Individual, minimalist and stylish - the single speed bike is a modern eye-catcher. The bikes have a simple design without gears. This means freedom and speed. If you like to ride in flat urban areas and love a minimalist feel, the single speed bike is the right choice.

What does it mean if a bike has no gears? What are the special features of a single-speed bike? And what is that anyway? We'll answer these questions and more in this article. You'll definitely be convinced afterwards and can already see yourself riding through the city on a single-speed bike.

What is a single speed bike?

The term single speed refers to bikes that only have one gear. The bike is something special and can be described in three words:

• Lightweight: A real flyweight thanks to the reduced equipment.
• Simple: The minimalist design provides a unique driving experience.
• Low maintenance: Reduced equipment also means less maintenance.

The modern bicycles become a real eye-catcher on the street and can ideally handle high speeds.

The lack of gears not only means freedom in riding, but also in maintenance. This is because the otherwise maintenance-intensive part of the bike is omitted. A clear advantage that not many bikes have.

Single-speed bikes stand out due to their uncomplicated design and usually have neither mudguards nor brakes or lights. This is precisely a clear advantage of the bikes, because less equipment also means less maintenance.

The ride is even faster and more pleasant with a single-speed e-bike. That's why we have developed a single-speed bike in our range that combines the advantages of an e-bike with those of the minimalist models. Here you don't have to forego comfort, speed and freedom.

What is the advantage of a MYVELO single speed e-bike?

The single speed requires significantly less maintenance than other models. A low weight of 18 kg and a powerful 250 watt rear hub motor ensure fast acceleration and are perfect for city traffic.

Our Tokio model is rounded off by a high-quality carbon saddle, stable wheels and a powerful 24V lithium-ion battery.

The perfect frame ensures low weight

Singlespeed bikes are often made of steel. Steel is robust, but quite heavy. Lighter models made of aluminum or carbon are often the better choice. That's why the myvélo singlespeed bike is equipped with a light and stable aluminum frame.

The weight of a single speed bike is always less than that of a normal bike. With a low weight, it is ideal for transport and can be compared to a light racing bike.

Retrofitting allowed – with the right equipment, the bike can be customized

brake

Manufacturers often do not include brakes on fixies. The braking effect is achieved by applying counter pressure to the pedals. If you do not want to do without a conventional brake, you can easily retrofit one. In this case, it is of course even easier if the brake is installed directly.

A brake is particularly important for a single-speed e-bike. Due to the higher speed, an additional brake should be installed. That's why we installed a high-quality braking system in our Tokio model. The weight of the additional equipment is hardly noticeable thanks to the electric motor.

lights

According to the road traffic regulations, bicycles need two different lighting systems. These consist of lights and reflectors. This regulation does not apply if the bike is a racing bike and weighs less than 11 kg. Since this applies to many models, retrofitting is not always necessary. And if not, many models offer the option of simply and easily retrofitting lights using additional mounting points.

conversion to a fixie

Since every fixie is a single-speed bike, it can be converted into a fixie very easily and simply. One option is to change the pinion. The freewheel pinion of the single-speed bike must be replaced with a fixed pinion. Another option is the flip-flop hub. Here, too, you can ride the bike with a freewheel or with a rigid hub.

Flip Flop hub: A flip flop hub has a pinion on both sides. On one side the hub has a freewheel pinion, on the other side a fixed gear, i.e. a fixed pinion. This feature means that the bike can be converted from a single speed bike to a fixie at any time.

Singlespeed or fixie – what’s the difference?

A fixie is always a single speed, but a single speed bike is not always a fixie. Fixie is the abbreviation for fixed gear bike. This means that the bikes are ridden in a fixed gear and do not have a freewheel.

But what does that mean for the riding experience? The pedal is firmly connected to the rear wheel by a chain. A rigid rear wheel hub means that the movement of the crank is transferred directly to the wheels. This ensures a close connection to the bike and a unique riding experience.

Additional features such as brakes, bells and lights are also initially omitted to make the bike even more minimalist.

Important: If you want to ride your bike regularly on public roads, it is advisable to retrofit the parts.

The advantage of not having a rear brake is that the bike is lighter. Once you have cycled a few kilometres, the fixed gear can be used for braking. This works by applying counter pressure to the pedals. There is no freewheel or idle. What does that mean? The pedals always turn when the fixie is moving. This means you have to pedal constantly, which can sometimes be a bit strenuous.

A convenient solution is the single-speed bike with electric support. The bike does not have a fixed gear, so constant pedaling is not necessary.

Singlespeed e-bikes – more power and speed

The modern and feather-light bikes are also available as e-bike variants. This is a practical combination, because by combining the popular electrically powered bike with the unique properties of a single speed, all the advantages are combined in one bike.

The clean and stylish design of the e-bikes will attract a lot of attention on the streets. Other advantages are the comfortable and uncomplicated use. With these features, the stylish bike will get you from A to B quickly. The single-speed e-bike also requires very little maintenance.

A clear advantage of an electric single-speed bike is that even hilly routes and steep climbs can be mastered. What can otherwise be a bit difficult due to the lack of gears is no problem for the electric drive. The drive is switched on as soon as it is necessary to switch to another gear.

Rear hub motor – the special features

Rear hub motors have many practical features. The chain and sprockets are separated from the motor, which leads to less wear on the parts. The wear is therefore significantly less than that of a central motor.

The rear hub motor also enables a sporty riding style and is ideally integrated into the frame design of a single-speed bike.

• for a natural driving experience
• rapid acceleration
• Hub motors are robust, durable and extremely resistant
• no additional resistance due to gears or transmission

Functionality and safety – this is important before buying a singlespeed bike

A roadworthy bicycle must have two individual brakes. These are often the hand brake and the coaster brake. A braking system and additional equipment can also be attached to a single speed. Additional features such as a bell and lights often have to be retrofitted so that the bike complies with road traffic regulations. Mounting points for this are provided on almost all models.

Important to note: Single speed bikes are often offered without a braking system, which means that braking requires pressure on the pedals. If you apply pressure to the pedals, the bike will slow down. This type of braking should be practiced a little at the beginning, as it is unusual for beginners. Over time, you will get used to the braking effect that comes later and will be able to handle the bike well.

Who is a single speed bike suitable for?

Long distances with lots of inclines are not ideal for a bike. A single-speed bike is particularly well suited for city trips. Here it shines with its speed and lightweight construction. Steep routes with challenging inclines are less suitable for a bike. Smaller inclines and hills can be easily ridden with electric support. The way to university, work or school is therefore the ideal area of ​​use.

Singlespeed E-Bike – why it’s worth buying

Buying a single-speed bike is a good decision if you want to get around town quickly and easily. Flat routes are mastered well. The bike also offers even more:

• light weight
• a puristic driving experience
• minimal and modern design
• requires little maintenance

You will be able to ride routes with slight hills well with a single-speed e-bike. A high-quality motor, a quality brake and a light frame are particularly important here. You will find all of this in our single-speed e-bike Tokio.

Would you like more information about the Thems Singlespeed? Then take a look at our guide to singlespeeds .