If you are looking for a new bike in the market, you will first come across a wide range of complicated options, offering various suspension types along with a variety of speed options. While the gears do offer a more comfortable riding experience on tricky roads and uneven terrains, you would barely need them on a simple street. So, it would be a lot better to invest in a simple single speed bike if your requirements aren’t that high. Even for a single speed bike, you will have to keep a few factors in mind in order to find the right option.
- Design: One of the most attractive aspects of a single speed bike is its simplicity of construction. This includes an oversimplified design that makes the bike the right option for a wide range of users. However, this benefit is only available on bikes that feature a simple frame design along with a single speed drivetrain configuration.
- Wheels: As there is not a lot to check on a single speed bike, its wheel becomes one of the major factors that affect its performance as well as compatibility. Here, the deciding factor for a lot of people is the wheel size. While a lot of users go for a larger wheel size to make the bike suitable for rough usage, some prefer smaller wheels for faster rides.
- Breaks: Even though single speed bikes don’t have a complicated design, you will still need a trustworthy braking system if you are planning to use the bike outdoors, or on a crowded street. The braking system of your bike will help you keep the bike in full control and let you ride it at the speed you want without any worries.
Today, we are going to take a look at some of the finest options in the market for a single speed bike. Even though there are a lot of manufacturers in the market for a bike, the options for a single speed bike are limited as most manufacturers focus on mountain bikes and BMX bikes. So, we have taken the liberty to shortlist the best single speed from the crowd and presented here along with detailed specifications and a brief review. You will also find a detailed Buying Guide for the best single speed bike after this list to help you find the right one for your needs.
Best Single Speed Bikes 2023
| Best Single Speed Bikes | Wheel Size | Suspension Type | Suitable Age Group | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firmstrong Urban Bike | 26 Inches | --- | Adult | Check On Amazon |
| 6KU Single Speed Bike | 26 Inches | --- | Adult | Check On Amazon |
| Kulana Lua Tandem Cruiser Bike | 26 Inches | Rigid | Adult | Check On Amazon |
| Golden Cycles Single Speed Bike | 29 Inches | --- | Adult | Check On Amazon |
| Takara Yuugen Single Speed Bike | 29 Inches | Dual | Adult | Check On Amazon |
| ACEGER Womens Cruiser Bike | 26 Inches | Dual | Adult | Check On Amazon |
| Hurley Electric Single Speed E-Bike | 26 Inches | Rigid | Adult | Check On Amazon |
| Retrospec Fixed-Gear-Bicycles | 27 Inches | Rear | Adult | Check On Amazon |
Best Single Speed Bikes Reviews
1. Firmstrong Urban Lady Single Speed
Firmstrong is also a pretty popular option on our list today which is bringing an ideal option for a single speed bike for all the ladies. However, the specifications of this bike are pretty powerful and suitable for routine use.
The Firmstrong Urban Lady Cruiser Bike is our 3rd pick for the best single speed bike and certainly does not disappoint when it comes to specifications and performance. The Firmstrong Urban Lady Cruiser Bike is equipped with 26 inches wide wheels that can guarantee you a relaxed and effortless riding experience on bumpy roads. Plus, the curvy design of its frame paired with the mint green color certainly offers a nice tone to its look.
However, the Firmstrong Urban Lady Cruiser Bike is as strong as it is good looking. This bike is also made up of a durable steel frame with 15 inches height. Plus, the wheels on this bike are made up of aluminum to offer better speed with lesser effort needed to ride them. You will also notice an oversized seat on the Firmstrong Urban Lady Cruiser Bike along with wider handlebars that allows the rider to maintain a proper posture while riding the bike.
Best Features
- It has 26 inches wheel size
- Suitable for 5 to 6 feet tall riders
- Suitable for adult riders
- Frame size is 15 inches
Pros
- Best option for female riders
- Great design and color option
- Strong build quality
Cons
- Size could have been a bit smaller to increase height compatibility
2. 6KU Single Speed Bike
The 6KU Track Fixed Gear Bicycle is the best choice for people who want a high-quality bike. It is the best bike for all your cycling needs, made to be versatile and high-performing. This light bike is good for all riders, and it sets a high standard that others can match.
This bike is made for adults and has a stylish and classic white design that stands out and looks good. It combines style, simplicity, and practicality. It is designed for riders of all levels. It has reliable front and rear brakes. It is made with a light aluminum frame and fork, so It can easily control and handle. It is built to last and can handle daily use for many years without a problem. It is good for everyday riding. It can handle challenging activities like racing and long trips, making it a reliable, adaptable, and durable bike. The 49-centimeter wheels strike a good balance between agility and stability.
