Riding a single speed bicycle is about the pure simplicity of cycling. Minimal components equates to minimal fuss, ease of operation and ease of maintenance.

If you have never ridden a single speed you might think that one gear is not enough, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised if you give this a try. The trick is to have the right gear; one which is not too hard to climb hills and one which is not too low for cruising on the flat. Once the option of changing gears has been removed from your mind you will find not having gears to be a liberating experience. When you go up hills you just have to push a little harder. When you become accustomed to this, your fitness will improve and the more you ride the easier it will get.

Single speed cycling is not for all conditions. You wouldn’t want to be climbing Alpe D'huez with no gears. Although that being said, early Tour De France races were ridden on single speed bicycles. So it is not impossible, you just have to put a bit more effort in. 

The simplicity of a bicycle with no gears also allows for a minimal look and feel, which as a response to the complexities of modern life, is refreshing to many people.

Riding single speed is probably not for everyone, but if you’re the type of person who likes to be rewarded for his or her efforts, then it could be for you.

For more information, see what cycling guru Sheldon Brown has to say…….                
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/singlespeed.html