Single-speed bicycle

Without derailleurs or other gearing systems, there are fewer parts on the bicycle that require maintenance, making this type of cycle useful for city commuting in all weather.

Conversely, its dedicated gear ratio also limits top speed, and is slower than a multi-geared bicycle on flat or descending terrain once bicycle speed exceeds the rider's ability to maintain continuing increases in cadence (pedaling revolutions per minute), typically 85–110 rpm.

Compared to a fixed-gear bicycle, a singlespeed is easier to ride downhill and around corners (the inside pedal can be kept up to avoid grounding).

Mountain bike single speeds designed for trail riding often have a relatively low, or easy and slow, gear ratio.

Single speed bicycles designed for road riding typically have higher, or harder and faster, gear ratios.

Only relatively uncommon frame designs with single pivots that are concentric with the bottom bracket allow the use of more desirable static chain tensioners.

Single-speed bicycle builders have devised a variety of methods for producing and maintaining the proper chain tension.

Sliding dropouts usually have set screws that bear on the front of them through the frame to adjust their position for tensioning and wheel alignment.

[4] If neither of these are an option, when working with an existing frame not originally designed for single-speed use for example, some kind of idler pulley, such as the Surly Singleator[5] or simply a short cage rear derailleur can be used to take up chain slack.

Belts also do not change length during their lifespan in the same way that chains "stretch" or increase in pitch as their link pivots wear.

Also replacement of the one-piece belt requires traditional diamond bicycle frames to have a split chainstay or seatstay.

Single-speed bicycle builders have converted many former multi-geared cycles into single or fixed gear through the removal of the derailleurs and associated hardware.

Many British enthusiasts used to tour on 27–inch–wheeled lightweights on a single fixed–gear of 69 inches before multi–speed gearing became universally popular, though this certainly made for tough work.