A single speed bike, in essence, is the epitome of cycling simplicity. True to its name, it features just one gear, streamlining your ride down to its purest form. While equipped with standard front and rear brakes, the defining characteristic is its solitary gear, offering a unique riding experience that harkens back to the early days of cycling. Think of those pioneering Tour de France riders in 1903 – they were tackling those grueling races on single speeds, much like today’s commuters and velodrome racers who appreciate the directness and efficiency of a single gear.
This guide aims to illuminate the world of single speed and fixed gear bikes, helping you understand the nuances of each and showcasing some of the best single speed options currently available on the market. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or new to the scene, exploring the Best Single Speed Bikes can open up a refreshing and rewarding dimension to your riding.
Why Choose a Single Speed Bike? Embracing Simplicity and Efficiency
Single speed bikes, though not designed for competitive racing in most scenarios, offer a compelling blend of practicality and riding pleasure. Many models are thoughtfully designed with mounts for mudguards (fenders) and panniers, making them exceptionally well-suited as commuting bikes.
Steed Thoroughbred
The beauty of a single speed extends beyond its functional design. The absence of a cassette, derailleur, and gear cables translates to significantly reduced maintenance and cleaning demands. This stripped-down approach not only saves time and effort but also encourages riders to refine their pedaling technique. Riding a single speed naturally teaches you to leverage your cadence to manage effort and speed – a skill that can often be overlooked when relying on gears. These attributes make single speeds a popular choice as a winter bike for many cyclists seeking a reliable and straightforward ride through challenging conditions.
An added feature in some single speed bikes is the ‘flip flop’ hub. This clever design is double-sided, allowing riders to switch between a freewheeling single speed setup and a fixed gear configuration simply by reversing the wheel. This versatility adds another layer of appeal for riders who appreciate options.
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1. Steed Thoroughbred Singlespeed Bike: Classic Elegance Meets Urban Practicality
Best for: Practicality, elegance, and affordability.
Read our expert review
Reasons to buy:
- Timeless aesthetics
- High-quality frame construction
- Delightful riding experience
- Excellent value for money
Reasons to avoid:
- Flat handlebars might not suit riders seeking higher speeds
The Steed Thoroughbred exudes a timeless charm, from its classic geometry to its durable powder-coated steel frame. This bike isn’t just about looks; it’s built for real-world practicality. The frame thoughtfully incorporates bosses for two water bottle cages, mudguards, and a rear rack, enhancing its utility for daily commutes and errands. Designed as a unisex frame, it accommodates riders ranging from 5ft 0in to 6ft 5in across its three available sizes, ensuring a broad fit range.
Color options are plentiful, with four choices to personalize your ride. The standard gearing features a 44-tooth chainring paired with an 18-tooth rear sprocket, a well-balanced setup ideal for general urban riding.
Riding the Steed Thoroughbred is a reassuring experience. It feels robust, stable, and dependable. The renowned ‘feel of steel’ is evident, offering a ride quality that’s both compliant and responsive, especially appealing if you appreciate the nuanced feedback of a steel frame.
Straight out of the box, it’s equipped to meet the needs of the urban commuter. For those inclined to customize, swapping to drop handlebars or altering the rear sprocket is easily achievable, adding to its adaptable nature. This bike is not just a purchase; it’s an investment in a beautiful, comfortable, and versatile frame that’s built to last, underscored by a lifetime guarantee.
Read more: Steed Thoroughbred full review
best single speed and fixed gear bikes
2. State Bicycle Core-Line Singlespeed Bike: Affordable Style for Everyday Riding
Reasons to buy:
- Competitively priced
- Appealing design
Reasons to avoid:
- Availability can be inconsistent
- Gearing might require adjustment for hilly terrains
The State Bicycle Core-Line series presents three distinct models: Rigby, Wulf (Matte Black), and Pigeon (high gloss ‘asphalt’ grey). Each shares the same robust steel frame and versatile flip-flop hub, allowing for both freewheel and fixed gear configurations. This range is specifically designed to lower the barrier to bike ownership, focusing on delivering quality at an accessible price point.
A notable feature is the relatively tall 44/16t gearing, equating to approximately 73 gear inches. If your typical routes involve hills, you might consider opting for a larger rear sprocket and a longer chain to ease climbs.