Best Features:
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- Front and rear suspension
- Versatile fixed-gear design
- Front and rear brakes for safety
- Stylish crisp white color
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Handles hills and rough terrain well
- Versatile for different riding styles
- Reliable braking system
- Stylish and eye-catching design
Cons:
- Single gear may not suit all terrains
- Limited color options
3. Kulana Lua Tandem Adult Beach Cruiser Bike
If you are willing to share a fun bike with a friend or a loved one, then the following option from Kulana is perfect for you. This is a rather unique option for a bike which is suitable for 2 riders.
In the 2nd place, we have a bike that can allow 2 riders to ride the bike simultaneously. The Kulana Lua Tandem Adult Cruiser Bike is designed for having a fun time with a biddy as you will notice 2 seats, 2 handlebars, and 3 driving pedals on this bike. While this option is from their single speed bike category, Kulana also has geared options if you are looking for one in this model design.
Apart from the additional functionality, the core components of the bike are pretty much similar to what you will expect from a premium bike. It has 26 inches wheels, making the bike suitable for 5.4 to 6.2 inches tall riders. Plus, the frame of this bike is made up of a high tensile steel frame with an oversized fork to support the weight of 2 riders.
Best Features
- It has 26 inches wheel size
- It offers rigid suspensions
- Suitable for adult riders
- Suitable for 2 simultaneous riders
Pros
- Supports up to 6.2 feet tall riders
- Unique option for a single speed bike
- Weight capacity is higher than other options
Cons
- Not the best option for daily commutes
4. Golden Cycles Single Speed Bike
The Golden Cycles Single Speed Bike is the best choice for a flexible and fashionable city bike. This bike has a special fixed gear system that makes it easy to ride in the city without any issues. This bike is good for riding in the city, and it gives you better control. The bike’s steel frame is strong and light, which makes it durable and easy to handle. The bike’s height fits many riders, ranging from 27 to 34 inches, making it comfortable for everyone.
The most important part is the flip-flop hub, which connects you directly to the road as you ride. Safety and control are paramount, and there are no compromises. Having both front and back brakes makes it easier to stop and turn, making you feel more secure and confident when you are cycling in the city. The bike’s 700c wheels ensure a smooth ride, and its 34-pound weight is strong and easy to manage. This Single Speed Bike is the best choice around in the busy city.
Best Features:
- Versatile and Stylish Design
- Durable Alloy Steel Frame
- Responsive Flip-Flop Hub
- Front and Rear Brakes for Safety
- Wide Range of Available Colors
Pros:
- Smooth 700c Wheels
- Lightweight and Agile
- Suitable for a Wide Range of Riders
- Direct Connection to the Road
- Confidence-Boosting Brakes
- Reliable and Stylish Urban Transport
Cons:
- Limited to Single Speed
- May Require Maintenance
- Fixed Gear Not Ideal for All Terrain
- Limited Gear Options for Varied Terrain
- Limited Suspension for Rough Roads
5. Takara Yuugen Single Speed Road Bike
Moving on to the budget-friendly section for single speed bikes, we have a great option coming from Takara Tomy.This is mainly a famous toys and accessories brand that also has a great single speed bike in their product catalog.
Next, we have a great single speed bike from Takara. The Takara Yuugen Single Speed Bike is also a fixed gear bike for those who like a challenging bike ride. There are no compromises in the build quality of this bike despite the affordable price range. It still has a high tensile steel frame as well as fork for a durable performance.
The top bar on the Takara Yuugen Single Speed Bike is flat rather than curved. While it may not appear so important, it does help with balancing the bike when you are going at a fast speed. The rear hub on the other hand is a flip flop flat bar that allows fixed as well as freewheel pedaling. It also has 700C x 28 mm tires that is what you will find on almost all standard single speed bikes.
Best Features
- It has 29 inches wheel size
- It offers dual suspensions
- Suitable for adult riders
- It has a flat bar on top
Pros
- One of the affordable choices for a single speed bike
- It has a flip flop rear hub
- Offers the largest wheel size in this list
Cons
- Large wheel size affects height compatibility
6. ACEGER Womens Cruiser Bike
ACEGER has also managed to land a great option on our list of the best single speed bikes for female riders. It also has an attractive frame design paired with strong specifications within an affordable price range.
The ACEGER Womens Cruiser Bike is one of the cheapest options you will find for a women’s single speed bike in the market right now. It is suitable for adult riders with 26 inches wheels and similarly large frame size. You will also get V-brakes on the front wheel and a coaster brake on the rear one to assure your safety. There are also graphic fenders at front as well as rear side to protect the rider from dirt, especially helpful around beaches.
