Why You NEED a Single Speed Commuter Bike

[@flipfonte4069]

I feel that a lot of people really hate this type of bike, and I can’t quite understand why,no one is forcing them to ride one. For example, I live in an area with lots of hills, and I’ve been riding a fixed-gear bike every day for five years. I’m happy with it. I enjoy the challenge the bike provides. Sometimes, things don’t need to make sense, if that bike makes me happy, then so be it. That’s what’s important.

[@bikesbymike]

Ditto that! There’s something delightful about NOT being able to choose the proper gear. As David Goggins once said, “Never let people who choose the path of least resistance steer you away from your chosen path of most resistance.”

[@TheGnariman]

It's not hated, but rather not the bike an enthusiast would have the most fun on. They work, they could be fun, but that would be the last bike I would want to buy at this point. It would be perfect for bike polo, but I don't play.

[@ralphcedricbasco278]

I've been a bike courier in downtown toronto for 2 years now and my main bike is a KHS urban soul single speed version. Honestly that bike is so affordable $400 - $500 CAD and really comfortable because it has a more relaxed geometry. I would recommend that bike to someone who just needs a single speed commuter and is a step or two above a cheapo canadian tire or walmart bicycle. The only thing i changed on the KHS is the stem so that i could use a wider riser bar for even more comfort and control. Even thought i have to maintain it a bit more because i use it for work and commuting, it is still much more affordable than a geared bike! Before the KHS I rode a fyxation eastside but now it's stripped because everything is seized but that's my fault for not maintaining and washing it properly from all the salt and snow that the frame accumulated.

[@bikesbymike]

Thanks for the advice on KHS single speeds. I am more familiar with their lineup of mountain bikes and hadn’t considered them for a commuter. Very helpful! My only experience with Fyxation is a set of fat bike wheels I bought in 2019 for my Rocky Mountain Suzi Q. I wasn’t all that impressed with the quality for what I paid for them. Fat bikes are a completely different segment of the bicycle market, so it’s not a terribly fair comparison, but it didn’t make me want to run out to test their other products. It was a blessing in disguise as it was the motivation I needed to tackle my first wheelbuild. For the same price I paid for my Fyxation wheels, I built up a dream set of custom carbon fat bike wheels and saved 1 kg of weight in the process! Completely transformed the ride feel.

[@worth432]

Thanks for your video, i came to the same conclusion a couple years ago when i started commuting by fixed gear after riding geared bikes through the winter. the simplicity is the best, I just wipe the chain a couple of times and that's it. it's literally 1 minute of maintenance once every two weeks.also, the fixed gear bike is always ready to ride because there is never anything wrong with it.

[@bikesbymike]

Thanks for sharing!

[@tonyboxofdonuts]

This is why I’m considering buying a single speed, I have a trek FX two hybrid from 2020 that I have put thousands of miles on and love but sometimes worrying about the derailer and what just seems like an annoyance.

[@gordonlbelyea4409]

I also found traction on snow or ice to be much more reassuring on my fixie - more feedback through the pedals.

[@edwardallan197]

The key to single speed bliss is gear selection. Forget high speed, have the one gear you could handle cold on a mild grade. Wildlife does not scatter, everyone does not look up. You are silently moseying. In a hurry, use your speedy bike. Great exploration of single speeding!😊

[@cyclingzen824]

When I was a teenager the bikes that were around were a racer (now called road bike), BMX and a bike (which was single speed). Of course I couldn't afford a racer so I just had a bike. Now at 57 I still ride a single speed daily. It's the only bike I have. I don't trash it, it looks great and riding it is second nature to me (even hills). I couldn't imagine riding anything else.

[@bikesbymike]

Nice! Never understood why so many people immediately dismiss single-speed bikes where there's rolling terrain. Assuming you're not riding an eBike, you're partly riding to get some amount of physical exercise. You just have to push a bit harder and/or go a bit slower.

[@yogiyoda]

Single speed is great for flat ground without much head wind. It's probelematic in really hilly or windy terrain. Loved my single speed in Florida. Not so much nh my new hilly neighborhood in Texas

[@TheYondaime008]

I bought me a single speed Fixie Inc bike a couple years ago on a sale for 120eu delivery included. Best investment, that bike has been through everything, and despite all the abuse it's been very low maintenance.

[@bikesbymike]

Nice!

[@havefunandbikestuffOver40]

Agree. My fg track bike has rekindled my bike joy of recent. It is my favorite but not my most expensive either.

