The best single speed bikes for urban cycling enthusiasts

The fact that you don’t need to clunk up and down through gears makes it ideal for both commuting and care free adventures. 

For more information of the benefits of single speed bikes, read our blog here. 

In a word, yes! Single speed bikes are hugely popular due to their uncomplicated riding experience, stylish good looks, low maintenance and budget friendly price. 

Loved by both cycling enthusiasts and novices alike, they are the perfect travel companion. 

Single speed bikes are good for a broad range of riding conditions. However, they come into their own in urban riding conditions where frequent stopping and starting means clunking up and down hundreds of gears would be frustrating. 

Their gearing ratio allows for fast acceleration to get into a safe position ahead of road vehicles at the lights and their simple design ensures minimal maintenance is required. 

Single speeds can tackle gradient well although you wouldn't want to be cycling up extremely steep hills too many times a day!

We would not suggest you buy a single speed bike if you are planning on riding long distances in very hilly terrain or frequently off-roading on unmade up tracks. 

Both gearless bikes, single speeds allow the back wheel to move independently of the pedals whereas with a fixie your pedals move with the rotation of your back wheel.

Most single speed bikes (including Steed Bikes) come with a rear wheel that can be set up as either a single speed or a fixie. One side of the rear wheel has a freewheel sprocket for independent pedal movement and the other can be set up with a sprocket for constant pedalling.

Check with you local bike shop what extra parts, if any, you will need to swap between the two cycling styles. 

These days there is a mind boggling amount of choice when it comes to fixed gear and single speed bike brands. Prices can range from a few hundred pounds to over a thousand pounds and so its hard to know where to start. Where is best to buy your fixed gear bike?

Well, we suggest you start by setting yourself a broad budget. Dont go to cheap as buying the cheapest bike going will just cost you more in the long run. We suggest you try and aim for around the £400 mark if you can. There is no need to go too much higher than this unless you are wedded to a certain brand that really speaks to you.

Next, do your research in terms of reviews. Customer reviews, reviews from the cycling press and cycling professionals reviews are all important ways to build your trust in the brand and learn what others really think of the bike you are thinking about buying.

Buying online has become a popular way of buying a bike. Now there is so much information out there, you can build a full picture of a bike brand without having to go into a physical shop. It also allows a wider choice than what bikes happen to be stocked in your local bike shop.

If buying online, always look for a friendly and hassle free returns policy just incase. 

Single speed bikes have risen enormously in popularity in the last decade. 

Their simplicity, classic style, easy riding experience, low maintenance and affordable price tag has proven attractive.They are far more accessible to all ages, genders and body types than many of the more specialised bikes with all their gears, bells and whistles. 

Anyone can ride a single speed bike and you can't help but have a great time riding one.  

Single speed bikes have one single gear which has been carefully selected so it always feesl like the gear you would have selected anyway.

Typically set at 46/18 (46 links in the chain and 18 teeth in the rear cog) the gear ratio is designed for both quick acceleration and fast cruising speeds. The fact that you don’t need to clunk up and down through gears makes it ideal for both commuting and care free adventures.

For more information of the benefits of single speed bikes, read our blog here. 

When buying a single speed bike its important to buy a good quality bike. Beware of a very cheap bike as these will not last the distance and you will end up paying more in the long run with replacement parts. 

To guarantee quality, look at the bikes components such as the brakes, tyres and drive train (crankset and chain). If these are all unbranded then its best to avoid the bike. Steed Bikes use Promax brakes and Kenda tyres, both of which are excellent quality components.

Buying a bike that offers a good warranty is also essential incase something does go wrong. All Steed Bikes come with a lifetime guarantee. 

Buying the right size bike for your frame is key to a good riding experience. Too small and your back will be hunched up and knees pulled too close to your chest, and too large and you'll be overstretched and lose strength in your posture.

Luckily all bikes conform to the same sizing labelling. Bike sizes refer to the frame size and are measured in centimeters. A 50 frame means the seat tube (part of frame that runs from your chain crank to underneath your seat) is 50cm long.

Our bikes cater for all body types - tall, short, young, old, heavy, light and all genders.

Your Trusty Steed will arrive in a cute, recyclable box. If you live in London we aim to do all deliveries by bike to keep our carbon footprint down. Your bike will already be 85% assembled. 

There's just a few simple things that need to be done before you're ready to ride.

We're confident that you can do this yourself (Steed Bikes Assembly Guide) but if you would rather leave it to the professionals then please contact your local bike workshop.

If you live in London, Steed Bike customers benefit from a discount with our lovely friends at Fettle. Simply add "Bike Assembly" or "Bike Assembly & Delivery" to your cart and select your closest Fettle workshop location. We'll deliver your bike directly to your chosen Fettle workshop for assembly and safety checks. 

This is one the questions we get asked the most. How much do single speed bikes weigh? The weight will mostly depend on the frame size and what the frame is made from.

Most single speed bikes are made from high tensile steel. This material gives an excellent strength to weight ratio. Strong enough to withstand the knocks and bumps of road riding, but light enough to be able to carry up stairs or onto a bike hanger.

Singles speed bikes usually weigh between 10kg and 16kg. Steed Bikes weigh around 12-14kg depending on frame size.