Coming to the quality of the bike, the ACEGER Womens Cruiser Bike is also made up of steel so that you can trust its build quality and resistance to external damage. Plus, the saddle of this bike is adjustable so that you can make the ride comfortable according to your needs. Once you combine all of that with a great design and a fresh color option, you will get the perfect outdoor single speed bike.
Best Features
- It has 26 inches wheel size
- It offers dual suspensions
- Suitable for adult riders
- Frame is made up of steel
Pros
- Perfect option for outdoor rides
- It offer dual suspension
- Unique rim design
Cons
- Not the best option for riding at a fast speed
7. Hurley Electric-Bicycles Single Speed E-Bike
There are a lot of users that prefer an electric version of the bike. So, we have decided to include an electric single speed bike on our list from Hurley.
The Hurley Beach Cruiser E-Bike is the only option you will find on our list today that offers the advantage of a hassle-free riding experience since it is an electric option. The Hurley Beach Cruiser E-Bike is driven by a 250 watts motor, which may not feel a lot powerful compared to other eBikes. But, it still manages to keep up with the competition by offering up to 20 miles range with up to 20 MPH maximum speed.
Apart from that, the Hurley Beach Cruiser E-Bike also has great specification in terms of design quality and riding comfort. Since the battery of the Hurley Beach Cruiser E-Bike is removable, you can use it as a manual single speed bike if needed. And with the 700C steel frame, you won’t notice any problem with the frame quality whatsoever.
Best Features
- It has 26 inches wheel size
- It offers rigid suspensions
- Suitable for adult riders
- Offers up to 20 MPH maximum speed
Pros
- It has 20 up to miles mileage
- Battery is removable for rider’s convenience
- Suitable for 5 to 5.8 feet tall riders
Cons
- Initial assembly takes 1 to 2 hours
8. Retrospec Fixed-Gear-Bicycles
In the end, we are bringing a highly versatile option for a single speed bike that is suitable for many applications. This is also one of our premium choices and is designed by Retrospec.
Last but not the least, we have the Retrospec Fixed-Gear-Bicycle. As the name suggests, this is a single speed as well as fixed gear bike made for those who want the rush of a bike ride along with a strong workout. It is also made up of a high tensile steel frame so you will be riding this bike for years to come without any problem.
As for riding this bike on rough terrains, you do not have to worry about that since it has the standard 700 x 28C tires, offering the right size as well as width to support your adventures. You can also switch the drivetrain of this bike from fixed gear to freewheel riding mode thanks to the flip flop hub. As the steering of the Retrospec Fixed-Gear-Bicycle is a threadless steering system, it makes the bike stronger, lighter, and more accurate in terms of handling.
Best Features
- It has 27 inches wheel size
- It offers rear suspensions
- Suitable for adult riders
- Threadless steering system
Pros
- Little to no maintenance is required
- Made up of a durable material
- Wheel size and thickness is pretty good
Cons
- Overall design could have been better
Buying Guide For The Best Single Speed Bikes
Even though there are a lot of advanced options available in the market for a bike, it is not surprising to see a lot of riders tending towards traditional single speed bikes. There are a lot of reasons behind that such as simplicity of construction, pocket-friendly price range, and overall compatibility with most types of applications.
Apart from that, single speed bikes also do not require a whole lot of maintenance and are comparatively more reliable than others, despite being a more affordable choice. However, the main reason for a lot of users to switch to a single speed bike is the fact that these bikes are considerably harder to climb on a slope. So if you are wondering if riding a bike is a powerful workout, you should try a single speed bike on an uphill track or rough terrain. If you have not made up your mind about which single speed bike you are going to get from our list, take a look at our buying guide that can certainly help you make a decision.
1. Design and Construction
The main reason to go for a single speed bike over tonnes of fancy options available in the market is its simplicity of design and construction. Single speed bikes are not much different than the traditional bikes that we have seen since our childhood. The only difference is the upgradation in the frame design and the overall increased reliability of the bike.
As there are no extra gears on a single speed bike, there are no additional parameters that are needed for a complicated drivetrain like derailleurs, cassette, combined shifters, etc. So, you will notice a significant decrease in the weight of the chassis. However, you still have to make sure that the unit you are buying still has a durable chassis if it’s a lightweight one.
2. Frame Material
As you may already know, most bikes these days are made up of a steel frame or an alloy of steel that offer some additional benefits. But, why is it important to check the material of the chassis first before any other specification? Well, the short answer to that is the fact that your bike’s reliability depends upon its frame.
If the frame breaks down, there is no going back. So, if your bike has the best specifications, it won’t be a good option until it offers a strong frame design. Therefore, you should only prefer the options that are made up of steel, or better material. If you find a bike that is made up of a steel alloy, you will notice similar strength in construction but with the added benefit of a lightweight design. And in premium models, you will find frames made up of carbon fiber or titanium which are even more beneficial than steel.
