A singlespeed can be a fine bike, it depends a lot on what you're looking for. You will _probably_ find that you're overall slower on a SS compared to a geared bike. There's a reason that road racers use gears. You might find that you're slightly faster going uphill. Non-racers use gears to go slower uphill, but at some point you have to get off and push. You'll probably be a lot slower going downhill because you spin out at some point and have to coast. I like commuting on a single speed. I have done so for the last year (1-3 times per week), but have recently switched to gears for the winter, just to do something different, not because it's better. The SS bike is quieter than even a well adjusted derailer bike. I find I really have three speeds: sit and spin, stand up and use body weight, get off and push. I don't have to use the low gear *too* often! Before I went for the SS, I did what others here suggested. I did my commute and local riding several times without shifting. It also gave me a good idea what one gear I would want on the new bike.