Best Single Speed and Fixed Gear Bikes for the City (2026)
Simple, light and low-maintenance: how single-speed and fixie bikes work, which to consider and how to choose your gearing.
Why Ride a Single Speed?
A single-speed bike has one chainring, one rear cog and no derailleurs or shifters. That makes it light, quiet and cheap to maintain: there's less to adjust, less to break and the chain lasts longer because it runs straight. Single speeds are popular for city commuting, campus riding and flat routes. The trade-off is that you can't change gear for steep hills or strong headwinds.
Single Speed vs Fixed Gear
| Single Speed (Freewheel) | Fixed Gear (Fixie) | |
|---|---|---|
| Coasting | Yes | No: pedals always turn with the wheel |
| Slowing down | Hand brakes | Leg resistance plus hand brakes |
| Feel | Relaxed, like a normal bike | Direct, connected |
| Learning curve | None | Takes practice |
| Best for | Easy commuting | Experienced urban riders, track |
Many bikes come with a flip-flop hub, which has a fixed cog on one side and a freewheel on the other. You can ride single-speed while you learn, then flip the wheel to try fixed.
Single Speed Bikes Worth Considering
Most single-speed and fixie brands sell direct from their own websites or through bike shops rather than on Amazon. The Schwinn Kedzie is the one model in this guide that's sold on Amazon.
Schwinn Kedzie
The Kedzie is Schwinn's affordable 700c fixie. Its listing describes a steel frame and fork, a 46x18 drivetrain and a flip-flop hub, so you can ride fixed or freewheel. It's a sensible entry point for riders who want to try single-speed commuting without a big outlay. Check the frame size against your height before ordering.
Good to Know
- Flip-flop hub
- Steel frame and fork
- Easy-going 46x18 gearing
Watch Out For
- Steel adds weight
- Budget components
State Bicycle Co. Core Line
State Bicycle Co. is one of the best-known direct-to-consumer fixie brands. Its Core Line bikes use steel frames and flip-flop hubs, and the brand offers many colors and sizes. Published reviews list gearing around 46x16 on recent models. Buy from the brand's site.
Pure Cycles Original
Pure Cycles' Original series is another popular direct-to-consumer option, with steel frames and flip-flop hubs and a range of colors. It's aimed at city riders who want a simple, stylish bike.
Retrospec Harper
Retrospec's Harper, previously sold under the Critical Cycles name, is a budget single-speed and fixie that has long been a popular first city bike. Check sizing, gearing and brake details on the current listing.
Cinelli Tutto Plus
For riders willing to spend more, Cinelli's Tutto Plus uses a Columbus steel frame and a more refined build. It's a long-standing name in track-inspired urban bikes.
How to Choose a Single Speed Bike
Gear Ratio
Gear ratio is the chainring teeth divided by the rear cog teeth. A higher ratio is faster on flat roads but harder to start and climb. A lower ratio accelerates and climbs more easily.
| Example Gearing | Ratio | Feel |
|---|---|---|
| 42x18 | 2.33 | Easy; good for hills and beginners |
| 46x18 | 2.56 | Relaxed city riding |
| 46x16 | 2.88 | Faster on flat routes |
| 48x16 | 3.00 | Fast; harder to start and climb |
Cogs are cheap to change, so you can adjust gearing later.
Frame Material
Steel is common on single-speed bikes because it's durable, comfortable and easy to repair. Aluminum frames are lighter but ride a little harsher. Higher-grade steels such as chromoly are lighter and springier than basic hi-tensile steel.
Brakes
Even on a fixie, fit at least a front brake. It does most of the stopping, and many places require hand brakes on bikes ridden on public roads. Riders who coast on a freewheel need front and rear brakes.
Sizing
Single-speed and track bikes often use road-style frame sizes in centimeters. Use the maker's chart, and check standover height and reach. A frame that's too big is harder to control at low speeds. Our bike buying guide explains sizing basics.
Tires and Wheels
Most city single speeds use 700c wheels. Tires around 28mm to 35mm wide add comfort and grip on rough city streets. Deep-section rims look great but add weight.
Riding a Fixie Safely
- Start on the freewheel side of a flip-flop hub until you're comfortable.
- Practice on a quiet road: the pedals keep turning, so don't try to coast.
- Keep your feet secure on the pedals with straps or clipless pedals if you ride fixed.
- Always ride with a front brake, a helmet and lights.
Looking After a Single Speed
- Chain tension: single speeds have no derailleur, so the chain is tensioned by sliding the rear wheel in horizontal dropouts. Aim for a little slack but no droop; a loose chain can drop off.
- Chain care: clean and lube the chain regularly. A straight chain line lasts longer than on geared bikes. See how to clean a bike chain.
- Lockrings: on fixed cogs, check that the lockring is tight so the cog can't unscrew.
- Brakes: check pads and cables regularly; see how to adjust bike brakes.
- Tires: keep them inflated to the pressure printed on the sidewall. Check your valve type with Presta vs Schrader.
Changing Your Gearing
If your bike feels too hard on hills or too easy on the flat, swapping the rear cog is a cheap fix. Going up by one or two teeth at the back makes pedaling easier; going down makes it faster. Changing the cog may require adjusting chain length and wheel position. A bike shop can do this quickly if you're unsure.
Who Single Speeds Suit Best
| Rider | Good Fit? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Flat-city commuter | Excellent | Low maintenance, light, fast enough |
| Student on campus | Excellent | Simple, less to steal or break |
| Hilly-city commuter | Depends | Choose easy gearing or consider gears |
| Long-distance tourer | Usually not | Gears help with loads and varied terrain |
Single Speed vs Other Bikes
If your commute has steep hills or you'll carry heavy loads, a geared hybrid or electric bike may suit you better. For mixed surfaces, consider gravel bikes, and for relaxed riding, cruiser bikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between single speed and fixed gear?
Both have one gear. A single-speed bike has a freewheel, so you can stop pedaling and coast. A fixed-gear bike (fixie) has a cog locked to the wheel, so the pedals turn whenever the bike moves and you can't coast.
What is a flip-flop hub?
A rear hub with threads on both sides: a fixed cog on one side and a freewheel on the other. Flip the wheel around to switch between fixed and single-speed riding.
Are single speed bikes good for hills?
They're fine for gentle hills, but steep climbs are hard with one gear. Choose an easier gear ratio if your area is hilly, or consider a geared bike.
Do fixed gear bikes need brakes?
Riders can slow a fixie with their legs, but many places require at least one hand brake on bikes ridden on public roads. A front brake is strongly recommended for safe stopping.
What gear ratio is best for a single speed bike?
Many city bikes use ratios around 2.6 to 2.9, such as 46x16 or 46x18. Lower ratios climb more easily; higher ratios are faster on flat ground.