3. Drivetrain
Since single speed bikes don’t have much to show for the drivetrain, a lot of buyers tend to ignore the quality and design of the drivetrain while buying a single speed bike. Despite the absence of the gear system, you should still check the brand and quality of the drivetrain mechanism installed in your single speed bike. There are a lot of popular names for a single speed drivetrain such as Miche, Phil Wood, Paul Components, etc that offer reliable single speed drivetrain designs.
Apart from that, you also need to check the type of drivetrain on a single speed bike. If you end up with a fixed gear bike while looking for a single speed option, your overall experience of riding a bike will be completely different. Also, make sure you check the gear ratio on your single speed bike as that is the only speed option you will have. If the gear ratio is too low, you won’t get enough torque to ride the bike on a slop. On the other hand, it would be really difficult to get the bike started if the gear ratio is too high.
4. Wheels
Lastly, we will suggest you turn your focus to the wheels of the bike as wheels are equally as important as other components of the bike, even more important on a single speed bike. The wheels have multiple specifications of their own that affect the overall performance of the bike. The most important factor here is the size of the wheel, referring to its diameter which is usually provided in inches.
If you are going with a large wheel option for a single speed bike, keep in mind that while you may be able to ride your bike with a lot of momentum, reaching that point will be a challenge since there are no speed options. On the other hand, some users prefer a smaller option to quickly gain speed. But, such options are not that great when it comes to muddy roads. Apart from the size, the thickness of the wheels also plays an important role. Thicker wheels, while they are more difficult to ride, maintain a strong grip on the track. Slimmer wheels on the other hand require a much lesser effort to cover the same distance in comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: A single speed bike, as the name suggests, is a simple type of bike that has a single speed option. If you are looking for a single speed bike, you will mostly come across options that use a BMX-style mechanism, offering threads onto the rear section. You can also convert a geared bike into a single speed one by either removing the gears or simply disconnecting the shifter. But, the performance would not be the same since those bikes aren’t supposed to be a single speed bike.
Ans: Fixie is simply a short name for a fixed gear bike. This is an even simpler bike model as it does not have any kind of freewheeling mechanism at all. As there are no additional gears on a fixie, these bikes are also technically single speed bikes. But, these bikes are even more difficult to ride than a complicated BMX or a mountain bike as you can never stop pedaling if you want to keep your bike in motion. So, this is definitely a great option for a workout, but not for long commutes.
Ans: If you want to save a significant sum on your bike, or simply wish to get a bike that does not require a lot of care and maintenance, you should totally go for a single speed bike. On top of that, if you want a unique experience, you can even look into fixed gear bikes that fall under the single speed bike category. But, keep in mind that these bikes are not designed to be used for offroading, mountain climbing, or performing mid-air stunts.
Conclusion
Today, we have discussed the best options in the market for a single speed bike. As you may have seen, these bikes offer a simple design and construction since there are no additional gears to worry about. So, this bike can be an ideal choice for those who like to modify their bike according to their preference. For such users, a single speed bike can be the best type of base product to start working. Otherwise, these bikes are simply an affordable alternative for regular use. If you want to find the best single speed bike, we will suggest checking out our picks along with the buying guide to get the whole idea. We will also drop some handy recommendations right here to make the choice even easier for you.
- If you have decided to go for a single speed bike to make the purchase budget-friendly, we will suggest you go with the Takara Yuugen Single Speed Road Bike as this is the most affordable option on our list today. However, the specifications of this bike are not that far off from a premium one. It has the standard 700C wheels along with a high tensile strength steel frame for high durability. This is also a fixed gear bike, offering a rather unique riding experience to the rider.
- Fortunately, a lot of bike manufacturers offer an electric alternative to all types of bikes, including single speed ones. Therefore, we will recommend the Hurley Single Speed E-Bike as this is the only electric option we have for you today. With a moderately powered 250 watts motor, the Hurley Single Speed E-Bike supports up to 20 MPH top speed along with an approximate mileage of about 20 miles. The battery of the Hurley Single Speed E-Bike is also removable, so you can reduce the extra weight if you are going to use the manual riding mode on this bike.
- Lastly, we will suggest the Retrospec Fixed-Gear-Bicycles which also offers a single speed drivetrain design along with a fixed gear power transfer. Since this is a premium model for single speed bikes, you will get dual calipers on this bike along with dual pivot alloy hand brakes. The frame of the Solé Bicycles Urban Commuter Bike is made up of high tensile steel and constructed using tig welding for ultimate strength near joints and bents. This is also a great option for long commuters as the Solé Bicycles Urban Commuter Bike weighs only about 26 lbs.
