Single Speed – why is it the best choice for the city?

Advantages, disadvantages and recommended models - everything you need to know before you get on a single

Introduction – Urban Pace, Urban Choice

In an urban landscape where reliability, simplicity, and efficient movement from point A to B are paramount, single-speed bikes are increasingly winning out over more complex designs. The lack of gears, low weight, and minimal number of components prone to failure – all of this makes single-speed bikes the first choice for conscious urban cyclists.

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What kind of equipment is this anyway?

A single-speed bike is a bicycle with one gear, often configured with a freewheel, a drivetrain that allows you to coast downhill without constantly revving. Sound familiar? Yes, it's not the same as a fixed-gear bike, which requires constant pedaling and is more suited to more determined (and slightly wild) riders.

Single-cylinder geometry often resembles a road bike – a low head tube, narrow tires, drop handlebars, or a simple flatbar. But in urban settings, a single-cylinder can be just as comfortable as it is practical – depending on how you build it.

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Why does a single person do a job in the city?

1. Featherweight

Forget about heavy supermarket bikes. Singles often weigh 8-10 kg, which means you can carry it up the stairs with one hand (okay, almost). It zips through traffic like a sledgehammer, accelerates like a fiend, and when you need to park, it doesn't take up half the sidewalk.

2. No trickery

No derailleurs = no hassle. No need to wonder "if my rear derailleur is set correctly," no cables to adjust, no shifters. You just get on and ride. This is a bike that gets the job done without a fuss.

3. Service? What service?

Reduced parts = fewer things that can break. The drivetrain needs cleaning every now and then, the brakes need adjusting – that's it. The perfect solution for those who don't have the time (or inclination) to be a home mechanic.

4. Stylish

Let's be honest – singles look amazing. Minimalist frame, clean lines, no protruding features. It's a bike that catches the eye, but not in a "look at that thing" kind of way, but in a "damn, that's well put together" kind of way.

Okay, but does it have any flaws?

1. Climbs will test you

There's no excuse for a single gear. You're going up a hill—you have to push yourself and push yourself. In hilly cities (Kraków, Bielsko, Tricity), riding a single is a bit like a daily outdoor gym session. But... for many, it's a plus. Workout every day, for free.

2. Lack of universality

You can't take it bikepacking, you can't throw in panniers, you can't ride through the forest. It's strictly a city rider's bike. You'll have to cover asphalt, a bike path, maybe some cobblestones? It's great. But don't plan on riding it to Masuria.

3. The weather makes a difference

No fenders, narrow tires, and a very exposed silhouette – you suffer a bit in the rain. But hey, what are rain pants and the "it rains a little, but it looks like I planned it" attitude for?

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Who is the single for?

For those who enjoy the feel of asphalt beneath their wheels. For those who don't want to tinker with their equipment, just ride. For urban ninjas who zip between traffic, get to work faster than public transport, and don't need 27 gears.

If you live in a city where you don't have to climb the Tatra Pass every day, and your route is mostly asphalt, cobblestones, and a bit of urban wilderness – singletrack is for you.

Recommended models – what's worth riding

Single Speed Antymateria

Sleek, steel, and fast as hell. Custom-built, with a choice of straight or drop handlebars. Lightweight. Style: pure urban elegance. It's not just a bike—it's a statement. You can customize it to your liking: frame, drivetrain, wheels—everything is under your control.

Wit TK-01

Minimalist, industrial style, CrMo steel frame, optional flip-flop hubs (meaning you can mount a freewheel on one side and a fixed gear on the other). For those who want choice – and character.

State Bicycle Co. Core Line

A budget-friendly yet solid option from one of the world's most popular single-cylinder manufacturers. An aluminum frame, simple drivetrain, and a variety of handlebar options. For the city? It's more than enough to make you fall in love with single-cylinder riding.

Relaxed summary

Advantages:

• Light as a feather
• Maintenance-free like a scooter (but legal)
• Stylish as a bike from a catalog
• Cheap to maintain

Defects:

• One gear = no mercy on climbs
• Not for fans of expeditions
• He doesn't like winter and mud.

For whom:
For the urban ninja who likes their bikes to work, look good, and not complain. For someone who doesn't need 18 gears, just a good rhythm and a sense of flow. And above all, for those who enjoy riding, not talking about riding.

And finally?

A single is a bike without compromise, but with character. It has its limitations, sure, but within city limits, it's often the best bike you never knew you needed. And once you get on, I guarantee you won't want to go back to your old gears.

How about something about city bikes? See here - Hub Gear (Shimano Alfine/Nexus) - A Maintenance-Free Drivetrain for Your Lightweight Bike