Let’s start at the beginning—if you know the basics, feel free to read ahead!

Single speed bikes are exactly what they sound like: a bike with only one gear, so there’s no shifting. They’re sleek, lightweight, and affordable because, well, there is just less bike.

Got it? Let’s roll on.

What’s the difference between single speed bikes and fixie bikes?

A fixed gear (or “fixie” if are so inclined) has a fixed cog in place of the single speed’s freewheel. Basically, this means that you can coast on a single speed, but you need to pedal to move on a fixed gear bicycle (like your childhood tricycle, just cool).

Track racers use fixed gear because they need maximum power and connection to the bike without all the extra parts weighing them down.  You want to speed up? Crank it up. Slow down? Slow your legs. You’re in control.

It’s just a matter of personal preference--just consider the implications of no coasting if you’re going to be riding down lots of hills!

Still not sure? The best news is you don’t have to choose. All of our bikes come equipped with a Flip Flop Hub, so they can be ridden as either a single speed or fixie.

So why ride a single speed bike?

Aficionados of the fixie and single speed say that these bikes give a much better connection to the bike and the road that leads to a really enjoyable ride, different to anything they’ve ever experienced on a geared bike.

With great design, very simple specs, and no excess parts, single speed bikes have everything you need and nothing you don’t.

They are low maintenance and easy to clean. All you have to do is keep an eye on your chain, brakes, and your tyre pressure.

Single speed cycles are also extremely affordable, thanks again to their simplicity. They’re resistant to damage (having fewer parts to get damaged), and they’re also just really good-looking.  

What kind of styles do single speed bikes come in?

If you want a gorgeous, no-nonsense bike, you’re in the right place. We offer several different styles, all with the signature single speed simplicity.

If you’re after an absolute classic, check out the Berlin. Or if you prefer the vintage look, turn heads in a stylish, old-school-design beauty with our Copenhagen. If speed is your thing, you’ll want to take a look at the aerodynamic Osaka. You really can’t go wrong.

Are single speed bikes more efficient than geared bikes?

Yes and no. A single speed’s drivetrain efficiency actually can be better than some of the geared bikes on the market. This is due to lower chain drag and fewer parts. But without the option of switching into low gears, you can expect more work if you need to pedal uphill.

Are single speed bikes fast?

As with lots of things, you get out what you put in! So if you want to go fast, you’ve got to move those legs. If you really want some speed, go with a sleek, aerodynamic design like our Osaka.

You’ll build up those quads, hammies, and calves in no time. Plus you’ll turn some heads on the way.

Is a single speed bike right for me?

Single speed and fixed gear bikes are a great option for cyclists and commuters who aren’t going for long-distance and need a no-nonsense, low maintenance, reliable ride.

If you’re currently on a geared bike, a good test is to check how many gears you actually use—if it’s less than three, you’ll likely be fine.

Single speeds are ultra-reliable, resistant to accidental damage due to having fewer parts, and are very cost-effective. Plus they’re a lot of fun to ride. There’s a reason single speed riders say they’ll never go back!

Ready to experience the simplicity of cycling in its purest form?

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The summer time is a perfect time to enjoy the benefits of fixie bikes, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy cycling all year round. In fact, it would be a good idea to keep cycling as it can help you lead a much better, healthier, and fuller life.

Although the derailleur gear set is an incredible invention, single speed bikes and fixed wheel bikes are highly attractive because of their simplicity, efficiency, lower maintenance, and lighter weight.

If you get a fixed gear bike, you will be getting a bike that’s fitted with just a single chain ring at the bottom bracket, a sprocket at the rear wheel, and a drivetrain that’s effectively fixed. This means that the rider has to pedal at a rate that’s directly related to the bike’s speed.

So why should you get a fixie? Let’s take a look at how it can help you live a better life.

1. Single Speed Bikes are Simple, Efficient, and Great for your Heart

These bikes aren’t complicated, they’re as simple as it gets. So you can keep riding, feel the breeze on your face, and not worry about everything that goes along with a complex derailleur set-up.

All the effort you make peddling will directly go towards forward propulsion and you won’t lose any power due to chain rub or friction in the rear derailleur’s jockey wheels. Further, you won’t have to hear the little clicking sounds that derailleur bikes are known for, so you can just focus on being out and enjoying nature with friends.

All this physical activity will also be great for your heart. According to a recent study published by the American Heart Association, cycling on a regular basis can lower the risk of heart disease.

