]

I have several types of bikes, but my favorite is my single speed❤️ 42/16

[@saulomairesse7367]

I Started with MTB, but after a year, i just started to hate ride my bike on the dirt, then I started to Ride on the city, but I didnt identify with the speed cyclists bc actually i just didnt care about performance, and all they used to talk about was performance, then I meet some guys that were riding fixed gears, and i really apreciate their bikes, styled, colorfull, very custom. At that point I just sell my bike and went to Fixed gears bikes, But i just noticed that I prefer free wheels, then I just change my cog. I we have to ride bike to have fun, just try diferent Types of bikes, models, and figure out what you have more fun ! maybe will be more then one type

[@MBTIinRealLife]

Reverted back to single speed after riding MTB for 8 years. MTBs always break down and require costly repairs. Moreover, what a winner you feel when you just tackled another steepy road

[@LevisRaju]

I am planning to convert my hybrid to single-speed instead of buying a new fixie. What do you say ?

[@chuckstewart5775]

I love my single speed with composite tires. Almost no maintenance.

[@MiketheNerdRanger]

The bike I wanted is *frigging beautiful,* but it's single-speed. I live in a city full of hills, and while I want a workout on the bike, I don't want to constantly get off and walk it.

[@twowheelsbetter_yt]

Yeah it's a tough call! Which bike, out of curiosity?

[@B_COOPER]

Hey give it a try with your hardest gears and if it’s something that feels sorta possible with a heavier, geared bike, then you could defiantly do it with an ss.

[@ThisTimeTheWorld]

Lower gear and shorter cranks

[@MiketheNerdRanger]

@@twowheelsbetter_yt It is called the A/O Amelia. I've learned a lot more about bikes since then, and I don't think it's suitable for all of that, but MAN, is it pretty.

[@GordoGambler]

This video is nothing but weird marketing fluff. Anyway, a SA 3 speed is the GOAT, since 1903. And EASY to take apart and change cogs. I got a SA X-RD3 to refurb a 1973 CCM in 2017, that I actually got for the gorgeous chrome handlebar. Starting up is far easier and safer with 47 GIs, to scoot across busy traffic and medium hills. Just as quiet and also once a year lube. I have awesome fenders and rubber boot mud flaps that will keep things clean all day. This bike has nice 650B x 38c SMP tires. It was actually my third IGH. My deFAILeurs are history. A SA XL-RD5w and Rohloff14 for my tour heavyweight. They are about the same on the highways with medium hills, but the 5w is my speed burner on downhills, has done 46 mph. Also got a slug Nexus 7i roller brakes on a perfect frame roadster I wanted for my SA wheels. Stupidest thing ever since rod hoop rim pull brakes. LOL. Also have SA XL-FDD dyno drum brake front hubs, absolutely the BEST thing ever made for a bicycle. 100% efficient stops with ZERO% fuss in any weather. I did some 39-0 mph stops in about 60 feet. 13 mph stops are 3 inches, if that. I use 36c SMP tires.

[@Cobwobbler]

Single speeds rule. I fit my old commuter bike 38/22, my mountain bike 32/16 for off road and switch it to 42/16 on road rides. They're so much more zen...

[@paullacey2999]

Remember your first bike.One gear.Think the elation of riding with no training wheels,think of skids and being young.Now you get singlespeed.....

[@twowheelsbetter_yt]

Exactly - couldn't have said it better!

[@scruf153]

I am the only one in my town that rides a fixie trying to lose weight and get in shape I also have a E bike for commuting to work till I get in shape to ride the fixie all the time I do not own a car so a little forgiveness on the E bike OK

[@billmacrae1924]

Derailleurs are ugly, dirty, complicated, high maintenance, and difficult for ordinary people to use properly. I know because my retirement hobby is amateur bike mechanic. I am 77 and ride single speed for fitness. My gear is 44/16 and I can ascend a 10% hill. On a steeper hill, I can walk faster than I could ride with gears. The variation in cadence, and heart rate is beneficial, I believe. My favourite bike is coaster brake. No gears, no brakes, nothing to go wrong! I would advise everyday riders to consider 3-speed hub gears.

