Singlespeeds. I just don't get it!

[highlandsflyer]

Just back from a week in London, and unusually I had spare time to notice just how many are using single speeds now.

What gives?

OK you are shedding up to a couple of kilos but is that really compensation for the lack of efficiency and flexibility?

And while I am at it, what is with all the bling bikes knocking about?

:?:

 

[orange71]

Type 'singlespeed' into the search box and you'll find a million threads on the pro's and con's of singlespeeding, it's a well worn topic

Here's one for a start: http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewto ... highlight=

 

[kingdano1980]

there arent really any hills in london, and riding them is a more natural feel than gears. Some of them do look rather pretty too.

 

[sancho]

I blame it mostly on urban hipsters who think they're too cool for a mountain bike, but I have to admit, riding a singlespeed in the city is fun.

 

[kingdano1980]

...also they are less attractive to thieves as they are difficult to ride if you dont know what you are doing.

 

[orange71]

arer we talking singlespeed or fixed specifically?

 

[MikeD]

arer we talking singlespeed or fixed specifically?

I'm going to guess that it's the urban fixies he's noticed.

 

[tintin40]

Just back from a week in London, and unusually I had spare time to notice just how many are using single speeds now.

What gives?

OK you are shedding up to a couple of kilos but is that really compensation for the lack of efficiency and flexibility?

:?:

I agree. I like gears. May be they can't get them to work correctly

 

[highlandsflyer]

Well I am sitting on a bench blethering with the wife mainly so I could not say what were fixed and what were not!

No hills in London?

Au contraire, there are oodles of em, just not in the centre.

 

[highlandsflyer]

riding them is a more natural feel than gears

In what way dude?