10 Best Single-Speed Bikes 2021
If you are looking for a high quality bike with an affordable price tag a single-speed bike can be the choice to make. They are the ancestors of all modern multi-speed bikes. The design hasn’t change all that much.
This article will guide you through the buying process identifying the crucial aspects that must be considered before sealing the deal. In addition to this we’ll take a closer look at 3 of the best single-speed bikes the market currently has to offer.
Consider Before Buying a Single-Speed Bike
- Size. Buying a single-speed bike is not that much different than buying any other bike. Probably the most important feature that has to be considered is the size. Take a close look at the frame size and if it matches your physique.
- Price. Single-speed bikes are considerably cheaper due to having fewer parts on them. Derailleurs can raise the price significantly if you’re going for high-end parts. Fewer parts, fewer malfunctions. That’s another great feature single-speed bikes have. And remember, you’re buying a bike, not a car.
- Material. Since the manufacturers need to put fewer parts on the frame, the price is lower. Therefore, they can mount other parts of the bike with a higher quality. Also the frame of single-speed bikes tends to be of better quality. An aluminum frame is worth the extra dollars. If you can afford it, go for it.
- Design. Lastly, the design. The comfort largely depends on the design of the bike. Higher handlebars, extended frame, wider seat etc. On top of this if the bike doesn’t look nice you’re not going to use it a lot. Buy it to ride it, not to have it in your garage.
Top 10 Highest Rated Single-Speed Bikes
| Picture | Name | Size Available | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Blackout Single Speed Fixed Gear Road Bike | 52 cm/ 56 cm/ 60 cm | $$$ | 5.0 |
 | 2. 700c Kent Thruster Men's Fixie Bike | 54 cm | $ | 4.8 |
 | 3. Pure Fix Cycles Fixed Gear Single Speed Urban Fixie Bike | 47 cm/ 50 cm/ 54 cm/ 58 cm/ 61 cm/ 64 cm | $$$ | 4.5 |
 | 4. State Bicycle Black Label 6061 Aluminum Fixed Gear Bike | 49 cm/ 52 cm/ 55 cm/ 57 cm/ 59 cm/ 62 cm | $$$$ | 4.5 |
 | 5. Projekt Fixie - Steel Stealth Fixed Gear Bike with Pursuit Bullhorn Handlebar | 52 cm/ 57 cm | $$ | 4.3 |
 | 6. Vilano Small Attack Fixed Gear Bike Track Bike | 50 cm/ 54 cm/ 58 cm | $$$ | 4.2 |
 | 7. Pure Fix Cycles Glow in the Dark Fixed Gear Single Speed Urban Fixie Road Bike | 50 cm/ 54 cm/ 58 cm | $$$ | 4.2 |
 | 8. Critical Cycles Classic Fixed-Gear Single-Speed Bike with Pista Drop Bars | 43 cm/ 49 cm/ 53 cm/ 57 cm/ 60 cm | $$ | 4.0 |
 | 9. Vilano Rampage Fixed Gear Fixie Single Speed Road Bike | 50 cm/ 54 cm/ 58 cm | $$ | 4.0 |
 | 10. Sole Bicycles El Tigre Bicycle | 49 cm/ 52 cm/ 55 cm/ 59 cm | $ | 4.0 |
3 Best Single-Speed Bikes Reviews
1. Blackout Single Speed
After a rather long analysis we failed to find a single flaw of the Blackout Single-Speed Bike. It has it all, great looks, sturdy durable frame with high quality parts. Bigshot Blackout is ideal for commuting, riding around the city and for people who like to give the hills a try.
The race-inspired geometry really makes it stand out of the competition. In addition to the geometry, the colors are just the icing on the top. The Blackout comes with bullhorn handlebars which make a huge difference during longer rides. You back and neck will be thankful.
Probably the feature every cyclist will find useful is the ability to convert this bike from a common single-speed bike to a fixed gear. The fixed gear mechanism dates back to the time when the first bicycle was constructed. It’s amazing if there aren’t any medium to hard level slopes. Whatever your case is you have the ability to switch to fixed gear or get back to the single-speed freewheel mode. For the price you pay you get a bike that will perform smoothly for years. It certainly is the best among the best single-speed bikes.
2. 700c Kent Thruster
Coming up as 2nd on our list is the Kent Thruster. It’s equipped with ergonomic handlebars that allow the rider to be in a more upright position, therefore preventing any serious back pain. First and foremost, don’t let the price tag fool you. Many cyclists tend to be over suspicious when it comes to affordable prices. It’s completely reasonable to be doubtful, but in the end the effort can be futile.
The Kent Thruster has a steel frame and a steel fork. The rims are made of aluminum alloy which improve the cycling experience significantly. This bike too can switch to fixed gear and back to single-speed. In the past this feature was quite rare to find and people had to pay premium prices to get access to it. Today it almost comes as a standard feature on all single-speed bikes.
One thing’s for sure, since it’s a single-speed bike you shouldn’t have any malfunction problems. The only thing that may require some maintenance is the brakes. There’s not anything else that can become faulty, that’s if you take a good care of the chain.
3. Pure Fix Cycles
Last, but certainly not least is the Pure Fix Single Speed Urban. Manufacturers want to stand out by offering bikes with unique designs. Some focus on comfort, some focus on looks, others focus on performance. Pure Fix Cycles like to keep it simple without going too far away from the basic principle. As long as it has the necessary features it’s good. However, this simplistic approach comes with another benefit. Their bikes are among the easiest to maintain.
This particular model comes in 24 different color combinations and in 8 different sizes. You shouldn’t find it hard choosing the ideal match. All of them can switch to fixed gear and back to single-speed. The minimalistic approach has its flaws. These handlebars may not be the best option. Just because of this we have to rank this great bike as 3rd on our best single-speed bikes list.