Despite occasional availability challenges, the Core-Line range has cultivated a dedicated following, almost cult-like in its enthusiasm. Backed by a five-year manufacturer warranty, it stands as a compelling and visually attractive option in the single speed market.
best single speed and fixed gear bikes
3. Retrospec Mantra Fixed-Gear / Single-Speed Bike: Entry-Level Versatility and Durability
Reasons to buy:
- Excellent value proposition
- Built to last
- Easily switchable between single-speed and fixed-gear modes
Reasons to avoid:
- May not fully satisfy the needs of more experienced riders
The Retrospec Mantra is an outstanding entry-level bike that offers remarkable value. It features a robust steel frame, complete with horizontal track dropouts and integrated chain tensioners for easy adjustments. Adding to its practicality, the frame includes mounts for mudguards/fenders, a rear rack, and two bottle cages, enhancing its commuter-friendly credentials.
This flat-bar bike is equipped with a flip-flop hub, giving you the flexibility to choose between single-speed and fixed gear setups. It comes standard with a 46t chainring and a 16t freewheel sprocket. Other specifications include reliable caliper rim brakes and 28mm Kenda commuter tires, designed for urban environments. The Mantra is available in several colors, including matte black and matte olive drab, allowing for personal style expression.
Best singlespeed and fixed gear bikes
4. FabricBike Light Singlespeed Bike: Designed for Speed and Distance
Reasons to buy:
- Well-suited for long-distance rides
- Lightweight construction
Reasons to avoid:
- Less than ideal for navigating tight city environments
The FabricBike Light is engineered for speed, offering a flip-flop hub that lets you alternate between a 16T single speed and a fixed gear setup. Its aluminum frameset is designed for a blend of aerodynamics and comfort, complemented by deep section 43mm wheels and 25c Kenda tires.
Its lightweight nature is a key highlight, with a claimed frameset weight of just 2.45kg / 5.04lbs and a total bike weight of only 9.45kg / 20.83lbs for a medium size. This makes it noticeably lighter than many competitors in the market.
Equipped with bullhorn handlebars, the FabricBike Light encourages an aerodynamic riding posture, beneficial for both speed and tackling climbs. However, these handlebars are less agile in sharp turns, making this bike more suited for longer, faster routes rather than stop-and-go city riding. It’s available in four colors, including a polished and clear lacquer finish, appealing to those who value both performance and aesthetics.
Best singlespeed and fixed gear bikes
5. Creme Vinyl Uno Single Speed Bike: City-Centric Design with Style
Reasons to buy:
- Optimally designed for city commuting
Reasons to avoid:
- May benefit from a larger sprocket and longer chain for hillier areas
Creme, a brand with over a decade of experience in crafting city bikes, presents the Vinyl Uno as a standout single speed offering. This bike combines a steel frame and fork with reliable rim brakes, a comfortable riser flat bar, and a 46/17T flip flop gear.
Similar to the State Bicycle Core-Line, the gearing is on the taller side. If you anticipate riding in areas with frequent hills, considering a larger rear sprocket and a longer chain at the time of purchase could enhance your riding experience. The Creme Vinyl Uno is thoughtfully designed for the urban cyclist who values both function and style in their daily ride.
Best singlespeed and fixed gear bikes
6. Fuji Feather 2020 Single Speed Bike: Retro Charm with Modern Performance
Reasons to buy:
- Striking visual appeal
- Comfortable riding dynamics
Reasons to avoid:
- Lacks fender mounts for wet weather practicality
The Fuji Feather is a visually captivating bike, available in classic black or white with vibrant hot pink decals, appealing to those who appreciate a blend of retro aesthetics and modern functionality. Its Chromoly steel frame and fork promise both durability and a comfortable ride quality.
Designed with removable cable guides and a flip flop hub equipped with a 16T cog and freewheel, the Feather offers versatility. You can easily adapt it for track cycling or maintain it as a road-ready single speed with brakes.
The dropped keirin-style handlebars and frame geometry make it exceptionally nimble for city riding. However, the absence of fender mounts suggests it’s best suited for fair-weather commutes.
Best singlespeed and fixed gear bikes
7. Octane One Kode Commuter Single Speed Bike: The Versatile All-Rounder
Reasons to buy:
- A highly adaptable all-purpose bike
Reasons to avoid:
- Gearing might feel limiting in varied terrains
The Octane One Kode Commuter is built around a robust steel frame and fork, equipped with ample mounts for bottles, fenders, and panniers. This makes it an excellent choice for daily riding, regardless of weather conditions.
