Top 11 Best Single Speed Bikes Reviews In 2021: February Update!

Riding a single-speed bike means no multiple gears added. It makes the maintenance very minimal and therefore, a great choice for everyday use, especially in city roads.

Whether you want to get in with the cool kids or simplify your commute to/from work, the following top list of 11 best single-speed bikes of 2019 will surely have something for you. Read on!

Top 11 Best Single Speed Bikes Reviews In 2021

Under $500

Pure Fix Single Speed Bikes

The Pure Cycles Original Fixie is the most versatile single-speed bike that I found at the price range of under 1000.

It’s a perfect example of what modern fixies mend to be, combining ideal components with a strategic design to deliver unsurpassed comfort and efficiency.

Out of the box, it highlights a high-ten steel frame and an alloy 30mm riser handlebar. This combo helps to keep a leisure riding gesture with some back comfort offered by a velodrome-style saddle.

Safety is always paramount and I believe the rubber grips of this single-speed bike will make you smile. While ensuring a secure, power steering feel, they also provide a tremendous amount of softness.

Offering an avalanche of available colors is a big bonus as appearance is part of the fixed gear world. So if you’ve got a chance to customize it to your own preference, I really appreciate.

Product Specs

See also:

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Golden Cycles Fixie With Deep V Rims

Compared to Restropec, Republic, Big Shot, Pure Fix, and 6KU, this Golden Cycles is a competitive option for the money.

It’s like a sweet spot between great quality and affordable price that everyone – from novice riders to experienced fixed-gear biker racers – can get.

While featuring some similarities as any good fixies would have, such as high-tensile steel frame, all-weather 700c tires, and alloy custom riser handlebars, this stands out with the 32H flip-flop hubs.

The notable thing is it includes both a single speed sprocket and a fixed-gear cog, meaning of two types of cycling experience provided – one is the freewheel and another one is fixed. Plus, the free-wheel allows for the cruise and coast riding.

I particularly like its 68mm long-sealed bracket cranks. They offer better grips both on the front and rear of your vehicle, making it safer and quicker to stop.

Product Specs

Golden Cycles Single Speed Bikes

Don’t let its standard fixie look fool you!

This Golden Cycles is a true value-priced option that can help you handle frequent commutes and rides like a breeze.

Though made of high-tensile steel, I’m pleasantly surprised that its weight stays very reasonable, at around 20 to 25 pounds.

The braking system is another bonus of this bike. It offers caliper brakes on the back and forth wheels that are well-managed with the precisely-positioned hand levers. Besides, its cables are kept nicely on the top tube, giving a neat feeling.

Unlike some fixies that I’ve tried, this one pair with a fork to deliver super-smooth welding. And it also delivers a good mix of riding stance which feels quite relaxing but still encourages aggressive riding in many ways.

And if you prefer to get multiple color options to choose from, you’ve got it with this Golden Cycles.

Product Specs

Vilano Fixed Gear Single Speed Road Bikes

 

Vilano is one of the most favorite bike manufacturers of entry-level riders because it provides inexpensive products without compromising quality.

The Fixed Gear Bike Fixie is good proof of that.

While providing various sizes and color schemes to choose from, it features a flip-flop rear hub to let you easily switch between fixed gear and single speed. It’s also built solidly to handle bumps from uneven roads and city commuting.

One thing that I realized during the riding test is its greatly responsive coasting experience with excellent support. It takes you less effort to paddle and enjoys the surroundings more.

Even though some components might need replacing when you’re leveled up, it’s an affordable option to start with. Not to say that there’s a variety of colors to choose from.

Product Specs

Vilano Rampage Single Speed Road Bikes

The Vilano Rampage is specifically designed for urban riding conditions.

Why do I say that?

It’s because the bike features a perfect combo of 45mm Deep-V shaped electrolyzed wheels and matching anodized hubs. The frame itself is cut far thinner than other counterparts, making it outstanding for an incredible lightness – only 36 pounds.

In reality, this number is similar to carbon fiber-based models costing no under $1000 and thanks for this premium component, the bike reduces vibrations significantly.

The 28c tires are another noteworthy feature. Their expanded size helps increase the road contact area for extra stability, balance, and control, no matter which urban settings.

Overall, if you’re in need of a minimal-maintenance and comfortable single-speed bicycle, look no further than this.

Product Specs

Pure Fix Single Speed Fixie Bikes

While Pure Fix is known as a leader in providing the best urban fixie-styled bikes at incredibly low prices, the Original Fixed Gear Bike is one of its bestsellers under 400.

