Attention Challenge-Lovers: Best Single Speed Mountain Bikes
Single speed bikes perform up to expectations of most individuals.
If you need a great bike for a specific purpose, this guide will help you select the best single speed bicycle in the market.
What is a single speed bike?
A single speed bike offers cycling in the purest and simplest form. The bicycles are low maintenance and lightweight machines and therefore they are ideal for commuting.
Because they only boast a single gear, the bicycles do not require daily maintenance or drive train repairs.
The single speed and the wheel dropouts are mostly rearward facings and horizontal.
The correct chain tension without visible slack is ideal for the bicycles because they do not have rear derailleurs to accommodate slack in their chains.
Chain derailing could cause damages to the rider and the bicycle. Moreover, most single speed bicycles feature a flip-flop rear wheel that is reversible.
Their rear hub comes threaded on its two sides – one side features a freewheel sprocket to allow freewheeling and the other side features a fixed sprocket to allow constant pedaling.
Single speed bicycles are lighter, cheaper and mechanically simpler than the geared equivalent standards.
The unavailability of derailleurs means that the parts that require maintenance are very few and they are therefore ideal for city commuters.
The bicycles are aesthetically appealing because of the minimalistic appearance and mostly feature alternative paintwork and styling to help the user stand out from the crowd.
You will learn how to circle in circular motion, in an up, and down motion because of the qualities of single speed bicycles – they are energy efficient.
The cycling enhances road feel and a quicker learning on how the bicycle reacts on different obstacles and road surfaces.
The build materials
Carbon fiber
The bicycles made of carbon fiber material are lightweight and stiff.
And because carbon fiber is a non- metal, manufacturers are able to provide a wider range of designs.
They are able to manipulate the material into aerodynamic shapes and to fine-tune them for heightened strength and stiffness in specific parts of the frame.
Carbon fiber brakes are also more affordable, including at the entry level.
Steel
Steel is the most popular and traditional bicycle building material. People associate steel frames with comfort, durability, and strength.
The material is easier to fix and therefore the user can repair bends and dents. It is a more affordable frame material to use, unlike carbon fiber and titanium frames.
Titanium
Titanium bicycle frames are lightweight and provide smooth rides that are closer to the rides of quality steel frames.
They produce a smooth comfortable ride feels that are mostly devoid of heavier surface vibrations. Titanium never rusts, has a great appearance and will last for many years.
Aluminum
The materials are stiff, strong and lightweight. Moreover, aluminum bicycles have a reputation of providing excellent power transfer.
However, the lack of shock absorption from the stiff aluminum frame might result in harsh feel when riding.
Are single-speed mountain bicycles more challenging?
They are challenging and you might, therefore, need to avoid the hills if you cannot afford to climb with one gear. However, if a challenge is exactly what you’re looking for, go right ahead!
They are best suited to strong legs or fewer steep hills or long ways.
A flat, smooth terrain is better for any single speed bicycle and the bicycle will be as fast and effective as any geared bicycle in such circumstances.
How are they beneficial?
Before purchasing a single speed bike, you should understand the various benefits it offers to the users first.
Most buyers who go for the bike enjoy the simplicity and superior durability. Also, because its drivetrain features a simple gear, it is unlikely to break.
Bicycles that come with multiple gears feature derailleurs, which allow shifting through various gears.
When switching gears on your bike, you will be changing the rotation speed of the wheels.
Depending on the inclination and speed of your bike, shifting gears makes pedaling easier.
You will need stronger legs to climb hills with a single speed.
Is it only good for trails?
If a huge gear range is available, you will be able to pedal down and hills easily and at higher speeds.
That is for multi-gear bicycles but single speed bicycles can also work on trails.
They are able to take any form such as a commuter, a mountain bike or a road bike. In all reality, if you can use the bike to climb a mountain, you can also use it on trails.
That being said, here are my top 2 single speed bicycles.
Gravity G29 FS 29er Single Speed Mountain Bike
If you are looking for a challenging way to get some exercise, this is the bike for you because despite being a single speed, it boasts comfortable features like the front lockout suspension.
Don’t judge their parent website by its cover–they sell some really good bikes!
This one in particular will give you a smooth and quiet ride at a very affordable price.
Some peers have also said that this Gravity single speed mountain bike reminded them of BMX bikes in their youth.
The bike is also known to be pretty light, even with a lockout system. If weight is a challenge for you, definitely look into this bike!
Pros
- Front lock out suspension keeps trail biking safe and comfortable
- Solid frame and fork provides secure and sturdy riding
- Comes with mechanical disc brakes with great stopping power
Cons
Honestly I could not find many faults with this bike. While the bikesdirect website doesn’t look as fancy as other bike retail websites, some of their bikes are the most durable and secure bikes I have ever experienced.
However, keep in mind that in the bike world, you get what you pay for, so even with a durable bike like this one I recommend doing routine bike shop visits and maintenance.
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Redline Bikes Monocog 29 Single Speed Mountain Bike, Green
This rigid bike boasts disc brakes, steel frame, and straight handlebars for a comfortable and durable position.
If you are a mountain biker, this hardtail bike (single front suspension) will allow you to smoothly climb and descend hills with ease.
Although it is a steel bike, it is relatively lightweight and a great value for its price compared to similar but more expensive mountain bikes.
Pros
- Comes with disc brakes that has stellar stopping power
- Lightweight compared to similar single speed mountain bikes
- Solid frame and fork provides secure and sturdy riding
Cons
- The durability is faulty sometimes but with regular maintenance, it should last you a long time.
- This is especially important if you are a racer and plan to use it for fast cycling.
Are you convinced to buy a single speed yet?
I understand how some may fear the extra legwork that a single speed bike can give you, especially on rougher mountain trails. If you aren’t up for the challenge yet, you can always look toward single speed road bikes or commuter bikes that are friendlier on smooth pavement.
If you are looking to challenge yourself or just simply work in some more cardio in your daily life to shed some calories, this type of mountain bike is great for you!
Since they are single speed, they are relatively low maintenance and are perfect for those who want a light and “purer” bike that can give a smooth ride.
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