[@bikesbymike]

Can I ask what you’re riding? My buddy, Anthony (just commented before you) was asking about recommendations for premium quality fixie bikes. Cheers.

[@garywilliams2375]

Back in the day ( late 60s early 70s) winter club runs were done on a winter hack with a single free (42x16 from memory) mudguards and lights . Great days.

[@bikesbymike]

There was a brief period in Toronto from around 2010 to 2015 where lots of newbie riders were buying fixies as fashion statements. Especially young women. That trend quickly died when they realized they couldn’t safely ride them on urban streets. It’s bike couriers that have mostly kept the fixie and SS market alive and well.

[@charlesaragon6756]

im using a mtb converted to single speed with 27.5 wheels and 2.25 tire (maxxis recon race exo) for commuting to work. i have suspension fork to compensate the bumpy roads on my way. i use 42t chainring and 18t cogs drivetrain with octalink bb. been using this bike for almost 6 years without any maintenance, just lubing up the chain and puting grease on bearings when needed. changed the tire only 3 times and spend about 5 internal tubes. 10 years of bike to work, what i can say, single speed bike commuting is really really cheap in terms of maintenance. really efficient if there's not so much uphill. and a great strength and endurance enhancer.

[@bikesbymike]

Nice! Totally agree. I look at the time and money I spend maintaining my geared bikes and it’s laughable compared to how hard I ride my commuter and how little maintenance it requires. Best way to commute!

[@santiagofarias4078]

I always recommend single speed 🧡 are super fun !!

[@zstudiosmartialarts1028]

I converted one of my road bikes to single speed. I feel riding single speed bike has improved/made me a better cyclist ie. cadence,pedaling, aerodynamics, reading terrain, and most importantly enjoying the ride. Great way if your looking for a cycling challenge.

[@bikesbymike]

I also found that with winter fat biking. Forced me to push a big gear.

[@hh8384]

you can get similar low maintenance if you have internal hub gears - then at least you have some. Very popular in NL, even though they dont have much you could call hills.

[@bikesbymike]

Yes, for sure. Something like the Shimano Nexus internal hub (3-speed or 8-speed) is very little maintenance and will give you a wide gear range. Internal hubs are not terribly expensive either.

[@knuffelpunk5198]

I would add the 3speed internal hub as a must have. In the netherlands its so usefull with the wind. therefore forget rim brakes add kick back brakes, and dynamo thats my 40 year old opoebike. only replacements are chains, tires, light bulbs and bell. the rest is still original.

[@bikesbymike]

Damn-the Netherlands. 🇳🇱 I’m jealous. I was born in the wrong country. And wrong continent. So envious of the cycling infrastructure you have.

[@wtsweigertphoto]

Already doing single speed 30+ yrs commuting

[@richardsrandomadventures]

i’ve had all kinds of bikes, my fav is a single speed, set to a more relaxed gear ratio. easier take off, good for hills, but i sacrifice top speed because i don’t care about going very fast. smooth, max efficiency, silent and minimalist.

[@bikesbymike]

Yup. Sweet setup.

[@frankducett9]

My wabi bikes are all about 18 lbs. and they are awesome With the hills in southern Indiana, every ride is a training session. How do I change gears? I go into the garage and get the tools and parts needed.

[@comedyman112]

Have you tried a belt drive single speed? I reckon it's even more silent. If you haven't, could you try doing a review on one? It's also way less maintenance

[@bikesbymike]

Belt drives are a really good option as well. Quiet, super long life and no maintenance. While they are commonly used on indoor bikes, you don't see them nearly as often on outdoor bikes, including commuters. I have no idea why as they are a great option. Sometime good tech just never catches on. I've never tried a belt drive, nor do I have plans to test one. Maybe I'll reach out to one of the bike companies in the future to give one a go. Given single speed drivetrains are so quiet already, it seems like it would be a marginal gain at best. Doesn't make a whole lot of sense to retrofit a drivetrain to accommodate a belt drive, but if you are buying new, it's definitely worth serious consideration. Another viewer praised belt drives as well.

[@ivanjerganoff280]

Its a must N+. I have one for work commute, daily errands and training bike.

[@bikesbymike]

Nice! I was starting to feel like this was just a Toronto trend :)

[@goofoffbert]

I'd be concerned about single speeds for those living in areas that are nothing but hills.

[@notundermywatch3163]

Correct.

[@Kevinoji021]

Thanks for your video, but I have only one reason why I choose single speed which you hadn't mention, it is the drivetrain efficiency, It is 95% at 100watts and 50watts, always 95%. But the derailleur system is 85% at 50watts and 90% at 100watts and 95 at 170watts.