It’s specifically designed for casual or intermediate riders who want something fixie-styled while commuting.

The bike stands out with a very nice gear ratio of 44:16, which is arguably ideal for inner-city riding. The thick, slick 700cc x 28 tires keep it fully controlled on whichever road conditions, from a traffic jam to wide streets.

I also like its high-tensile fully Tig-welded steel frame in addition to the easily removable front brake; all make the bike more flexible to use as well as durable to last longer.

Wondering about how it handles vibrations? Yeah, this is the best part. Despite the lightweight construction, it strikes back with deeper dish wheels and a high-tensile frame to ride smoothly on the roughest roads in the city.

Product Specs

Pure Cycles Glow in the Dark Fixie

With the capability to glow in the dark, Pure Cycles Glow in the Dark Fixie is a great choice for any cyclist who wants to stand out.

Namely, it features solar-activated paint that with one hour left under the sunlight, the bike can shine for 45 to 60 minutes.

While many people find this extra feature so entertaining, it’s super practical to use during lower light hours, such as later at night or early morning, making you visible to others on the road and enhancing your safety.

As crafted from high-end components and materials, the bike is relatively strong and sturdy that you can use as roughly as wanted.

Product Specs

Under $300

Retrospec Classic Single Speed Bikes

Start off the list of best single-speed bikes under $200 is Critical Cycles Classic Single-Speed.

Making it outstanding is the hand-made steel frame with Pursuit bullhorn handlebars and soft Kraton rubber grips, which helps excel the comfort while riding.

To soup up your riding experience, a supportive saddle and low-profile VP platform pedals are added.

It also utilizes reliable brakes from Promox so you can easily stop the bike when needed. The powerful stopping force is really no joke.

The Classic Single-Speed also gets attention for its various size options, from 43 to 60cm, to ensure fitting different riders. Besides, it comes in 3 PC ranks as well.

Last but not least, there is a bottle of water holder provided to keep your body well-hydrated to continue pedaling.

Product Specs

Retrospec Mantra Single Speed Bikes

Anything that an urban bicycle is supposed to do, this single-speed bike will do it. And even more!

While eliminating all excess parts out of the design – such as dynamos, lamps, and multiple gears, the rest of this unit is made of premium quality materials sourced from trusted brands. For example, Kenda Kwest tires, FGFS straps, and UrbanComfort frame, which is too much for a bike priced under $300.

A bit different from other slim-profile single-speed bikes, they are the tires with a wider base, which helps you take sharp corners with ease.

They also come in a great size to deliver cushioning effects, making your riding experience smoother. As a result, when riding over small obstacles or over bumps/cracks, it’s more comfortable and controlled.

Another big bonus is, its fixie mode is very silent when riding.

Product Specs

6KU Fixed Gear Single Speed Bikes

This 6KU is the one and sole single-speed China-made bike that I feel completely confident to introduce to you.

The reason is that 6KU is a long-standing reputable fixed-gear brand and it belongs to Avant Sports, founded by Jianwei “JW” Zhang while this bike is truly well-made in real life.

While 25c is typically the most popular size of single or fixed-gear tires, this is a little bit wider – 28c – to deliver better stability, especially for beginners. I personally like its deep rims as they’re super-fast and always on the cool side.

Another highlight feature is its narrow flat bar. While other brands keep chasing to the old-schooled normal-sized handlebars, this new, practical design helps you pass people on bike lanes or narrow footed traffic with no difficulty.

And I believe, with such a shiny appearance, it will not a potential target of any thief. Haha

Product Specs

Retrospec Critical Harper Single Speed Bikes

The last stop in this list is Retrospec Critical Cycles Harper.

Its versatile colors are attractive for any urban riders and for sure, the Harper will adapt easily with your personal taste.

Regardless, it’s built with multiple pro components, such as premium frame, VP freestyle pedals, KMC chain, Kenda Kwest 700 x 28C tires, and 30mm deep-v rims, to offer aggressive riding compatibility. To help you bend forward with comfort, the stem angle is adjusted a little bit – running parallel with the ground.

Another impressive feature is its riser handlebars that you can choose between the flat bar and the standard bullhorn. They’re all narrow and practical in urban traffic conditions to help you pass people with ease.

Product Specs

The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Single Speed Bikes In 2021

Handlebars

As single-speed bikes are commonly used in urban conditions, the handlebars are specifically designed to help the rider enable to pass people more easily.

