Single-Speed and Multi-Speed Bicycles

There are many benefits of a single-speed bicycle that can’t be overlooked when comparing it with a multi-speed bicycle but on the other hand a multi-speed bicycle has its benefits as well.  During your read you will be enlightened with the knowledge of what a single-speed and multi-speed bicycle is, the benefits of each of them and whether you would want one or the other.

Single-Speed Bicycles

There are two varieties of single-speed bicycles, a fixed gear or freewheel, which use a single-gear ratio to propel the rider. Fixed-gear bicycles have a fixed rear cassette, which keeps the pedals spinning any time the wheels are turning. Freewheel bicycles can coast freely when the bike is moving, without the need to continuously pedal.  With these two different single-speed gears you can find them in many types of modern single speed bicycles; BMX, children’s bicycles, cruiser, commuter, unicycles, track racing bicycles, road, and mountain bicycles.

Benefits of Single-Speed Bicycles

A single-speed bicycle is a simplistic design, making it easier to maintain and repairs substantially less likely. Without derailleurs, a single-speed bicycle is often lighter and less expensive than a multiple-geared bicycle, and is ideal for most urban riders who need a reliable bike for all weather conditions.

Why Get a Single-Speed Bicycle

The over all reasons why you would want a single-speed is simply because it’s easy to maintain,  cheaper, more for flat areas, can commute easily, reliable for all weathers conditions, and might be less effort then a multi-speed bike.


Multiple-Speed Bicycles

Bicycles with multiple gears are more complex than single-speed bicycles. Using a spring-loaded arm, a multiple-geared bicycle keeps tension on the chain. A cable attached to the shifter pulls the derailleur arm toward or away from the bicycle, which pulls the chain up and down the rear cassette or front chainrings. This action is facilitated by small ramps on the cassette and chainring, which throw the chain to the next gear under lateral tension.  They also allow a cyclist to select the gear ratio that will make the most efficient use of his/her energy.

Benefits of Multi-Speed Bicycles

Multi-speed bikes gives you the best possible speed/distance for the minimum effort, which is what it’s all about, outperforming the single-speed bike at high speeds and on sharp inclines. The range of a multiple-geared bicycle offsets the increased cost, weight and complexity for many riders.

Why Get a Multi-Speed Bicycle

Choosing a multiple-speed bicycle depends on the conditions you expect to face.  A multiple-geared bicycle makes much more sense for competitive road riders and anyone who expects to run into hills. When properly maintained, a multiple-geared bicycle can last nearly as long as a single-speed between maintenance, and is the ideal setup for most types of cyclists.

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