Mechanical disc brakes are a significant upgrade on this single speed, providing reliable stopping power. It also features a flip-flop 14t hub, enabling a switch to fixed gear riding. With durable 40c Kenda Kwik tires and the option to add a drivetrain (purchased separately), the Kode Commuter is remarkably versatile.
While a strong all-rounder, riders encountering varied terrain might find the single gear limiting at times, particularly on steeper inclines.
best singlespeed bike
8. Genesis Day One 10 Single Speed Bike: The Dependable Urban Workhorse
Reasons to buy:
- Excellent all-around performance
- Built for durability
Reasons to avoid:
- No notable drawbacks
Targeted at the urban commuter, the Genesis Day One 10 excels as a reliable all-rounder. It features mechanical disc brakes, 35c tires, full-length mudguards, and pannier mounts, making it ready for daily commutes in any weather.
The 42T chainring and 17T sprocket single speed setup (67-inch gear) strikes a good balance between speed and climbing ability. This gearing choice ensures that even in less flat urban environments, you’re more likely to ride up hills than walk.
Enhanced with reflective decals and constructed with a durable Cromoly (steel) frame and fork, the Genesis Day One 10 is designed for longevity, making it a perfect long-term commuting companion.
Best singlespeed and fixed gear bikes
9. Genesis Flyer Single Speed Bike: Smooth and Low-Maintenance Riding
Reasons to buy:
- Ideal for varied and flat terrains
- Minimal maintenance requirements
Reasons to avoid:
- No significant disadvantages
Sharing the same tubing specifications and geometry as the Genesis Equilibrium, the Flyer is designed for year-round riding. It benefits from a cadence-friendly 42/17t gear ratio and a flip-flop hub for both freewheel and fixed gear options, making it suitable for both undulating and flat routes.
The Cromoly (Steel) frame and carbon fork are paired with ProMax rim brakes and custom extra-long Chromoplastic mudguards, providing ample protection in wet conditions. The Genesis Flyer stands out as a low-maintenance, ride-ready option right from the start, perfect for cyclists seeking simplicity and reliability.
Fixed Gear Bikes: Stripped Down and Direct
A fixed gear bike, often called a ‘fixie’, mirrors a single speed in its singular gear setup. The key distinction lies in its ‘fixed’ drivetrain. This means there’s no freewheeling; the pedals are directly linked to the rear wheel’s rotation. As long as the bike is moving, the pedals are turning, requiring constant pedaling and enabling unique control techniques like backpedaling to brake (though brakes are still essential, especially on the road).
Best track bikes
Originally confined to velodromes and track racing, fixed gear bikes have seen a resurgence in urban environments, popularized by bike couriers and a growing culture that appreciates their mechanical simplicity and direct connection to the road. They’re also central to fixed gear criterium racing, such as the Red Hook series, which has gained significant traction.
For road riding, it’s crucial to remember legal requirements. In most jurisdictions, a functional front brake is mandatory for fixed gear bikes used on public roads, ensuring safety and compliance.
1. Cinelli Tipo Pista Track Fixed Gear Bike: Lightweight Speed for Track and Street
Reasons to buy:
- Exceptionally lightweight
- Easily removable brakes for track use
Reasons to avoid:
- No major drawbacks
The Cinelli Tipo Pista track bike bridges the gap between velodrome performance and urban riding. Equipped with brakes, it’s ready for both track sessions and navigating city streets.
An aluminum frame and carbon fork contribute to its remarkably light weight of just 7.8kg / 17.37lbs, significantly lighter than many single speed bikes in a similar price bracket.
Caliper rim brakes at the front and rear are designed for easy removal, thanks to external cable routing. This allows for quick transitions from street-legal setup to track-ready configuration, ideal for riders who split their time between commuting and track cycling.
2. Dolan FXE Aluminium Fixie Bike: The Winter-Ready Urban Fixie
Reasons to buy:
- Lightweight frame
- Excellent choice for winter riding
Reasons to avoid:
- No significant disadvantages
Seeking a fixie that performs reliably through harsh winter months? The Dolan FXE is designed as a year-round urban mobility solution, complete with compatibility for both front and rear mudguards.