[@roberto3151991]

Meanwhile I cannot figure out why my coaster brake bike won't pedal forward to the point I don't even want brakes anymore I just wanna be able to GOOO! 😂🎉

[@saturn45092]

I thought the same as most of people here and bought a singlespeed. But when I put a planetary hub on my sinle speed... that was amasing. Even if this hub was not so good. I love my knees so only gears.

[@Horus-Lupercal]

Single-speed/fixed are dead simple. Literally just get on it and boost. Just make sure to pick a gear ratio that can hit hills imo. And yeah fuck derailleurs and gears. Maintenance nightmare.

[@MotoAtheist]

I've rarely had any derail issues with all the geared bikes I've had over the years that wasn't related to damage from a stick, also few and far between. Geared bikes have been pretty solid for the past 15 or so years and even more so since going with single front ring and 12 speed rear.

[@johnsmithers284]

Most people I know that have single speeds are really bad at bike maintenance so I can imagine they just never kept their gears maintained

[@godismeme272]

You would wreck shop with Sora

[@waktosha7378]

I will stick to my geared bikes.

[@twowheelsbetter_yt]

I feel you. They definitely have some advantages!

[@nicksyahrilstorror5183]

my current bike i use is single speed but i'll change to fixed gear cog later😁😁👍👍

[@mom_im_losing_it]

Fixed gear is the way to go it just feels better.

[@Thp33]

Why don't people buy e-bikes instead of geared bikes? They are more comfy, can assist you more, can go further etc etc. I love my single speed which helps me to be in shape. I also have a car and a motorbike and a dirt bike, which doesn't help in health. Point is why are cycles becoming more comfortable like a home...and why are people agreeing with it.???

[@MotoAtheist]

Maybe because they are $5,000 more? Yeah, I'd say that's likely the issue.

[@peatyxxjxxx1494]

Single speeds are the most fun, require less maintenance, are extremely customizable and are more aesthetically pleasing than any other type of bicycle. People are lazy and overly ambitious in what they believe they will achieve with a high end geared bicycle those are the reasons why single speeds aren’t more popular and are considered niche items. The price of a new single speed CX bike is insane. Just build em. Save old frame from the garbage and build a bicycle that fits you.

[@draugnaustaunikunhymnphoo6978]

BMX, coaster break and single speed. That's the bike I grew up on. They're boring in flat areas.

[@TON-vz3pe]

People boast about going long distance without doing it on single speed. Thats sus.

[@spacemarine8289]

Single speed forever.

[@simonforbes2453]

simplicity is to complex, what sophistication is to basic.

[@Paopao621]

It's more like I'm broke

[@yindyvirakyuddh6887]

Who got a Fixie and is watching this

[@johnhatfield1070]

My wife was an abysmal cyclist. I bought her a basic single speed Bycycle. Three rides later she was a broken woman devoid of any enthusiasm for the sport……… Objective achieved, I can now, thankfully, leave her at home to prepare the hot tasty food required on my return.

[@CalmSnow_]

tf

[@jounik5728]

normals dont need mtb

[@ronswanson8293]

𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘮 😇

[@1haterinamerica705]

Who makes videos like this haha he said “if you’re building a bike from scratch you’ll save $50-$200 on a build” bruh have you looked at a microshift 1x upgrade for an old mtb? Singlespeed shit is waaaaaayyyyyy cheaper!

[@grantofat6438]

I would never ride a single-speed bike.

[@twowheelsbetter_yt]

Fair enough, there are definitely some big drawbacks!

[@ThisTimeTheWorld]

I have different bikes for different days. I like my flip flop fixie for zoning out and forgetting about work for a day

[@ThisTimeTheWorld]

Using a gear calculator can help you set up your bike for the gear you like.

[@ThisTimeTheWorld]

SE lager is great for a commuter