A study of approximately 40,000 Danish men and women over two decades found that those who cycled to work had a 25% lower risk of developing heart disease when compared to those who didn’t. Further, the researchers also estimated that as much as 7% of heart attacks that occurred during this period could have been prevented with regular biking.

The study also found that even cycling for as little as 30 minutes a week can boost your health and protect against heart disease.

2. A Fixed Gear Bike Can Enhance your Fitness

Whether you’re training or just biking to meet friends for coffee, doing it often can significantly enhance your fitness. This is mainly because you’re limited to using just a single gear ratio that will require you to tailor your efforts.

Even with cheap fixie bikes, the rules will be exactly the same. You will need to pedal like crazy on descents and power up for short sharp climbs that will exercise every leg muscle.

After riding for a while, single speed bikes will also make you look like you never missed leg day. Further, contrary to popular belief, riding fixie bikes can be a source of excellent exercise for upper body muscles as well.

Your chest, shoulders, lower back, and forearm and upper arm muscles will all work together during the ride to provide support for your torso. Further, neck and upper back muscles will also be exercised when you maintain a head-up cycling position.

3. Hassle Free Life with Easy and Cheap Maintenance

Whether you’re riding single speed bikes or fixie bikes in Melbourne or in the beautiful country town of Berrima, you won’t need to spend heaps of money on maintenance. Unlike derailleurs, there’s hardly any room for a mechanical quandary.

If the chain breaks, you simply have to rejoin it. Further, when you wash it, you won’t have to deal with a de-greaser. So if you want to start a fixie riding club, it won’t take much to convince your friends to get out there with you and get some sun.

Cycling is a perfect outdoor activity for a group of friends to engage in and it will keep the whole group looking and feeling great. So why not make a positive lifestyle change with fixie bikes?

The fixie is one of the best commuter bikes for city riding. Although there are plenty of bicycle models in the market, the fixie is our favourite.

Fixies or fixed gear bikes can be described as a single-speed commuter push bike that’s built with a drive-train that doesn’t have a freewheel mechanism.  This means that the pedals turn forward or backward when the rear wheel is turning. Although at Single Speed Cycles our fixies come with Flip Flop Hub which allows you a free wheel option.

As a result, you can say that this bike is pretty basic. Although this is true, keep reading and find out why the fixie is one of the best commuter push bikes for urban riders.

1. The Fixie will significantly enhance your Physical Fitness

When using the fixed wheel hub the pedals are always in motion. So you really can’t coast with this option, even if you’re heading downhill. In order to keep the bike moving forward, you have to keep pedalling. At Single Speed Cycles our rides come with a Flip Flop Hub which means you just have to flip the back wheel around and your fixie is now able to coast downhill without the need to keep pedalling.

So if one of your motivations for cycling is physical fitness, these are the best commuter bikes to get you in shape. It’s a great way to build muscle and burn calories as you can’t shift gears to make life easier for you (even on uneven terrains).

Further, a fixed gear bike will keep you physically engaged the whole time you’re on the bike.

2. One of the Best Commuter Push Bikes at a low price

When compared to most of the geared bikes on the market, fixed gear bikes are relatively cheaper. However, it’s important to note that the price depends on the components you choose to go with.

These alternative commuter bikes are cheaper because they’re usually made with less expensive materials and have less hardware built into them.

3. Fixed Gear Bikes are much easier to maintain

The lack of hardware means there’s less stuff on the bike to break and to repair. All you really have to do is conduct regular maintenance like tightening and oiling without ever having to deal with a derailleur.

We would say that it’s one of the best commuter bikes because you don’t have to deal with a derailleur that wears out over time and has to be repaired or replaced. It can also cost you heaps depending on how complicated it will be to replace it or repair it. But with a fixie, you never have to worry about this issue.

When it comes to replacing parts, you only have to change the brake pads (when they wear out), spokes, or a chain (when it breaks). Unlike multi-geared bikes, fixies can last for years with minimal maintenance.

4. It’s a Commuter Push Bike that can be easily incorporated into your lifestyle

The lack of components means a fixie bike weighs a lot less than its multi-gear counterparts. So even if you have to climb stairs or drive it around, it can easily fit into your active lifestyle.

As a result, you can say these alternative commuter bikes are highly flexible and efficient. Further, even if you’re not thinking about efficiency right now, the straight and short chain will ensure the efficient transfer of energy that will make a massive difference on those long rides.

