WHAT IS a SINGLE
SPEED?
A bike built the way it was meant to be. No derailleur(s), no gears, no shifters and
no worries. With a definite gear ratio (generally
2:1 (32:16) for mountain bikes) the rider must overcome hills and obstacles
without the aid of 26 additional speeds.
Reliability. Lacking the complications of shifters and derailleurs, SS bikes require less maintenance and TLC. These absent components also reduce the likelihood of on-trail damage and subsequent repairs.
Performance. SS bikes weigh less then even race ready mountain bikes. The hard tail design and single gear ratio offer greater climbing and sprinting performance. The direct and straight chain-line is more efficient then any similar geared bike.
Fitness. That’s right tough guy, no granny ring. No maximum speed for minimum effort, ensuring a workout with each ride. The lack of gears and suspension also force a return to basic bike handling skills.
Rebellion. Smoking is out and wearing black isn’t enough. Ride a SS full time or part, there is something to be said about a ‘pure’ bike ride. No energy lost or frustration due to shifting or mis-shifting. We all want the recognition of our peers. Other riders think you are hard, and if they don’t they are afraid to say so.
Conversion Kit. Modify any existing geared bike by removing the derailleur, shifters and
extra chain rings. There are two options for the rear wheel. Remove the existing 8 or 9 speed cog and
replace with a spacer kit and single cog. This will require an external chain tensioning device. Alternatively the rear wheel can be replaced
by an eccentric hub. This hub allows the
chain to be tensioned by rotating the rear wheel.
Dedicated Single Speed. This may be a complete pre-built or it could start as a frame with
horizontal drop-outs. Either way the
chain is tensioned by sliding the rear wheel out or adjusting an eccentric
bottom bracket.
