• superkret@feddit.org
    1·
    10 hours ago

    Fixed Gear advantages:

    • can slow down by pushing back on pedals -> almost no brake pad wear
    • almost no maintenance
    • can do trackstands and ride backwards
    • unique, fun riding style
    • completely quiet drivetrain
    • less interesting to thieves

    Drawback:

    • can’t switch gears

    Geared Bike advantage:

    • can switch gears

    Drawbacks:

    • basically the inverse of everything above

    Single-Speed bikes can do none of the things fixed gear bikes can do, and also can’t switch gears.

    • beastlykings@sh.itjust.works
      2·
      9 hours ago

      Thanks for this, but I apologize, I’m still confused.

      You’ve described fixed gear, and geared, I think we now agree as to what these are.

      But what is a single speed bike? I’ve never heard of it. Is it a geared bike, with only one gear, but still has a tensioner? So it can’t have hub brakes? Why would such a thing exist?

      • superkret@feddit.org
        1·
        9 hours ago

        It’s a bike with only one gear with a freewheel. Lets you coast without pedaling.
        They’re more popular than fixed gear where I live, cause you can ride them like a normal bicycle.
        The reason is less maintenance and fewer things to break. I guess they work well for utility cycling in flat areas, but some people are crazy enough to compete in Mountainbike races with them.