5. Strong and rugged for city terrains

Most urban areas are relatively flat, but you do get the odd bump along the way like tram and train tracks. Fixies are built to be strong and rugged to handle any terrain, so you won’t have anything to worry about when you’re pedalling through the city.

This is one of the primary reasons why we think it’s one of the best commuter bikes to ride through the city. Further, it’s much easier to track stands on a fixed gear bike as you can move forward and backward.

6. A Fixie Bike is trendy and fun to ride

We also think that fixes are the best commuter bikes because they’re so much fun to ride. The fact that it provides an enjoyable ride and is available in awesome funky styles makes this commuter push bike very trendy.

Sure you might like to choose a fixed gear bike because you want to go green or get in shape, but the fun factor should also be considered before you make a decision. Further, riders also feel more connected to their fixies as they’re the one powering it.

This means that you also get better feedback from the road which will also make you more alert (and safer). This is crucial when you’re commuting through the city as your response time can be the difference.

Regardless of your reasons for commuting on a bike, fixies make the best commuter bikes, so make sure you take a ride on a fixie before making a decision.

Check out the Best Selling Bikes Here:

The average Australian is a pretty busy person. Work takes up most of our weekdays, as does waiting in traffic and commuting. Then there’s social obligations, housework, and various other activities that demand our attention. It’s no wonder that so many people find it challenging to get their daily dose of exercise. However, did you know that there is way that you can beat the queues at the petrol station and enjoy more free time in your day? The best part is that all you need is your two feet, a heartbeat and a fixed gear bike.

Most health experts recommend getting in at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise, five times a week, but many of us just don’t have the time. In between getting lunches packed, kids dropped off at school, sitting through meetings with clients, and back to back traffic, the last thing you want to do is venture into traffic again to hit the gym. Then there’s queuing to use equipment and showers on top of that.

A far better option would be to invest in a fixed gear bike and use it to travel to and from work as a form of incidental, but highly beneficial exercise. Bike riding is an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise that is great at burning calories. It’s also worth considering that the cost of buying a quality fixie bike is much less than what you would pay for an annual gym membership, and with its low maintenance needs, a fixie can last you years.

If the feeling of taking charge of your fitness and building your stamina doesn’t appeal, then the pleasure that comes from skipping traffic certainly will. There’s nothing quite like cycling past dozens of cars at a standstill to reinforce how your time could be better spent elsewhere.

You don’t have to be very fit to make the switch to riding a fixie bike. Just a fifteen-minute ride to and from work every day will be more than sufficient in meeting your weekly cardio needs, and as your fitness level improves, you might find you want to haul out your bike on weekends too.

It’s never been easier to buy a fixie bike online, so what are you waiting for?

Many people are opting for single speed bikes over cars or even bicycles with derailleur gears. There are many benefits to using a fixie bike, and it’s an investment worth making that will pay off in terms of your fitness, time, money, and your impact on the environment. Here are five reasons why everyone should own a single speed bike:

1. It’s good for your health

It’s common knowledge that riding a bike is a great form of cardiovascular exercise. With a fixed gear bike, these benefits are optimised, as you cannot coast, and will have to engage your body throughout the ride. It’s estimated that on average, you can burn 1400 kilojoules in an hour of bike riding.

2. It’s affordable and low maintenance

You can expect to fork out hundreds of dollars more for a geared bike than for a fixed speed, especially in terms of maintenance and parts. The simple design of a single speed bicycle means there are less parts to replace, and less chance of complex breakdowns occurring. The lack of parts also serves as a deterrent to thieves.

3. It takes up less space

Being smaller than a car, a single speed bike rider never has to worry about a lack of parking, as your fixie can go pretty much anywhere you go. In addition, it takes up less space than a car to store, which can free up your garage for other uses.

4. It’s great for the environment

We cannot ignore the realities of climate change any longer, and if the bizarre weather experienced in Australia is any indication, we all should be making changes to reduce emissions. Swapping out your car for a bike reduces one of the biggest contributors to this problem in a way that will be appreciated by generations to come.

5. It just looks and feels cool to ride

The experience of driving a manual transmission car over an automatic one is difficult to put into words, and the same emotion applies when comparing single speed bikes to those with derailleurs. You simply can’t beat the feeling of rolling down to your destination of choice on your trendy new bicycle.

Convinced? Then head on over to our Bikes Page today to buy the best single speed bikes in Australia.