It features a lightweight aluminum frame, weighing just 1.78kg / 3.92lbs in a 54cm size, with a sloping top tube for enhanced stiffness, complemented by a carbon front fork.
Dolan offers customization through their bike builder, allowing you to specify handlebar width and stem length for a tailored fit. Personalize further by choosing your preferred Deda handlebar color, adding a unique touch to the sleek black frame and components.
Best single speed and fixed gear bikes
3. Mango Original Single Speed: Customizable Style and Fun
Reasons to buy:
- Highly customizable design
Reasons to avoid:
- Bold design might not appeal to everyone
Mango Bikes are known for their vibrant colors and customizable aesthetics, offering stylish looks at a reasonable price. The Mango Original allows for extensive personalization, with eight to nine color options for nearly every component, enabling you to create a bespoke fixie bike that truly reflects your style.
Equipped with a flip flop rear hub, it provides the option to switch to freewheel riding if fixed gear isn’t your preference, offering flexibility for those new to fixed gear riding. Fitted with 46/18 gearing, this stiff steel-framed fixie balances acceleration and top speed effectively. Three handlebar options—risers, bullhorns, and drop bars—further tailor the bike to your riding style.
Choosing the Right Gear for Your Single Speed or Fixed Gear Bike
Selecting the appropriate gear ratio is crucial for single speed and fixed gear bikes. A gear that’s too high will make hills daunting, while one that’s too low will have you spinning excessively on flat ground.
Gear ratio is determined by the relationship between the front and rear chainrings, measured in gear inches. The ideal gear varies significantly based on the rider, terrain, and riding purpose. For commuters, a gear range of 65 to 75 inches is often suitable. Track cyclists, who primarily ride on flat, banked surfaces, typically opt for much higher gear ratios.
Below is a table illustrating gear ratios for various chainring and rear cog combinations, assuming a 700c wheel with 25c tires. Wider tires will slightly increase gear inches, and narrower tires will slightly decrease them.
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Singlespeed, fixie and track bike gear inches for a 700c wheel with 25c tire
| | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
|———|——|——|——|——|——|——|——|
| 52 | 106 | 98.2 | 91.8 | 86 | 81 | 76.5 | 72.5 |
| 51 | 104 | 96.3 | 90 | 84.4 | 79.4 | 74.9 | 70.9 |
| 50 | 102 | 94.5 | 88.1 | 82.8 | 77.8 | 73.6 | 69.6 |
| 49 | 99.7 | 92.6 | 86.5 | 81 | 76.2 | 72 | 68.3 |
| 48 | 97.6 | 90.8 | 84.7 | 79.4 | 74.6 | 70.6 | 66.9 |
| 47 | 95.8 | 88.9 | 82.8 | 77.8 | 73 | 69.1 | 65.4 |
| 46 | 93.7 | 86 | 81.2 | 76.2 | 71.7 | 67.7 | 64 |
| 45 | 91.5 | 84.9 | 79.4 | 74.3 | 70.1 | 66.1 | 62.7 |
| 44 | 89.4 | 83.1 | 77.5 | 72.8 | 68.5 | 64.6 | 61.4 |
Essential Reminders for Riding Fixed Gear
- Practice Makes Perfect: If you’re new to fixed gear, start in a traffic-free area, or consider taking a class at a local velodrome. Velodromes often offer beginner classes and have supportive communities for fixed gear enthusiasts.
- Tool Up for Wheel Changes: Unlike bikes with quick-release skewers, single speed and fixed gear bikes typically use wheel nuts. Carry a wrench to handle punctures.
- Front Brake is a Must for Road Use: Legally and practically, a functioning front brake is essential for fixed gear bikes ridden on roads.
- Keep Pedaling on Fixed Gear: On a fixed gear bike, continuous pedaling is necessary. Forgetting to pedal can lead to abrupt stops and instability.
Conclusion: Embrace the Single Speed Experience
Single speed bikes offer a unique blend of simplicity, efficiency, and style, making them an excellent choice for urban commuters and cyclists who appreciate a direct and engaging riding experience. Their low maintenance, responsive handling, and aesthetic appeal set them apart in the cycling world. Whether you’re navigating city streets or seeking a reliable and enjoyable ride, the best single speed bikes provide a compelling option worth considering.