[@bikesbymike]

Thanks for pointing that out! I completely forgot that.

[@sortehuse]

It really depend on where you live and where you have to go. I have a steep steep hill on my commute, so a Single Speed wouldn't make sense for me.

[@PixelShade]

Why are bikes so expensive in the US? If I want to buy a quality single-speed bike (Kronan) here in Sweden. The cost of the bike is 275USD. (3990SEK - 25%VAT = ~2990SEK, then converted to USD at current exchange rate)

[@charless2437]

Priority Ace beltdrive.

[@bikesbymike]

Ah-yes! Totally forgot about the belt drive option.

[@albertoflora5402]

aki no brasil é conplicado ai é outro nivel as bike eacesorios sãosuperior e mais barato eu tive umas aki e estomontando outra

[@bikesbymike]

We hear very little about South American bike companies in the USA and Canada. I was recently listening to a podcast where the bike store owner was raving about the super high quality bikes coming out of all the South American countries, especially when it comes to custom Ti and steel. Fabio Duarte Bikes is one. Scarab Cycles is another. Both out of Colombia. The paint designs from Scarab bikes are particularly impressive! I haven't heard much about Brazilian bikes, but will need to look into them. Really unfortunate that you don't hear a lot about many of the smaller bike companies doing really interesting things.

[@anthonyg-can]

lol. "It's a Norco, and it's incredibly not interesting... we want it to look crappy and be crappy". great video, I never thought much about fixie bikes. i took a scan of who makes fixie bikes... what would be the 'top notch' fixie bike you could buy?

[@bikesbymike]

Honestly, Anthony, I’m out of touch with the fixie market. No idea what are good bikes in this segment. Would be great to hear from others on what they’d recommend. So little independent fixie and single speed bike reviews online.

[@sabbyo]

Add a dynamo for lights, and you never need to worry about charging lights either

[@bikesbymike]

Yup. Good option. Although I’m surprised how much life I get out of my cheap LED front and tail lights. They run on AAA batteries and I change them up every year or so

[@Johann-4354]

To 'get' fixed gear riding you have to ride it only at least a month. Keep a front brake till you get the hang of the skill.

[@polisagitara9519]

i guess, if it's gonna be your "trash bike" and you have an another bike for your actual rides, it's not at all trash,btw, not in the slightest, they just call it that here, it's the bike that is not gonna be a pain when it got stolen or something. but if you're like me with just one bike for commuting? where i am? hybrid build is the way to go, it's also not good in the eye but it'll have monster parts that'll last, shimano linkglide tech and hydraulic brakes, that'll include complete accessories, a rack, a couple of dry bags and a decent lock, and even if i include my commuter cleats shoes and a couple of padded shorts and some drifit commuters shirts, it'll still be around $500, and some maintenance tools, btw, yes I'm that sad that i computed my upgrades😂, maybe it depends where you live? i have an mtb with a cornerbar and gravel tires(cause roads here are..... might aswell call it gravel roads😂,

[@tinusn.4082]

Sir, what bis the difference between a fixie and a single speed? Also, how is the gear of a single speed bike determined - not too light not too heavy?

[@notundermywatch3163]

A fixie has no brakes. When you stop pedaling the rear cog locks up. It's very technical to ride. Single speed, well it's just single speed meaning the bike has no other gear/speed.

[@tinusn.4082]

@@notundermywatch3163 So, on a fixie the brake is actually just stop pedaling? I assume for the average person a single speed is preferred over the fixie because of this technicality?

[@notundermywatch3163]

@tinusn.4082 yes, exactly. Fixie is very technical, you must know how to stop the bike and balance on it without putting a foot down , you must know how to approach a curb without stopping pedaling, you have to know how to skid etc... It's a very technical type of riding and the learning curve isn't without some falls. So when you see these fixie enthusiasts slaloming in traffic at high speeds then you realize how skilled and also how nuts they are. Yeah I suppose everyone has at least riden a single speed once or owned one as a child. It's bicycle that's all, just not convenient when steep hills show up but much more manageable tha a fixie to the average user.

