Singlespeed bike: what are the advantages - and what are the disadvantages?

With a singlespeed bike, you're on your way fast - at least in some situations. Our guide takes a look at the pros and cons of the trendy bike genre.

Clear preference: single-speed bikes like flat, steady trails.

Not every single-speed bike is a fixie. For reasons of clarity, we focus in the following on the "normal" variant with freewheel.

Single Speed: Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

The advantages of a single-speed bike relate to several aspects:

• By dispensing with a complex rear derailleur with all its components, the bike is lightweight and requires little maintenance. Because: what does not exist, does not need to be repaired or cleaned.
• In flat environments, the driving experience is very balanced and pleasant.
• The appearance is a subjective factor: many people find the reduced look as trendy and appealing.

In return, however, there are also disadvantages:

• On steep climbs, lower gears are missing to be able to pedal more easily against the mountain. On downhill rides, the rider lacks higher gears to be able to ride faster.
• The range of use is therefore quite limited. Single-speed bikes are mainly useful in flat environments, primarily in large cities, but also in rural areas.

It is always clear that the differences between the models are as large as in any other category. A modern single-speed bike must fit its rider to consistently deliver the promised characteristics.