They’re narrower in general and come in 4 types:

• Drop bar: It features a lower position to suit for riding aerodynamically
• Bullhorns: The best choice for racing or riders who want to go faster. It’s constructed with a mustache/riser or flat bar for a more forward-leaning position to let you grip a perpendicular handle.
• Mustache/rise bar: This type isn’t quite common in single-speed bikes but usually come with a variation. It is basically swept back a little bit and curled minimally
• Flat bar: Contrast to the mustache bar, this is the most popular due to its very short design with narrower brakes for superior maneuvering.

Frame & Fork

Together with the handlebars, the geometry and shape of frame and fork play an important role in the riding style as well as dimensions of your bike.

There are three common designs:

• Commuter bike frames – suit for long distances, like commuting from/to work
• A forward-leaning position – make the bike more versatile for different usages, such as mountain biking and commuting
• A leveraged upright road – ideal for more leisure riding

Besides, materials are worth-considering. Frame and fork of most single-speed bikes are commonly crafted from either of these three materials:

Steel – deliver extra comfort and smoothness while riding. It’s a strong material but heavier than aluminum. Besides, it’s prone to get rust and corrosion if exposed to harsh conditions

Aluminum – is known as a lightweight material with good resistance to rust and corrosion. It’s also great at shock absorption while offers very budget-friendly price range

Carbon fiber – is the less popular material because of its expensive price, usually found in high-end single-speed bikes. In turn, it offers unsurpassed lightness, strength, and weatherproof capability.

Wheels & Tires

Typically, 700c x 25 tires are the standard size for single-speed bikes.

The narrower the tires, the more aggressive the riding experience, the more it’s suitable for racing. To soup up the performance, you can combine with deeper rims as seen on track bicycles.

Conversely, tires with a wider base with a minimal profile are the best bet for novice riders or riding on trails and urban streets.

FAQs

Why Single Speed Bikes Are Better?

Single-speed bikes highlight easier riding experience to help you focus better on riding rather than shifting the gears. Besides, it’s very low-maintenance due to minimal construction.

Single-Speed vs. Fixie Bikes

The biggest differences between single-speed and fixie bikes are:

• If you stop pedaling, the cranks will keep spinning on the fixie but stop on the single-speed
• This leads to another difference: when you want to stop the bike, with a single-speed, you just have to stop pedaling while with the fixie, you must use the brake.
• Besides, fixie bikes don’t fit with a freewheel while a single-speed does.

From those points, a single-speed bike would be ideal for commuting or winter biking while the fixies are best for racing.

Who Should Use A Single-Speed Bike?

• Commuters
• People who also want to take exercise
• To ride during the winter

How Fast Can You Go On A Single-Speed Bike?

20 to 130 RPM.

Is A Single Speed Bike Good For Commuting?

Yes, it is.

Particularly for long-distance rides, a single-speed bike is the best bet because:

• It’s affordable because of the whole construction is stripped off all excess parts. That means you can invest in higher-quality fork, frame, and wheels for a better performance
• Help the rider worry-less about gear shifting or maintenance
• It commonly features a comfortable seat to take on bumpy city roads easily

Can Single Speed Bikes Go Up Hills?

While the flat, smooth-riding surface is always the best terrain for single speed bikes, they’re also built to conquer some steep hills but take note that it would require stronger legs.

How Do I Convert My Bike To A Single-Speed?

You’ll need the following tools:

• Chain tensioners if your frame has vertical dropouts
• A dedicated single speed or track chainset
• Some single speed chainring bolts
• A new chainring of a size that’s somewhere between the outer and inner ring
• A Singlespeed conversion kit

Here is the process:

What Size Crankset Single Speed?

As a basic rule of thumb, for every 2.5mm deduction of chaining length, you should go down by 1 chaining tooth and vice versa.

What Is A Good Speed For Cycling?

Averagely are 10-12 MPH for short distances (under 20 miles), 15-16 MPH for medium distances (20-30 miles), and 16-19 MPH for longer (over 40 miles)

Conclusion

This article is about to end but I’ll share 3 final tips for beginner riders:

• Even the best single-speed bikes use nuts to secure their wheels so always remember to bring a portable wrench in case you need some punctures to be fixed.
• Ensure your riding skills before riding the bike on city roads and while joining the traffic, working on the front brake is a must.
• Don’t forget to pedal when turning the bike to a fixed-gear mode

Thanks for reading!