[@bikesbymike]

A single speed has a freehub, so it allows you to not pedal while coasting. Single speeds always come with brakes. A fixie (a.k.a. fixed gear or track bike) has no freehub, so if the wheels are moving, the pedals are also moving. Fixies don't typically come with brakes, as you stop moving by using the pedals to resist forward momentum. With single speed gearing, you're not going to find a perfect gear for all riding conditions. It's a compromise. It's about finding a gear ratio that works best for your riding style and preference, and your riding terrain. And if you live in an area with massive hills, a single speed probably isn't for you. Nor is it a good choice if you don't like climbing out of the saddle. I run a 44 tooth chainring at the front and a 16 tooth cog at the rear, which works well for me. I don't spin out on the flats and I can get up the smaller hills just fine. I have one climb that is 300 metres long with an average grade of 8.5% and that one requires max. effort out of the saddle. Below is a link to a good article that explain SS gear ratios and what to consider. They suggest a 2:1 ratio is norm, which seems bang on. I could do better with a slightly easier gear ratio. surlybikes.com/info_hole/spew/spew_single-speed_gearing_101 Good luck!

[@tinusn.4082]

@@bikesbymike That's interesting. Is there a standard fixed gear ratio these bikes are provided with and/or can the supplier be asked to customise this to suit your preferance?

[@ariffau]

Is there a single speed commuter bike that can handle larger tyres like 32mm and larger? I don’t mind disc brakes.

[@Buddhakingpen]

The kilo wt has great parts for its price and fits up to 45c. The state bicycle co's 4130 fixed gear/single speed comes with a 38c tire, and has clearance maybe for a 42.

[@ariffau]

@ will check them all out. Thanks!

[@WalkerInTheAir]

Ever heard of Shimano Nexus?

[@bikesbymike]

Yes. Internal geared hub available in 3 or 8-speed versions.

[@davidburgess741]

Fixed is better. Brake built in. Stay away from hills. Sprockets fixed/fixed. 52x 18 and 23.

[@docmccoy9813]

Perfect if you don't have knee pain and you want to know about it.

[@willwill5595]

Amazon or walmart single speed or multiple speed 100 to 200 dollars. Someone will harm u if u have a more expensive bike

[@bikesbymike]

The cheaper, the better, for sure.

[@bryan92252]

If it's for commuting but you have to walk it up every hill, why not just walk?

[@bikesbymike]

But I don’t walk it up hills.

[@romanpramuka2703]

No way. My commute is 12km with 200m of elevation, the same back.

[@worth432]

my commute is 15km with 200m of elevation, i commute fixed 48x17 year round, it's all about your attitude

[@romanpramuka2703]

​@@worth432I can't imagine climbing up over 10% gradient with 48-17 😮

[@bikesbymike]

Ditto that. Attitude matters. Lots of legit comments from others that some commutes have too steep or too long climbs to ride SS. But my route has a 300 m climb at an 8% grade, and it’s my favourite part of the ride. One of the best interval workouts I do 😂

[@Shadowboost]

Buy used road bike for 100 dollars. Profit. I live on the top of a 8% hill. Good luck balancing 20 mph cruising on flats with the half mile climbs

[@bobalinga]

Very hilly European city here so not really.

[@notundermywatch3163]

Same here. Not interested of showing up at work sweating bullets and shooting up my knees daily. I want energy and health for my strength training as well. I'm not afraid of some light maintenance on my bikes lol

[@rodneyhanson9884]

800 bucks! Thats what I would consider expensive

[@bikesbymike]

Yeah, but you can find ones just as good for almost half the price or used for under a $100.

[@rodneyhanson9884]

@@bikesbymikethats not an argument for buying an $800 one

[@victorquesada7530]

Clickbaity title aside, your definition of cheap and my definition of cheap are pretty far apart. I like the idea of a beater bike. That's such an underperformer that you can practically leave it unlocked and just come back to it the next day. $800 might be cheap for a fairly good performance or somebody who's got a longer ride, and thus a worthy investment. But for that kind of money, there's stuff on the used market that'll match your needs much better.

[@bikesbymike]

I get your point that $800 may not be considered cheap by all riders. But as I showed in my video, you can find new, full-price single speeds for $500 (and used ones for less than $100.) I definitely need to lock mine to prevent theft, but I've never had it stolen, so not terribly desirable among bike thieves. As for a SS not fitting my needs, I've ridden a geared commuter bike and just about every other style of bike out there, and I still go back to the SS. By choice not by necessity. It's my favourite ride for the type of riding along my route.

[@YurkerYT]

Bike will be low maintenance, youe knees eventually won't.

[@alastairwright77]

On the contrary, I find they make my knees better after several hundred miles on road bikes. Two days commuting on a fixed gear and they're good as new.

[@derekrosshall]

Knee health improves with strength training and riding a bike is low impact.

[@naoltitude9516]

stupid